from STUMPED to SUCCESS

Do you ever find yourself stumped?  You  have a stamp set you want to use to create a card for a particular occasion, but you just can't get over the hurdle and put ink to card stock?  That was the dilemna Teresa faced when she came to last Friday's Open Crafting Night here in my craft room.

She knew she wanted to make Christmas cards using the Wondrous Wreath set and the Wonderful Wreath framelits she had recently purchased.  But where to begin?

She identified what shades of green she has in her stash of supplies and what reds went with each.  She decided to use Old Olive ink pad  for the main wreath image and  Always Artichoke for the accent leaves, along with Real Red for berries and bow.

She wanted to keep things as simple as possible because she wants to make multiples of the design she works out.  She elected to use a card sketch for inspiration, encouraged by the knowledge that the sketch was a suggestion/model and could be adjusted to fit her sense of design and balance. (Note:   The actual sketch is for a A-2 card with round central image, but I am still learning how to do photo editing and skewed both this image and her final card).

CAS TechnoStamper

Then she was off to the races, and by evening's end, she had completed her design.  I am so proud of her!  What a lovely card! (It looks much much prettier than my photo shows.)

©Stampin' Up!

Other supplies Teresa used were Brushed Gold card stock, Big Shot die cutting machine, and stampin' Dimensionals under the wreath.

CHRISTMAS at HOME

Hi Stampers!

What a wonderful Christmas this has been for Lou and me!  As always, Sunday morning found us with our dear church family celebrating the priceless and unique gift of God's love shown to us through His Son Jesus, the only gift that truly keeps on giving without end!

Late that afternoon, we gathered with extended family for a meal, games, exchanging of gifts and stories of what has happened since the last time we saw each other.  What a treat to get together with them.

Monday, Lou and I spent the day baking up a storm, laying in a supply of chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and stamped sugar cookies, as well as our traditional family favorite-- butterballs, using my Mom's recipe.  Back to church that night for a simple service of praising our Lord through prayer, song and a message from Luke 2:21-35.

Today after getting all the big dinner preps out of the way, Lou and I spent time in conversation, prayer and reading all the gospel accounts of the birth of the Savior.  Later, our good friends Marnie and Bill came to share our Christmas meal, bringing a huge supply of the best egg rolls I have ever eaten!

Also on the table:  German pot roast, potato salad, deviled eggs, veggie tray, steamed broccoli, cottage bread and fruit salad. followed by some of those cookies we'd made yesterday.  It was way more food than 4 people could possibly eat, but after all it is CHRISTMAS! and we do things up bigger than usual to celebrate!  We had a wonderful time of fellowship, and all too soon they had to leave, so Bill could get to work.

Afterward, Lou and I called our sons to wish them and their families a Merry Christmas, then opened all the cards and greetings people have sent to us over the last several weeks.  With the sharing of each one, we certainly felt surrounded by the abundance of love of family and friends.  Yes, indeed, it has been a special time of blessing.

With prayers for love, peace and joy in Christ to you and yours,
Trish

MERRY MOOSE punch art

Hi Stampers --Welcome back!

Today's share is a bit of holiday whimsy. This card is all about the punches.  What fun!

To create it, you will need:
STAMPS:  Got Treats
CS:  Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
INK:  Basic Black stampin' write marker
PUNCHES:  Owl builder, Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" Circle, Word Window, Modern Label
TEXTURE:  Big Shot set up and Petals APlenty embossing folder
GLITZ:  Rhinestone Jewels, red Sharpie marker
ADHESIVE:  SNAIL

Wouldn't this be a fun card to use to invite others to your holiday party?

For more crafting ideas be sure to check  my website . 

Don't forget that your comments are appreciated and welcome.

Looking forward to the next time,
TRISH

GET an EARLY START on CHRISTMAS