Guest Blogger: Merilyn Irvine

I received this truly gorgeous and beautiful handmade Christmas card from my good friend Merilyn today.

It is truly a masterpiece of painstaking hand-colouring with Blendabilities, Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen in White, and an Artline Pen in Black.

Featuring the “Holiday Home” stamp set and matching “Homemade Holiday” Framelits, everywhere I look I see xtra special details, liked Santa and his reindeer prancing through the nights sky.

I love the contrast of the colours used, especially the homes in Crumb Cake.

The finishing touch is the Gold Metallic Baker’s Twine, tied in a sweet bow.

Thanks Merliyn, I shall cherish this gorgeous card for years to come.

“Merry Christmas From New Zealand”

“Merry Christmas From New Zealand”

Photo Credit: www.infonews.co.nz

To my many friends and family living overseas, from our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

This Christmas Tree is made by my good friends Geoff and Sheryl, and is made from driftwood, collected at the beach.

Gotta love re-purposing!

And this is my New Zealand themed Christmas Card, featuring the Pohutukawa flower …

Merry Christmas!

Best wishes,

Kathe.

"Create With Kathe" for Thursday 27th November 2014

#CreateWithKathe #JorjaRoseFiles

Well … November is all but a memory as we head into the countdown for Christmas!

This past week, we made a Screen Card featuring the Baby Wipe Technique and the stamp sets “Flower Patch”, “Flower Shop”, and “Remembering Your Birthday”, the second card is a Christmas Card featuring Blendabilities and the “Ornamental Pine” stamp set …

Project 1 “Screen Card”, Featuring Baby Wipe Technique

Basic Gray cardstock forms the base of the card, along with layers of Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack and Whisper White cardstock.

The measurements are:

Base Basic Gray 5 ½”x 10”, scored at 2 ½”, 5”, 7 ½”

Panels Designer Series Paper Stack 4 ¼”x2 1/8”

Panels Whisper White Cardstock 4 ¼”x2 1/8”

The Hearts Border Punch and Decorative Label Punch are used on the top and bottom of the card, then the Panels are adhered.

The Baby Wipe Technique is  in colours of Real Red, Crumb Cake and Coastal Cabana, and are use to create the flowers, which are from the “Flower Patch” stamp set, and stamped on to Whisper White cardstock.

The leaves are stamped in Pear Pizzazz and Old Olive, onto Pistachio Pudding cardstock.

The matching “Flower Fair” Framelits are used to cut the flowers and leaves.

The Pansy Punch is used to cut 4 flowers in Pool Party, and then crimped x10 times in the Paper Crimper. The fibres of the cardstock are then broken down, so you can split each Pansy into 2, petal by petal {take it slowly!} = 8 Pansys, which are then Braded with a Candy Dot Brad Base, and a Pearl Basic Jewels added.

Repeat the same process for the Petite Petals, there are 5 Petite Petals punched in Pool Party cardstock, then crimped x10 times in the Paper Crimper. The fibres of the cardstock are then broken down, so you can split each Petite Petals into 2, petal by petal {take it slowly!} = 10 Petite Petals,

Each of the “BWT” flowers have 3 layers of Petite Petals added to the centre of the flowers, which are then Braded with either a Mini Brad or a Candy Dot Brad Base, with a Pearl Basic Jewels added to the latter.

The sentiment “there’s something really worth celebrating today…” and “a birthday wish that’s just for you …” are both from the “Remembering Your Birthday” stamp set, and are stamped in Bermuda Bay on to Whisper White cardstock, and then punched with either the 2 ½” Circle Punch and the Modern Label Punch.

The flowers, leaves and sentiments are then adhered to the front Panels.

The final touch is the row of Pearl Basic Jewels added to the front Panel.

The Whisper White Panels are stamped with Bermuda Bay and Coastal Cabana, and the stamp set “Flower Shop”.

The Panels on the reverse allow for a special sentiment to be written, on the above, each of the people in our household wrote an individual message to our Mom, Mom-In-Law, Grandmom, for her recent birthday.

This card would also be perfect for a girls night out, where each member of the group could write a special birthday message to their friend.

Wah-lah … “Screen Card”, Featuring Baby Wipe Technique done!

Project 2 Christmas Card Featuring “Ornamental Pine”

The “Ornamental Pine” stamp set is the only stamp set used for this card, as I like to demonstrate how one stamp set can be used for an entire project.

The base of this card is Real Red, with layers of Basic Black and Whisper White …

The measurements are:

Base Real Red 5 ½”x 8”, scored at 4”

Layer Real Red 5, 3/8”x 3, 7/8”

Layer Basic Black 5, 3/8”x 3, 7/8”

Insert Whisper White 5, 3/8”x 3, 7/8”

Window Sheet 5, 3/8”x 3, 7/8”

The Basic Black cardstock is stamped with the pine needles and pine cones in Versamark, and White Embossing Powder added, then heat set with the Heat Tool.

They are then coloured with the Blendabilities in Old Olive and Skin Tone Assortment, then Stampin’ Glitter in Dazzling Diamonds is added.

The Real Red layer has a an oval window, which is cut with the Oval Framelits, then sponged with White StazOn to give a snowy effect.

The words “Christmas Wishes” is stamped with Versamark, and White Embossing Powder added, then heat set with the Heat Tool.

The cute embellishment “All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments” is tied with a Christmasy Bow in Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, and added to the Real Red layer with a Glue Dot.

The Window Sheet is layered between the Basic Black cardstock and the Real Red cardstock, to form the window.

The 3 layers are then added to the base card with Dimensionals.

For the card insert of Whisper White cardstock, a Star {from the “Itty Bitty Accents Punch pack”} is punched in the corner to give negative detail.

The sentiment “May the peace and beauty of the season remain with you throughout the coming year” is stamped in Real Red.

The finishing touch are the two pine cones, stamped in Baked Brown Sugar and Soft Suede.

Wah-lah … Christmas Card featuring “Ornamental Pine” done!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and if you would like to make a Stampin’ Up! purchase online, please head on over  to my Stampin’ Up! website.

Happy craftin’,

Kathe.

“Flower Patch” Stamp Set

“Flower Shop” Stamp Set

“Ornamental Pine” Stamp Set

“Remembering Your Birthday” Stamp Set

Recipe Ingredient List

Stamp Sets : “Flower Patch”, “Flower Shop”, “Ornamental Pine”, “Remembering Your Birthday”

Classic Stampin’ Pads: Baked Brown Sugar, Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Real Red, Soft Suede, White StazOn  and Versamark,

Classic Stampin’ Ink Refills : Coastal Cabana, Crumb Cake, Real Red

Blendabilities : Old Olive, Skin Tone Assortment

Cardstock :  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Real Red, Whisper White, Designer Series Paper Stack in Subtles, and Window Sheets

Punches : 2 ½” Circle, Decorative Label, Hearts Border, Modern Label, Pansy, Petite Petals, Star from the “Itty Bitty Accents Punch pack”

Framelits : Flower Fair, Ovals,

Ribbons : Bakers Twine in Cherry Cobbler

Xtras : “All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments”, Baby Wipes, Candy Dot Brad Bases, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Mini Brads, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Emboss Powder in White, Stampin’ Glitter in Dazzling Diamonds, Stamping Sponges

Special Tools : Heat Tool, Paper Crimper, Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Cleaner, Stampin Trimmer,

Create With Kathe” For Thursday 6th November 2014

Last weeks Class, we made two projects {well actually 3!}, an xtra cute Purse, made from the “Top Note” Bigz Die, in a lovely floral pattern, with a matching 3”x3” card, and a Christmas card featuring the “Wondrous Wreath” stamp set and matching “Wonderful Wreath” Framelits…

Project 1 “Top Note” Purse + Matching 3”x3” Card

This xtra cute Purse is made from the “Top Note” Bigz Die, and cut 3x in Soft Suede, and 1x in a patterned cardstock {I chose the “All Abloom” Designer Series Paper Stack}.

The patterned cardstock is cut back to the faux stitch line, and adhered to one of the Soft Suede Top Notes.

The inside of the purse or gusset comes from a mini paper bag, which is cut to 3” in height.

The flower is made by using the “Blossom” Punch, x4 in Strawberry Slush {or Pool Party, or Naturals White}, and then crimped x10 times in the Paper Crimper. The fibres of the cardstock are then broken down, so you can split each Blossom into 2, petal by petal {take it slowly!} = 8 Blossoms.

The Blossoms are then placed furry side up, adhered with a Mini Brad, then a Very Vintage Designer Button is threaded with Linen Thread, a bow tied, and adhered to the Blossom, over the Mini Brad.

The Blossom is then adhered to the Purse.

The closures for the Purse{s} are self-adhesive Velcro Dots.

For the mini card, Soft Suede cardstock is cut 3”x6” and folded in half.

Two pieces of Naturals White cardstock are cut to 2, 7/8”x2, 7/8”, then corner rounded with the Project Life Corner Punch.

The smudge or watermark stamp from the “Work Of Art” stamp set, and is stamped in Strawberry Slush {or Coastal Cabana}, and without re-inking the stamp, it is stamped again a second time on the cardstock to form two different shades of  pink.

Repeat this step for the inside of the card, by first stamping the stamp off to remove the bright colour ink, then restamping on the card insert.

The words “Just For You” are stamped in early Espresso.

A Heart is punched with the “Sweetheart” Punch, using matching pattered Designer Series Paper, and is backed with contrasting cardstock {Strawberry Slush}, and adhered with Dimensionals. A small Heart in contrasting cardstock is punched using the Heart from the “Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack”.

The small Heart is then adhered to the Sweetheart Heart, and a small Pearl Basic Jewel is added to the centre of the Heart.

I have added a small Heart to the card insert as well, along with a small Pearl Basic Jewel.

Wha-lah … “Top Note” Purse + Matching 3”x3” Card done!

Project 2 “Wondrous Wreath” Christmas Card

I wanted to demonstrate to my ladies, how one stamp set can be used to make an entire card, and the “Wondrous Wreath” stamp set and matching “Wonderful Wreath” Framelits is perfect for this.

We created a faux door by stamping the Naturals White cardstock with the “Hardwood” stamp in Sahara Sand, a separate smaller piece is also stamped, then cut into 4 rectangles to form the panels of the door.

A Brad from the Antique Brads is used to make the door handle.

On a piece of Whisper White cardstock, the Wreath is first stamped in Old Olive, then Garden Green, then Real Red to make the glorious multi coloured Christmas Wreath, which is placed on the door.

Some yummy Real Red Seam Binding Ribbon is wrapped around the Wreath and tied with a bow.

The sentiment “Happy Wonderful Christmas” is coloured using Early Espresso and Real Red Stampin’ Markers, and stamped onto Naturals White cardstock.

The sentiment is then cut using the “Apothecary Accents” framelits, and 2 pieces of Real Red cardstock are also cut using the same Framelits, and placed behind the sentiment to give a red border.

Adhered with Dimensionals, the final touch is my now signature Glimmer Paper Candy Dots in a lovely sparkling Red.

As the cardbase is Naturals White, there is no need for a lining, so for the card insert, the words “May happy moments & cherished memories surround you with joy this season” is stamped in Early Espresso directly onto the Naturals White cardstock.

The “Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border” Punch is used to cut a strip of Red Glimmer Paper, and is placed as a border on the bottom of the insert, for a bit of bling!

Wah-lah … “Wondrous Wreath” Christmas Card done!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and if you would like to make a Stampin’ Up! purchase online, please head on over  to my Stampin’ Up! website.

Happy craftin’,

Kathe.

#CreateWithKathe #JorjaRoseFiles

“Hardwood” Background Stamp

“Wondrous Wreath” Stamp Set

"Work Of Art” Stamp Set

“Top Note” Bigz Die

Recipe Ingredient List

Stamp Sets : “Hardwood”, “Wondrous Wreath”, Work Of Art”

Ink : Coastal Cabana, Early Espresso, Garden Green, Old Olive, Real Red, Sahara Sand, Strawberry Slush

Stampin’ Write Markers : Early Espresso, Real Red

Cardstock :  Glimmer Paper in Red, Naturals White, Pool Party, Real Red, Sahara Sand, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White,

Designer Series Paper : “All Abloom” Designer Series Paper Stack

Punches : Blossom, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Project Life Corner, Sweetheart

Framelits/Dies : “Apothecary Accents” Framelits, “Top Note” Bigz Die, “Wonderful Wreath” Framelits

Ribbons : Linen Thread, Seam Binding Ribbon in Real Red

Xtras : Antique Brads, Basic Pearl Jewels, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Mini Brads, Mini Paper Bags, Velcro Dots, Very Vintage Designer Button

Special Tools : Crimper, Crop-A-Dile, Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Cleaner, Stampin Trimmer, 

“Create With Kathe” For Thursday 2nd October 2014

So sorry for the late Post, I have lost my camera, and had to resort to cellphone piccies!

Last week we made two cute cards, one, an unashamedly case via my Mentor Jacque Williams, and the second, a Christmas Card, yes I did say it!

As we have hit October, the countdown is now on till Christmas!!!

Project 1 “Textured Hello Darling” Card

Featuring the “Choose Happiness”, “Hello Darling”, and “Papillion Potpourri” stamp sets, and “Lovely Lace” Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

Just had to break out the “Hello Darling” stamp set and “Lovely Lace” TIEF as they both arrived in the last Stampin’ Up! order!

The ladies had a choice between Pool Party, Lost Lagoon or  Blackberry Bliss … and they all chose Blackberry Bliss!

The card is a case via Jacque, which she taught at a recent Class, my ladies loved the card so much that they requested we make it too!

Changes made to the original include Linen Thread {instead of Metallic Bakers Twine}, and on the inside of the card, I added a gold embossed Bird, which is on Vellum and fussy cut.  

And the sentiment “Choose Happiness” {which has been coloured with Stampin’ Write Markers in Blackberry Bliss, Early Espresso, and Soft Suede}.

Both of these stamps are from the “Choose Happiness” stamp set.

Wah-lah … “Textured Hello Darling” Card done!

Project 2 “Lovely As A Tree” Christmas Flip Card

The “flip” for this Christmas Card is created by using the “Circle Card Thinlits” Die, which are my favourite out of the 3 flip card dies currently available.

+ the “Circle Card Thinlits” Die comes in a pack with 10 dies!!!

The cardbase for this card is Pool Party, with Soft Suede and Whisper White cardstock making an appearance.

Stamp sets featured are “Good Greetings”, “Hardwood”, “Holiday Home”, “Letterpress Winter”, and of course “Lovely As A Tree”!

I love the tress, which are stamped is Soft Suede, and then sponged in Soft Sky.

The Banner sentiment “Merry Christmas” looks so cute which is layered over a background of “All Is Calm Designer” Washi Tape and Venetian Crochet Trim, which is then secured with a little staple and the new “Handheld Stapler”.

Everywhere you look, there are tiny details, from the message “from our home  to yours at Christmastime”, to the little snowflakes, the “Decorative Dots” Textured Impressions Embossing Folder , and of course the beautiful trees!

This card was fun to make, but took a bit of time to get all the measurements right, oh and VERY hard to photograph too!!!

Wah-lah … “Lovely As A Tree” Christmas Flip Card done!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and if you would like to make a Stampin’ Up! purchase online, please head on over  to my Stampin’ Up! website.

Happy craftin’,

Kathe.

"Choose Happiness” Stamp Set

“Good Greetings” Stamp Set {FREE with any $350+ order!}

“Hardwood” Background Stamp

“Hello Darling” Stamp Set

“Holiday Home” Photopolymer Stamp Set

“Letterpress Winter” Photopolymer Stamp Set

“Lovely As A Tree” Stamp Set 

“Papillion Potpourri” Stamp Set

Circle Card Thinlits Die

Recipe Ingredient List

Stamp Sets : "Choose Happiness”, “Good Greetings”, “Hardwood”, “Hello Darling”, “Holiday Home”, “Letterpress Winter”, “Lovely As A Tree” and “Papillion Potpourri”,

Ink : Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, Soft Sky, Soft Suede, Versamark

Stampin’ Write Markers : Blackberry Bliss, Early Espresso, and Soft Suede

Cardstock :  Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Naturals White, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Whisper White and Vellum

Punches : 1” Circle, 2” Circle, Elegant Butterfly, Project Life Corner

Framelits : Circle Card Thinlits Die, Ovals Collection

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders : “Lovely Lace”, “Decorative Dots”

Ribbons : Linen Thread, Sequin Trim, Venetian Crochet Trim

Xtras : "All Is Calm Designer” Washi Tape, Dimensionals, , Frosted Sequins, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Emboss Powder in Gold, Very Vintage Designer Buttons

Special Tools : Handheld Stapler, Heat Tool, Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Cleaner, Stampin Trimmer,

#CreateWithKathe #JorjaRoseFiles