Stars and More Stars! CCMC335

Merry Christmas!

What a fun sketch we have for the challenge this week at Create with Connie and Mary:  four panels, each a different size! 

Stars are perfect for a Christmas Day and I love that Stampin' Up! has these wonderful Star Framelits that I used here.

I cut two 4'" x 5.25" background colors into rectangles; now I have enough to make another background for a card! lol!  After embossing the pieces I adhered them to the White card base.

The largest two Silver Glimmer Stars were diecut with the Star Framelits and the smaller three were punched with the small star punch.  I traced around the outside of the star framelits on Rich Razzleberry cardstock then hand cut the stars to layer behind the silver ones.

Stamps:  Ornamental Pine (sentiment)
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry
Papers:  Silver Glimmer Paper; Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry cardstocks.
Accessories:  Star Framelits, Star Punch, Star TIEF, Rhinestones, Big Shot, Paper Trimmer.

Here is the cool sketch for the challenge this week; it was really fun to create with!

I hope you will be able to grab a little time out of your holiday schedule and create a card of your own using this fine sketch!  Just check out the guidelines on Create with Connie and Mary, create you card then upload it to the Create with Connie and Mary blog!  You'll be glad you did!  We love to see what you create!

Also be sure to check out the cards from the other Challenge Team members .. they always make wonderful creations!

Thanks for visiting today!  Here's wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!

Margaret

YEAR-END CLOSEOUTS & WEEKLY DEALS!!

Stampin' Up! has blessed us with some Wonderful Deals this week!!  

Be sure to get them while they are available!

	Be The Star Wood-Mount Stamp Set Item # 135731 Regular Price: $28.95 US/$35.95 CAN Discounted Price: $21.71 US/$26.96 CAN
	Oh My Goodies Wood-Mount Stamp Set Item # 134087 Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN
	Blushing Bride Baker'S Twine Item # 134577 Regular Price: $2.95 US/$3.95 CAN Discounted Price: $2.21 US/$3.95 CAN
	A Fitting Occasion Wood Stamp Set Item # 131952 Regular Price: $37.95 US/$46.95 CAN Discounted Price: $28.46 US/$35.21 CAN
	Squares Collection Framelits Die Item # 130921 Regular Price: $26.95 US/$32.95 CAN Discounted Price: $20.21 US/$24.71 CAN
	Chocolate Chip 3/4" Chevron Ribbon Item # 130014 Regular Price: $8.95 US/$12.50 CAN Discounted Price: $6.71 US/$9.38 CAN
	Chalk Talk Framelits Die Item # 129983 Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN
	Midnight Cheer Ensemble - Digital Download Item # 132916 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$10.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.97 US/$6.57 CAN

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Stampin' Up! has added even MORE NEW ITEMS to the Year-End Closeout/Clearance Rack and some are currently new products from the HOLIDAY CATALOG!  This is a huge first!  Check them out and order before they are all gone.  Limited supplies which won't be restocked!

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To to take advantage of these fabby specials, you may
     1.  order from my online store and it will be delivered to your doorstep via UPS  (US customers only please)

--OR--

     2.  If you are a local to me (Edmond, Oklahoma City), you may email me your order and pick it up here!

What super deals!  I hope you enjoy shopping these sales as much as I have!

Warmly,

Margaret

Doily and Banners CCMC334

This week at Create with Connie and Mary we have a beautiful Color Challenge: use Whisper White, Silver Glimmer and Cherry Cobbler for your project!  

Here's my card and what I did:

• Fold 8.5" x 5.5" in half for card base.
• Cut a 5.5" x 4.25" layer of Whisper White.
• Diecut Whisper White with the Darling Doily Thinlit, diecut Cherry Cobbler DSP with the largest Banner Framelit and Silver Glimmer Paper with a smaller Banner Framelit.  Attach to White background as shown above.
• Wrap Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon around top of Whisper White/doily/banner layer and adhere to back; cut a short length for tie.  Adhere the entire layer onto the Cherry Cobbler card base.
• Stamp "merry" with Cherry Cobbler ink and cut flags on both ends.  Attach with Dimensionals.  Stamp greeting inside.

Stamps:  Good Greetings
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper, Trim the Tree DSP Stack
Accessories:  Banners Framelits, Darling Doily Thinlits Die, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Paper Snips, Thinestones, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon.

Here is the Color Challenge for this week:

You may see more cards made by the very creative CCMC Challenge Team on the Create with Connie and Mary website.  We would love for you to make a card using this sketch and join us for the challenge this week!  Check the guidelines that are on the Create with Connie and Mary website for participation!

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season this year!

Margaret

A Merry Little Wish... CCMC333

This week at Create with Connie and Mary we have a cool sketch for this week's challenge CCM333!  These tilted-angle lines are currently so trendy in papercrafting; it's fun to see what we can do with them on this clean and simple sketch! 

I used two Pear Pizzazz prints for the backgrounds and jazzed it up with Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper behind the front layer and also for one of the trees,  Mossy Meadow cardstock stamped with Encore Silver ink for another tree and a Cherry Cobbler print for the third.

Because this set is photopolymer I was able to curve the sentiment to match a Bitty Banners Framelit to give it a little bit different look.  Rhinestones and a Glimmer Paper star decorate the trees.  This is a pretty simple and easily replicated layout that would lend itself to making multiples!

Stamps:  Festival of Trees
Inks:  Silver Encore, Cherry Cobbler ink
Paper:  Festival of Trees DSP Stack; Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, Mossy Meadow and Whisper White cardstocks.
Accessories:  Tree Punch, Bitty Banners Framelits, Rhinestones, Ribbon
 
Here is the CCMC333 sketch we used this week:

You can see more cards made by the very creative CCMC Challenge Team on the Create with Connie and Mary website.  We would love for you to make a card using this sketch and join us for the challenge this week!  Check the guidelines that are on the Create with Connie and Mary website for participation!  

Thanks for visiting us this week!!  Try to take just a little time for yourself during the busy-ness of this holiday season!
 
Margaret

Nutty Gift Card Holder CCMC 332

We really have a change-up in store for you today!!  Instead of a color combo or a sketch, Create with Connie and Mary has a fun challenge to make a gift card holder, and who doesn't need these at this time of year!  Here's what I came up with:

I used the Fry Box Die as the basis for my box, however I changed it up a bit.  I cut two box backs with bottom sections and glued the bottoms together to make my box (however, I didn't glue the box sides together yet at this point)..  This gave me a front and back the same height and fit the nutcracker image better, as well as holding more loot!  : ).

Partial side view.

I cut a piece of DSP to layer on the outside front panel under the nutcracker and also cut another box back (without the base) from a different but coordinating DSP.  The DSP flaps were trimmed down to 1/4" beyond the score line then this piece  was adhered to the inside back of the box before the box was assembled.   This made a pocket for my gift card!

Do you see the pocket and gift card in the above picture?

You can see it better here:  the striped DSP forms the pocket for the gift card on the back panel.  I used the Large Oval Punch to make it easier to withdraw the card.  That's it!  Fill a Cellophane Bag with treats, tie with a bow and you're ready to go!

Stamps:  Santa Stache set
Inks: Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Cherry Cobbler Ink Pad; Blendabilities:  Skin Tone Assortment, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight.
Paper:  Trim the Tree DSP Stack; Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White Cardstocks
Accessories:  Mustache Framelit, Fry Box Die, Large Oval Punch, Paper Snips, Mono Multi Liquid Glue, Glue Dots.

Here's this week's fun challenge again:

Don't miss all the fun and fabulous Gift Card Holders made by the Challenge Team this week on the CCMC website!!  Check them out!

Now it's your turn!  Create a gift card holder and upload it at the end of this challenge post on the Create with Connie and Mary website (all the guidelines for the challenge are listed there).  We love to see what you have made and cheer you on with comments on your blog post!  Thanks also for all your participation this year!  We've had lots of fun and creativity going on with these challenges!!

Thanks for visiting today!  Take care!

Margaret

Good Greetings CCMC331

Happy Thanksgiving Day in the USA today!  Hope you are able to be with family and/or friends to celebrate the day and enjoy a yummy meal!  It's good to be grateful and I am grateful for each of you that visit me here and share my enjoyment of stamping and creativity!

Today being Thursday means it's time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge and this week it's a sketch!

I chose to turn the sketch vertical and use the banners for the greeting words! 

Here's what I did:
     1.  Cut three 1" x 3" pieces of Melon Mambo; shape one end with the Artisan Label Punch then punch the top edge with the Hearts Border Punch.  Stamp words with VersaMark and heat emboss with Gold Embossing Powder.  Set aside.
     2.  Fold 8.5" x 5.5" cardstock in half for card.  Cut a 5.5" x 4.25" piece of the gold stripe vellum and apply the Melon Mambo banners with adhesive.  Adhere the vellum to the card base.
     3.  Punch seven Gold Glimmer Paper Hearts with the Hearts Border Punch and adhere to card.
     4.  Tie a length of Gold Baker's Twine around card to finish!

Stamps: Good Greetings
Inks:  VersaMark
Paper:  Gold Fancy Foil Vellum, Whisper White and Melon Mambo Cardstocks, Gold Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Hearts Border Punch, Artisan Label Punch, Gold Baker's Twine, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool.

Here's the sketch CCMC331 for this week at Create with Connie and Mary; it's simple but allows for lots of imagination and creativity!

Now it's your turn to grab stamps, ink and cardstock and see what you come up with using this sketch!  After you do, go to Create with Connie and Mary to upload your card so we can all enjoy your creativity!  Be sure to check out the creations of the other Challenge Team members at Connie and Mary's website! 

Thanks for visiting!

Margaret

Grateful for You times Two!

Happy Day before Thanksgiving!  I have my last fall creations to share today:  a card and a Curvy Keepsake box all decorated for sharing your gratitude! 

Stamps:  Merry Everything (Grateful for You - Tag), For All Things (leaf and oval grateful sentiment)
Inks:  Soft Suede, Blackberry Bliss
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Tangelo Twist, Gold Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Autumn Accents die (diecuts), Burlap Ribbon, Note Tag Punch, Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlit, Big Shot, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots.

Thanks for dropping by today!  I want you to know that I am very thankful for your visits, comments and encouragement as we share our enjoyment of stamping and papercrafting!

Have a lovely holiday!
 

Margaret

Holiday Extravaganza Begins Today!! Up to 50% Off + More!

The Online Extravaganza Sale starts today! From now until Tuesday, December 2nd, get up to 50% off some of your favorite Stampin' Up! products -- while supplies last! Shop early for the best selection!

SEE ALL THE MONEY-SAVING DEALS HERE:  

    

 

   

   

 

On December 4th, the final day of the Online Extravaganza, there will be another set of fabulous DOORBUSTERS, so be sure and check back here or my online store HERE for them!

 Contact me with any questions!  : )

Thanks,

Margaret

Fall Fest! CCMC330

Hello!  Today we have a very colorful combination for our Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge!  The In Colors of Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist and Blackberry Bliss make for a delicious creative combo!  Yum!

I love these pumpkins from the Fall Fest set and the Fun Fall Framelits to die cut them in a snap!  I thought I might be about to put them away to work on Christmas but they were just too perfect for these colors.  I made a card that could be used for a personal thank you note or for a Thanksgiving card to let someone know how grateful you are for them.

The pumpkins were inked with Hello Honey then the edge sponged with Tangelo Twist before stamping.  The "thanks" stamp was sponged in the center with Tangelo Twist then the edges with Blackberry Bliss; where the colors overlapped gave a lovely bronze-like color and when the pumpkins were added, you really don't even see the pure Tangelo Twist. Hmm.  This layer was added to layers of Tangelo Twist and Hello Honey.

The "Thankful for" was diecut with the Bitty Banners and backed with a Blackberry Bliss diecut banner which was cut in half and added to the back. Some Blendability-colored Rhinestones add the final touch.

Stamps:  Fall Fest (pumpkins), Seasonally Scattered (background), Truly Grateful (sentiment)
Inks:  Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist, Blackberry Twist. 
Papers:  Moonlight DSP Stack; Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist, Blackberry Twist, Whisper White cardstocks
Accessories:  Rhinestones, Fun Fall Framelits, Bitty Banner Framelits, Stampin' Sponges, Blackberry Bliss Ribbon

Here again is the Color Challenge from Create with Connie and Mary this week: 

Be sure to check out the cards the other Challenge Design Team members made with these gorgeous colors!  Just go to Create with Connie and Mary and while you're there also see the guidelines for joining us in this challenge!  It's fun and also helpful to give one a starting place for a project!!

Thanks for visiting... and keep on stamping! : )

 Margaret

WEEKLY DEALS from Stampin' Up!

Discounted prices good now until November 24, 2014, Midnight MT)
Local customers may call me to place their order these specials until Saturday, Nov. 22.

	1" Square Punch Item # 124094 Regular Price: $15.95 US/$21.95 CAN Discounted Price: $11.96 US/$16.46 CAN
	Deco Labels Framelits Die Item # 130102 Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN
	1/4" Circle Handheld Punch Item # 134364 Regular Price: $8.95 US/$11.95 CAN Discounted Price: $6.71 US/$8.96 CAN
	Smoky Slate Stampin' Emboss Powder Item # 129396 Regular Price: $4.95 US/$6.25 CAN Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$4.69 CAN
	Clear Oval Accent Bigz Die Item # 127005 Regular Price: $21.95 US/$26.95 CAN Discounted Price: $16.46 US/$20.21 CAN
	Silver Basic Metal Buttons Item # 133319 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$8.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$6.71 CAN
	Early Espresso Cut & Ready Card Bases Item # 136656 Regular Price: $4.95 US/$5.95 CAN Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$4.46 CAN
	Autumn Spice Digital Kit - Digital Download Item # 122175 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$10.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.97 US/$6.57 CAN

Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Margaret

Stars, Snowflakes and Santa!

Welcome!  We have a wonderful sketch from Create with Connie and Mary today!  It includes a diagonal panel which is currently so trendy in papercrafting!

   

The background paper is from the All Is Calm DSP collection.. I love this paper and it is so pretty for snow scenes!  The vertical stripes are the luxurious Lost Lagoon Silky Taffeta Ribbon in the Holiday Catalog!  Yum! 

I used the Star Framelits to cut out the focal shapes from cardstock and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper.  The small center star and the snowflake are both heat embossed with embossing powder.

I love this Santa and sleigh silhouette stamp from the Holiday Home set and thought it was perfect flying across this snowy Christmas card!

Stamps:  Bright and Beautiful (star), Many Merry Stars (snowflake), Holiday Home (Santa sleigh)
Inks:  White Craft, Lost Lagoon
Paper:  All is Calm DSP; Lost Lagoon, Pool Party cardstocks, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  White and Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (mixed), Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Lost Lagoon Silky Taffeta Ribbon,  Star Framelits, 7/8" Scallop Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Dimensionals.

Here's the super sketch from Create with Connie and Mary this week: 

Isn't this a fun sketch?  We would LOVE for YOU to make a card with this sketch too!  Share your creativity with us by uploading your sketch challenge card to Create with Connie and Mary website; the guidelines for the challenge are on their blog!

Thanks for visiting!  We have pulled out the heavy coats here because of a huge polar front that dropped our temps more than 40 degrees overnight from a perfect 75 to the 30's the next morning, and it's getting colder!  Brrr!  Hope you are well in your part of the world!

Margaret

Snowy Pine CCMC328

Hi there!  It's time for another Thursday Challenge at Create with Connie and Mary!  Today we have a beautiful color combination to use on our creations:  Cherry Cobbler, Smoky Slate and Lost Lagoon!  I saw my Ornamental Pine set which I hadn't even inked up yet (yikes, bad stamper!)!  I almost immediately had my idea... does that ever happen to you?  It doesn't happen that way for me most of the time but love it when it does!  {smile}

The card itself is Cherry Cobbler with a Whisper White layer on top of that.  The top cardstock layer is Smoky Slate which was sponged around the perimeter with Lost Lagoon ink.  The pine branch was then stamped with VersaMark and heat embossed with White Embossing Powder.  I sprinkled some Rhinestones around on the needles for some sparkle.

The ornament was heat embossed with Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, cut out by hand then adhered to the card.  A bow of Silver Baker's Twine attaches it to the branch.  The words, also from the set, are stamped in Cherry Cobbler onto the Whisper White banner.

Stamps:  Ornamental Pine
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Lost Lagoon inks; VersaMark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White and Smoky Slate
Accessories:  Rhinestones, Heat Tool, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White Embossing Powders, Silver Baker's Twine.

Here are the colors for the challenge this week:

Isn't this a great combination?  These colors compliment each other and are quite easy to work with!  How about you joining us this week by making a card or project with these colors (the guidelines are on the Create with Connie and Mary website!)  We would love to see what YOU make with this combination!  

While you're at the Create With Connie and Mary website,  be sure to check out what the other members of the Challenge Team have done with this color scheme challenge... they are so talented and inspire me every week!

 Thanks for dropping by this week!  Have a great weekend and don't forget to stamp if you can!

Margaret