Pink Persimmon

Christmas Card Showcase Part 2

It's frustrating when you don't have the exact right stamp for a card idea, or perhaps you have a talent like Kelly Schirmer for seeing unexpected uses in your stamps.  Kelly used the Banner Stamp (Small) to create the Christmas Tree below.  Kelly also cleverly used one of the small flowers designs from Flower Garden for a "modern" snowflake image on this card and the ornament card below.  

By Kelly Schirmer.

By Kelly Schirmer.

By Kelly Schirmer.  
Using Santa's Sleigh and Vintage Greetings stamp sets.  

 

What about those people on your list who are difficult to buy for? A gift card is the solution!  Put it inside the cute little gift card holder for a very nice presentation.  Created by Julie Detlef using the Holly Wreath stamp set.

Christmas Card Showcase Part 1

Just days left to Christmas, but we still have some beautiful card and tag ideas to share. 

By Kelly Schirmer.  Used the Oh Dear Silhouette to make Rudolph!

A gift tag by Kelly Schirmer.  A great use of the Cute as A Button stamp to make ornaments! 

Elegant card design by Linda Beeson.  She used the Vintage Greetings banner with the word stamp from Holly Wreath.  

By Kristie Larsen. Kristie used holly from the Holly Wreath stamp set to create the cute border edging on the card.

More clever card designs tomorrow! 

Faux Holiday Candle

Another beautiful project made by Kelly Schirmer.  A nice gift for friends, teacher, or as a hostess gift.

Kelly says "Ever want to decorate a candle for someone, but afraid your work will go up in smoke?!  The perfect solution!  This is a little battery operated candle from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  With a coupon I got it for 7.99 and it included the battery!  Wrapped it in paper by Graphic 45.  Tied twine and button around a scrap of gingham ribbon and adhered.  On the image of the cottage (from Little Christmas Cottage set), there is Crystal Snow and I lined the edge with Liquid Applique, smoothed with my finger, then heat embossed.  I used all Tim Holtz distress inks."  The Welcome banner is made with the Vintage Greetings stamp set.  

(click image to view larger)

Peppermint Candy Box

Kelly Schirmer made this adorable Peppermint Candy Box using several stamp sets.  The large ric rac circle and word "celebrate" are from Ric Rac Circle.  The little peppermint candies at the bottom of the box are from Little Cuties and finally the button stamp in front of the bow is from Cute as A Button.  The bright green and red combo looks great together.  Kelly added just the right amount of sparkle to the top of the box and some glitter on the peppermint candies.  A great gift idea. 

Shrink Film Embellishments

It's official, the plastic shrink film that was so popular about 15+ years ago is now back!  (At least we like to think so).  Here are some great projects that combine stamping and shrink film together.

Samantha Sibbet used the Holly Wreath stamp for the shrink "button" and for the background pattern on this card.  One image, but a great effect. 

Sam used a white shrink film for her Santa and stamped with Brilliance Ink.  Be sure to punch the holes for the string before you heat.  Sam used her heat tool (for embossing) to shrink the plastic.  

Judi also used shrink plastic for these projects.  This card was made with the You're a Jewel stamp set.  Judi used the shrink film that is specifically for ink jet printers.  This type has a finish that allows for a clean stamp image.  

Again, punch your holes for the jump rings before you shrink the image.  Judi also used adhesive gems to add some sparkle. 

This card uses the Lottie Stamp set for the shrinky embellishment. 

 

Now go dig around in your old craft supplies.  I am sure you have some Shrink Film in there somewhere!  (if you can't find any, it should be readily available at most craft supply stores). 

Christmas with Kimberly

Creative Team member Kimberly Crawford designed two very cute projects for Christmas: 

Using a simple wooden sled from the craft store, she made this holiday keepsake with the Santa's Sleigh stamp set.  It probably took a bit of time to trim out the Santa and reindeer, but the effect is perfect when they are mounted with some raised pop-dots. 

This card uses the tree image from the Little Red Wagon set to create a simple Christmas card.  A quick addition of some twine, ribbon and a button gives the card a very finished look.  All the cardstock edges were rubbed with a brown ink for a vintage feel. 

Great projects Kimberly! 

Perfect Package for a Baked Holiday Gift

Samantha Sibbet used the pink bakery boxes and the Ric Rac Rectangle stamp to create an adorable recipe card and package for baked holiday gifts.  Special thanks to Leah Fung for having Samantha guest again on their popular video blog! 

Christmas Story Giveaway Winner:

Thanks to everyone who shared their favorite holiday story.  "Twas the Night before Christmas" was the overwhelming favorite.  Random number was 10, so our winner is Michelle Michael.  Congrats Michelle!  Watch for an email with your coupon code in your inbox!

Happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah Wall Hanging by Samantha Sibbet

Much of Hanukkah is about celebrating miracles.  I love this quote by Rabbi Hirschfield:  "The Talmud teaches, the miracle was that a small jar of oil used to light the Temple's menorah (candelabrum) lasted eight days instead of only one. What resource, skill or passion lies within you, like the oil in the jar, just waiting to be released? Try letting it out and don't be surprised if miracles happen!"

Favorite Christmas Stories

A beautiful book box filled with your favorite Christmas Stories.  Visions of snuggling in front of the fireplace reading a story each night.  Sounds perfect, doesn't it?  Well Kristie Larsen is starting to make this a holiday tradition at her house.  She created this adorable book box (using the banner stamp to make the stars) and has filled it with her family's favorite Christmas stories.  They don't have 24 books yet, and her kids are young, so lots of time to add to their collection, but each night they pick out a story to read together.  I can't think of a better tradition to start with your kids.  This is the type of tradition that gets handed down from generation to generation. 

(Click on the image to view larger)

Kristie plans to eventually have the 24 books and make individual fabric bags for each one to place in the box under the tree on December 1st.  This way its like opening a gift each night and they won't know which book they are getting to read (plus you can re-use the bags so you don't have to waste paper). 

(Close-up view of the banner stamp "stars")

Thanks to Kristie for sharing such a special tradition! 

So, what's your favorite Holiday Book or Story? Leave us a comment with the name of your favorite Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa story and we'll choose a random winner on December 12th to receive a $20 gift certificate to the store!  (You can give the certificate as a gift, or keep it for yourself!) 

My favorite story book at Christmas is called "Room for a Little One" by Martin Waddell.  Where Kind Ox says to all the animals and one special little baby "There's always room for a little one here".   

Happy Holidays! 

Christmas Ornament

Julie Detlef was inspired by an idea she found in PaperCrafts Magazine and designed her own ornament.  You can find more detailed instructions here.  Julie added a few extra hints: "Tearing the paper into smaller pieces is the best way to have them stay down with the Mod Podge (or any kind of decoupage medium) without bubbling".  She also sprinkled glitter on the ball before the Mod Podge was dry.  She didn't add the stamped sentiment until the ball was completely dry and then used Mod Podge again to adhere the sentiment piece.   Makes a sparkly addition to any tree!