A Wonderful Christmas Time & A Last Minute Card

I hope everyone found time to hang out with friends and family, play games, eat special holiday treats, laugh, craft, and whatever else makes your holiday special.

I had both daughters home for Christmas.  My "Canadian" daughter, Samantha, who married a Canadian and moved to Alberta came down with hubby for ten days.  We played Skip-Bo and Lord of the Rings Monopoly with them.  I also got to scrapbook with Samantha several evenings.  And, of course, we ate way too much...time to diet!

Happiness is...a daughter on each side of a hug!

We had our Blue & Silver tree this year.  I rotate 3 color schemes so I don't get bored.  I already decided to add a 4th one next year...Copper/Bronze & Chocolate.

Somehow, I didn't make enough cards ahead of Christmas this year, so I had to make a couple dozen the week before Christmas.  Last year I had extra from the year before, so I guess I was thinking I had it covered.  Here's one of the last minute cards that I made.

Stamps:

• Best of Snow
• Sassy Salutations

 Colors:

• Crumb Cake
• Gumball Green
• Cherry Cobbler
• Whisper White

Extras / Tools:

• Arrows embossing folder (Occasions Catalog)
• Big Shot
• Markers
• Dimensionals

I had a wonderful Christmas, and I'm looking forward to Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference trip to Houston next week with 3 of my team members.  Road trip!

Happy Stampin'

Punch Art Cardinal Card Using the Bird Builder Punch

My technique for November was this cute cardinal punch art Christmas card.  I've seen these cardinals before, so I just had to try one.  Also, I've been wanting to design something for my Old Olive bow clips which are actually called Old Olive Simply Styled Embellishments...wow, that's a mouth full, isn't it!

Stamps:

• Christmas Messages
• Woodgrain

Colors:

• Crumb Cake
• Cherry Cobbler
• Black StazOn for greeting
• Basic Black for beak & sponging
• Old Olive
• Whisper White

Tools / Supplies

•  Old Olive Simply Styled Embellishments (the bow clip)
• Season of Style Designer Series Paper Stack
• Bird Builder Punch
• Dimensionals

Here's the page we did for our Technique Journal.  I actually have two journals since I have one just for Punch Art.  So, this page is in my Punch Art book.

I made a blue and white version of this card with a peace dove instead of a cardinal for a lunch time card class.  Here's that one:

When you love a layout, use it again!  It can look like a whole new card when you change the colors, greetings, and embellishments.

Happy Stampin'

24 Hour Special + a Whole Lot of Love

Stampin' Up! announced a special for the last day of the holiday sale (December 2nd).  Check it out if you haven't, especially if any of these items are on your wish list.  Click my online shopping gift bag at the top of my blog to see everything on sale.

These products are 30 percent off for 24 hours on Monday, December 2:

 Description                                                               Retail Price   Sale Price

 Envelope Liners Framelits Dies (item 132172)     $26.95      $18.87

 Expressions Thinlits Dies (item 132171)                $24.95      $17.47

 Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent (item 132159)  $14.95      $10.47

 Snowflake Season Simply Sent  (item 132176)      $14.95      $10.47

 Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels (item 129324)         $4.95         $3.47

 Extra-Large Gift Box (item 132147)                            $3.95         $2.77

Be ready for Valentine's Day...it will creep up on you.  The Whole Lot of Love promotion starts today (December 1st).  Add some of these great items to your holiday sale items to maximize your shipping and earn online shopping rewards from me and Stampin' Up! and/or just me if your order is under $150. 

Here are two of the items...there are several stamp sets, Sweet Sayings Cards & Envelopes, boy & girl Monster Hugs Valentines, and Sweetheart Treat Bags.

I also have gift certificates if you need the perfect gift for a friend that's a fellow crafter.  Or tell your friends or hubby to get one for you!  Just email me at Barbara.Raffman@gmail.com.  I'll send you an invoice through PayPal, and then mail the certificate to you (U.S. only).

Happy Stampin'