Christmas Memories

This week the challenge over at the Jingle Belles blog is one that really got me excited, but also made me sad. Anyone who has ever lost someone they loved knows how difficult the holidays can be. Those who follow this blog know that after a year-long battle with cancer I lost my dad Oct.2,2010. It was quite a shock, not only because a girl always thinks of her dad as living forever, but also because I lost my beloved paternal grandparents in June 2008 and May 2009. Growing up these 3 people made Christmas an incredibly special time of yr and honestly, they created a monster with me :) When my husband and I got together I started going all out at Christmas and then when we started having kids, look out! Ever see National Lampoons Christmas Vacation? That would totally be me :) Our oldest son is deaf and I thought, well if he cant hear the sounds of Christmas his eyes are going to see everything :-)

So whats the challenge? It was "Home For the Holidays" and the challenge is to make a card that reminds you of Christmases past.

I grew up in Massachusetts until I was 12 and New England will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved seeing all the old Colonial homes decorated for Christmas and sparkling in the cold winters night. Therefore with this challenge I brought out an old stamp of mine that is one of my favorites. It just really reminds me of Christmas in New England.

Also, without even realizing it I also was able to incorporate this weeks challenge from the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog, which is "Bring the Bling"! I think I did that with the glitter, stickles and liquid applique :)

As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by, I appreciate it!! You can also click on the pictures for a larger version!

And just for fun....me with my Grandma and Grandpa at their house.My frst Christmas! 1973

And this was my house this past Christmas. Because of my fathers passing I didnt decorate as much as I normally do!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Unknown stamp from PSX

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Deck the Halls DSP

Ink: Black StazOn, various SU markers, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Xmas Red Stickles, Candy Cane Stickles, White Liquid Applique, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, sponge, Chocolate Chip satin ribbon

Merry Mouse-mas!

I've got another Christmas card to finish out the week. I used the sketch from this weeks Splitcoast challenge and also incorporated this weeks challenge from CSAYL, which was to use brads or eyelets.

I found this House-Mouse stamp in Hobby Lobby(oh how I love this store and wish Alaska would get one!) when I went back to CO in July. I thought the image was just too cute to pass up! I stamped in on Whisper White and then backed it with some Real Red. The DSP is also backed with Real Red and it's all on a card base of Chocolate Chip. I thought the brads tied in nicely with the idea of snow.

Supplies used(all supplies SU unless otherwise noted):

Stamps: House-Mouse "Cuddly and Warm"

                               Paper: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White, Ski Slope DSP
          Ink: Black StazOn, Real Red, Glorious Green, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Brads, sponge, blender pen

Santa and Stars

My 2nd card of the day is another Christmas one. I just bought this set from my friend Holly and I love it! I think this image is the cutest thing!

I made this card for the latest Christmas All Year Challenge, which was to use 2 different design papers. The sketch is last weeks Mojo Monday sketch.

I didnt want the colors to be too loud so I used SU Watercolor Crayons and a blender pen to color in Santas jacket, some of the stars and his boots and buttons. Fun flock was applied to the cuffs of the jacket, the hat and the front of Santas jacket.

The DSP is from SU's Thoroughly Modern and I used Sahara Sand, Soft Suede and Whisper White cardstock with it.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Star Santa

Paper:

Whisper White, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand,  Thoroughly Modern DSP

Ink: Black StazOn, Rose Red, Soft Suede

Accessories: Blender Pen, Watercolor Crayons, Scallop Border Punch, Sponge, Fun Flock

Christmas in July Part 2

Here is another Christmas card, and this time I combined 3 challenges.

The first challenge is Sunday Stamps over at Hollybeary Creations and this weeks letter is 'Y'. For this I used the SU set 'Yule Bits and Borders'.

The second challenge is over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long and its a free challenge, which means just make any Christmas card you want, no design specifics to follow.

My layout is this weeks challenge over at the Clean and Simple Stamping Blog and it looks like this:

My card base is Rich Razzleberry and I used Whisper White Craft Ink to create a background on Night of Navy cardstock, which was then layered on top of Brushed Silver cardstock. The snowflakes are stamped with Night of Navy on Whisper White cardstock and the star is stamped with Encore Silver Metallic ink. Each image was then layered on Night of Navy and Brushed Silver cardstock. I used Night of Navy to stamp the sentiment and sponged the edges with Rich Razzleberry.

Supplies used(all supplies SU unless otherwise noted):

Stamps: Yule Bits and Borders

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Brushed Silver

Ink: Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Encore Silver Metallic, Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories: 1 3/8" square punch, Small oval punch, Dimensionals

CSAYL #37

This week the CSAYL challenge is from Debbie of The Paper Garden and its a color challenge!

Here are the colors she wants us to use:

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about incorporating all of these together, but all in all, I dont think my card came out too badly. Its hard to see but I used versamark to put an image on the upper night of navy half, and the snowflake in the word 'joy' is popped up with dimensionals. Sorry the photos arent too great. Its was a rainy day here in southcentral Alaska and I just could not get good lighting no matter where I took the picture.

Here it is:

Supplies are all SU unless otherwise noted:

Stamps: Season of Joy

Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Chocolate Chip, Glorious Green, Rich Razzleberry,Cool Caribbean

Ink: same as paper

Accessories: dimensionals,brads, CB Snow Dots folder, Versamark

Back on track....

Woooohooo, I'm back on track when it comes to the challenges over at CSAYL. Vicki of Summerthyme Studio is hosting this weeks challenge and she says to "create a Christmas scene using at least two different stamp sets or stamps".

Now, I thought that sounded really simple and instantly knew which 2 sets I was going to use. However it proved to be one of those days where the image in my mind didnt translate to paper so well, grrrrr! My biggest problem actually ended up being the cardstock used. I just could not find a color combo that made me happy, and I didnt want to use anything "loud".

I was going for a very peaceful image and so I decided against using any DSP/PP and used paper piercing as my only embellishment, in order to keep the eye focused on the winter scene depicted. After spending the afternoon staring at different cardstock I finally chose the green and brown to showcase the image. Overall I am happy with the colors I chose, I just wish it hadnt taken half the day to pick them out((pulls out hair)).

I blended old with new, putting together 'Winter Wonderland'(an older,retired SU set) with a set thats in the current SU catalog, 'Scenic Season'. I love both of these and thought they would work well together. On the trees I took a white gel pen and just kind of doodled on them to give the appearance of snow sitting on branches. I then used Versamark, heat and stick powder and Dazzling Diamonds to create the winter wonderland surrounding the cabin. Using a blender pen and a Bashful Blue watercolor crayon I colored the sky very lightly, trying to give it that cloudy, almost hazy look the sky takes on when its going to snow. Those that live in in snow country know what I am talking about!

Here is my card(sorry the pics arent the best. I didnt have good light inside or outside today. You can click on the photos to see the detail):

Supplies(all supplies Stampin'Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamps: Scenic Season, Winter Wonderland

Paper: Handsome Hunter, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Handsome Hunter, Forest Foilage, Basic Brown, StazOn Black, Real Red

Accessories: Paper Piercer, SU markers and watercolor crayons, Dazzling Diamonds, Heat and Stick Powder, Versamark, Blender Pen,Sponge,White gel pen,Dimensionals

Round 3-CSAYL Catch-Up

Its back to work tomorrow so today is another catch-up day of stamping. This time I am working on challenges from the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog. This card is for challenge # 35, hosted by Sankari, of Sankari's Sunshine Corner. Her challenge was to use non-traditonal colors on your Christmas card.


This was definitely a challenge for me, because when it comes to Christmas I am about as traditional as it comes. Think Norman Rockwell type of Christmas... I love reds and greens, especially the deep, rich hues. I really had to think about what I wanted to do for this card, and so I finally went with subdued pinks and browns. Nothing too crazy that would cause me to hyperventilate,but at the same time colors that those on my Christmas card list wouldnt traditionally see from me(especially the pink..I am SO not a pink type of gal!).


Here is what I came up with, and as always thanks for dropping by and taking a peek:

Supplies(all supplies Stampin'Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamps: Sleigh Full of Toys

Paper: Whisper White, Close To Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Candy Lane DSP

Ink: Black StazOn, Close To Cocoa

Accessories: CB Swiss Dots folder, Pink Pirouette 5/8" ribbon, various SU watercolor pencils and crayons,blender pen,dimensionals

CSAYL #34

We are now in the double digit countdown for Christmas, wooohooo! I'm planning my decorations, meals, gifts....everything! Thanks to CSAYL I've got a great stash of Christmas cards going on and since I'm the type to get them ready and addressed in October I feel like I'm practically done already :) If anyone out there loves to get Christmas cards feel free to drop me a line and we can exchange cards this year! I think its so much fun to get cards from across the country(and the world!).

Ok, enough babbling :) We are on week 34 over at CSAYL and Maria has provided a sketch as this weeks challenge:

I've had some new items sitting here, waiting for use, so I brought those out. I just got 2 new stamp sets and they are clear stamps, which is something I've never used before. I've always preferred wood-mounted and I'm not the type that likes change :) However, I saw the release of this penguin set by Sweet and Sassy Stamps and I had to give the clear stamps a try. I ADORE penguins! With this card I also used some colors that arent really traditional Christmas colors but I'm really pleased with how the card came out! As always, thanks for taking a moment to check my card out!

Supplies Used(all supplies Stampin'Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamps- Waddle I do by Sweet and Sassy Stamps

Paper-Basic Black,Garden Green,Whisper White, PP by S.E.I.

Ink- Black StazOn,Garden Green

Accessories-SU Markers, SU watercolor pencils, CB D'Vine folder, Basic Black and Whisper White ribbon,small tag punch,dimensionals,scalloped circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, ticket corner punch

CSAYL #33

Before I get into my CSAYL post I must recognize this day and what this country lost 8 yrs ago. Not a day goes by that I dont think about all those who were lost,how much my heart broke driving through NYC a few weeks after the attack and seeing how much a city I loved had changed, and how our country had changed. I will never forget.

This weeks challenge on CSAYL was hosted by Debbie of The Paper Garden and she said:

**Debbie here: I can remember making paper dolls and outfits for them as a child with my grandma. We would get wall paper sample books to make the outfits with. Paper piecing seems to be "in" again and I would love to challenge you to make a card using this technique. I look forward to seeing what you design**

To be honest I was not familiar with paper piecing so I went and did a bit of googling on the subject :) This is what I came up with. The Eskimos outfit is from the SU DSP set Merry Moments. I used Fun Flock on the parka. I made 5 of them to put towards the CCC-09 challenge on Splitcoast.

Supplies used(all supplies Stampin'Up unless otherwise stated):

Stamps-Polar Pals

Paper-Old Olive,Chocolate Chip,Very Vanilla, Merry Moments DSP

Ink-Black StazOn, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Versamark

Accessories-Fun Flock, Brads, Chocolate Chip ribbon

CSAYL Catch-Up

With the kids in school and the hrs at work going down I figured I would have more time for my stamping and other crafts. Boy was I wrong! We are short people at work so I've actually been working a day or 2 more than usual, then when I get home its all about the kids and the husband, as thats the only time of the day when we're all together! On top of that we've been having beautiful weather here in the Mat-Su Valley. How can I sit inside and stamp when I can go hiking and be surrounded by this:

You can see more of Alaska over at my photo website.

I know, excuses excuses :0) Well today, none of that...I sat down and got some stamping done!

Last week was challenge #32 on the CSAYL blog and it was hosted by Vicki of Summerthyme Studio. Her challenge to us was:

Create a card using Traditional Christmas Colours-Green, Red and a dash of Silver or Gold!!!!! Let's see your finest creations.

I love to use traditional colors so I had fun with this challenge. I dont go for the bright red and greens though, I prefer the more muted shades of each color. Here is my card....the touch of silver can be seen in the star on the tree and silver cardstock used for layering.

I also made 5 of these to use towards the Christmas Card Challenge over at Splitcoast.



Supplies used(all supplies Stampin'Up! unless otherwise noted):
Stamps:Holiday Wishes
Paper: Always Artichoke, Cranberry Crisp,Very Vanilla, Brushed Silver, PP by Basic Grey
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Handsome Hunter, Encore Metallic Silver
Accessories: Bravo Burgundy ribbon, ticket corner punch,sponge,CB D'Vine Swirl folder

CSAYL Challenge 31

I've got Mon-Weds off this week so I was able to sit down and get some stamping done today. I should have been outside cutting wood for winter but shhhh, I wont tell if you wont!

The challenge on CSAYL this week comes from Sankari, of Sankaris Sunshine Corner. She says to:


Create a card that is not your regular A2 card (A2 cards regularly measure 4 1/4" x 5 1/2") Create anything but an A2 card! It can be a circle card, a square card, a heart card, a star card a christmas tree shaped card - any shape at all!!!


I ended up doing 2 cards for the challenge because I had decided to make a joy fold card, but when all folded its measurements are those of an A2 card. I blame that on being half asleep when starting my cards,hehehe.So here is the first card I did, the joy fold:

After realizing that this card didnt fit the challenge I sat back down and got to work on a second card. This time I made sure to follow the directions :0) I created a snowglobe card, which is a shape I have always wanted to try.

Supplies used(all supplies Stampin'Up! unless otherwise noted):

1st card-

Stamps:Holiday Spirit

Paper: Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Merry Moments DSP

Ink: Real Red, Garden Green

Accessories: Button, Dimensionals, Versamark,Sponge

2nd card-

Stamps:Merry Minstrels

Paper: White cardstock by Bazzill, PP by S.E.I.

Ink: Black StazOn

Accessories: SU markers and watercolor crayons, Real Red ribbon, Stickles, Versamark, Embossing Powder,Blender Pen