TIDINGS OF CHRISTMAS

In case you are wondering why I keep changing font sizes, I’m trying to adjust the type size to stay within the image area. 

As you know, Stamp Camps from August thru November will feature at least one holiday card.  For August Stamp Camp, we have Tidings of Christmas.

This card comes from the Tidings & Trimmings Bundle found on page 89 in the annual catalog.  The Tidings of Christmas DSP used here is 15% off thru July – see it on page 133 of the annual catalog.  I chose a red and green color scheme for this holiday card – actually it’s Real Red, with the new Evening Evergreen and Soft Succulent.  The new 3/8” Open Weave Ribbon is wonderful to work with.  Soft Succulent ribbon is used here.  The cute stockings are stamped in Evergreen and Red.  Stampin’Up has “Jolly Felt” that will be available for Purchase in August.  As I am not the most patient crafter, I dug into my archives and found some inexpensive red and white felt which die cut easily.  The bottom portion of the felt stocking was trimmed off and voila – a felt cuff appeared.  A stem of silver metallic berries was added to embellish each stocking. 

A good way to have handmade Christmas cards ready for December mailing is to make 4 Stamp Camp Christmas cards each month.  This technique is used by several of our crafters.

Please let me know which day you plan on attending for August Stamp Camp and which cards you plan on making.  You know my plea – the sooner you can let me know your selected cards, the easier you make my life.

AND REMEMBER – THE SWEET ICE CREAM CARD MEANS STAMP CAMP ICE CREAM – even if you don’t make the ice cream card!  Come and enjoy!

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

HYDRANGEA HAVEN

If you’ve ever been in my backyard, you know how much we love hydrangeas.  I’ve never counted, but I’m sure we have at least 10 hydrangea plants.  Perhaps that is why I am so fond of Hydrangea Haven– a two fold card.

The pastel Highland Heather, Balmy Blue and Purple Posy are such soothing colors.  Even combined with Misty Moonlight and Gorgeous Grape, the overall effect is very peaceful. 

If you open the smaller top layer card and pull the top flap down, this image is what you see.  The beautiful Hydrangea Haven set is found on page 109 of the annual catalog and can be purchased as a stamp set and dies for a 10% discount.  Although there are several sentiment choices, I thought “To an incredible woman” was very special.  I’m sure you personally know many incredible women.

When you open the “second fold” of the card, you find the message layer.  This card could be even used as a sympathy card – but without the sentiment used on the images above.  If you choose to make your card like mine, I would not encourage making multiples unless you don’t add as many hydrangea florets as shown below. 

The background of this flower image was stamped in Misty Moonlight and Highland Heather single and multiple florets.   Upon die cutting, small petals form which are pushed up with tweezers, a toothpick or the Take Your Pick Tool, There is a wonderful die that cuts out 9 florets at once.  This image has approximately 11 vellum and 12 Purple Posy florets that were folded up and adhered into the bottom layer petals. Although this technique appears complicated, once you start, the flower goes together quickly.  In fact, the flower is attractive even without the added florets shown here. 

Isn’t this a lovely card?  And perfect for absolutely any occasion!

Don’t forget to let me know which day you plan on attending and what cards you want to make – $14 for any 4 cards and $3 for each additional card.  August Stamp Camp will be held on Thursday August 5 from 10 am – 4 pm, Friday August 6 from 10am – 4 pm, and Saturday August 7 from 9 am – 2:30 pm.  Please note the time on Saturday. 

Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

SWEET ICE CREAM

Sweet Ice cream is a fun card and perfect for our hot summer weather.  However, it makes me hungry for an ice cream cone!

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream”  This sweet set is current and found on page 32 of the annual catalog.  The set coordinates with the Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch found on page 149.

 

I chose to use Bermuda Bay as my highlight color for this first sample.  I love the colors in the scoops of ice cream and they are loaded into my favorite waffle cones.  The strip of blackberry bliss, the ice cream scoops and the waffle cone are all compliments of the Ice Cream Corner DSP.  Although the DSP retired on May 1, the scoops and cones stamp nicely and have the variation seen in the DSP.

The second sample features Blackberry Bliss as the highlighted color.  The stamped Happy Birthday is stamped on a tag as I dripped water on the original stamping.  Aren’t you starting to thing about blueberry and pistachio ice cream?

I will admit I was a little carried away with the sprinkles stamp!  Much more controlled on my first sample message.  Although hard to see, the card fronts are embellished with 3 rhinestones.  The message used “with sprinkles on top” is appropriate for many occasions and Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, etc. could also be added.  This would be a great card for a guy or a child. 

Stay tune for hydrangeas!

Happy Ice Cream,  Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrpse01@aol.com

JOY

To me, JOY is the spirit of Christmas. 

This festive red and white card is so eye-catching and oh so very easy!  I sprayed the red layer with the White Frost Paint and Alcohol mix I make.  This is an option for you.  The top layer is embossed with the Swirls and Curls Embossing Folder. The Brother Scan’n Cut nicely cut the JOY, the white squares and the red scallop squares for us.  Very simply, the letters are adhered to the white squares which are adhered to red scallop squares (hard to see) and adhered to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  The red rhinestones are adhered to the left, center, and right of the JOY letters.

As I was finishing the front of the card, I remembered that somewhere in the stamp archives was a set titled “The Sounding Joy.”  Sure enough, the set was found and this stamp was part of the set.  Doesn’t it make the perfect message layer for a JOY card?  However, there are many other stamp sets to choose from – this is an option that has been stamped and die cut for you. 

SNOWFLAKE WISHES

Snowflake Wishes is our final Christmas in July card.  This 3D “flakey” card features lots of silver foil and snowflakes. The Snowflake Embossing Folder adds lots of texture to the center panel.  Rhinestones embellish the center of the die cut snowflake and the dot over the “i” in “Wishes”.  The beautiful Feels like Frost DSP is the perfect background for this lovely card.

A sparkly message embossed in silver with a scattering of snowflakes is the perfect message for this lovely card.

We have seen 6 different cards for Christmas in July.  As a reminder, the dates are Thursday July 15 from 10am-6pm, Friday July 16 from 10am-6pm, and Saturday July 17 from 9am-4pm.  Each day allows for 8 hours of fun and crafting.  There will be presents for all, and please feel free to bring a snack to share.  There will be 6 stations set up with each station accommodating 2-3 people.  Kindness is encouraged.

2021 CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Any 1 – 6 cards	$3.00 each
Any 7 – 11 cards	$2.75 each
Any 12 – 17 cards	$2.50 each
Any 18  cards and more	$2.25 each

As always, I plead with you to please let me know which day you wish to come and which cards you would like to make. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.  Masks are optional. 

Christmas Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

SILVER SPARKLES

Silver Sparkles actually does sparkle!  The festive Feels Like Frost DSP is festooned with a die-cut silver ornament tied with a simple cord.  The silver embossed sentiment says it all very simply – Thinking of You at Christmas.

The message layer is also embossed in silver.  There are many messages to choose for all the Christmas in July cards.  This is the one card that there is a limit on.  We have 38 silver lined cards with matching envelopes.  Once they are gone – they are really gone.

DOVE OF PEACE

We chose copper embossing for the Dove of Peace and sentiment.  This simple but elegant card is one of my favorites.

The message layer features a single star and the message of your choice.  We added a strip of copper dotted DSP to coordinate the card with the message.

Don’t give up yet – 1 more Christmas blog post to go. 

Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM

Night in Bethlehem is a classic Christmas tribute.  Mary and Joseph are led by the star on their way to Bethlehem.  Shimmer paper and several rhinestones give a bit of glimmer to this revered sight.  The sentiment and circle are framed in Navy. The Tufted Embossing Folder adds softness and depth to the card front.

There are many messages that are appropriate for this simple but elegant card.  I chose one that came with the Night of Bethlehem stamp set and added a star and a shepherd. 

PLAYFUL PENGUINS

What would Christmas be without penguins and some punch art.  You may recognize these little friends as coming from the Stampin’Up owl punch. A bank of glittery snow is just right for these cold weather friends

The Brother Scan’n Cut was helpful in cutting out the bodies, eyes, vests and feet. The weathered sign was die cut and the post was punched.  The Softly Falling Embossing Folder depicts a snowy scene.

We chose this sparkling message for the Playful Penguins card, but you can choose a message of your choice.  A 4th penguin embellishes the message layer.  When forming your penguins, you can play with the eyeballs and have them looking in any direction – even cross eyed!  This is a card to have fun with.

Time to start a new post!  See you in a bit!

Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Happy July Crafters!  This mean CHRISTMAS IN JULY – a time to create some festive cards for our friends and family before the holidays are upon us.  Christmas in July also means some time for friendship, fun and presents.  Reserve your time now – Thursday July 15 from 10am-6pm, Friday (newly added) July 16 from 10am-6pm, and Saturday July 17 from 9am-5pm.  Rumor has it that there will be a Christmas tree and Christmas train that will feature the small gift boxes noted above.  What will the boxes contain?  Presents, of course.  Rumor has it that everyone who participates will receive a present – perhaps a stamp set, or a punch, or some DSP or even a gift certificate – something crafty.  So reserve your time, let me know what cards you wish to make, and come for some fun!  And feel free to bring a snack to share.  Water and soda are always provided.

The cards being offered are simple yet enjoyable.  As Stampin”Up has delayed their holiday catalogue, our Christmas cards use retired sets.  We have kept embellishments to a minimum to keep the card costs in line.

2021 CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Any 1 – 6 cards	$3.00 each
Any 7 – 11 cards	$2.75 each
Any 12 – 17 cards	$2.50 each
Any 18  cards and more	$2.25 each

Now you may be wondering how you could possibly make 18 cards in an 8 hour time frame.  There are actually 2 ways you could make 18 plus cards!  You could come on multiple days – or you could come, do the necessities and finish them at home.  All the pieces are cut for you.  We are trying to complete all the wet embossing for you.  What may be left is dry embossing (on 3 cards) and messages.  The cards are following in the next post.

Sending Christmas Hugs,

Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrose0`@aol.com

GRACE’S GARDON

Grace’s Garden is one of my favorite sets and I’m sad to see it retire.  I love the overall ambience of the set as well as the message.

The Highland Heather card is layered with the Brick and Mortar 3D embossing folder.  The white card stock was water misted prior to the embossing which allows the maximum texture.  The garden arch opens to the message layer and you can see flowers peeking through.  The gate actually opens although I find its easier to adhere the arch with the gate closed then cut open after.

 

The flower, bird and cat images have all been pre-cut.  The flowers can be colored with Stampin’ Blends and placed as you choose. On the top card, the garland of purple roses is climbing up the arbor.  On the card to the right, the rose garland embellishes the message layer and a partial garland embellishes the top of the arbor.  There is no wrong placement.     Dimensionals are used for several images.  The bird and cat are at a visual stand-off.  Purple and yellow butterflies add additional color and interest. 

The message layer is seen from the front and the inside.  The message is wonderful for friends and family and can be embellished as you choose.

This is the final card for May Stamp Camp – 2 flowery cards, a tree, and butterflies.  Please let me know as soon as possible which cards you choose to make. 

As a reminder, May Stamp Camp is on Thursday and Friday May 6 and 7 from 10am to 4pm, and Saturday May 8 from 9am to 4pm.

The next stamping experience will be Christmas in July on the 15th from 10am to 6pm, and July 17th from 9am to 4pm.  Debbie and I are already discussing Christmas.  I am taking the month of June off to concentrate on physical therapy for my knees!   

Springtime Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

BUTTERFLY BRILLIANCE #1

Butterfly Brilliance is a new set that I absolutely love!  I believe butterflies are a gift from God and you can NEVER have too many butterfly stamps and dies. 

This Coastal Cabana card is embossed with the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder which gives the card a lovely texture.  A strip of Butterfly Bijou DSP is layered on Just Jade and is adorned with two layer butterflies.

 

The top butterfly layer is die-cut in Just Jade and the bottom layer is cut in Mint Macaron.  The wings are slightly curled with a bone folder.  Wink of Stella is brushed on prior to adhering the the layers together.  A simple shoestring Baker’s Twine bow is adhered with the fibers separated.  Finally the butterfly heads are embellished with rhinestones in the top sample and pearls in the bottom sample. 

The message layer is stamped in Coastal Cabana with a single butterfly while the envelope butterfly is stamped in Just Jade.

So far we’ve seen flowers, a tree and butterflies.  But I promised two cards with flowers so the final card must be – FLOWERS!

Please remember to let me know what cards you choose to make.  The cost remains any 4 cards for $14 and $3 for each additional card.  The price of the snail refills recently increased in price and because of this, I am increasing the price to $2.25 per roll or $13.50 per box. 

Let’s take a look at our last card.

Springtime Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

WOODLAND WONDER

Slimline cards are all the rage right now.  I’ve never crafted a full size slimline card so I decided it was time to do so.  Woodland Wonder is the perfect stamp set for this endeavor.  I chose a happy birthday theme but there are other choices – “from all of us, congratulations, hope your day stacks up to be one good thing on top of another.”

3 stamps form the full tree shown here.  However, you can also do a shorter tree by using only the top and bottom stamp.  I love how the animals are peeking out of the tree trunk

Of course you don’t have to add all the extras as shown on the card above.  The basic cards shown here has only the clouds, red balloon, bunny and Hip-Hip-Hoo-Ray banner added.  The 3 images are set up on a Stamparatus to make the alignment  and stamping painless.

Note the different cloud patterns on these 2 samples.  The top card has stenciled clouds brushed on in Seaside Spray with the new Blending Brushes.  The cloud stencil is cut from the So Much Happy dies.  The card to the right has stamped clouds colored with Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends.  This is a fun card to create as well as a new style.  The cards fit perfectly in #10 envelopes. 

This message layer is stamped with the bunny holding a balloon and several butterflies.  Lots of space is available

Please remember to let me know as soon as you can which cards you choose to create for May Stamp Camp.  This makes my life so much easier. 

What card you you think will be next?  How about butterflies?

Springtime Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com