Final – CHRISTMAS in JULY

Is it ever too early to start making Christmas cards?  We live in a computerized society and the lack of personal interaction is ever increasing!  A handmade Christmas card that comes from your heart is such a personal gift.  Won’t you join Debbie and me on July 14, 15, and 16 FROM 9am – 5pm as we celebrate CHRISTMAS in JULY!

We are offering 8 Christmas cards.  You can choose as many as you wish for $3.50 each.  Our only request is that you PLEASE LET US KNOW NOW which cards you wish to do.  Each card requires our prep and although we have prepared a certain number of each card, we have no idea which card will be the most and least popular.  So – I have a contest for you!  Each person who chooses the MOST and LEAST popular cards will receive a prize!  But you must tell us by July 13th and include the MOST popular and LEAST popular cards.

WISEMEN

Our Wise Men card comes from an older stamp entitled Every Blessing.  There is an embossed copper star in the upper left corner.  The stamping is done with StazOn to give the solid black coloring.  My favorite New Horizons DSP is layered on Fresh Freesia and Evening Evergreen.  You can feel the awe of the Wisemen as they gaze into the color-filled sky.

The message layer for WISEMEN is embellished with a strip of matching DSP and another copper embossed star.  We experimented with gold, silver and copper embossing powders and felt copper was the best choice.

CHRISTMAS GNOMES

Isn’t this a HAPPY card?  These cute little gnomes come to us from Divinity Designs.  They are adorned with rhinestones and pompoms.  The middle gnome rests on a wobble and loves to move around.  The retired So Much Happy die is one of my favorites and I just can’t bring myself to sell it.  Our gnomes are layered on embossed Shaded Spruce and Real red with a white die-cut Christmas.

The message layer for Christmas Gnomes features none other than Santa Gnome with his bag full of presents.  A pom pom festoons his Santa hat.  4 gnomes, a poinsettia blossom, a present, and a candy cane come with this card and you can arrange them however you wish. 

PEACE

This is my Christmas peace on earth card.  The lack of caring and kindness and the increased racism and selfishness in America is very upsetting to me.  I used the Begin with a Dream Stamp Set and have used many different colors and shades to show everyone is different but the same.  The art work is layered on Shaded Spruce and the new Starry Sky. A bit of metallic green holly and red berries adds a Christmas touch.

I added a “Peace, Joy and Love” message in Shaded Spruce to the message layer.  A bit of holly embellishes the layer.

JOLLY OLD ST. NICK

Jolly Old St. Nick is a die from the past.  As Stampin’ Up does not put out the Holiday Catalogue until mid summer, Debbi and I look to our Christmas archive for ideas.  Old St. Nick is die cut and adhered on white card stock with white pom poms trimming his Santa hat.  The sentiment MERRY CHRISTMAS is stamped in Real Red at the bottom of the card and a matching red bow and ribbon enhance the card.

The retired Sparkle of the Season Stamp Set features a cute Santa line stamp that is perfect for the message layer of the Jolly Old St. Nick card.  This is certain to delight both young and old!

CELEBRATE the SEASON

I think the Grassy Grove Bundle is an extremely artistic set and can lead to much creativity.  For Celebrate the Season, a patch of flowers are stamped onto New Horizons DSP which is layered with an embossed die-cut forest setting in Moonlight Mist.  Two copper deer are in the forest and a copper star is adhered in the upper left corner.  The sentiment is embossed in copper on matching DSP.  Many different sentiments are available that can be used for this card

The message layer is embellished with a strip of matching DSP and a copper baby deer. 

DELIVERING CHEER – GIFTS

Debbie and I affectionately refer to the Delivering Cheer cards as The Girls! 

Here, we see our Christmas gal delivering cheer with Christmas gifts.  Her skirt is stamped on DSP and cut with snips.  Her upper and lower body are stamped and cut with our friendly Scan’N’Cut.  The artwork is layered on snowflake DSP with several rhinestones sparkling amid the snowflakes.  A larger snowflake can be seen peeking from the left and right of the artwork panel.

The message layer for the Christmas Gifts card is embellished with a strip of matching DSP.  You can add additional elements as desired. 

DELIVERING CHEER – TREES

This card is our “other girl” Delivering Cheer with a small Christmas tree embellished with red rhinestones.  The girl, her skirt and legwarmers and the tree are pre-cut with our friendly Scan’N’Cut.  The sleigh comes to us from Divinity Designs and is a Hero Arts product.  Our sled is die cut in Early Espresso and Crumb Cake and sponged with Early Espresso.  It’s evident our gal is delivering cheer on her sleigh along with her pet rabbit. 

Like Delivering Cheer – the message layer is festooned with a strip of DSP matching the front panel.  The rest is up to you!

PENGUIN PLACE

Penguin Place was a card slated for Christmas 2021 but there was an issue with Stamping Up receiving the penguin punch.  Debbie designed this card so that the middle penguin moves head over heels.  The spinning mechanism that allows it to roll is 2 pennies and several dimensionals.  How fun is that?  The opening is die cut and the pieces are cut either with dies or with the Scan’N Cut.

The more you rock the card back and forth, the easier the penguin will roll.  Here is a video of the penguin moving, Penguin in action.

The message layer features a penguin wearing a jaunty bow tie.  You can add an additional tree or 2 if desired.  Did you see the tiny sequins on the trees. 

Well, what do you think?  We hope you like at least one of our creations.  Don’t forget to let us know which card you think will be the most favorite and the lease favorite.  Please please please let us know as soon as possible which cards you wish to do.  I’m hoping I won’t have to post a cut-off date.  To review:  Dates – July 14, 15, 16.  Times – 9am – 5pm.  Cost – $3.50 per card.  We will have drinks; please feel free to bring a snack/lunch.  I am aware several of you will be out of town.  Please make your choices now and we will set up a make-up session in August.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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

2020 CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Hi Crafters!  It’s time for Christmas in July 2020!  Due to COVID-19, we will be limiting each day to 4 crafters with masks required.

WHEN:  The door opens on Thursday July 16 10AM – 5 PM, Friday July 17 10AM – 5PM, Saturday July 18 9AM – 4PM, Monday July 20 10AM – 5PM.  Come anytime during the listed hours on your pre-scheduled day.  I simply ask you be ready to leave at the ending time. 

WHERE: 533 Emerson Circle, Bolingbrook

WHY:  It’s time to start revving up your holiday creativity

HOW:  We will use social distancing, wear masks, wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently.  Each crafter will be given a micro crate for his/her tools.  No one will touch his/her tools except the crafter.  For sanitation reasons, I will run the Big Shot for each person.  Stamps, inks, Washi Tape, and blender pens will be wiped down between uses if I don’t have multiples.  Please bring your own beverage and snack.  There will be Christmas cookies (store bought) which I will be happy to serve with tongs.   Please be respectful of everyone.  Even though we will be in Phase 4, I remain extremely concerned about the Coronavirus.  I want this to be a fun, creative and safe time for all.

HOW MUCH:  Cards will be $2.50 each.  All supplies will be provided except Wink of Stella.  You can bring your own or add the Wink of Stella at home.  If you wish, you may purchase a new Wink of Stella for $6.95.  This will be yours to take home.  Hubby Norb wanted to add a 25% COVID-19 charge but I ignored him!  As the date nears, I may ask you to bring a few of your personal tools such as snips, bone folder, etc.  I will let you know.

NOW FOR THE FUN PART:  2020 Christmas in July

WASHI CHRISTMAS TREE comes to us from daughter Debbie.  She developed this card last year and I was very impressed.  I did choose to add a bit ribbon for texture and dimension.  There is lots of Washi Tape to choose from – reds, greens, golds, silvers.  This is a very simple but elegant card.  The tree is die cut with Woods Dies.  Softly Fallen is embossed on the die-cut top layer.  A tree form is used to adhere the Wash Tape to; the taped form is adhered inside the top layer.  Merry Christmas is pre-cut with the Scan’n Cut and can be adhered with half mini dimensionals or rolled glue dots.

The message layer is embellished with Washi Tape of your choice and several stars that match the star of your Washi Christmas Tree. 

The most difficult part of this card is determining what Washi Tape you want to use and deciding what order to adhere it.

BEARING GIFTS is from my retired Christmas stamp library.  The stamped image was enlarged and is pre-cut with the Scan’n Cut.  A black shadow is also pre-cut to frame the image.  Stampin’ Blends are used to color the image.  The card and coordinating envelope are 4 1/4 X 6 1/4, larger than the standard A2 size.  There are stars printed on the card, but I feel a few extra stars are needed.  The stamped sentiment is die-cut and embellished with a small twine bow.

The message layer consists of Cherry Cobbler cs layered with Whisper White.  I chose to fussy cut and adhere a bear and present.  This option is available to you.

CHRISTMAS BOUQUET is from the Wishing You Well stamp set which I was sad to see retire.  Although hard to see, this elegant card is embellished with silver glimmer paper to the right of the Springtime Foils strip, and also frames the art work.  A small silver metallic-edged bow ties the bouquet together.  There are several horizontal sentiments and dies that work well with this card.

The message layer is embellished with a simple image from Peace this Christmas stamped in Night of Navy to coordinate with the card front.

HOLIDAY BIRDS is the last card choice for 2020 Christmas in July.  This happy card features plaid DSP layered on Shaded Spruce, Cherry Cobbler or Night of Navy cs.  There are many plaids to choose from. The Whisper White layer is embossed in Woodland.  The long retired Bird Builder Punch is used to punch out the birds, wings and branches in your color choice.  Wings and branches can be punched in the plaid and/or gold glimmer card stocks; some will be pre-punched or you can punch your own.  A simple sentiment from Itty Bitty Christmas is stamped in matching ink, die cut and shadowed in gold glimmer cs.    A twine bow in your color choice embellishes the top layer. 

The message layer is embellished with an additional bird.  An additional wing can be added to each bird adhered behind the bird.  I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that when daughter Debbie and I did the samples.  I will have an additional sample showing the double wings for 2020 Christmas in July. 

NOW I NEED YOUR HELP!  As this gathering is limited to 4 crafters per day for safety concerns, I need to know what day you would like to come.  If the day you choose is full, I will ask you to choose an alternate date.  Choosing your day is my #1 concern.  Then I need to know what cards you choose to create so I can plan a card rotation order.  And to have your kits ready to go on your scheduled day, I beg for as much time as possible.  

Healthy Blessings,

Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com 

CHRISTMAS WINDOW – Christmas in July

Our final card for Christmas in July is a Christmas window scene.  From my archives, I pulled one of my favorite sets – “Happy Scenes.”  This simple winter scene, stamped in Shaded Spruce is embellished with a die-cut gold deer from “Detailed Deer Dies.”  The window and flower box are die cut with Wood Textures Designer Series Paper.  There will be several wood patterns die-cut for you.  The window box is filled with assorted die-cut greenery which really pops with Wink of Stella.  “merry” is die-cut on Cherry Cobbler and “Christmas” is stamped, die cut and shadowed with a Cherry Cobbler frame.  2 small flowers embellished with rhinestones provide extra sparkle. 

So, you may be asking yourself “and what is Rosemary going to do to help me create this card?”  Answer:  The Shaded Spruce, Mint Macaron, and Whisper White cs has already been cut.  The goal is to have the window frames and window boxes, “merry”, flowers, greenery and gold deer die-cut for you.  “Christmas” will be stamped and die cut with the frame and coordinating shadow frame.  This does not leave too much for you to do other than adhere the pieces and hum Christmas Carols. 

As I’m sure you’ve read in the previous posts, Christmas In July will be held on Thursday July 18 from 12N to 7 PM and on Saturday July 20 from 9AM to 4 PM.  All materials, tools and creativity will be provided along with drinks and a snack of some type.  We will have as much pre-done for you as we can possibly do. BUT  if we don’t know what day you are coming, or which cards you wish to make, we can’t prep.  Thank you to those of you who have already responded with your card wishes.  Regarding cost, a Wink of Stella Brush has been included in the price.  You can do any combination of cards in multiples of 4.  4 cards is priced at $14, 8 cards is 23, 12 cards is $32, 16 cards is $41, etc.  Each additional 4 cards is $9.  Whew – I hate high finance.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR CHRISTMAS IN JULY CARD WISHES!

Blessings, Rosemary – (home)630.759.3089 – (cell/text)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

PEACE – Christmas in July

At Christmas time, many people wish for the gift of PEACE.  This simple gold and white card with a wintry tree, snowy background, birds and a small deer reflects PEACE.  Thoughtful Branches” is the retired die set used for our winter tree.  The gold deer comes from the current “Detailed Deer Dies” and the little birds from the retired “Swirly Bird” set.  The Cherry Cobbler card card base and layers have eye-catching opposing rounded corners.  The Detailed Trio Punch allows crafters to easily and quickly round corners. The Softly Falling embossing folder leaves snowflakes tumbling from the sky,  Sparkle Glimmer Paper provides snowy ground and the sparkling tree.  Gold and Cherry Cobbler birds embellish this peaceful setting.  I must admit this is one of my favorite holiday cards.

This picturesque yet easy to make card will have all the pieces die cut for you. The card stock has been cut, and die cutting the individual pieces is next up on my agenda. Again, like the other cards we have seen, you will simply adhere the pieces and presto – your card will be similar to the sample seen above.

So when can you make this card?  The dates for this annual Stamp Camp are July 18 & 20 – Thursday July 18 from 12 N – 7 PM and Saturday July 20 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  I  need a firm count on how many you wish to do of each card. The cost for Christmas in July includes your very own brand new Wink of Stella Glitter Brush for your use during this Stamp Camp and then take home – an $8 value!  As always, the cost includes all supplies, tools and adhesive.  Water and soda are in the fridge to keep you hydrated, and a snack to keep you from starving.  You are welcome to bring a snack for yourself or something to share. 

Please please please let me know which date you will be attending and which cards you wish to make.  The last card will be posted shortly. 

Blessings, Rosemary – (home)630.759.3089 – (cell/text)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

MERRY GINGERBREAD–Christmas in July

Merry Gingerbread looks good enough to eat!  This fun fold Z-card features a cute gingerbread guy and gal.  The little boy is embellished with a red glitter bow tie and gold buttons while the girl is festooned with a gold glitter hair bow and red rhinestone necklace.  The duo are layered on Sparkle Glimmer Paper and red cs.  A festive gingerbread house is perched in the corner.

This view shows the Z form.  Additionally, you can see how the Christmas designer paper carries thru to the inside of the card.  The Z-card feature is circular in shape unlike the square or rectangle we normally see.  Our gingerbread stamp set is retired as is the designer paper.  The set includes several other holiday figures including a Santa Clause, Eskimo, bear and the moose head stamped on the envelope above. 

So, you may be saying to yourself:  “And what have you done to help me make this card?”  Answer:  The cs and designer paper have been scored and cut, the Sparkle Glimmer scallops and red circles have been cut, the gingerbread houses are cut (thanks to the Scan’N’Cut), the gingerbread people are stamped and ready for the Scan’N’Cut to do its job tomorrow.  The bow ties, buttons and hair bows will be punched out.  All you have to do is put this cute card together – a bit of adhesive here and there and you are done!

The dates for this annual Stamp Camp are July 18 & 20 – Thursday July 18 from 12 N – 7 PM and Saturday July 20 from 9 AM – 4 PM. Please please please provide me with a firm count on how many you wish to do of each card.  Merry Gingerbread is card #2.  I will repost the prices in the post for card #3 – Peace.  Check back shortly.

Blessings, Rosemary – (home)630.759.3089 – (cell/text)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES–Christmas in July

Are you ready for Christmas?  I’m certainly not. but Christmas in July is my first step is preparing holiday messages to our friends and loved ones.  This is your chance too!  Christmas in July is an opportunity for you to make 4 or 8 or 12 or 16 or 20 Christmas cards – or even more.  Debbie and I are cutting cs, embossing, die cutting, stamping – everything we can do to make this a fun, easy Stamp Camp!  Your job is to let me know JUST AS SOON AS YOU CAN, which day you will come and how many of each card you wish to do.  You can do all one card – or mix and match.  Just make sure it is a multiple of 4 as the pricing is based on multiples of 4. 

Our first card is Beautiful Baubles.  The ornament comes from the “Detailed Baubles Thinlits Dies” that is currently on the Stampin’Up Clearance Rack for $18.  This Night of Navy and Whisper White card features a silver and navy ornament embellished with a silver and white satin bow.  The Whisper White cs is tufted-embossed and glitters with blue rhinestones and Sparkle Glimmer Paper. 

So – you may be asking “What have you done to help me create this card?”  Answer:  The paper is cut and embossed, the bows are made, the die cuts are done, the sentiments have been stamped and cut, and the rhinestones have been colored!  All you have to do is take the pieces and adhere them onto the card!  Easy Peasy!

The dates for this annual Stamp Camp are July 18 & 20 – Thursday July 18 from 12 N – 7 PM and Saturday July 20 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  I  need a firm count on how many you wish to do of each card. The cost for Christmas in July includes your very own brand new Wink of Stella Glitter Brush for your use during this Stamp Camp and then take home – an $8 value!  As always, the cost includes all supplies, tools and adhesive.  Water and soda are in the fridge to keep you hydrated, and a snack to keep you from starving.  You are welcome to bring a snack for yourself or something to share. 

Please please please let me know which date you will be attending and which cards you wish to make.  The next card will be posted shortly. 

Blessings, Rosemary – (home)630.759.3089 – (cell/text)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com