Wednesday, December 21, 2011

My Christmas Card

The first year that I hand stamped my Christmas cards, I sent out between thirty-five and forty cards.  The snowmen were stamped in basic black ink on whisper white cardstock, and I colored in every detail on those snowmen.  I might have added glitter or puff paint in the scene also.
This year, I decided to stamp a large solid image ( the ornaments) in one color and add details to complete the card.  My husband helped cut the layers that make this card.  I sat and ran those little scallop rectangles through the Big Shot one at a time.  The rhinestone was added at the finishing of each card to reassure myself that I was making progress with this huge project.
After many samples, here is the card that I decided to send to my friends and family this holiday season.  I am already imagining the quick scrapbook pages that I can create using those large ornaments in this stamp set.

All products are from Stampin' Up!
Stamp Set: Merry & Type
Cardstock: Island Indigo and Whisper White
Ink: Island Indigo
Basic Rhinestone jewels
Big Shot with Scallop rectangle clearlits die

Merry Christmas and Keep Stampin',
Melanie

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Detailed Preview

Most demonstrators like to play with their new stamp sets before they decide on the best thing to demonstrate.  Since I make so many Christmas cards, I play around and stamp several samples before choosing a final product that I will create eighty of.
This card has a little vintage flair and some great details.  Unfortunately, I do not have the time to make tons of these, and I would get sick of it fast.  I thought I would share this card with you.

All products are Stampin' Up!
stamp set: Merry & Type
cardstock: Verry Vanilla, Island Indigo, Pool Party
ink: Versa Mark and Island Indigo
punch: Decorative Label and Extra-Large Oval
Big Shot with the Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Basic Rhinestone jewels
Stamping Sponges
White Stampin' Embossing Powder with Embossing Buddy and Heat Tool

Keep Stampin'
Melanie

Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas is Close

Can you believe how close Christmas is?  We only have two weeks left to make our final preparations to gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas.  My family and friends have come to expect a card in the mail each year.  For years, I stamped all of my cards.  Then I found out that I was pregnant, and we sent out a picture card announcing the big news.  With the huge changes a child (and another) bring into life, the picture cards have been the easy way out for a few years.  I am happy to announce that I will be sending out my hand-stamped cards again this December.  Throughout December, I will be posting Christmas cards that I have made.  After my friends and family have received it in the mail, I will post the one that I sent out to more than 80 families.
This card was created with simple lines in mind.  Sometimes it is best to keep things simple at this busy time of year.  As you know, this card was made exclusively with Stampin' Up! products.

Stamp Set: Easy Events
Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black and Whisper White.  Also, Pocketful of Posies designer series paper.
Ink: StazOn Jet Black ink pad with Lucky Limeade and Poppy Parade Stampin' Write Markers

Keep Stampin'
Melanie