Technique Tuesday & UStamp Blog Candy Winner

Acrylic Block Background - Here are the technique pages we made at the November technique class. First up is a simple and effective background technique, using an acrylic block to fill the background.

I love this technique with fall cards, but it really works with any variety of stamps or occasions. Here is the coordinating card, inspired by 'hollerinastamps' on SCS.

Stamps: French Foliage, Sincere Salutations; Paper: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla; Ink: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso; Accessories: Early Espresso baker's twine, Antique brad, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Sponge, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip.

Emboss Resist - Our other technique, using Emboss Resist, gives a nice soft look and was a favorite.

I had to order this Hello, Doily background stamp specifically for this class. It creates such a beautiful vintage lace look. Using the spritzer tool adds to the vintage detail.

And our matching card...

This one was inspired by 'Lianne Carper' on SCS.

Stamps: Hello, Doily BG, Perfectly Penned; Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla; Ink: Soft Suede, Versamark, Early Espresso marker; Accessories: White embossing powder, Sponge, Color Spritzer Tool, Decorative Label punch, Button, Linen thread, Pearl jewels, Very Vanilla satin ribbon, Dimensionals.

The next technique class is scheduled for January 10. Please contact me if you would like to join us!

Finally, the UStamp with Dawn & Friends Up on the Rooftop Blog Hop random winner...

From the random number generator, you can see I didn't rig this, but I know the winner! My fellow SUO Challenge teammate and Stampin' Addict, Cindy Elam. Woohoo!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cupcake Birthday

I tell you, I'm doing a miserable job with Christmas this year. I'm only creating what I really have to, and still digging in my heels otherwise. Could I still be burned out from too much Christmas creating last year?? I needed a break to whip up a birthday card. I figured those with December birthdays might be sick of getting Christmas-themed cards for the birthday too.

I was surfing around for some inspiration, and I found this beautiful card by Mona Pendleton. I'm sure it was so eye-catching to me because of the colors. So I grabbed my Springtime Vintage paper and attempted a recreation.

Stamps: Something to Celebrate; Paper: Rose Red, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage DSP, Newsprint DSP; Ink: Rose Red, Crumb Cake; Accessories: Glimmer brad, Button, White baker's twine, Vanilla seam binding, Sponge, Crimper, Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, Swirl Scribbles die, Petal Cone die, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Thread.

Thanks for stopping by!

Up on the Roof Top Blog Hop

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2011 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop. If you have been following the blog hop from the beginning, you have just been dazzled by Katie Resop's fun Santa easel card. Wasn't the detail amazing? If you are just joining the blog hop, no problem, as you can start at any point. All the designers' blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

Today I'm going to share some ideas with the limited edition My Digital Studio hostess CD called Savor the Season. This CD comes with templates for two greeting cards, one postcard, banners, treat labels, and my favorites... mini boxes and gift bows! I couldn't resist this CD; the Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo, and Lucky Limeade color palette and designer series papers are soooo yummy!

With this CD, you can create your own cards, labels, belly bands, and decorations, but I love the ease of using the print-and-assemble templates. How easy is that for holiday party or neighbor gift prep work? Click on the photo for a closer look.

As a special thank you for stopping by my blog, I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!

Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!

AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!!

• You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.

• In the spirit of the holiday season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...

Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

YES!!

You read that right!!

YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!

***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***

Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.

Click the blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing

and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to

the Up on the Rooftop Blog Hop Website!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and

there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and

join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

***

AND last but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next designer's Roof Top, so please click below for NEXT BLOG, where you will find Erika Clark ready to share a delightful Holiday project with you.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!

FM35 Shake Shake Shake Senora

Today's Friday Mashup challenge is a fun one, because Rita is challenging us to make an interactive card, a shaker card. Well, who doesn't love that?

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a project featuring "A Shaker Card".
2. Or Make a project with a "Winter Theme".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a " Winter Themed Shaker Card. "

*Shaker Card Tutorial

These things can be a challenge to put together in the correct order, especially if there is any lining up to do. But slow and steady wins the race.

• Stamp tree (and bird) images on two pieces of 2-3/4 x 3-3/4" card stock. Punch out 1-3/4" circle from top piece, place post-it circles on both pieces (line them up), and sponge both pieces with Bashful Blue ink.
• Attach Not Quite Navy mat to top piece and punch circle again.
• After aligning carefully, trace the 1-3/4" circle with a pencil on the bottom piece, attach the Shaker Frame to the bottom piece, and add a very small amount of mica flakes or Buffalo Snow.
• Attach acetate to the backside of the top piece, and carefully attach the top piece to the bottom/Shaker Frame, making sure it aligns properly.
• Very Important -- Do not let small child shake your card before you take a picture! Doh!

I added a glittered snow drift at the bottom and Shimmer Paint mister to the whole background. Look at the Crumb Cake in the below photo (or click it to magnify) to see all the sparkle.

I love that this card would work just as well as a January card. This card uses the Paper Players sketch #74.

Stamps: Branch Out; Paper: Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Beau Chateau DSP; Ink: Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso; Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Frost White shimmer paint mister, Silver brads, Shaker Frames, Sponge, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Snow Burst embossing folder, Northern Flurry embossing folder, 3" Circle die, Big Shot, Two-way glue pen, Post-it notes, Acetate, Buffalo Snow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Paper Crafters Sampler December Blog Hop

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the Paper Crafters Sampler blop hop. This month's issue is entitled Adorned Holidays, and there are several templates available in this issue. Yay, templates! If you are following the hop, you have arrived from Vicki's blog. Weren't her samples fabulous? Here is my creative take on them.

Remember in Citizen Kane, Kane's boyhood sled was named Rosebud? Here's my version of the winter sleigh template, a Winter Rose sleigh... just reminded me of the movie reference.

I got the theme and color scheme from my backdrop items, created back in December 2010. I wanted a slightly smaller sleigh to coordinate, so I printed the template at 75%. They match up pretty well... maybe I'll have a whole village someday.

Of special note, especially to my mother, is the little cushion I sewed for the sleigh with Beau Chateau designer fabric, adorned with pink designer buttons. Can I say it is cute?!

Stamps: Elements of Style; Paper: Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Brushed Silver; Ink: Blushing Bride, Versamark; Accessories: Clear embossing powder, Subtle Collection buttons, Pearl jewels, Silver Glimmer paper, Beau Chateau designer fabric, Doily Triple Layer punch, Little Leaves die, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Needle, Thread, Batting.

Speaking of sleds, here is a sample with the cute sled template. I used traditional wood and red runner colors to created an antique sled that you would hang up for wall or door decor.

This template comes with a hidden box compartment, perfect for small gift giving, but I plan to use this for a tree ornament. How easy is it to put the perfect touch to a 3-D project with Winter Wishes stitched felt pieces? I submitted this project to Hand Stamped Sentiments Ornament Challenge #95.

Stamps: Woodgrain BG; Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand; Ink: Crumb Cake; Accessories: Sponge, Mini brads, Cherry Cobbler baker's twine, Winter Wishes stitched felt.

The final project is a elegant limoge or small trinket box.

I was trying to duplicate a hand painted porcelain box. The paper from last year's Occasions mini, as well as some Pear Pizzazz seam binding, are perfect for a delicate, feminine look.

I added a nice dimensional paper rose on the top. A beautiful box needs a fancy lid, don't you think?

Paper: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold, Springtime Vintage DSP; Ink: Rose Red; Accessories: Sponge, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Crimper, Gold brads, Pear Pizzazz seam binding, Island Floral die, Big Shot, Sewing machine, Thread, Floral wire.

December's issue is going to be released in a few short days. If you would like your own copy of these templates, please visit Paper Crafters Sampler and sign up. Next along our little hop is our fearless leader, Melanie. OMGosh, you are going to love her interpretation! Enjoy the trip!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp-a-Stack Part 2

Here is the second installment of the cards from the recent Stamp-a-Stack class. I always like a nice tree / sparkly snow hill card, and I had yet to use the Pennant Parade tree option.

Inspired by a card by Linda Creech.

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Word Play; Paper: Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White; Ink: Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Always Artichoke; Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Petite Pennant builder punch, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Stars #2 die, Circles #2 die, Scallop Square die, Big Shot.

I love the classic look of the Welcome Home set, and 'stamperjen0' on SCS made an excellent vintage-type card with it. Here's a CASE.

I switched up a few things, but the layout is the same. Everything is sponged lightly to age it. Here's a tip... using a larger ball stylus, rub the inside of the flower punch-out over a piercing mat. This will cause the flower to curl up nicely and add dimension.

Stamps: Welcome Home, Petite Pairs; Paper: Real Red, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP; Ink: Crumb Cake, Black Stazon; Accessories: Dotted Ribbon border punch, Circle punches, Itty Bitty punch pack, Sponge, Vanilla Velvet ribbon, Rhinestone jewels, Snow Burst embossing folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

This is a reworking of an earlier reject card. The Frostwood Lodge suite is popular, so I wanted to share it with the ladies.

Here I embossed the background with the Northern Flurry embossing folder and used Dazzling Details on the snow. Here's a close up of the sparkle and subtle addition of color with a blender pen.

Stamps: Christmas Lodge, Christmas Greetings; Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Frostwood Lodge DSP; Ink: Always Artichoke, Stazon; Accessories: Blender pen, Dazzling Details, Cherry Cobbler quilted satin ribbon, Northern Flurry embossing folder, Top Note die, Petal Cone die, Big Shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

SUOC33 Holiday Colors & Stamp-a-Stack Part 1

Hi Everyone! Today I doubled up on my stamping duties, combining a recent Stamp-a-Stack card with the SUO Challenge to use holiday colors.

Now that Black Friday is behind us, I guess I'd better switch gears into Christmas mode. In actuality, I had to force myself to work on these Stamp-a-Stack cards, since my classes were before Thanksgiving. The ladies probably wouldn't forgive me if I had said the dog ate my homework. *eyeroll*

I have a handful of stamp sets I hadn't used last year, or hadn't used enough, so I pulled out one, Contempo Christmas. This came as a bundle with Jolly Holiday DSP, which I couldn't resist, and then I didn't use it much. Perfect supplies for a Stamp-a-Stack!

You can see the bottom is scalloped, so you can see the DSP on the inside peeking through. More double duty... decorating inside and front... haha! Clean and simple (CAS) sketches are perfect for Stamp-a-Stack cards, and here I used Clean & Simple sketch #166.

Stamps: Contempo Christmas; Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP; Ink: Cherry Cobbler; Accessories: Early Espresso baker's twine, Ornament punch, Scallop Edge punch, Snow Burst embossing folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

Here's another quick card for the Stamp-a-Stack class using a set I got from Sale-a-bration, Holiday Happiness.

This simple and elegant card is a CASE of Joan Banman Cristo's Convention swap. I changed up the colors a little bit.

You can see I went a little crazy with my Two-Way glue pen and glitter.

Stamps: Holiday Happiness; Paper: Old Olive, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla; Ink: Old Olive, Bravo Burgundy; Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Rhinestone jewel.

Thanks for stopping by!