Sassy & Sweet Notes

Sizzix Holiday Gift Guide

I was delighted to be one of the participating designers for the 2014 Sizzix Holiday Gift Guide. My assignment was For the Gardener, and I made some festive watering can ornaments using various designer papers.

I loved how this one turned out, using the fun striped paper!

I also made embellished candy canes, using the cute garden tool die.

Check out the tutorials for all of the projects and be sure to check out the deals included in the gift guide -- you're sure to find something fun for a gift idea, or even something for yourself!

Waiting for his Nose

I did a little crafting today and created this tall, thin snowman to add to our holiday decor. All he needs now is his nose, which long-time blog reader and friend Yvonne is sending along - Thanks Yvonne!! This fella can't wait to smell sugar cookies and hot cocoa!

His body is made from tea dyed muslin. His hat is made from a beautiful black and grey plaid flannel, and his scarf is a strip of festive homespun. I sewed rusty old bells to his belly, and hand stitched his eyes and smile. On his hip, I added a small little pocket so that I could tuck some pip berry and evergreen sprigs, as well as a glittery branch and little tin star.

I LOVE SNOWMEN! *grin*

Sizzix Country and Retro Ornament Tags

I have these fun country inspired ornament tags...

...and retro ornament tags featured today on the Sizzix blog! I love that I was able to incorporate sentiments from my Whipper Snapper Designs Got Mistletoe cling mount set. What fun!

Snowmen! Yaaaaay!!

Super cute snowman themed release from The Stamps of Life for October! I made a video to share my projects. Enjoy!

If you're having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can also find it on my YouTube channel.

Sizzix Halloween Treat Pockets

I have these fun, sugar-free Halloween treats being featured on the Sizzix blog today!

High Hopes Challenge: Ice or Snow

It's Tuesday, and time for a new High Hopes blog challenge! The current High Hopes challenge is called Ice or Snow.

I chose to use the new Penguin's Tree image for my card. I stamped the image on Neenah cardstock using Memento ink and colored it with ShinHan Touch Twin markers. And look at the cute little embossed holly and bow! I made that embellishment with the Sizzix Holly Embosslit. Fun!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Studio
Dies: Sizzix Holly Embosslit
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: Button, hemp twine, Stickles, tracing wheel

High Hopes Sneak Peek!

High Hopes has a wonderful image release taking place on Wednesday, and the designers are doing a few sneak peeks this week using the new images. For today's project, I used Santa's Gift to create this holiday card.

I created the fun frame on this card using the newly released Enchanted framelits die, from the Sizzix Prima line. Such a fun, elegant set of dies!

I recommend popping on over to the High Hopes blog to check out the rest of the team's peeks for today! Fun stuff!

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Dies: Sizzix Prima Enchanted
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Studio
Ink: Memento Black
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: American Crafts ribbon, button, hemp twine, tracing wheel, Stickles glitter glue

High Hopes Challenge: Christmas in July

It's Tuesday, and time for a new High Hopes blog challenge! Christmas in July is our theme this week, so pull out your High Hopes images, and join us!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes Stamps
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah, Simple Stories Handmade Holiday
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: EK Snowflake punch, button, twine, tracing wheel

The Challenge Chicks: Halloween in July

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give one a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for July 2014 has been issued by me! The challenge topic is Halloween in July. I was tempted to issue a Christmas in July challenge, but that's been done. Everywhere. So, why not give a little love to Halloween!? (You can do fall/autumn if you don't do Halloween cards...)

For my card I used the Rickety House and Branch Tree Sizzix Bigz dies. I die cut the house and tree from black card stock. Behind the die cut shapes is a piece of watercolor paper that I painted/smooshed with various colors of Distress Ink. I also randomly stamped a Halloween sentiment on the background, from my Spooky Expressions cling mount set from Whipper Snapper Designs.

The ghost on the card is from my Happy Haunting cling mount set from Whipper Snapper Designs. He is stamped on Neenah card stock, colored with Touch Twin markers, cut out, and adhered to the card with foam adhesive. A fun mix of cute and spooky.... just how I like Halloween.

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

You'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXJUL14. We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

Supplies
Stamps: Happy Haunting and Spooky Expressions cling mount sets from Whipper Snapper Designs
Dies: Rickety House and Branch Tree Sizzix Bigz
Ink: Distress Inks
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Paper: Fabriano 100% Cotton Cold Press Watercolor paper; Neenah
Other: Gingham Ribbon, Niji Waterbrush

The Challenge Chicks: My Furry Valentine (and Video)

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give one a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for February 2014 is issued by Diane! She is challenging us with the topic of My Furry Valentine, and asks us to make a Valentine using a critter themed image. I love this topic because not only do I love using critter themed stamps, but I also love making little projects for critters in our immediate and extended family! 

For my project I decided to make little dog treat pouches with Valentine themed toppers. I used my Twiggy stamp on one, and a Penny Black stamp on the other. These pouches are quick, easy and FUN! to put together.

If you'd like to see other toppers I've made, here are a few links for you:
Halloween Treats
Puppy Love
Christmas Wraps for Pets - Woof!
Treat Toppers for Humans
Treat Toppers for Dogs
Treat Toppers for Furry Friends
Treat Toppers for Furry Friends Part 2

And finally, in this video I share a few more details on the products I've used to make these fun teats.

If you have trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can also find it on my YouTube Channel.

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

You'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXFEB14. We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Twiggy from Whipper Snapper Designs, Good Boy! from Penny Black
Dies: Sizzix Labels 6; Spellbinders Circle, Scalloped Circle, and Asian Accents
Paper: Crate Paper, Neenah
Ink: Black StazOn
Albrecht Durer 120 Watercolor Pencil Set
Other: Crochet Thread, Studio G Glitter Glue, Ultra Fine Diamond Dust Glitter, Darice Foam Conversation Hearts, Heart Gem, Button

The Challenge Chicks: Winter Wonderland

Welcome to a new year of Challenge Chicks challenges! If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give one a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for January 2014 is issued by me! I'm not ready to let go of winter just yet, so January is all about Winter Wonderland! For my project I used the Trophy Ice Skates die from Sizzix to create a refridgerator magnet. I adhered patterned paper to chipboard and ran the die and chipboard through my BigShot.

Once the shapes were cut, I inked the edges a bit, colored the heel and blade on each skate with markers, and embellished with laces, sparkly twigs, baubles, a tag and glittery bell. I glued two strong magnets on the back so it would have some holding power while on the fridge.

And as an added bonus for you, here are two wool felt ornaments my Mom made with the same Sizzix die while I was visiting her and Dad for Christmas. Beautiful, don't you agree!?

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

And finally, you'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXJAN14 . We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

 

Supplies for Magnet
Dies: Sizzix Trophy Ice Skates, Spellbinders Tag
Stamp: A Muse
Paper: American Crafts, chipboard, Neenah
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink in Brushed Corduroy, Black StazOn
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: BG7, WG9
Other: Hemp twine, Glittered decor pics, tracing wheel, bell, magnets

Supplies for Felt Ornaments
Dies: Sizzix Trophy Ice Skates, Spellbinders leaves
Other: Wool felt, button, DMC floss

A Wonderful Gift

I wanted to share this most wonderful handmade card we received from friend, Troy Louise! She used a very detailed die to create this amazing card using cardstock and foiled paper! Look at the details!

No detail was over-looked. From the velum windows and headlight, steel accents everywhere, and even the dog's features! So fun!!

And just as amazing as the card is this gorgeous felt mitten ornament she made. Her beautiful handwork really shines on this piece! Sequins and beads add to the charm -- I love it so! Thank you, thank you!!

Primitive Cat Wool Felt Ornaments

We've made it tradition to do craft projects while I'm visiting Mom and Dad for Christmas. This year, Mom and I decided to make wool felt ornaments using various dies and hand drawn patterns. I made a couple of primitive cats, using wool felt, embroidery thread, rusty wire, bells, and some cute mother of pearl buttons.
Even their cat Streak got in on the action. Meow! *grin*

Peace and Love to You and Yours

Merry Christmas, snowbird style!

Tags

Still working on wrapping gifts this fine Christmas Eve? Here are a few tags that perhaps will provide some inspiration!

Garden twine, a few pieces of card stock, and a wee jingle bell were used to make this tag.

I love using big gingham ribbon on packages! This tag is embellished with pine twig and pinecone die cuts from Impression Obsession, set on top of a few felt leaves. I used red glitter paper for the pinked circle layer for lots of sparkle and shine.

To dress up the bow, I added a pretty red Buttons Galore button that I topped with a snowflake gem.

This tag is dressed up with a silk poinsettia I plucked from a flower bunch. I set the flower on two felt leaves.

And finally, a simpler version using the Impression Obsession pinecone and twig dies. Quick and easy, and super cute! *grin*

Totally CUTE!

Ever have one of those gifts that's sooooo hard to part with you are actually just tempted to keep it for yourself? This was one of those gifts for me. But I knew he was going to a wonderful home, complete with a real life version of himself. So, I sent him on his way. Not before I gave him lots of squeezes, though!

Alan and I were doing a bit of shopping and came across him. I knew exactly who he needed to live with, so home with us he went. I dressed up his hat a bit with the button and holly for a little festive cheer!

Nothing like a cute pup to bring a little extra joy to a cold winter day!

Treats!

I love giving repackaged treats at Christmas. Whether homemade goodies, or store bought treats that get a little packaging facelift. This year I put together some cute packages of humorous goodies, too! Using "reindeer poop" as the inspiration, I made packages of Frosty Goat Poo. Life on the farm has lots of benefits. *grin* I chose to use cute little treat bags I picked up at Michael's that have little sheep faces printed on them. Close enough to what I needed! I added a farm fresh tag and on the backside I wrote the name of the treats.

Another style of treats I put together this year are packages of Hershey nuggets I wrapped with various printed papers, and packaged in long clear envelopes. I added tags to the top of the packages and cute bows embellished with buttons and snowflakes. I saw the idea for these treat packets on Pinterest, I believe.

I think packaging, or repackaging gifts is a fun gift to give for Christmas. Another gift I put together this year were pretty serving bowls filled with 2 dozen farm fresh eggs. I chose pretty bowls I thought our friends would like, filled them with fresh eggs, covered with clear wrap, added a pretty ribbon bow and tag, and delivered them to their homes. They were well received! This is an idea I will be tucking away for years to come.

Simple Christmas Card

Quick and easy! Santa's Helper is colored very simply with markers. For a bit more pizzazz, glitter could be added to the star, buckle, or maybe even the fur and ball of the hat!

Altered Clear Pail and Chocolates

I mentioned in my post yesterday that having fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year has put a wrinkle in my to-do list. I normally make lots of homemade treats to mail out to family and friends, but this year I wasn't really expecting to have so little extra time! So, some store-bought treats were assembled instead for packages that needed mailing. It's still all good, right!? *grin*

This is one of the containers I altered, and filled with individually wrapped chocolate nuggets. The pail is from Stampendous. I chose pretty papers from the Lost & Found Special Christmas Edition by My Minds Eye. I love that the reds on the paper are even glittered! I used a vintage red pipe cleaner, some pretty silver leaves, a holly leaf made with the Sizzix Embosslit, some cute little painted pinecones, and some red pip berries to decorate the top of the container. A pretty red gingham ribbon bow is tied to the handle.

I hope the jolly elf and his family who receive this enjoys a bit of chocolate!

A Few Holiday Cards

Sorry for the long delay in blog posts! I didn't realize it'd been so long! Sheesh! I'm up to my eyeballs in holiday projects, glue, glitter, wrapping, packaging, addressing, stamping, and trying to get things ready for the mail before I leave next week for the great, COLD, hopefully snowy, northwest. It's amazing how having 6 fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas puts a wrinkle in my project list!

So, how about a few holiday cards to make up for my absence...

I've gotten more use from the holly Embosslit from Sizzix this year. Such a great size, and I love that it cuts and embosses at the same time!

Peek-a-boo penguins. *grin*

Penguin greetings!

All stamps and dies from either The Stamps of Life or Sizzix.

Mix-Ability Challenge: Chalk It To Me

Happy Friday!! There's a new Mix-Ability Challenge posted today in the challenge forum at SplitCoastStampers! The challenge is called Chalk It To Me (MIX45), and you are to use VersaMark ink and chalks or pan pastels. VersaMark ink is a clear, sticky ink usually used for watermarking or for heat embossing. But as you can see, it also works great with chalks!

For my project, I chose to use my recently released Snowflake Background stamp for the background image on this card. I stamped the image in VersaMark ink on black cardstock. Then, using a pouncing motion, I applied silver and pale blue shimmery chalks to the stamped image. The powder of the chalks sticks to the VersaMark ink, revealing the design left by the stamp and clear ink. It's difficult to see the full shimmer in the photos -- trust me, this card has some serious sparkle and shine! Even the silver mat layer is CRAZY sparkly!!

The die cut I used is called Vintage Noel, from Sizzix. I adhered some vintage sheet music to some thin chipboard (for added strength and dimension) and die cut the word. I then inked the entire surface of the die cut with VersaMark ink and used various colors of chalk to add blended color to the letters. To dress up the word even more, I added a few pine sprigs that were die cut from super-sparkly silver paper. I added a little red button to the cluster for a pop of color.

The idea behind the Mix-Ability Challenge is to make mixed media simple and approachable, and to let you experiment using things you already have. Each Friday a new challenge is hosted, but there is no time limit, so you can participate whenever you'd like on each challenge. Join us, won't you!?

 

Supplies
Stamps: Snowflake Background (Whipper Snapper Designs)
Ink: VersaMark
Paper: Neenah, American Crafts, Vintage Sheet Music, Chipboard
Dies: Vintage Noel (Sizzix), Pine Sprig Cluster (Impression Obsession)
Other: Stamps of Life Button, Pebbles Shimmer Chalks, tracing wheel

Impression Obsession: Let It Snow

A new challenge is being shared today on the Impression Obsession Blog, and I hope you join the fun! The challenge topic is "Let It Snow". I chose to use this darling little snowman image called Snow Baby 2 and the Merry Little Christmas sentiment stamp to create a rather clean and simple Christmas card.

The image is colored with ShinHan Touch Twin markers, and Studio G glitter was added for sparkle and shine. I used some fabulous silver glitter paper from American Crafts, along with a pretty blue paper from Bazzil for the die cut shapes. I added some pine sprig die cuts on either side of a pretty red button for a little extra embellishment to the baker's twine bow.

Find all the details on how to enter the challenge on the Impression Obsession Blog. A random challenge entry will be selected to showcase on the IO blog and you can to enter to win a $25 gift certificate to IO just by playing!

Now, get ready for a wonderful dose of inspiration and check out what the other team members created for the challenge. Have fun!!

Anna Wight (that's me!)
Daniela Dobson
Dina Kowal
Ellen Taylor
Jeanne Streiff
Jenny Gropp
Kittie Caracciolo
Laura Fulcher
Vicki Garret
Impression Obsession Blog

 

Supplies
Stamps: Impression Obsession
Dies: Pine Sprig Cluster (Impression Obsession), Circle, Pinked Circle, and Scalloped Circle (Spellbinders)
Ink: Ranger Distress Inks in brown
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: CG1, PB144, YR21, R3, R2, R1, R136
Paper: Neenah, American Crafts, Bazzil, Paper Accents
Other: Studio G glitter glue, Buttons Galore Red Button, Baker's Twine

High Hopes Challenge: Santa!

The current High Hopes challenge is SANTA! I thought I would share several of my High Hopes Santa projects, to give you a HUGE dose of inspiration! The first card uses Woodland Santa, a rugged northernly fella if I ever saw one!

Here's Fishing Santa dressed in his weekend duds!

Tropical Santa, chillin' after he's done spreading all the Christmas cheer!

A happy go lucky, Santa Portrait card, dressed up with one of my glittered snowflakes!

Santa pulling one of the gang, in the Reindeer Games image.

Skiing Santa, clearly out on vacation!

Sm Stackable Santa on a gift card holder!

Moon Santa decorating a chipoard ornament.

Flyin' High Santa on a fancy fold card.

Father Christmas Block, on a cute square scalloped card.

Christmas Pals, lookin' all cheery and cute!

And finally Elegant Santa, wishing you a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

High Hopes Challenge: A Color Challenge

The current High Hopes challenge is a color challenge ... Red, Green and Blue. I chose to use Penguin Block for my card.

The image is stamped in black Memento ink and colored with ShinHan Touch Twin markers. I sponged a bit of brown ink to the edges, to warm up the colors a bit.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Distress Ink in various shades of brown
Paper: Neenah, Paper Accents, American Crafts
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: R2, R3, R136, CG .5, CG1, Y36, Y35, YR33, YR32, G48, G54, G56, B66, B67, B68, YR24
Other: Sizzix holly and bow die, Ranger Dry Stickles glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, burlap, hemp twine, antique button, tracing wheel

Fancy Fold Template

This is for those of you who were interested in the measurements I used for the Flyin' High Santa fancy fold card I recently shared.

This template will show you in Purple where to make score lines on your card base, and Red lines where you need to make cuts. Click on the photo for a larger view.

Once you have the folds and cuts made, use this photo to see how to press the card base into shape. I applied a bit of adhesive to the small middle section that's at the top of the card in this photo.

Hope this helps!

Impression Obsession: Inspired by a Quote

Big news! I'm gettin' stamp happy with the girls of the Impression Obsession design team! A new challenge is being shared today, and I hope you join the fun! The challenge topic is "Inspired by a Quote".

I was inspired to use the I'll Be Home sentiment, since just this week I purchased my plane ticket for my trip up to Washington for the Christmas holiday. And, since I totally LOVE snowmen, I chose to use A Bump in the Snow image which reminds me of winters spent playing in the snow with my sister and brother.

The image is colored with Touch Twin markers and I used various shades of brown Distress Ink to ink the edges of the stamped panels. So toasty looking, don't you think!? The image is accented with Studio G glitter glue, and I used some little snowflake embellishments to add a bit of sparkle. (They look silver in the photo, but they're actually clear with a silver lining on the backside.)

Find all the details on how to enter the challenge on the Impression Obsession Blog. A random challenge entry will be selected to showcase on the IO blog and you can to enter to win a $25 gift certificate to IO just by playing!

Now, get ready for a wonderful dose of inspiration and check out what the other team members created for the challenge. Have fun!!

Anna Wight (that's me!)
Daniela Dobson
Dina Kowal
Ellen Taylor
Jeanne Streiff
Jenny Gropp
Kittie Caracciolo
Laura Fulcher
Vicki Garret
Impression Obsession Blog

 

Supplies
Stamps: Impression Obsession
Ink: Ranger Distress Inks in brown
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: CG1, BG1, BG3, PB144, YR21, R3, R2, R1, BR103, BR94, BR96
Paper: Neenah, Paper Accents, American Crafts, Recollections
Other: Studio G glitter glue, Hobby Lobby snowflake embellishments, Spellbinders Oval die, tracing wheel

High Hopes Challenge: Anything (HH) Christmas

The current High Hopes challenge is Anything (High Hopes) Christmas. I chose to use Callie Christmas Kitty for my card. I used fancy Sizzix label dies to cut out the white and black die cut shapes.The paper behind is from the American Crafts Kringle and Co line.

Callie is stamped in black Memento ink and colored with ShinHan Touch Twin markers. I used a button from a packet of holiday colored Dress It Up buttons, along with some black and white gingham ribbon. A few punched holly leaves are tucked under the button. I added Studio G glitter glue to the candy canes and ornaments for sparkle and shine.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us!

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, Paper Accents, American Crafts
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: R2, R3, R136, CG .5, CG1, Y36, Y35, YR33, YR32, G48, G54, G56, B66, B67, B68, YR24
Other: Sizzix Label dies, Studio G glitter glue, Ribbon, Dress It Up button, EK Holly Punch, Tracing Wheel

Mix-Ability Challenge Hostess

Having been a long-time member and Dirty Dozen alumni for SplitCoastStampers (a popular online stamping community group), I was thrilled to join the Mix-Ability Challenge hostess team. My first hosted challenge was posted last Friday - somehow my blog post about it failed to upload. So here I am today, sharing the news! And even though the challenge was posted last week, you can still participate!

The idea behind the Mix-Ability Challenge is to make mixed media simple and approachable, and to let you experiment using things you already have. Each Friday a new challenge is hosted, but there is no time limit, so you can participate whenever you'd like on each challenge.

My challenge (MIX40) is called Stick it to me, darling! You are to use a sticky medium to adhere glitter to your project. Use a liquid, spray, or tape adhesive, and of course GLITTER!! For my project, I chose to use a chipboard frame from Crafty Secrets. I used Ranger Crackle Accents as the liquid adhesive to hold my dry stickles glitter in place. The result was a perfectly glittered frame I could use on my card.

I hope you check out the Mix-Ability Challenge forum on SplitCoastStampers! There's still time to participate in my challenge. If you're new to the idea of mixed media, and want to see about giving it a try, learning more, and have fun in the process, I encourage you to keep an eye on each Friday challenge. I am excited to be part of the group, and sharing some "mixy" projects with you!

Supplies
Stamp: Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Black Memento, Ranger Distress Inks in brown tones
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon Misc Strip, The Stamps of Life, American Crafts
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: R2, PB144, Y36, YR21, R136
Other: Sizzix Holly and bow dies, hemp twine, Crafty Secrets chipboard frame, Ranger Crackle Accents, Ranger Dry Stickles glitter, The Stamps of Life button and brad, tracing wheel

High Hopes Challenge: Fancy Fold

The current High Hopes challenge is to do a Fancy Fold card (anything other than a standard card fold). I chose to use Flyin' High Santa for my card, along with an old Stampendous sentiment stamp. I've been meaning to make this card for some time, so this week's fancy fold challenge was just the inspiration and motivation I needed to actually get it done!

From the front of the card, it might not look like a fancy fold, but the side view tells a different story! A fancy fold, indeed!

I added lots of die cut clouds to all the various layers of the card, giving it lots and LOTS of dimension. The plane is cut out by hand, and a healthy layer of Glossy Accents added to the entire surface. While the Glossy Accents was still wet, I very lightly sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds glitter for extra sparkle and shine. I attached the banner to the plane with baker's twine, and embellished the banner with a cute acrylic snowflake accent. And if you look really close, you can see a little tiny white pom pom on the tip of Santa's hat. *cute!*

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us for this week's challenge!

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes (image), Stampendous (sentiment)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, Paper Accents
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: R2, R3, R136, CG1, CG3, CG5, BG1, BG3, BG5, GY175, Y36, YR33, PB183, PB70
Other: PTI cloud die, Ranger Glossy Accents, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Snowflake gem (Hobby Lobby), Darice pom pom, Tracing Wheel

High Hopes Challenge: It's Snowing!

The current High Hopes challenge is It's Snowing!

Unfortunately, it's not snowing here on the farm, though... boy, wouldn't THAT be fun!? That would take me back to when I was a kid growing up in NE Washington state. There were many Halloween nights spent trick-or-treating in the first snow of the season. Of course, there were also many Easter mornings with eggs hidden in snow, too... We won't be so lucky to get snow here in Texas.

On my project I chose to use Candy Cane Penguin. The papers I chose to use on the background are from The Paper Studio (I Believe in Santa) paper pad. I thought the pretty blue and white snowflake print combined with the red and white polka dot print would make a cheerful wintery, and SNOWY, greeting.

I added some pretty black velvet ribbon to the card, as well as a snowflake embellishment that I made using an EK Success snowflake punch and a little glossy snowflake gem (from Hobby Lobby).

The image is colored with ShinHan Touch Twin markers. I added clear Studio G glitter glue to some areas, and added a bit more sparkle and shine by topping the glitter glue (before it dried) with some Dazzling Diamonds ultra fine glitter. Sparkle and shine, baby... sparkle and shine!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog. I hope you join us for this week's challenge!

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Studio
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: R2, R3, R11, R136, CG1, CG3, CG5, BG1, BG3, BG5, GY175
Other: Sizzix Majestic Labels die, EK Success Snowflake Punch, Studio G glitter glue, Celebrate It Velvet Ribbon, Snowflake gem (Hobby Lobby), Tracing Wheel

Halloween Treats (and Video)

I finished the Halloween treat toppers! The bags are entire pound of fun gummies of all sorts!

The ghost image is from The Stamps of Life Spooky2Scare stamp set. The sentiment tag was made with small little stamps I bought at Michael's a few years ago. The topper was made with an ornate label die from Sizzix/Stephanie Barnard (cut and then scored and folded down the center), and a couple of Spellbinders circle dies.

The back of the topper has a list of creepy treats Alan and I dreamed up.

Don't they sound delish!? Each thing on the list is represented by a different kind of candy in the bag. Oooooh, gooey fun!

I also put together a basket of goodies, including one of the big candy bags, one of my Halloween Pencil Treats, and a cute little Halloween notepad I bought earlier this month. The basket is a wooden berry basket that I painted black and dressed up with holiday papers, tulle, buttons, and twine.

If you'd like to see the video I made where I share the toppers and a few other Halloween projects, here you go!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you'll find it on my YouTube channel.

Happy, happy, HAPPY Monday...

Halloween Treats Sneak Peek

Here's a peek at some Halloween goodies I've been working on... I plan to do a quick video about these and will post more photos as well, but wanted to give a peek at the progress. Spooky-Fun!!

High Hopes Challenge: Make a Box!

The current High Hopes challenge is to make a box. I whipped up this cocoa mix and candy cane treat ensemble using a pillow box. So that I could insert the candy cane, I snipped the end flaps on the pillow box a bit shy of the end of the box so that when they were folded closed they created a hole for the candy cane to fit through. Works like a charm!

I chose to use the adorable Snowy's Cup and the Warm Winter Wishes sentiment, along w/ some holiday paper from an older paper stack called Harvest and Holiday, by Debbie Mumm for JoAnn.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: JoAnn, Neenah
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: Dress It Up button, twine, May Arts ribbon, Hobby Lobby Candy Cane charm, ClearBags.com Pillow Box

The Challenge Chicks: Halloween, with a twist!

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give one a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for October 2013 is being shared today! This month's challenge is Halloween, but there's a twist! It's Halloween with NO Orange, NO Green, and NO Purple!

For my project, I chose to use a few of my Whipper Snapper Designs Halloween themed stamps. For the background image, I used Halloween Toss stamped in black StazOn ink on paper from the My Mind's Eye 6x6 Mischievous paper pad. I added a strip of black glitter ribbon for a little pizazz. The sentiment is from my Spooky Expressions cling mount set. I love when I finally get to pull this set out for projects!!

I hand cut the sentiment banner...

...and added a cute black pumpkin die cut under the black button for a little something extra. The pumpkin die is from The Stamps of Life.

On the inside of the card, I added another sentiment from the Spooky Expressions cling mount set, and stamped the dangly spider from the same set.

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

And finally, you'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXOCT13 . We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

High Hopes Challenge: Sketch!

The current High Hopes challenge is a sketch challenge! I hope you join the fun! For my project, I chose to use the adorable Candy Cane Penguin along w/ some holiday paper from The Paper Studio.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: The Paper Studio, Neenah
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Other: Dress It Up Snowflake, button, thread, Tracing Wheel, StudioG glitter glue

The Challenge Chicks: Die Cuts!

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give one a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for September 2013 is being shared today!

This month's challenge is to use Die Cuts on your project! I chose to use several on this project to create a fun Christmas card with a bit of a country feel. First, I die cut a window on the front of my card using a framelit die from Sizzix. Then I created the light using the light background and light parts dies from The Stamps of Life. I "hung" the light across the window using hemp cord attached to the sides of the window with buttons. The sentiment banner is also a die cut that I added faux stitching to, and decorated with a cute brown button.

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

And finally, you'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXSEP13 . We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Lights4Christmas (The Stamps of Life)
Ink: Memento Black, Stazon Black
Dies: Lights4Christmas (The Stamps of Life), Fancy Frame (Sizzix), Banners #2 (Sizzix)
Paper: Simple Stories, The Stamps of Life, Bazzil
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: CG1
Other: Tracing Wheel, Hemp Twine, Buttons

High Hopes Challenge: Pearls or Gems

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to add pearls or gems to your project.

For my project, I chose to use Candy Cane Penguin. I added a few different sizes of pearls to the background, and to add a little visual interest, I used my tracing wheel to create blade tracks on the skating pond.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, Bazzil, Stampin' Up
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: PG144, PB185, R3, R2, CG1, CG3, CG5, WG1, GY175
Other: Adhesive pearls, tracing wheel, bakers twine, Corner Chomper

High Hopes Challenge: Sparkle & Shine

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to add sparkle and shine to your project! That's pretty easy with glitter or gems!

For my project, I chose to use SNOW. For sparkle, I added a healthy coating of Ranger's Clear Rock Candy dry glitter. Oooh la la! It adhered perferctly with a 2-way glue pen ... it's not going anywhere! And I wish you could see the sparkle!

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Dies: Scalloped Border from The Stamps of Life
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon, Stampin' Up
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: PB144, R2, R3, R136, BG1, BG3, BG5, BG7
Other: Tracing Wheel, button, bakers twine, 2-Way Glue Pen, Distress Dry Glitter in Clear Rock Candy

High Hopes Challenge: Red and Green

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to use Red and Green on your project! That's pretty easy, especially with the new holiday images!

For my project, I chose to use Elegant Santa, Sm. Open Holly, and Holly Jolly.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon, Stampin' Up
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: YR133, R136, BG1, BG3, BG5, R5, R3, G56, BG52, Y36, YR32, YR21
Other: Tracing Wheel, button, string, office supply tag

Cheeto

Meet Cheeto, one of my new Whipper Snapper stamps.

Have you starting making your holiday cards, yet?

 

Supplies
Stamp: Cheeto, Whipper Snapper Designs
Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon, Stampin' Up, Paper Accents
Other: Sizzix Zig Zag Circle and Ornate #2 Label die, EK Holly punch, buttons, string, tracing wheel

High Hopes Christmas Fun Blog Hop & Release

It's time for a new High Hopes release! Today we have a Blog Hop to celebrate the release. The designers are showcasing some of the stamps that will be released today.

You will want to start at the top of the hop at the High Hopes Blog then hop along the way. There will be prizes along the hop, but you won't know where! Leave a comment at each blog to be entered into the prize giveaway.

The hop will remain open until 12:00 midnight EST, Saturday August 10th. The prize winners will be posted on Monday on the High Hopes blog.

Now, hop along to Aaemie's blog and see what wonderful inspiration she has to share with you!

High Hopes Challenge: Favorite Embellishment

The current High Hopes challenge topic is to use your Favorite Embellishment! For me, that's buttons!

For my project, I chose to use one of the new holiday images called Christmas Pals.

Find all the details of this week's challenge on the High Hopes blog.

 

Supplies
Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah, The Paper Loft
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: PB144, R1, R2, R3, R4, GY175, Y42, Y169, R136, YR132, Br103, BR107, BR96, Y36, YR31, BG1, BG3, BG5
Other: Tracing Wheel, October Afternoon button, hemp twine, Spellbinders deckled rectangle die

High Hopes Sneak Peek!

On Wednesday of this week, High Hopes is releasing their line of 2013 holiday images. And if you're a fan of Santa, snowmen, and penguins, you're in for a treat!

Speaking of treats, I decorated this treat packet with a fun and easy snowman tag -- one of the images in the upcoming release. The sentiment is a separate stamp, so you can leave his tummy blank, add To and From, or add a sentiment as I've done. So cute, so easy, so fun!

 

Supplies
Stamp: Snowy Tag & sentiment (High Hopes Stamps)
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Neenah
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: PB144, BG1, BG3, BG5, BG7, CG1, CG3, CG5, GY175, Y42, Y169, R136, RP7, RP89
Other: Holly Punch (Martha Stewart), Button, string, tracing wheel, May Arts twine

The Challenge Chicks: Christmas in July

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give participating a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for July 2013 is being shared today!

This month's challenge is Christmas in July!

For my project I chose a cute High Hopes image, and added an old sentiment from A*Muse.

Now, get yourself a good dose of inspiration and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

And finally, you'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXJULY13 . We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

 

Supplies
Stamp: High Hopes (image), A*Muse (sentiment)
Ink: Memento Black, Brown Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, JilliBean Soup, Bo Bunny
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: BR107, BR104, BR103, BR97, BR92, R2, R3, YR31, CG.5, CG1, CG2, BG1, BG3, R136
Other: Tracing Wheel, Twine, Button, May Arts Ribbon, Glue Dots, PTI Tag Die, Labels Fancy #4 Die by Stephanie Barnard for Sizzix

Taylored Expressions February Spotlight: Easter Doodles

It's release week for Taylored Expressions, and I have two more Easter Doodles projects to share with you. The first one features those cute little chicks again!

I stamped the chick several times on cardstock, cut them out and adhered them to my card to create this scene. Pretty darn cheerful, if you ask me! In addition to the cheerful chicks, the eggs in the basket have a healthy coating of glitter on them, to add to the cheer.

Using another image from the Easter Doodles set, I created this simple bunny card. The little flower image on either side of the bunny is from the previously released set, Green Acres.

There's more inspiration being shared today, so here is a list of designers who will give you a healthy serving of goodness!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Jami Sibley (DT Coordinator)
• Jen Shults
• Kerri Michaud
• Lynnette Kauffman
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Tammie Edgerton
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess
• Anna Wight (Guest Designer)

 

Supplies (Chick Card):
Stamp: Taylored Expressions Easter Doodles
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger's Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y36, YR31, YR32, YR21, PB144, PB183, BR107, PB185, Y35, R36
Other: Tracing Wheel

Supplies (Bunny Card):
Stamp: Taylored Expressions Easter Doodles, Green Acres
Ink: Memento Black, Ranger's Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Cosmo Cricket
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: WG1, WG3, R36, PB183, Y36, GY175, R3, R2
Other: Spellbinders circle and pinked circle dies, Button, May Arts twine, Tracing Wheel, Kelp Green Prismacolor Pencil

Taylored Expressions February Sneak Peek: Easter Doodles

Today is Sneak Peek day for the February release for Taylored Expressions, and I'm thrilled to be joining the TE design team again for this month's release. All of the new products being showcased will be available Thursday, February 7th, at the Taylored Expressions site.

Today I'm sneak peeking the new set Easter Doodles, which is a large sized set filled with you guessed it -- doodles! And very cute doodles, too! For my project I used several images along with one of the sentiments included in the set to create this treat holder. Aren't those chicks just the cutest?!

I also used the same two chick images to create this clean and simple card, which doesn't necessarily have to be an Easter card! I used Spellbinders dies to create the green and yellow shaped layers, and chose to use some pretty yellow crocheted lace as an accent.

There's lots of fun happening today, and here's a list of designers who will give you a healthy serving of goodness!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Jen Shults
• Kerri Michaud
• Lynnette Kauffman
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Tammie Edgerton
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess
• Anna Wight (Guest Designer)
• Nancy McKinney (Illustrator)

 

Supplies:
Stamp: Taylored Expressions Easter Doodles
Ink: Memento Black, Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss, Ranger's Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Paper Accents, Stampin' Up!
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y36, YR31, YR32, YR21, PB144, PB183
Other: May Arts Ribbon and twine, Spellbinders circle, pinked circle and scalloped circle dies, Making Memories lace, Tracing Wheel, buttons and string

The Challenge Chicks: Valentines!

If you're a stamper and you like challenges, or you're new to the idea of challenges and want to give participating a whirl, I invite you to participate with The Challenge Chicks! We're a small group of friends and stampers hosting monthly challenges. Won't you join us?!

Our challenge for February 2013 is being shared today!

This month's challenge is easy:  Valentines!

For my project, I pulled out one of my Whipper Snapper cling mount sets, Bear Hugs. Dressed up in his bowtie, he looks like he's ready for some Valentine lovin' to me!

He's stamped in Memento ink and colored with Touch Twin markers. The rose, sentiment, and speech bubble are images also found in the Bear Hugs set. It was fun to create this little scene.

And, how about a bonus project!? I wrapped a conversation candy heart treat box with card stock, added a printed paper panel, and created the tag using an image from the Stampin' Up set called Gift Givers. Pretty simple, and a whole lot cuter than the printed box!

Now get yourself a good dose of some Valentine fun and check out the rest of The Challenge Chicks projects:

Diane Zechman
Lydia Fiedler
Jeanne Streiff
Kelli Hull
Kelly Schirmer
Anna Wight (that's me!)

And, finally, you'll find this month's challenge gallery on SplitCoastStampers using keyword CHXFEB13. We invite you to play along! Upload your project to your SplitCoastStampers gallery, add the keyword above, and your project will be automatically added to the gallery. Or join us on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing your projects!

 

Supplies (Bear)
Stamps: Whipper Snapper "Bear Hugs"
Paper: Neenah, BoBunny, Bazzill
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Ink: Memento Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink
Other: Bakers Twine, Tracing Wheel, Dress-it-Up Button, string

Supplies (Box)
Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Gift Givers"
Paper: Stampin' Up!, K&Company
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Ink: Memento Black
Other: Stampin' Up! Scallop Circle Punch, EK Success Circle Punch, Bakers Twine, Tracing Wheel

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Taylored Expressions January Spotlights: Graphic Greetings Valentine

I have one more Taylored Expressions project to share with you this week, and it's this uber-sparkly Valentine!

I stamped Graphic Greetings Valentine in brown Memento ink, inked the edges a bit with Antique Linen distress ink, and colored the arrow in the bottom right corner with a ShinHan Touch Twin marker. I then gave the entire stamped image a good spray of adhesive and dusted on the glitter. Boy, does it shimmer and shine!! I used two heart pins to dress up the bow a bit. The pins were much longer when I started, but I carefully snipped off some of their length with my always-handy Leatherman tool. *grin*

Here's a list of designers sharing projects today, so you can get a healthy serving of inspiration! Enjoy!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Jen Shults
• Kerri Michaud
• Lynnette Kauffman
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Tammie Edgerton
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess
• Anna Wight (Guest Designer)

 

Supplies
Stamps: Taylored Expressions Graphic Greetings Valentine
Ink: Memento Brown, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Cosmo Cricket Art Angel
Other: Satin Ribbon, Heart Pins, Vintage Button, String, Tracing Wheel, Martha Stewart Crystal Glitter, Alene's Spray Adhesive

Taylored Expressions January Release Day: Hugs & Kisses

Today is release day for the new January stamps and dies at Taylored Expressions, and I've got a lovey dovey project to share with you. I created this card using the new Hugs & Kisses stamp set and coordinating jar die. I LOVE this jar stamp and am thrilled that the set comes with a coordinating die for the jar!

I can think of so many fun ideas for this set not only for Valentine's Day, but for summertime canning tags and labels, tags for homemade goods, and the jar could even be vintage'd up and used as a tag on a gift bag of old timey candies! Oh yes, I see lots of sweet gifts for friends in my future.

The "XO" stamp I used inside the jar is separate from the jar stamp, so you can fill your jar with anything you'd like. For Valentine's Day, hugs and kisses seemed most appropriate. I gave the X's and O's a healthy coating of glitter, because really, who doesn't love hugs and kisses that sparkle!?

The tag on the jar was made with one of the new Designer Mini Tags dies, and the Love sentiment is from the Rose Bouquet stamp set. I cleverly placed a "u" from the designer paper on the backside of the tag, so it would show through the heart shaped hole that's cut in the tag. The papers used on this project are from BoBunny, and I think they're just as cute as can be.

There's lots of fun happening today, and here's a list of designers who will give you a healthy serving of goodness!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Jen Shults
• Kerri Michaud
• Lynnette Kauffman
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Tammie Edgerton
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess
• Jami Sibley (DT Coordinator)
• Anna Wight (Guest Designer)

 

Supplies
Stamps: Taylored Expressions Hugs & Kisses (images), Rose Bouquet (sentiment)
Dies: Taylored Expressions Hugs & Kisses Jar and Designer Mini Tags
Ink: Memento Brown, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny, Bazzill
Other: Bakers Twine, Tracing Wheel, Martha Stewart Crystal Glitter, Two-Way Glue Pen