Stepped Up Winter Wonder Embossed Snowflake Card and Coordinating Mini Pizza Gift Box

by Joanne James14. September 2017 21:00

Following yesterday's clean and simple embossed snowflake, I'm following up today as promised with a 'stepped up' version of that card, along with a co-ordinating mini pizza gift box. Let's take a look at today's card:

 

 Here's the low-down on today's card:

Step It Up If you have a bit more time and are feeling more adventurous, using a few extra tools and embellishments will allow you to 'step up' your card and create something with a little more depth and detail, whilst still relatively easy to make. Here I added a centrepiece of a stamped and silver embossed snowflake from the gorgeous new Snowflake Sentiments set, backed with a punched circle of silver glimmer paper, some metallic edged ribbon and a foil snowflake for some Christmas sparkle. 

Mini Pizza Anyone? - Have you noticed these fabulous little Mini Pizza Boxes on page 44 of the seasonal catalogue? These sturdy white boxes come flat packed for easy storage and are a great size for a few chocolates, notecards or even a cookie - they're foodsafe with a greaseproof lining and perfect for small gifts - and mini pizzas too! I decorated mine with the same embellishments as my card, along with a base of Year Of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper:

 

I also added a little tag made from the useful thinlit in the Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies set, decorated with a diecut snowflake.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Clean And Simple Winter Wonder Embossed Snowflake Card

by Joanne James13. September 2017 21:00

Wednesday already - where does the week go?! I had a technique class yesterday and was out on the rugby touchline for the first game of the season today (a narrow 8-7 defeat, but well-played all round) and have lots of makes to share so thought it was about time I squeezed in a quick blog post! Today I'm sharing a super quick and easy Christmas card that would be perfect for mass production - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Winter Wonder - It's that snowflake again! Yes, the Winter Wonder Embossing Folder produces such great texture and dimension, it really is a centrepiece in itself. 

A White Christmas - A simple design in all-white can be really effective; here I've layered my embossed snowflake panel onto an extra-thick whisper white cardbase for a seamless design. 

A Simple Sentiment Banner - To finish, I added a simple sentiment banner, heat embossed in silver. This could just as easily be stamped in a colour of your choice. Equally, I used a sentiment from the 'Christmas Pines' stamp set, but this could be switched out for any similar one-line stamp. I stepped my banner, but it still pushes flat for posting - great for friends and family mailings in the run up to Christmas. A trio of rhinestones for a little festive sparkle complete my card.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

This card would be great if you want to make a whole bunch of cards in one go, so if you need to make a big dent on your Christmas card making, this could be the card for you!

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project that also uses the snowflake embossing folder, but is a stepped up version with a matching gift box too. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Card Front Builder Christmas Shaker Card PP361

by Joanne James10. September 2017 09:00

It's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of my fellow Brit turned Yankee teamie, the lovely Jaydee, to host this week and she has a fun colour challenge for us to work with:

 

Before I get into my post today, you will notice that our esteemed team leader, the fabulous Nance Leedy, is off this week; she is currently battling with the effects of Hurricane Irma; we love you Nance and our thoughts and prayers are with you that you and your family are safe! The same goes for anyone else reading this who is impacted either directly or indirectly by the devastating effects of the hurricanes moving through the Caribbean and USA currently.

Back to my card. Whilst these colours made me think 'floral', I struggled to incorporate the silver into my floral design so decided instead to create an unconventionally-coloured Christmas card with my Card Front Builder Thinlits Dies - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Card Front Builder Dies - With the exception of a one-word stamped sentiment, today's card focuses on the Card Front Thinlit Builder Dies. I used a trio of trees to edge my shaker window and the teeny tiny deer to create a simple wintry scene.

Softly Falling Snow - Today I've used another embossing folder - my all-time favourite, the Softly Falling Textured Impressions Embossing folder. It provides great texture for my top card layer and my winter scene.

Shake, Shake, Shake - I continued my softly falling snow by creating a shaker card window as a focal point for my winter scene and filled it with white mica flakes. These were in last year's seasonal catalogue however you can currently snap them up on the clearance rack; they make a great alternative to sequins for a softer look and feel.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

These may be unusual colours for a Christmas card, but I think they work. What do you think? Are there any unusual colour combinations you like to try on your Christmas cards? Do leave me a comment below - I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

The Paper Players Design Team
 
 
Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN! 

 

I look forward to seeing what you create with this week's colour palette. Enjoy the rest of your weekend as it will be over all too quickly; I'll be back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

 

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

A Winter Wonder Joy Christmas Card

by Joanne James9. September 2017 16:30

Yay, it's the weekend! I've had a busy week and didn't manage to squeeze in yesterday's blog post following my open house event to celebrate the launch of the new Autumn-Winter catalogue - a big thank you to all the lovely ladies who attended - so I'm back today with the Christmas card I promised for this week's challenge over at Merry Monday - I need to get cracking on building my festive stash:

I had a marathon session this week creating cards using the new snowflake embossing folder and knew that this would be perfect for the challenge - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Year Of Cheer - My card was inspired by the wonderful display of projects on page 36 of the seasonal catalogue featuring the Year Of Cheer Suite - the combination of whites and metallics and intricate foiled papers are perfect for seasonal wintry projects. I particularly love the papers in this suite - the foil patterns are gorgeous and work for lots of occasions, not just Christmas, The snowflake foiled pattern was just the right base for my wintry Christmas card.

A Winter Wonder - I'm generally not big into embossing folders, but there are a few in my collection that are absolute keepers and at this time of year are much loved and used. Two of my long-time favourites are the Woodland TIEF and my all-time favourite Softly Falling however I am pleased to report that the Winter Wonder Textured Impressions Embossing Folder will be completing my trio of festive favourites. This huge single snowflake measures 4" square and makes a real statement on a Christmas card, for sure.

JOY - The 'Cheers to the Year' stamp set that is part of the Year Of Cheer Suite includes the word 'Joy' - although as I don't have this stamp set I substituted with a little more retro rubber today and used a very similar stamp from last year's retired 'Holly Jolly Greetings' stamp set, heat embossed in silver on my folded banner. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back tomorrow with another project for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Large Letters and Numbers Brother Football Birthday Card #GDP103

by Joanne James7. September 2017 20:30

Good evening lovely readers! I was tempted to share a Christmas card today but as it's my birthday I thought a birthday card was in order. Not one to me though - instead one that I made for Ben from Rebecca for his birthday recently - another masculine card to fit with the theme over at the Global Design Project this week which also happens to use this week's Color Throwdown colour palette too:

   

I decided to make another slightly larger card than usual as I wanted to be able to personalise it - take a look:

 

Here's the lowdown on today's card:

Recipe For Success - Every time I make a card with someone in particular in mind, I try to choose something personal or meaningful to that individual; after all, that has to be the biggest benefit of crafting your own. That is no more so than when it's a card for your nearest and dearest, and Rebecca was clear this card needed some key things: the number 10, the word 'brother', some form of birthday greeting and both a football and the colour red - the colour of Ben's beloved Manchester United football team. Armed with such clear requirements, it made the job of designing this card super easy.

Numbers and Letters - I used both my large letters and numbers today. My letters were stamped using 'Letters For You' again like yesterday's card and cut out with the Large Letters Framelits. I used my numbers to create a tone-on-tone repeating background pattern of the number 10; a good way to include it without having it front and centre. I also used the banner die from the Large Numbers Framelits for my happy birthday banner.

Retro Rubber - I substituted the 'O' in 'BROTHER' with a football, courtesy of a little 'retro rubber' from the long-retired stamp set, 'Great Sport'. I'm so glad I held on to this set - I have used the football and basketball in this set sooo many times!! A true blast from the past - so one for a link up with SUO Challenges too this week as this is their theme, how appropriate!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

What kinds of stamps have you held on to and would never part with? Do leave me a comment below - Id love to know!

I hope you enjoyed today's post; I'll be back tomorrow with another project - definitely for Christmas and with a little more retro rubber thrown in! Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

High Tide Birthday Card For Dad #GDP103

by Joanne James6. September 2017 20:25

Good evening lovely readers! So today was the day that saw my precious James Juniors return to school - I got lots of work done, but boy was the house quiet! So we are about to return to our school routines and something close to normal working will resume. I've been busy making lots of Christmas samples in readiness for my open house on Friday however September is also a big birthday month for us, with several family members and friends celebrating birthdays (my good self included!) So today I'm sharing a card that I made for my Dad's birthday that fits perfectly with the theme over at the Global Design Project this week:

I decided to make a slightly larger card than usual as I wanted to be able to personalise it - take a look:

 

I decided to use the High Tide stamp set for my card - such a great set for masculine cards and one that you can use to make quite colourful masculine cards (they don't always have to be brown :-) ) I stamped my beach scene off to the left as I wanted it to act as something of a background for my sentiment, then paired the Happy Birthday from the 'Butterfly Basics' stamp set with my stamped and diecut 'DAD' - you know how much I love these letters and co-ordinating framelits! I'm not generally one for frills, especially on a masculine card, so pretty ribbon was a no-no for me, however I did add some burlap beneath my diecut letters for a little extra touch - I think it fits nicely with the beachy theme too.

If you like the High Tide set and live local to me, you might like to know that this is the set we will be using in one of my October Monthly Technique Classes - get in touch if you would like more information.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I hope you enjoyed today's quick post; I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Window Box Thinlits Pencil Gift Box and Back To School Card For The Paper Players PP360

by Joanne James3. September 2017 09:00

It's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! My dear friend Claire is the hostess this week and she has a fun and timely theme for us to work with:

    

I know some of my readers in other countries have already seen a return to school, but for us this week Wednesday is the day, so this week's challenge is a timely one. Is it me or do all Mums especially get just a little excited at the prospect of the start of a new academic year and a return to school after the long summer break? Don't get me wrong, I love having my two Juniors at home and am thankful for the break from the sometimes relentless activities that comprise the school routine, however all good things must come to an end and so it is that we are getting ready to begin a new school year, with the excitement, opportunities and challenges that this will undoubtedly bring.

I've double projects for you today as I needed some gift packaging for a teacher gift this week, so took the opportunity to create a fun gift box and co-ordinating card - take a look:

 

The gift box is rather large (approx. 18 inches long) so was something of a challenge to photograph but hopefully the detail below will enable you to see how I made it. Here's the low-down on today's projects:

A Window Turned Pencil Box - Having made an elongated box with my Window Box previously with the ladies in one of my technique classes earlier this year, I knew that I could use the same idea to create my pencil-shaped box. I cut one piece of the window box without cutting straight through and elongated this for the length of my sheet of A4 Crushed Curry cardstock. I then cut another piece that was the same length and the width of three sides, for the opposite 3 sides of my pencil, but without a bottom/lid. Instead I used some Maths to create a template for my pencil point in Crumb Cake, and adhered this inside the end of the tube to create my pencil point:

 

Here's a shot showing you how the main body of the pencil box opens to accommodate the main gift:

 

In addition to the main box, I also made a complete box using my Window Box Thinlits in Blushing Bride for my eraser and adhered this to the top of my pencil, which also opens separately - just big enough to add a little treat or two inside to accompany my main gift:

 

Finally I added a sleeve created from silver foil, to hold the pencil box closed securely - it just slides off to create access to the main box. A banner tag decorated with an apple - every teacher project has to have one, right? - finished my box. 

Pieces And Patterns For A Co-ordinating Card - I wanted a card to co-ordinate with my gift box, so decided to replicate the pencil design on a simple card using the pencil stamp from the Pieces and Patterns set. I masked a square and created my own repeating pattern - thank heavens for a stamp-a-ma-jig! - and then added a banner sentiment from the same set, again anchored with an apple (made using an old die I have in my stash):

Back To School Colours - My back-to-school pencil and apple colours fit perfectly with the colour palette and photo inspiration over at The Color Throwdown this week (I hope I'll be allowed my pink eraser and a few neutrals (the pencil really wouldn't be complete without it). I'm also linking my card up with the challenge over at Addicted to CAS where the code word is 'apples' and both of my projects fit the bill over at Paper Craft Crew where they have extended their 'back to school' challenge for another week:

      Play along with the Paper Craft Crew Theme Challenge 257! Visit www.papercraftcrew.com #theme #themechallenge #stampinup #sunnygirlscraps #playalong #cardmaking #papercrafting #papercraft #scrapbooking #handmade #rubberstamping #cards

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

     

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

The Paper Players Design Team
 
 
Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN! 

 

I look forward to seeing what you create with this week's theme. Enjoy the rest of your weekend as it will be over all too quickly; I'll be back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

 

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

The New Autumn-Winter Stampin' Up! Catalogue Is Here And A Host Promotion Too!

by Joanne James1. September 2017 05:00

Happy 1st September everyone! Yes, this day has finally arrived! The new Autumn-Winter Seasonal Catalogue is here - you can download an electronic copy by clicking on the image below:

 

Physical catalogues have gone out in the post to my existing customers and anyone else who requested a copy; there will of course be a permanent link to the catalogue in the box on the right side of my blog page until 2nd January 2018 when the sales period ends. I've already shared a few sneak peeks and there is so much more to come! For today, put your feet up and browse the new catalogue in all its glory.

And there's more good news! Between now and the end of October, we have a fabulous promotion too - host a party with qualifying sales and you can earn the Merry Patterns stamp set for FREE in addition to your standard Stampin' Rewards that you will receive. Check it out here:

 

The Merry Patterns Stamp Set is a two-step stamp set exclusive to this promotion and, with its candles, holly, jolly deer and classic sentiments, reflects all the cosiness and warmth you associate with the season. As a party host you will get this set for free if your party sales reach the qualifying amount of £250. So why not gather some friends, get creative and earn rewards and a free stamp set into the bargain! I have both daytime and evening party slots available - either call me on 07773 421446 or email me via [email protected] to book yours.

The lovely people at Stampin' Up!'s home office have also produced a short video that shows the Merry Patterns stamp set in action along with some great samples - check it out:

Isn't that great?! Lots of creative possibilities for sure with this set. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or queries. Don't forget to use this month's current hostess code KJ9FSDMS if you are placing an order online to receive an extra thank you from me. Back soon with more creative inspiration for you. Until then, happy browsing and get writing that wish list! 

 

Colorful Seasons Winter Snowflakes Triple Stamping Babywipe Reinker Card

by Joanne James30. August 2017 05:00

The Bank Holiday is over and we are back to normality. I'm sharing another card from my recent technique class featuring the Colorful Seasons stamp set using the baby wipe technique, this time with a winter theme - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Triple Stamping Technique - Today's card uses the same babywipe reinker technique that I shared with you yesterday, this time using the snowflake outline images and also incorporates another fun technique: triple stamping. This is where you stamp over several layers to create a dimensional image, or alternatively stamp over a single layer then cut your sheet into a central piece with two surrounding frames using your trimmer. Each stamped section is then layered with a solid coloured mat in between to add dimension to the image.

Seasonal Layers Snowflake - The co-ordinating Seasonal Layers Thinlits have a number of fun dies and today's card features one of the snowflakes, so incredibly detailed - check it out in the close up at the start of today's post. It makes a great focal point, this time with a glitter enamel dot as its centrepiece.

A Frosty Colour Combo - Today's colour combination is all about frosty, cold wintry days - here it is for you if you'd like to save it to use on your winter and Christmas projects:

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project from my class that also uses the baby wipe reinker technique. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Colorful Seasons Autumn Leaves Babywipe Reinker Technique Card

by Joanne James28. August 2017 05:00

Today it's a Bank Holiday Monday here in the weekend and for once it looks as if the sun is going to shine - woohoo! I'm sharing a card from my recent technique class featuring the Colorful Seasons stamp set using a fun technique - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Baby Wipe Technique - The Colorful Seasons stamp set has a great selection of solid and outline stamp images that work well with the babywipe reinker technique. This is where you create your own multi-coloured ink pad by adding a selection of colours to a baby wipe and then use this as your ink pad to create a variegated look. I used the technique with the small solid leaf stamp for my autumnal card - it reminds me of falling autumn leaves, which are often a mix of colours. 

Seasonal Layers Skeletal Leaf  - The co-ordinating Seasonal Layers Thinlits have a number of fun dies that include this gorgeous leaf, so incredibly detailed. It makes a great focal point, tied with a little linen thread and a decorative wooden heart (this one is retired but I've included the link below for the current version).

An Autumnal Colour Combo - This colour combination sums up the season for me - here it is for you if you'd like to save it to use on your autumn and fall projects:

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project from my class that also uses the baby wipe reinker technique. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

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About Me

Hi I'm Joanne and live in Northampton and when I'm not looking after my husband and two beautiful children, am an avid crafter with a passion for all things Stampin' Up!

I must confess that I have never been a big rubber stamper - until I discovered Stampin' Up! that is. I love the fact that I can get such great results with co-ordinating stamps, inks, papers and punches - the possibilities are endless! Join me on my stamping journey as I share the things I love and be inspired to create amazing things yourself!

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This is my personal blog and is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up! I hope you find it a plentiful source of ideas and personal inspiration but please don't copy my designs for contest submission or use for classes, publication or sale without express permission.