christmas – Artful Musings

Tag: christmas

07
Sep
2017

Stampin’ Up Holiday Catalog

categories: Christmas Inspiration, Holiday Catalog, Stampin' Up!

Hello, crafty peeps! I hope you are pouring over the newly released Stampin’ Up! holiday catalog, picking out all your favorite items. As a demonstrator I had this opportunity last month and, though it felt like a Herculean feat, I decided to order just a few things.

I know I’ll place another order soon for a few more of the things I LOVED — truly there is so much to love in the catalog. In the meantime, thought it might be fun to share my Top 10 favorite items with you as well as a couple of the things I’ve made using some of these new goodies.

Beanie’s Top Ten Holiday Catalog Favorites

Spooky Night DSP (p 53)
Spooky Cat Stamps (p 53)
Cat Punch (p 53)
Merry Little Christmas DSP (p 12)
Merry Little Labels (p 12)
Everyday Label Punch (p 12)
Year of Cheer DSP (p 37)
Year of Cheer Washi Tape (p 37)
Mini Pizza Boxes (p 44)
Mini Tinsel Trim (p 21) & Quilt Top Embossing Folder (p 5)

The first card I want to share is called “Spooky Kitty Surprise” and uses the new Cat Punch, Spooky Night DSP, and the Spooky Cat stamps. Recently Stampin’ Up! has begun coordinating some of their dies and punches with images from designer series papers. I love this. There are a few different punches and thinlet dies in the holiday catalog that have this ability, Spooky Night DSP being one. The cat image on the DSP is sized perfectly to punch out using the new cat punch. For my card I decided to punch out the cat from the words DSP paper.

The card is very straightforward, with one *small* exception … the surprise. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I’ve always loved adding little extras whenever possible. In perfect Halloween fashion, the surprise appears when the lights go out and you see kitty glows in the dark! To achieve this I used Wow! glow in the dark embossing powder and Versa Mark ink. First, I smeared VersaMark ink all over the punched cat and then poured on the embossing powder, which is transparent (allowing the paper to show through) but also applying a glow in the dark look. I’m not the best photographer, but this was what I was able to capture, it doesn’t even come close to doing justice to the effect and I’m sorry for that. Kitty gets a witches hat (fussy cut from the DSP) and a little tag (cut using the Coffee Cups framelits).

Next up, a couple of other items, one card and one treat bag, featuring the Spooky Night Suite – arguably my favorite of the new catalog. I made these at a recent demonstrator event here in the the Pacific NW. I am loving the new black rhinestones as well as the new Everyday Label Punch. The card shows the versatility of the moon and stars die from the Card Front Builder set.

Finally, I would like to share a Christmas card I created using the Quilted Christmas Suite. After designing and making 8 kits and 9 complete cards I can say with 100% certainty I have a love-hate relationship with this suite. I LOVE the images and the coordinating dies are awash with possibilities, one being paper piecing, which is the focus of my card. Hate might be too strong a word, but after making all these kits and cards for a shoebox swap, I know that getting the coolest cards using this set takes work. Fun work, to be sure, but not a quick card. I used the Quilted Christmas DSP for my quilt pieces and once it was all pieced together ran it through the Big Shot with the Quilt Top Textured Impressions embossing folder – it adds that perfect finishing touch to the quilt block, don’t you agree?

Thank you for sharing a bit of your time with me today. Until next time, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo

Supplies Used
Christmas Quilt Bundle (146026) & Quilted Christmas DSP (144617)
Quilt Top Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (144687)
Spooky Cat Bundle (146014) & Spooky Night DSP (144610)
Black Rhinestone Jewels (144639) & Vintage Crochet Trim (144611)
Dazzling Diamonds Gilmmer Paper (135315) & 3″ x 6″ Cellophane Bags (141704)
Dies: Coffee Cups (143745) & Layering Squares (141708)

27
Jul
2017

Fun-n-Crafty | Christmas in July

categories: Fun-n-Crafty, Stampin' Up!

Hello my crafty peeps! I’m happy to be here again this month as part of the Fun & Crafty blog hop. This month’s theme is Christmas in July! I know, I know, it’s still summer, but for better or worse stamp companies release their holiday products in August and September.

On the positive side, you can get the jump on your holiday cards and handmade gifts! Beginning in August Stampin’ Up! is offering everyone a chance to pre-order one of the new suites, Carols of Christmas, in August before the holiday catalog goes live on September 1st.

I really like the stamps and dies in this product suite. The dies are innovative and the bold sentiments are the perfect focal images for all of your holiday creations. I think my favorite element is the card builder border, followed closely by the night sky die. Both are perfect for all sorts of cards, not just holiday and I think that is why I like them so much! In my sample I created a background using a paper piecing technique called herringbone. This can be done with washi tape and also, as shown here, with patterned paper like the Be Merry DSP. It’s a great way to use your DSP and show off all the wonderful and coordinating patterns.

This technique may look complicated, but it is actually very simple. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to apply the paper that creates the pattern. You begin with a base layer (a piece of card stock that you adhere the strips to) and the strips of DSP. For this sample my whisper white base is 5″ x 3.75″ and I used .5″ strips. Normally, I cut two, 6″ x 2″ pieces of each pattern (this yields four, 6″ x .5″ strips) and I apply edge-to-edge adhesive (Using Stick It! or my Xyron). Once I have the adhesive on, I cut down the piece into four .5″ strips from each pattern in the pack. I leave the backing on one side of the strips so I can mock up the placement before I expose the adhesive and stick each strip down permanently.

Once I’m ready to begin, I place three strips running diagonally across the middle of the base (left photo above), alternating the patterns and trimming off the excess on each side. HINT: I like leaving a little white space between the strips, but you could also place them side by side. These strips serve as an “anchor” making it easy to place the remaining strips. After the three center strips are down, I add the next three above them (right photo above), oriented vertically (the opposite of the first three strips). Next, I add three more next to those vertical strips, this time oriented horizontally (left photo below). I keep working in this manner until the entire base is covered (right photo below). You may need to add a few small “triangles” here and there to fill in some edges, but otherwise you are done. I will repeat patterns a couple of different times, if needed, but place them in different parts of the base.

One of the things I love about Stampin’ Up! products is the color combinations. Each pack of DSP lists the coordinating colors on the back. This is super helpful when choosing card stock and other embellishments. The coordinating colors for the Be Merry DSP are Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green so my inks, card bases, mattes, and accents were those colors. I began with a side-folding A2 card and cut a 5.25″ x 4″ matte (if the card is Cherry Cobbler then the matte will be Garden Green, and vice versa). The herringbone background is adhered to the matte and then the matte to the card base.

The large sentiments in this set are the perfect focal point for your card. I cut 3.5″ x 3.5″ squares in Whisper White for the “Peace on Earth” sentiment and stamped it using either Cherry Cobbler or Garden Green ink. I also cut a 3.5″ x 3.5″ matte out of Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green card stock. Using the Layering Circles, I die cut the sentiment using the largest circle and then using the largest scallop, cut the mattes. I adhered the sentiment to the opposite color scalloped circle (Cherry Cobbler sentiment on a Garden Green scalloped circle and vice versa) and I adhered it to the herringbone background using pop dots.

Both Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green are darker colors, so I decided to finish my card with a Whisper White panel inside and I used the card builder border die to add a little extra touch to this panel (see above right). These stamps and dies are wonderful and I hope my card inspires you to purchase this bundle for yourself!

There is a ton of inspiration throughout this hop. Since you started here, I encourage you to grab a cup of coffee and visit the other talented team members listed below to leave them some blog love! Next up is the talented Kathy. Until next time, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo

Christine – Artful Musings (you are here)
Kathy – Stamp-a-blog
Merit – MB Squared Designs
Susan – Stampin’ by the SF Sea
Jennifer – NW Stamper
Stacey – A Work of Carte

Supplies Used:
Stamps & Dies: Carols of Christmas Bundle (146036) & Layering Circles (141705)
Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Cherry Cobbler (119685), & Garden Green (102584)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler (126966) & Garden Green (126973)
Be Merry DSP (144111)

10
Nov
2016

Fun & Crafty | November Blog Hop

categories: Christmas Inspiration, Fun-n-Crafty, Stampin' Up!

Hello, friends! I’m on the blog today with a new project using the Tin of Tags kit currently for sale in the Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalog. This is a new blog hop that our group of demonstrators are planning to have on a regular basis.

Stampin’ Up! kits provide a great value and allow for loads of creativity. Almost everything needed to complete 30 gift tags is included in the kit. The only thing you need is the coordinating stamp set, adhesive, and ink pads. The kit contains full color instructions and the tags are cute and super simple for various crafting skill levels. I like this kit so much that I am making it with my church group.

There are 10 different tag styles and you have supplies enough to make three of each style. Here are a few pictures of the tags as I made them along with a final picture showing all of the tags. This is a very quick project, taking between 1 and 2 hours, depending on skill level.

There is a ton of Christmas inspiration throughout this hop. If you started here, please visit the other talented team members listed below and leave them some blog love! Until next time, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo
Beanie

Tobe B – The Craft Sea
Pamela Wu – Stinky Tofu
Kathy Thisted – Stampablog
Jennifer Blomquist – Northwest Stamper
Stacey Lane – A Work of Carte
Susan Schultz – Stampin By The Bay
Christine Szekeres – Artful Musings (you are here)
Nicole Flournoy – Inky Fingers Stamping
Danielle Elvin – Going to Collage

Supplies Used:
Tin of Tags
Tin of Tags Stamp Set
Inks: Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Old Olive, & Real Red
Acrylic Blocks: A, D, & G
Adhesive: Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals & Fine Tip Glue

20
Jan
2016

Fun with Felt

categories: Artful Pursuits, Christmas Inspiration, Felt Creations, Gift Ideas

I’ve long enjoyed the tactile feeling of mixing different mediums in my work and one of my favorites is felt. It is scratchy and soft all at once and comes in a variety of rich and wonderful colors.

Die cutting felt is pretty simple provided you have the right material. I find that the best cuts come from felt that has at least some portion of wool. I try to stay away from polyester and other “fake” felts, opting instead to spend a bit more for felt that is at least some portion wool. I purchase my felt locally. You can also get it online.

Back in the fall, Memory Box came out with a line of dies specifically designed to cut felt and be sewn together. I was intrigued. I bought the stocking and the large snowman and then they sat, untouched, in my die storage. Sigh…

Early in December I had the opportunity to take a class working with these dies – I promised myself if I didn’t enjoy it I was going to return the dies no matter how cute they were. Class was designed to allow the completion one, possibly two, of the 6 options, which included a stocking, a large snowman, a tiny snowman (named Sheldon), a heart, a star, and a mitten. I ended up completing the heart, the large snowman, and getting a good start on the stocking. Needless to say, I was hooked … and thus began my plush obsession.

I ended up making stocking ornaments (like the above right) for the intern team at SAMBICA and after making 10, I became somewhat of an expert and found it very relaxing, particularly while watching TV or listening to music. TIP: I like to use dental floss threaders to assist me in getting the needle threaded and for beads that have smaller holes.

Memory Box has expanded the plush line to include some additional spring offerings including: a pocket egg, a folk heart, a heart border, a songbird, a small bunny, and Liam Bunny. There are also several add-on’s that can be added to the above including: flower buttons, small & large poinsettias, small & large snowflakes, holly & berries, and a baby heart. They are so much fun that I have planned another post once I’ve had a chance to finish all the hearts, eggs, and bunnies!

Here is a picture of the winter ornaments I made. I gave the little Sheldon snowman as a gift to several friends. I turned him into a pin by adding a pin back before I sewed him together. He is so precious!

Until next time, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo
Beanie

Supplies Used
Wool Felt & Poly-Fil
Memory Box Plush Dies
Glass Seed Beads 6/0 (various colors)
DMC Embroidery Floss (various colors)
Tapestry Needle & Floss Threader

22
Dec
2015

Merry & Bright Glass Block

categories: Artful Pursuits, Christmas Inspiration

A few years ago I got really into glass block art. I made several and ultimately gave them away to friends. I realized that I didn’t have one of my own. I decided to fix that so “Merry & Bright” was born.

Using supplies from my local craft supply (Ben Franklin in Redmond, WA) I was able to put together a wonderful Christmas display. Ben Franklin doesn’t have online ordering so I’ve looked around for all the items and the links are below. I love the Krylon stained glass paint (both translucent and sea glass which is semi-translucent). You should be able to get these locally at Home Depot, Lowes, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann.

It’s pretty simple really. First, spray paint the block and set aside. You might want more than one coat, depending on coverage and look you are trying to achieve. Once dry apply your vinyl image, following the directions on the package. Those with Cricut machines (or any die cutting system) can make their own vinyl decals so I’ve linked to both pre-cut as well as supplies to make your own. If you are cutting your own, I cannot stress enough the importance of transfer tape. Trust me, it will make your life so much easier. I prefer the Cricut brand vinyl, but any adhesive backed vinyl will work.

Vinyl is pretty easy to apply, especially to glass. TIP: When you are removing the top mask, (that transfer tape I mentioned earlier) pull slowly at a sharp 45 degree angle.

Once done, you can carefully insert your string of twinkle lights into the block. I just pushed them around until I liked the way they looked. The final step, for me often the most difficult, is the topper. Choosing flowers, ribbon, and ornaments to rest on the top of your block. I used wire-edged ribbon because the bow and tails hold their shapes (and go back into shape after storage) and give the block that finished look. A few green glitter sprigs of foliage and some small red Christmas ornaments complete the look. I wound the ribbon around, tied the bow and then attached the foliage and ornaments using their ends and a bit of thin wire.

Insert the block into the metal stand, choose a window, plug in the twinkle lights and sit back to enjoy your festive display. Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays!

Until next time, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo
Beanie

Supplies Used
Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint
Krafty Blok Glass Block & Stand
Vinyl Sentiment or Image
Vinyl Supplies
Cricut Transfer Tape (this is a must)
Darice White Twinkle Lights
Wire Edge Ribbon
Small Ornamants

23
Nov
2015

Yuletide Greetings

categories: Artful Pursuits, Gift Ideas, NKO Design Team

Happy Monday before Thanksgiving friends! If you find yourself here, welcome! Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and enjoy a few minutes with me while you take a break from your Thanksgiving preparations.

Today I have a group of Christmas cards made using the Yuletide collection from 7 Dots Studio. I love these papers and have enjoyed playing with all the bits that came in the collection. In addition to the 12 x 12 papers there are tags, word stickers, element stickers, and a second sheet of element goodies. More than enough to spark your creativity!

For the first card, “Holly Jolly Christmas” I used one of the large tags, a word sticker, a chili pepper card base, and a wooden tree from UmWow Studio. First, I ran the front of my card through the Big Shot inside a texture plate (knit sweater) and I rubbed metallic gold ink over the texture to give it definition. Next, I die cut the Seattle skyline out of the Gingerbread card stock. I adhered the tag to a piece of Warm Cider card stock (the snowflake side) and trimmed it close. I popped up the skyline using black foam dots and added the Holly Jolly Christmas word sticker to the tag. I painted the tree using a dark green glitter pen and glued a silver star sequin to the top. Once it was dry, I glued it to the skyline. A red enamel disc and bit of creme an gold ribbon and this card is complete.

The next card, “Noel”, uses one of my favorite dies, the word noel with reindeer antlers, which I cut out of a piece of Sugarplum card stock. I mounted on another of the large tags and tied some red and green twine through the hole in the tag. I also cut a 5.5″ x 1″ strip of Gingerbread card stock and mounted it to the vanilla bean card base. Next I popped up the tag using black foam dots. To finish off this card I glued down a few snowflake sequins and added Rudolph’s red nose.

The “Joy” card is mounted on a juniper card base I ran through the Big Shot with a texture plate (numbers). As before, I rubbed gold metallic ink over the face of the card to highlight the texture. I die cut the bough out of vanilla bean card stock and used some Queen & Company red pearls for the holly berries. The focal piece, the joy chipboard ornament, was painted with red paint and then clear glitter pen was added over the top to give it a bit of sparkle.

The final card, “Presents Squared”, uses a crimson card base run through the Big Shot with a texture plate (brick wall) and highlighted using gold metallic ink. I cut a strip of Sugarplum card stock 5.5″ x 2.25″ and mounted it to the front of the card. I chose another large tag and a few square sticker elements that I applied to the tag. Another UmWow Studio chipboard (a present) was colored using a gold orange glitter pen and adhered to the tag. A green enamel disc adds a pop of color to this card.

I hope you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving. We will be back with another Christmas preview week beginning Sunday, December 6th! Until then, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo
Beanie

Supplies Used
Yuletide collection
UmWow Studio
Queen & Co Red Pearls
Joy Chipboard Ornament
Big Shot & Dies, Adhesive, & Gold Metallic Ink

12
Nov
2015

Yuletide 6×6 Trio

categories: Artful Pursuits, Gift Ideas, NKO Design Team

Hello and welcome to another Christmas-themed project. I am so happy to have the opportunity to share my Christmas creativity with you this week. It’s a dream come true, being on a design team, and it is my hope that the projects created inspire you on your own creative journey.

Earlier this week I posted a project using the new Blue Fern Studios Vintage Christmas line, which I love but for today’s inspiration I pulled out the Yuletide collection from 7 Dots Studio. I love the papers from 7DS because they are so different from what American manufacturers are creating.

Using some new (and a few old) Christmas dies and the lush and beautiful Yuletide papers I created three 6″ x 6″ panels.

The first panel was made using Sugarplum for the background, which contains a picture of a stag wearing a crown. I trimmed the paper to 5.75″ x 5.75″ and adhered it to the background. Next I cut the Noel die using a contrasting paper, Gingerbread.

To create interest among the three panels I reversed the color palette on the middle panel, focusing on red for the background. Using Gingerbread again, I cut the reindeer roster and the leaping reindeer out of the remnants of the Sugarplum piece. To add interest I popped the reindeer up using black foam dots.

For the final panel I used the snowflake side of Warm Cider and cut Santa’s sleigh and eight reindeer out of the remnants of Gingerbread and the skyline and moon out of Sugarplum. I mounted Santa using black foam dots and then stamped the phrase “all is calm and bright” in blue ink.

I hope you have enjoyed today’s Christmas preview. Until then, remember, creativity and imperfection live together in all we do. “Grace is the face love wears when it meets imperfection.”

~xoxo
Beanie

Supplies Used
Yuletide Collection
Sizzix Reindeer Names Die
Ken Oliver Art Blocks
“And Bright” Stamp
& Adhesive