Good evening everyone! I have been making some last minute samples for my Petals and Paisleys class next week and I decided to make a quick card to share with you using this week's Mojo Monday sketch:

This card is also perfect for the current colour challenge over at Fab Friday, since their trio of colours all feature in the Petals and Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper and the thankful challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays. Here's my card:

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

Petals and Paisleys -  I covered the lower portion of my card with a piece of patterned paper from the Petals and Paisleys DSP which features all three of the challenge colours. I used the two least dominant colours, the Rich Razzleberry and Mint Macaron, for my topper and ribbon detail for added emphasis.

Paisley Framelits - The leaf that features in the paper pattern also has a corresponding framelit, so I cut one out in Mint Macaron as the perfect co-ordinating embellishment. I backed it with a fold of purple ribbon and anchored it using a Razzleberry enamel shape. Perfect!

Stitched Thinlit Dies - My sentiment from the 'Tin of Cards' stamp set is one of my 'go to' stamps for squares, as the font and size fits perfectly. What makes this one stand out is the layering with the stitched border,cut with the new Stitched Shape Thinlits. I've been using these a lot this week and love how they add interest to an otherwise plain shape.

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. 

Do visit the other Design Team members to see what they did with this week's colours; there's lots of inspiration over on their blogs too!

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Petals & Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper	Paisley Framelits Dies	Petals & Paisleys A4 Cardstock Pack	Ribbon 3/8" (1 Cm) Trio Pack	Brights Enamel Shapes
Tin Of Cards Photopolymer Stamp Set	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies	Rich Razzlebberry Classic Stampin' Pad	Mint Macaron A4 Cardstock

Today it's time for a new challenge over at Create With Connie and Mary and this week we have a sketch for you:

I decided this sketch was perfect to hang my stocking - literally! Take a look:

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

Hang Your Stocking - My diecut stocking is cut using the Christmas Stocking Thinlits Dies. This set has lots of fun pieces to create stockings in three different sizes and add decorative trims - so many creative possibilities! It also comes with this great Noel diecut - perfect for edging a mantlepiece or adding a border trim to patterned paper, as I've done on my card today.

A Trio of Stamp Sets For Less - The diecut stocking is the clear winner on today's card, but this creation is by no means stamp-free; in fact, I used three stamps from three different stamp sets on my holiday card, all of them available this month at 25% off - what a bargain! You can read about the offer in full here along with the details of our new stitched framelit dies (these have been incredibly popular and will only now be orderable until 21st November before orders are put on hold whilst stocks are replenished - so you need to order them in the next few days to be assured of a timely delivery); in the meantime, did you spot them all? They are the stocking heel, toe and cuff detail and mini snowflakes from Hang Your Stocking, the large snowflake from Tin of Tags and the snowflake splatter from Christmas Pines. My stamping is subtle, yet each stamp contributes to the finished card.

Sparkle and Shine - I used Heat and Shine and Dazzling Diamonds along with the snowflake splatter stamp in the Christmas Pines set to add sparkle to the white section of my card. Difficult to photograph, but in real life so pretty! My Noel is also cut from a piece of red foil cardstock that I found in my scrapbox for a little extra shine and I added a sprinkle of rhinestones to finish. I love this festive colour combination, inspired by the Presents and Pinecones Designer Series Paper set - feel free to save it if it's one you like too:

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. 

Do visit the other Design Team members to see what they did with this week's sketch; there's lots of inspiration over on their blogs too!

Enjoy your day and I'll be back soon with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Hang Your Stocking Photopolymer Stamp Set	Christmas Stockings Thinlits Dies	Christmas Pines Photopolymer Stamp Set	Tin Of Tags Photopolymer Stamp Set	Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter	Versamark Pad	Rhinestone Basic Jewels	Banner Triple Punch	Real Red A4 Cardstock
Cherry Cobbler A4 Cardstock	Emerald Envy A4 Cardstock	Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad

It's Sunday and time for a new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's my turn to host this week and I have a colour challenge for you to work with:

I have another Pretty Pines project for you today, but a 3D project for a change as opposed to a card. I made this home decor frame to showcase these fabulous dies - and adorn my home during the festive season of course! Take a look:

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

Pretty Pines - I love these dies and they are perfect to create festive embellishments for cards, gift packaging or a home decor project such as this one. I focused on the pine needles, berries and mistletoe pieces to make my wreath - not a pinecone in sight - as I wanted to stick to my red, green and white colour scheme. Using the Big Shot Precision Base Plate and the die brush also made light work of removing the pieces from the framelits. I added a bow in Real Red stitched edge ribbon as a finishing touch:

A Joyful Christmas and a Wonderful Year - I chose the Joyful Christmas sentiment from the 'Wonderful Year' stamp set as the focal point for my frame. This is the perfect sentiment for this frame, which I am intending to display in my hallway to welcome guests over the festive season.

Ombre, Ombre - I stamped my focal sentiment in Emerald Envy using the ombre stamping pad for added interest. I love the gradation of colour you get with these stamp pads and they really are so easy to use.

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. 

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

I look forward to seeing what you create with my colour choices this week. We are doing something a little different in terms of sporting pursuits today: Ben is off for his usual session of basketball, however Rebecca is going to be at the swimming pool bright and early as she is participating in a sponsored swim in aid of For Zachary, a charity set up in memory of a little boy who lived for only 69 days before dying from a rare neonatal lung disease. The swimmers are aiming to cover a distance of 69km in total, one kilometre for each day of young Zachary's life - and Rebecca is aiming to swim just over 3km herself. That will be no mean feat! She is still collecting sponsorship, so if you're reading this and you would like to sponsor her, here is the event's JustGiving page - many thanks and I''l let you know how she gets on.

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:

Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies	Wonderful Year Clear-Mount Stamp Set	Emerald Envy Ombre Stampin' Pad	Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper	Emerald Envy A4 Cardstock
Mint Macaron A4 Cardstock	Real Red A4 Cardstock	Whisper White 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Cardstock	Real Red 3/4" (1.9 Cm) Stitched Edge Ribbon	Precision Base Plate
Big Shot Die Brush

Today it's time for a new challenge over at Create With Connie and Mary and this week we have a colour combination for you:

I was immediately drawn to the Petals and Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper as all of these colours can be found in this pack. I ended up only using a small piece of it though - here's my card:

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

Copper Specialty Banner - I chose to use a piece of my favourite paper, the beautifully navy with copper-embossed pattern for the banner accent on my card. So pretty!

All About Copper - There are so many copper elements to my card: the foil die cuts and mat, the designer series paper and the copper-embossed sentiment - they all go together beautifully and I love them!

A Paper-Pieced Trio -  I die cut my shapes - not sure whether they are supposed to be leaves, feathers or fans...answers on a postcard! - and having die cut two in Mint Macaron and another in Night of Navy, I carefully paper-pieced the outer elements and in-filled the pattern. This is fiddly with such small pieces, but worth the effort I think. I then finished each shape with an enamel dot.

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

I love the simple design of today's card, with the small details adding real interest.

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

Do visit the other Design Team members to see what they did with this week's colours; there's lots of inspiration over on their blogs too!

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

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Petals & Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper	Paisley Framelits Dies	Paisleys & Posies Photopolymer Stamp Set	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Copper Foil Sheets	Mint Macaron A4 Cardstock
Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder	Regals Enamel Dots

It's Sunday and time for a new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of the lovely Laurie to host this week and she has a timely theme challenge for you to work with:

 Ultra clean and layered today (no surprise there then!) - I chose to showcase a wonderful sentiment and some fabulous paper on my card today - here it is:

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

Petals and Paisleys - I chose to use one of the 'busy' papers from the Petals and Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper on my card today - a bold colour scheme with lots going on, so definitely a paper that needs to be allowed to shine on its own. 

I Am Blessed - Some lovely paisley stamps in the Paisleys and Posies stamp set, however it also contains great sentiments and this one is perfect to make a statement of thankfulness. I cropped mine with the Layered Ovals Framelits and backed with a scalloped oval, and a simple folded ribbon detail to tie the whole thing together.

A Rich Autumnal Colour Combination - There are so many wonderful colours in these papers - I focused in on Delightful Dijon, Night of Navy and the addition of Rich Razzleberry to emphasise the rich colours of the season. Feel free to save this combination if it appeals to you too:

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. 

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

I look forward to seeing what you create with this week's theme. As you read this I will be travelling back from a few days away at our regional Stampin' Up! Onstage event in Telford, no doubt bursting with ideas for the Spring and Summer season. Don't worry - I won't be sharing on my blog here for a while, I still have so many Christmas projects to share!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend as it will be over all too quickly; I'll be back tomorrow with another project as my normal blogging schedule will resume; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Petals & Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper	Paisleys & Posies Photopolymer Stamp Set	Ribbon 3/8" (1 Cm) Trio Pack	Petals & Paisleys A4 Cardstock Pack	Rich Razzlebberry Classic Stampin' Pad	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock

Today it's time for a new challenge over at Create With Connie and Mary and this week we have a sketch for you:

I saw this sketch and immediately saw ... snowmen! Take a look:

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

Snow Place Like The Front of a Christmas Card - Apologies for the pun, but these snowmen - and women - definitely deserve to be showcased on the front of a Christmas card. 'Snow Place' is such a fun stamp set with infinite dress up possibilities for the snowmen and penguin in the set. What's more, the co-ordinating Snow Friends Framelits Dies make cutting out the shapes easy-peasy.

Go Large - Bigger is not always better, granted, however to accommodate my snow family of five I needed more cardfront, so I decided to make my card A5 size (21cm x 14.9cm) instead of a more standard A6. This allowed me enough room for my mats and layers, without my family needing to jostle too much for a space on my card.

A Pattern Surprise - Do you recognise my patterned paper? Are you wondering where I found my seasonal snowfall? This paper isn't from one of the festive seasonal packs at all; it's actually one of the patterns in the Floral Boutique Designer Series Paper. As with many of our DSP packs, the reverse of the feature papers often has a more repetitive pattern with spots, stripes or solid colours. This gorgeous mix of navy and white papers hides this spotted pattern which makes perfect snow. The moral of the story? Always check both sides of your papers and don't assume that because a pack isn't designed with Christmas in mind, there won't be a hidden gem that is perfect for your 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. 

Do visit the other Design Team members to see what they did with this week's sketch; there's lots of inspiration over on their blogs too!

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

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Snow Place Photopolymer Stamp Set	Snow Friends Framelits Dies	Floral Boutique Designer Series Paper	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Embossing Buddy
Versamark Pad	White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Heat Tool (Uk)	Chocolate Chip A4 Cardstock	Pearl Basic Jewels	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad
Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad	Cucumber Crush Classic Stampin' Pad

Wednesday already? Happy 'hump day' everyone! Today I have a 3D project for a change - I want to share the trio of Christmas trees I made using the Forever Evergreen Project Kit in the seasonal catalogue. My regular readers will know what a fan I am of Stampin' Up!'s kits: they are great for everyone from the complete novice to the seasoned crafter and are the perfect option for a fun afternoon or evening activity with friends.

The Forever Evergreen kit comprises three Christmas trees, one 33cm tall and two 27.9cm tall - complete with decorations. You then need some additional basic items to complete the project: the Forever Evergreen stamp set, ink pads and adhesives. Here are my trees in all their glory - first the largest one in Garden Green:

The second, smaller one also in Garden Green:

And lastly, the final smaller one, this time in Wild Wasabi:

I have to say the catalogue really doesn't do these trees justice; they are way more impressive in real life and having had them on display at the craft show I exhibited at recently they were the subject of many 'oohs' and 'aahs'. Many of my customers have passed comment on them as they've been in and out for classes too. If you would like to purchase these kits to make at home, Stampin' Up! has produced a very helpful video that is worth watching before you start putting the kit together:

If you would like to get together with me in person to make this kit, you have a couple of options: you can gather with friends and purchase a kit each and have me bring the extra supplies needed for a crafty afternoon or evening in with friends. Alternatively you could join me for my next Crafternoon Tea at Bell's in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, on Saturday 19th November from 10am-2pm, when we will be making this kit and finishing with an afternoon tea prepared by the Cafe @ Bells in store - contact me to book your place. 

I hope you've enjoyed your day today; I enjoyed a crisp autumn day kicking leaves in the country park and a hockey match (unfortunately no win today, but another match on Saturday so hopefully their luck will change!). I'll be back tomorrow with a Christmas card for this week's new challenge over at Create With Connie and Mary. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Forever Evergreen Project Kit

Forever Evergreen Photopolymer Stamp Set

This is my second post of today - if you missed the first one about the new Stitched Shapes Framelits you are going to want to check that out here. No blog post yesterday as I still have one of the James Juniors on half term this week and then my evening was spent trick or treating. Today I've had full day with back to back classes, one of which was my first technique class of the month featuring the Christmas/Pretty Pines bundle. I've made lots of projects with this bundle, although I've yet to blog them all (so many projects, so little time!) Click here to see one of the cards that I've shared previously using this set, that was also one of our makes in our class. 

Today I want to share a card that I CASE'd from the lovely Amanda Bates over at The Craft Spa, who is for me the queen of fancy folds. She has made lots of versions of her Large Square Double Display Card but this one using the Presents and Pinecones Designer Series Paper and the Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies really caught my eye and I just had to have a go at re-creating it. Here's my card:

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

Presents & Pinecones - What can I say, the Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper is definitely the star of this card. Four of the twelve designs in this pack are showcased here, such a great layout to really let these papers shine. What's more, they are the perfect pairing for the Christmas/Pretty Pines stamp set thinlits combo. The colours are traditional yet fresh and modern, with the addition of the mint and white to the red and Emerald Envy green.

Christmas Pines - Whilst it's rare that I advocate buying a stamp set or thinlit set without its counterpart when it's available as a bundle (and this is most definitely not one of those times!), it is easy to focus on the detail of the thinlits with this set and rather overlook the stamp set. This would be such a mistake though, as it's a set choc full of great scripted sentiments in a variety of sizes, along with some useful border stamps, a fancy frame and a snowy background stamp that will have tons of uses on so many Christmas cards. This card showcases two of the sentiments and the snowflake background stamp, which adds subtle interest and detail to the panels on the front and inside. This set is definitely worthy of a place on your shelf!

The 'How' - I made a few tweaks to Amanda's tutorial when I made this card, so thought I would share the details with measurements below. This card is measured in cm and is a metric template for standard A4 cardstock; if you would like to make one in inches or using 12" x 12" cardstock, do check out Amanda's blog via the above link where she has lots of useful tutorials to follow. Here goes:

To make this A4 metric large square double display card, you will need:

I just love this card - a little time and effort but well worth it for the end result. Thank you Amanda for the inspiration!

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. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Christmas Pines Photopolymer Bundle	Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper	Whisper White A4 Cardstock	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad	Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad	Early Espresso A4 Cardstock	Cherry Cobbler A4 Cardstock	Mint Macaron A4 Cardstock	Emerald Envy A4 Cardstock	Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I'm back today with some great news for the start of November: from today we have the early release of a new product from the 2017-18 annual catalogue, Stitched Shapes Framelits, and a product promotion!

A Great New Product

Let’s start with the Framelits: the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies are a set of 12 dies that include four circles, four ovals and four squares that coordinate with our Layering Circles, Ovals and Squares.  Brilliant!

These new dies are available for purchase beginning November 1 – that’s today!

So, what makes these Framelits a necessity?  When run through the Big Shot, these dies leave a detailed stitch around the edge of the Framelit.  The stitched look is so on-trend right now and will add a great extra touch to your stamped projects. Here’s a video with details about the new dies and some great project ideas:

Aren't they great? You are definitely going to want to add these to your framelit collection.

Here are the measurements for these new shapes:

Circles:  1-3/8″, 1-7/8″, 2-3/8″, 2-7/8″

Squares: 1-3/16″, 1-5/8″, 2-1/8″, 2-5/8″

Ovals: 1-3/4″ x 13/16″, 2-1/4″ x 1-5/16″, 2-3/4″ x 1-13/16″, 3-1/4″ x 2-5/16″

25% Off Selected Stamp Sets

What's more, there's a promotion to run alongside the launch of these new framelits too! As if the new Stitched Shapes Dies weren’t great enough…there is also a long list of stamp sets from the Autumn-Winter Catalogue and Annual Catalogue are available for 25% off during November.  Yes, you heard it - 25% OFF! here's the complete list:

Right - I'm off to put in my order for these fabulous new framelits and then get on with my busy day of back-to-back classes. I will be back later with today's project blog post; until then, happy shopping! Oh and don't forget to use this month's hostess code SQN297RD when placing your order online to get a little thank you in the post from me!

Greetings From Santa Wood-Mount Stamp Set	Greetings From Santa Clear-Mount Stamp Set	Hang Your Stocking Photopolymer Stamp Set	Christmas Pines Photopolymer Stamp Set	Merry Mice Wood-Mount Stamp Set	Merry Mice Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Tin Of Tags Photopolymer Stamp Set	Suite Seasons Wood-Mount Stamp Set	Suite Seasons Clear-Mount Stamp Set	Oh, What Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set	Baby Bear Photopolymer Stamp Set	Blooms & Wishes Photopolymer Stamps

It's Sunday and time for a new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of the lovely LeAnne to host this week and she has a fun tic tac toe challenge for you to work with:

Normally I find these such a challenge (I know, I know - that's the whole point!) but today I knew exactly where I was going on the grid: straight down the left with Red, Santa and Diecut. I ended up making a couple of cards (if you check out the card on yesterday's post here you will see it also fits this column) but today's card is definitely one of my most favourite  - take a look:

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

Detailed Santa Thinlits Die - Today I've used the whole of the diecut Santa image to create the front for my shaker card. I cut it in extra thick Whisper White and added a piece of window sheet behind, so that you could see both my white heat embossed 'ho ho ho' sentiment and the contents of my shaker. I left a wider border at the bottom in order to accommodate my embellishments and Real Red stamped sentiment - a line from my most favourite festive poem, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas', by Clement C. Moore. I recited this poem at Christmas concerts as a child on a number of occasions and I still know all the words -  I now read it to my own children each Christmas, it has become a James family tradition.

Snowy White - I used the white Mica Flakes on page 41 of the seasonal catalogue for my shaker card contents today. These are one of those products that could be easily overlooked  yet I love these soft flakes - perfect for snow, beards and great for shaker cards! I rubbed my Embossing Buddy over the inside of the window to reduce static so that they would shake freely and the whole thing is held in place using foam adhesive strips - they really do make shaker cards so easy. Check out the detail here of the mica flakes and the diecut:

Jingle All The Way - To finish my card today, I added some red and white Candy Cane Lane baker's twine and a couple of mini jingle bells, perfect for my red and white colour scheme today.

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 can't tell you how much I love this card, I might even have to send it to myself - shakers are such fun! 

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

I look forward to seeing what you create with this week's tic tac toe board. We have a week off from hockey so it's only basketball that's calling today, then I have a few errands to run but hopefully a restful afternoon in store before Rebecca returns to school tomorrow. Ben has another week off, much to Rebecca's dismay! Well, I guess you can't have everything! 

One last reminder: the 'Buy 3, Get 1 Free' offer on designer paper ends tomorrow. You can read the full details here if you need to refresh your memory about what's included. 

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:

Greetings From Santa Clear-Mount Bundle	Real Red A4 Cardstock	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad	Mini Jingle Bells	Candy Cane Lane Baker's Twine
Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Window Sheets	Foam Adhesive Strips	Mica Flakes Trio Pack	Embossing Buddy
Versamark Pad	White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Heat Tool (Uk)