White Christmas Joy

As soon as I saw this stamp set in the Holiday Catalog, I knew it had to be near the top of my wish list. It has everything needed to build a beautiful, whimsical winter scene, down to the littlest detail. This is a photoploymer set, too, so it's super easy to place the image exactly where you want it, because the stamps are totally clear.

First of all, I adore bears, especially polar bears. I love birds, too, and the two tiny Cardinals are so cute. And a snowman? Don't even get me started on how much I love snowmen! So, as you can see, this set really, really appeals to me.

After stamping the trees on Whisper White, I stamped again on a large sticky note making sure the hill was near the sticky part. I used it as a mask when I spritzed the sky. (Fill Stampin' Spritzer to within 1/2" of top with rubbing alcohol, then add 6 drops of Lost Lagoon refill ink.) Three or four sprays is all it takes.

While the sky dried, I stamped and fussy-cut the bear. Since the spray was largely alcohol, it dried quickly, so I colored the tree trunks with Smoky Slate using a Blender Pen. I then added a few swipes of the 2-way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds to the hill and tree branches. (When dry, it helps to brush off the loose glitter with a soft brush.)

That's it for another sneak peek from the Holiday Catalog. Stay tuned for more in the coming days! There's another polar bear in the works.

STAMPS: White Christmas, Good Greetings

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, All Is Calm Specialty DSP
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lost Lagoon, Smoky Slate
ACCESSORIES: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, Frosted Sequins, Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Spritzers, Blender Pens, Linen Thread, Jewelry Tag Punch (retired)

Peace & Joy Christmas Bauble

I think this is the last Christmas Bauble card for the time being. I've really enjoyed coming up with different creations using that a la cart stamp, and have even more ideas floating around in my noggin. But yesterday my box of Holiday Catalog preorder goodies arrived from Stampin' Up! and now I have new shiny squirrels to distract me!!!

This was pretty straighforward coloring, using the Stampin' Blendabilities markers again. The bauble was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, so it wouldn't "bleed" with the alcohol markers. Then I just used the Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive markers to color, along with a bit of Smoky Slate for the ornament hanger. Old Olive and Pear Pizzazz DSP along with a Tea Lace Paper Doily help to highlight the ornament, and the the white gel pen added some shine to the berries.

Even with the strip of Real Red chevron DSP, I still felt it needed something more, so I got out the Stampin' Pierce Mat and Essentials piercing templates to add some faux stitching. Much easier than dragging out my dusty sewing machine! And didja notice? NO Mr. Big anywhere in sight! *gasp!* The ornament was fussy-cut and the circles and banner ends were punched; no die cuts, no embossing folders!

Okay, I've yakked enough - now I need to play with my new toys! If you don't hear from me in a few days, send in a recscue team with some chocolate and coffee, will ya?

STAMPS: Christmas Bauble, Good Greetings (from upcoming hostess promotion - stay tuned!)

CARDSTOCK: Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, Real Red and Old Olive DSP from Brights Stack, Pear Pizzazz DSP from Subtles Stack

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Smoky Slate Stampin' Blendabilities Markers, Project Life Journaling Pens, Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen

ACCESSORIES: 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Hexagon Punch (banner ends), Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Silver 1/8" Ribbon, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Paper-Piercing Tool, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Another Swap

Here's another card I made for convention swaps.This was for another Stampin' Addicts organized swap, but in the New Catalog category this time. I sure do love coloring with the Stampin' Blendabilities markers, can you tell?

In fact, I love them so much, I've scheduled a free coloring class to show how they are different from our Stampin' Write Markers, and the different uses of all our coloring products! If you are interested, be sure to RSVP soon, because space is limited.

Notice the floral background paper? I stamped a different flower image from the I like You set in VersaMark ink on the cardstock to make my own patterned paper. It's a great way to make your own patterned paper, using supplies you have on hand, if you don't have just what you need in your Designer Series Paper!

STAMPS: I Like You (hostess set), Good Greetings (hostess set avail. later this year)

CARDSTOCK: Basic Black, Whisper White, Strawberry Slush, Gold Foil Sheets, Back to Black DSP

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMark, plus Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Night of Navy, and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities Markers

ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, Hexagon Punch (banner end), Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Glitz Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals