One LAST Christmas Card???

So ... it's still December ... can I get away with showing you one more Christmas card?? I hope so! I had so much fun making this one.  I was inspired a whole year ago by Dawn Olchefske when she made THIS card.  So I had to try it!  We made this card at the November CLOclub meeting.  Take a look ...

Here's a closeup of the details like the Seam Binding ribbon and the Dazzling Details, both in Cherry Cobbler:

And I'm making an effort to decorate the inside of my cards, too:

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: French Foliage, Christmas Blessings
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Extras: Seam Binding ribbon and Dazzling Details, both in Cherry Cobbler
Inspired by: Dawn Olchefske

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

As we bid a fond farewell to 2012, let me THANK YOU once again for your comments and encouragement this past year.  It has been a fun journey with YOU!

Thanks for stopping by - see you in 2013!  

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

More Christmas Swap Cards

Did you get a break this holiday season?  I do have a break from work, and I am loving it!

Here are a couple more swap cards I received at Dawn Olchefske's DOstamperSTARS meeting last month.  The creation credits are listed on the photos.

Bobbi Peterson

 

 

 

 Dawn Olchefske

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Christmas Swap Share

I hope you are enjoying the afterglow of Christmas!  Today I am sharing a couple swap cards I received at Dawn Olchefske's DOstamperSTARS meeting last month. The creation credits are listed on the photos.

Dawn Olchefske

Jan Carlson

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Merry Christmas, Stampers!!!

I had a great time designing our family Christmas card for this year - a twist-fold card inspired by Robin Messenheimer.  Take a look at Robin's instructions.  My design was inspired by Connie Babbert's card.  I love this little guy from Merry Winter - such a shame this set was only available for one year.  Don't you love him?!

You can see the pocket inside - it held our family picture:

I accidentally cut one of the patterned paper rectangles corner-to-corner the wrong way, so I used the reverse side to create a color variation:

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Pennant Parade, Merry Winter (retired)
Ink: Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Calypso Coral/Lucky Limeade markers
Paper: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Everyday Enchantment DSP (retired and on sale!)
Extras: Snowflake punch (retired), Snow Burst textured embossing folder (retired and on sale!), Simply Scored scoring tool - invaluable for this project!
Inspired by: Robin Messenheimer and Connie Babbert

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

I am so glad you have stopped by - you are an encouragement to me!  I treasure your friendship, support, and inspiration.  I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!  May the One we honor at this time of year bring you peace and contentment.

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Try Treat Tubes for your next party!

Looking for a quick-to-make party favor for your upcoming events?  Treat Tubes are fun and easy!  This one was made for a birthday party, but you could easily adapt the design for a holiday party.

Directions:

1. Score Designer Series Paper (3" x 5-1/2") every 7/8" (along the 5-1/2" wide side). Assemble tube using Sticky Strip.
2. Punch two flowers from cardstock using the Fancy Flower Punch. Score each petal. 
3. Punch one circle with 3/4" Circle Punch and attach to center of one Fancy Flower.  Punch the center with a 1/4" circle punch.
4. Tie Stitched Poly Ribbon in a knot at one end and push through the 1/4" hole in the Fancy Flower to make a loop handle.
5. Attach petals to Treat Tube with Sticky Strip, leaving a couple unattached until you fill the tube with treats!
6. Stamp sentiment image on Whisper White Card Stock. Punch out using Label Punch. Mat with colored cardstock.
7. Punch hole in label using 1/16" Circle Punch. Thread Baker's Twine through hole and tie to ribbon on tube.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (retired)
Ink: Pool Party and Peach Parfait markers
Paper: Everyday Enchantment DSP (retired and on sale!), Peach Parfait cardstock (retired)
Extras: Fancy Flower punch, Large Tag punch (retired and on sale!), Extra Large Tag punch, Baker's Twine in Early Espresso, Stitched Poly Ribbon in Peach Parfait (retired and on sale!)
Inspired by: Stampin' Up!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

Be sure to leave a comment if you have any questions. And enjoy those holiday parties!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Tags and Cards - Together!

This time of year, it seems I need a gift tag every time I turn around.  And there are so many cute ideas I've just gotta try!  Tags are great for gift enclosures or attachments - but you can also use them on a card. Take a look at this one . . .

 

I texture embossed a single piece of cardstock and attached the tag to the front of it.  The tag opens to reveal my handwritten  message.

Super quick and cute!  The glitz is created using Iridescent Ice embossing powder.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Tiny Tags, Vintage Labels (retired SAB)
Ink: Concord Crush (retired), VersaMark
Paper: Pool Party, Concord Crush (retired and on sale!), Whisper White
Extras: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Concord Crush Stitched Poly Ribbon, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Sunburst punch (Creative Memories), Two Tags Bigz die, Northern  Flurry and Square Lattice textured embossing folders
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

Like the colors and ribbon? The Pool Party is still a current Stampin' Up! color - but the Concord Crush is retired - and ON SALE in the Clearance Rack in my Online Store. Check it out today!

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Stamp Sets up to 40% off on the Clearance Rack!

For the first time ever, the Clearance Rack in my Online Store includes retired stamp sets up to 40 percent off! This is a rare opportunity to get Stampin' Up!'s one-of-a-kind stamp sets up to 40 percent off - but only while supplies last!

Be sure to shop my Online Store today!!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Christmas Gift Cards and Bags

'Tis the season to give gifts, and it seems like I need little gift cards at a moment's notice!  These 3" cards are quick and cute - the perfect combination for this busy month!  Attendees at my annual Holiday Open House made these while munching on Sweet Pressed Cookies and sipping cider.

The first card was made using the exclusive Hostess Stamp Set called Four Seasons.  This set features one large stamp and one small stamp for each of the four seasons. There is a little bird on each large stamp, and this little guy has his winter hat on!  Can you see the bit of Dazzling Details on his side?

The second card is made using the stamp set Pennant Parade.  SO many occasions can be celebrated with this set!  On this card, the pennants are turned upside down to create a Christmas tree!

 

Punches make both of these cards a snap - scallop circle punches, plain circle punches, and pennant punches!  And because these cards are 3" square, you can get EIGHT of them out of a 12"x12" piece of cardstock!  What a deal.  Cute and cost-effective - what more could you ask?!

Add a cute gift bag to match ...

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Four Seasons (hostess), Pennant Parade
Ink: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler (marker)
Paper: DSP Pattern Stack/InColors 2011-12,  DSP Pattens Pack InColors 2010-11 (retired, on clearance), Champagne Glimmer Paper, Island Indigo, Whisper White 12x12
Extras: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, Petite Pennants Builder punch, Merry Minis Punch Pack, Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die, Dazzling Details, organdy ribbon (retired)
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.
 
Once you get your little gift cards made, don't forget the treats!  These Holiday Treat Bundles are available now in my Online Store!

 
Thanks for stopping by today!

 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

GOBS of new items added to the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack

WOWZA!!! Take a look at the Clearance Rack when you get a minute - and right away for best selection! Over 300 items added today - and up to 80% off!!
 

There are SO many cool discontinued products - remember the things you wished you'd purchased but didn't get around to it? Well, get 'em now at huge savings!
 

SHOP right HERE right NOW! Available in my Online Store only.
 

Have FUN !!!

(Aren't you GLAD you stopped by TODAY???!!!) 

 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Glitzy Reindeer Christmas

Every now and then, I visit a local shop called the "Hope Chest" which supports breast cancer research.  What a surprise to find a scrapbooking supply pack for sale!  Included in the pack were metallic papers, and here's how I used them:

 

Everything shines on this card - the papers, the embossing, and even the ribbon!  To emboss in brown, I first inked up the stamps with VersaMark, then Chocolate Chip - and stamped then embossed with clear embossing powder.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Reindeer Greetings (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, VersaMark
Paper: Metallic brown, champagne, and patterned cardstock
Extras: Ivory organdy ribbon (retired), clear embossing powder, Extra Large Oval Punch
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Elegant Stamped Christmas

For several years, I have enjoyed my small business, CLOcards - creating special event stationery for weddings, graduations, company outtings, etc.  One of my favorite commissions was creating a Christmas thank-you card for the president of the college where I work.

I made this card larger than normal, working with a full sheet of cardstock and folding to a size of 8.5" x 5.5".  I incorporated several layers, ribbon, sponging, texture embossing and lots of glitz in the form of Iridescent Ice embossing powder, rhinestones, and DazzlingDetails glitter glue.  You can see a bit of the shine in this close-up:

After embossing the tree with Iridescent Ice, I sponged the Elegant Eggplant ink in and around the image until I got the look I wanted.  Be sure to leave me a comment if you have any questions!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Snow Swirled, 'Noel' word stamp (unknown)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, VersaMark
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, white linen
Extras: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Basic Rhinestones, Dazzling Details, Whisper White Organdy ribbon (retired), Extra Large Oval punch, Snowburst textured embossing folder (retired)
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

Put a little bling in your Christmas - and thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Snowman Stampin'

My mother-in-law collects snowmen, so they always catch my eye with her in mind.  This card features one of my favorite snowman stamps ever - I think you'll agree he's a dapper little guy!

I created this card a couple years ago at a shoebox swap, and unfortunately I don't know who brought this cute creation to our swap - but I really like it!  Simple and classy.  Perfect for your Christmas card project, wouldn't you say?!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Sweet and Simple Salutations (retired), So Many Scallops (retired), various snowflake stamps
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Garden Green
Paper: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Kraft, DSP (unknown)
Extras: Real Red brad, Garden Green Grosgrain ribbon (retired), 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch
Inspired by: Tammy Vraspir's shoebox swap

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

I hope this inspires you to put together a few simple Christmas cards - and if you need treat holders to go with your cards, look no further than the Holiday Treat Bundles available now in my Online Store!

 

 Thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Got Gift Cards? Stamp a Cute Holder!

The older my kids get, the more I choose gift cards so they can buy just the right 'make and model' of that special something they're wishing for.  It's kind of fun to dress up the packaging a bit, though.  My friend Shirley found this idea on Splitcoaststampers and shared it with our stamping group.

This card is made in the usual 4.25" x 5.5" size, lined with any pretty paper you wish.  The 2 gift card 'holders' are cut at 5.25" x 4" and scored at 1", 2", and 3" parallel to the 5.25" side.  Adhere the first folded square 'tube' to the bottom and back of the open card.  Adhere the second 'tube' to the first tube to the bottom of the card and ALSO to the other tube just a bit on each end so the gift card can still slide in between them.

When the card is closed, the tubes fold flat and keep the gift card held between them!  Here is a pic of the closed card, secured with an embellished belly band over an attached strip of pretty paper.  On this card, I used wide grosgrain ribbon for my belly band - you could also use cardstock.

Such a fun way to deliver a gift card!  I hope you give it a try this year!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas (retired)
Ink: Whisper White craft ink
Paper: Real Red, assorted patterned papers
Extras: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Decorative Label punch, 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon in Real Red (retired), large rhinestone
Inspired by: Shirley Guzzi

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Double Pocket Pouch Gift Bags

Have a few little treats you need to deliver in style?  Look no further than the easy folded Double Pocket Pouch!  Made with an 8" square piece of Designer Series Paper, you can have elegant packaging in no time!

There is a pocket on each side, so you have double the fun!  And the ribbon keeps the two halves together at the top.

 

The Double Pocket Pouch is all about the folding - no adhesive necessary!  I only used Dimensionals to attach the scallop circles along the bottom edge.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Elements of Style
Ink: More Mustard
Paper: More Mustard, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Autumn Traditions DSP (retired)
Extras: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, Whisper White Organdy ribbon (retired)
Inspired by: Dawn Olchefske

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

Be sure to click on Dawn's name above to watch a VIDEO showing how to make these cute pouches - then grab some paper and get folding!

Need some holiday paper?  Be sure to check out all the options in my Online Store!


Thanks for stopping by today!

 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

SOLD OUT! Ornamental Elegance Kit!



The ornament on the cover of the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog is such a hit that SU! has made it available to you--just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! They've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (TheAnywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.)

Contact me today and take advantage of this amazing offer--just in time to create 10 heirloom ornaments--or stunning tags to attach to a special neighbor gift.

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) is $14.95 and includes:

• Die-Cut Cardstock Elements
• Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
• Natural Linen Thread
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
• Large Pearl Basic Jewels

Order these now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.  SOLD OUT!

AND ...
Looking for greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (Wood 128048 or Clear 128051) gives you perfect coordination. Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

Thanks for stopping by today, friends!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Tags for Christmas

'Tis the season to need little gifts, right?!  This week I will share with you some little tags, bags, and more that I have made just for gift-giving.

These little tags were used to give cookie plates to the various offices at the college where I work.  And the jar topper tag sits atop a jar of my yummy homemade cappaccino mix (thanks to my dear friend Cindy!).  It's my annual traditional gift for my close friends and student workers.  (The recipe is below in the comments.)

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: So Many Scallops, Star-Studded Season (both retired)
Ink: Real Red, Glorious Green (retired)
Paper: Real Red, Glorious Green (retired), white linen
Extras: Two Tags Bigz die, 1 3/4" Scallop punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, Extra Large Tag punch, Large Tag punch (retired), 1/8" hole punch, Dazzling Details, green rhinestones, red raffia
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


I hope you are enjoying the warmth of the season . . .
Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Fun Fold for Christmas

I really like the surprise of a different fold when I pull a card from the envelope.  This is the card I made for Christmas last year, and it uses a 'letter fold' on a 5.5" x 4.25" piece of cardstock.  The bottom is folded up, then the top folded down to just overlap a bit - the finished card is 5.5" x 4".

The belly band is punched at each end, folded around the card, and secured with ribbon and a bit of bling.  I made two variations - one for my Stampin' Up! Only (SUO) swap, and one for my family Christmast list.

Don't you love those little jingle bells?!  They even made a tinkling sound. And they mailed fine with an added quarter sheet of cardstock to shield them inside the envelope.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Snow Swirled, Winter Post (retired), Star-Studded Season (retired)
Ink: Whisper White craft ink
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Silver Glimmer Paper, Whisper White
Extras: Extra Large and Large Tag punches, mini jingle bells (retired), jingle bell die (Quickutz), 1/8" Taffeta ribbon in Baja Breeze, white 1/4" satin ribbon, teardrop punch (Fiskars)
Inspired by: Susan Chester

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by my Christmas workshop today!  Hope to see you on Saturday at the Mayer Holiday Boutique, too!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Holiday Treats - Made Simple!

Have a bunch of little treats you need to get ready?  Be easy on yourself - grab a couple Holiday Treat Bundles and get the job done fast . . . and CUTE!

ON THE LEFT:  Petite Treats Bundle
Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes

• Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
• Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
• Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)

ON THE RIGHT:  Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes

• Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
• Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
• Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)

Order these anytime from my Online Store - they ship directly to YOU!

Happy Treating! 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Christmas is Coming . . . got your STAMPIN' on?

Christmas is just around the corner for us stampers - do you have your card designed yet?  Maybe yours is already designed, stamped, and mailed!  Good for you.  That's what I try to do - but I've been so busy this year that mine are still on the craft table in pieces! 

So I'll post a few of my ideas from years past in the next few days to get your creative juices going!  This card is created using a stamp I found for $1 in a clearance basket at a little shop in Marshall a couple years ago!  Love getting a great deal.

 

 

You can see a bit of the detail here - I used knotted rafia for the 'ribbon', sponged the wreath stamp in several shades of green, and added Dazzling Details glitter glue to the 'berries.'  The border stamped at the bottom uses Versamark ink and a wheel stamp which I removed from the wheel and attached to a clear block with Aleene's Tack It Over and Over.  I have an easier time getting the image straight if the rubber stamp is OFF the wheel!

 



All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Mistletoe (wheel, retired), wreath and words (unknown)
Ink: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Handsome Hunter (retired)
Paper: Ruby Red, Handsome Hunter (both retired), Very Vanilla, Kraft (Target)
Extras: Rafia, Dazzling Details, Modern Label punch, Movers & Shapers label die (retired)
Inspired by: the stamps!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


If you are in the Twin Cities area, be sure to come visit me this Saturday, December 1st at the Mayer Holiday Boutique!  It is held from 8:30am-1:00pm in the Mayer Community Center, Mayer, MN  55360 - just follow the signs!  And see more info on Facebook!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J