Tag: Thanksgiving

Feather & Frost Photopolymer Stamp Set

$20.00

[147771]

$21.00

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set

[143726]

$27.00

Layered Leaves Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[143704]

$9.00

Pinewood Planks Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[143708]

$10.00

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies

[143751]

$33.00

Foliage Frame Framelits Dies

[146353]

$27.00

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[105117]

$8.50

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

$8.50

[133676]

$8.50

$8.50

$4.00

$9.00

$5.00

$6.00

$4.00

$4.00

$7.00

$30.00

Big Shot Magnetic Platform

$110.00

[130658]

$40.00

Stampin’ Up! Pleasant Pheasant Repeat

November 10, 2018November 9, 2018 Julie Johnston

Good Saturday to You All! Yesterday the snow that had been predicted actually happened, so it is a lovely winter wonderland out my window. We had maybe a couple of inches, and the roads were ok, so I could enjoy it without TOO much effort.

Today’s card, though, isn’t about snow as I am still in fall and Thanksgiving mode. I truly love this time of year, when God uses a broad paintbrush to color everything in such spectacular displays. Of course, following that, we all know what comes……at least a gazillion leaves on the ground, with which we have to DO something. Maybe after the snow melts I can get the mower out one final time and mulch them. Or windrow them. Or both. They are a great addition to the compost pile unless there are too many of them.

You see how easy it is to get off track? This post is about a card, folks! If you liked my Pheasants for the blog hop on Thursday, please let me know what you think of this one. If you didn’t, well, I am sorry you have to see the same thing again. Same sketch, same stamps, same copper embossing, same inside of card. Sort of. See it here.

For the front of this one, I took a Copper Foil Sheets and liberally rubbed my Embossing buddy over it. I then stamped the grass/weed/wildflower?, from Healing Hugs, randomly with Versamark, sprinkled it with Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder and heat set it. I used Tear and Tape to attach it to an Old Olive mat.

The sentiment is from the Happiness Surrounds stamp set in the Snowflake Showcase, stamped in Versamark (Don’t forget to use Embossing Buddy!) on Cajun Craze and embossed with Copper. I treated this sentiment the same as the one on Thursday only this time I added a couple of strands of Copper Metallic Thread to the Linen Thread. To hold the bow in place, I rolled a Glue Dot and stuck it to the sentiment banner.

The leaves behind the pheasants are cut from Copper Foil Sheets, Old Olive and Cajun Craze, using dies from Pretty Pines. The copper embossed Pheasants are on Very Vanilla and adhered to an Old Olive mat. I cut this mat with the largest of the scalloped Layering Ovals Framelits, rolled the edges in Versamark, then in the Copper emboss Powder and heat set it. I like this look.

The leaves are dry fit, then I used Liquid Glue to adhere them behind the Pleasant Pheasants, which are adhered with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I used plenty of Liquid Glue to adhere the card front to the card base.

The inside of the card is pretty much the same as Thursday’s, which you can see here, to get the directions. What is different is that I dragged the sentiment panel through the Versamark pad and heat embossed the edge in Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder, then adhered it to an Old Olive mat.

The envelope is similar to Thursday’s, but I made more of the Copper Foil Sheets embossed paper for the flap and stamped the grass on the opposite corner on the front.

Let me know which you like better in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by!

CARD CUTS: Cajun Craze: card base 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″, sentiment banner 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″, leaf 1″ x 2″; Old Olive: front mat and inside mat 4″ x 5-1/4″, leaf 1″ x 2″, oval 3″ x 4″, Copper Foil Sheets: front focal panel 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″, leaves 2″ x 3″, envelope flap 2-12″ x 5-3/4″; Very Vanilla: front oval 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, inside liner 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″

Product List

Healing Hugs Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$20.00

[146530]

$21.00

Happiness Surrounds Photopolymer Stamp Set

[149744]

$17.00

Angels On Earth Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[147744]

$19.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies

[141706]

$35.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

$30.00

Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies

[141851]

$26.00

Banner Triple Punch

[138292]

$23.00

Old Olive 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$8.50

[100702]

$8.50

$9.75

$4.00

$9.00

$5.00

$6.00

Copper Metallic Thread

[141696]

$3.50

Linen Thread

[104199]

$5.00

$4.00

$7.00

$110.00

$30.00

Heat Tool

[129053]

$30.00

Stampin’ Up! Wood Textures and Vintage Leaves

October 21, 2018October 20, 2018 Julie Johnston

Here it is Sunday again, and I hope all of you are enjoying this day the Lord has made! My card today uses current Stampin’ Up! products as well as the retired Vintage Leaves and coordinating Leaflets Framelits. I love these leaves and can’t bear to give them up.

In the Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack there are some pieces I wondered what on earth I would do with them. I think today’s card effectively showcases one of the difficult ones.

I am loosely following the challenge from Freshly Made Sketches #359 for my design.

The color scheme comes from Handstamped Sentiments Challenge #300

I began with a panel of the tree rings Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack, Liquid Glued to my card base. Using one of the Layering Circles Framelits, I cut the center from another piece of the tree rings. This was adhered to my Cajun Craze mat with Liquid Glue.

DISCLAIMER: Vintage Leaves is retired from the catalog. I love this set and had to use it one more time. Any individual leaf stamp would accomplish the same end result. (Colorful Seasons or Falling for Leaves come to mind)

The focal piece is a set of 3 leaves from Vintage Leaves, stamped with Merry Merlot on Mango Melody, Crushed Curry and Mossy Meadow, then die cut with the coordinating Leaflets Framelits. Liquid Glue adheres these to one another and a length of 3/16″ Braided Linen Trim is tied around the stems. This assemblage is attached to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. (If you don’t have Vintage Leaves, any individual leaves will do nicely). This card front was then attached to the matted card base with Liquid Glue.

I considered dry embossing the Cajun Craze mat with the Pinewood Planks, but didn’t do it as I thought it might look ‘too busy’. Your thoughts?

The sentiment is from Pleasant Pheasants and is stamped in Soft Suede on the Cajun Craze mat. This focal panel was then adhered to the tree rings mat with Liquid glue.

For the inside, I attached the leftover piece of tree rings DSP from the Wood Textures Stack to a panel of Cajun Craze, with Liquid Glue, and used more glue to adhere the panel into the card base. One of the Vintage Leaves was inked with Cajun Craze and stamped off twice before stamping my Very Vanilla panel. The sentiment, also from Pleasant Pheasants, was stamped in full strength Cajun Craze.

The envelope, never to be naked, was given the same leaf as on in inside, and more of the tree rings DSP on the flap.

I love the colors of Autumn and the crisp, cool days. A walk in the woods during this wonderful season is an excellent way to spend a little time. Short of that, perhaps an autumn colored, woodsy card will fill the bill!

Thanks for stopping by. Try this easy one for yourself.

CARD CUTS: Early Espresso: card base 5-1/2″ x 11 scored at 4-1/4″; Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack: front mat 4″ x 5-1/4″, inside strip 2″ x 5″, 3″ circle; Cajun Craze: front panel 3-3/4″ x 5″, inside mat 4″ x 5-1/4″; Very Vanilla: inside liner 3-1/4″ x 4-1/2″; Mango Melody, Crushed Curry: maple leaves 3″ x 3-1/2″; Mossy Meadow: oak leaf 2″ x 4-1/2″

Product List

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

$20.00

[141705]

$35.00

Vintage Leaves Photopolymer Bundle

[140235]

$43.25

$8.50

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

$8.50

[133676]

$8.50

Crushed Curry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131199]

$8.50

Mango Melody 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[146989]

$8.50

$9.75

Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad

$11.00

[147115]

$7.50

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin’ Pad

[147085]

$7.50

$4.00

$4.00

$30.00

$7.00

$110.00

Rooted In Nature Clear-Mount Bundle

Stampin’ Up! Happy Thanksgiving

October 18, 2018October 17, 2018 Julie Johnston

Good Thursday morning Everyone! It is time once again for our monthly Blog Hop with our friends in Canada. We have a color challenge and a sketch challenge. It is up to the individual whether to use one or both challenges. I am using both. Our Colors for this hop are:

And here is the sketch:

With these in mind, I opted to make a Thanksgiving card. Here goes! I hope you enjoy this hop as we have several very creative women participating today.

My card base is Tranquil Tide with a mat on the front of the Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper. This paper has the 3 required colors.

I love the Copper Foil Sheets embossed, whether dry embossed or heat embossed. For today I dry embossed it with the Layered Leaves 3-D Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder, and mounted it on a mat of Tranquil Tide with Liquid Glue.

For the sentiment, I cut the word Happy with the Happy Birthday Thinlit from Tranquil Tide three times and stacked them. I used Liquid Glue to adhere this to the copper. I stamped the Thanksgiving portion of the sentiment from Pleasant Pheasants in Versamark ink and heat embossed it in Copper. This was cut with a Lakeside Framelit and adhered to the copper with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

After it was adhered, I wished I had edged the die-cut with Versamark and dipped it in the Copper Emboss Powder. Hindsight, you know. I might remove it and do that, but time doesn’t allow it right now. I do think it will improve the card.

The small leaves are Tranquil Tide, embossed and cut with the dies from Nature’s Roots. One is also stamped and heat embossed with Copper Emboss Powder. The copper leaves are also from Nature’s Roots, dry embossed and cut. The berry branches are cut from Merry Merlot. The dies for these are from the First Frost Bundle

I dry fit everything then Liquid Glued them in place. This finishes the front.

On the inside a mat of the same Joyous Noel DSP as on the front frames a Whisper White sentiment panel. I flipped the mat over and die cut a berry branch (First Frost Bundle) from the center of it. This was attached to the sentiment panel with Liquid Glue. A leafy branch was cut from Merry Merlot card stock with another die from the First Frost Bundle, trimmed and adhered with Liquid Glue.

The sentiment is from Pleasant Pheasants and is stamped in Merry Merlot. This sentiment panel is adhered to the mat with Liquid Glue.

The envelope has the trio of leaves on the front embossed with Copper Emboss Powder and more of the Joyous Noel DSP on the flap .

Now, to move on through the hop, just click on the ‘next’ button, or on any of the names to skip around.

Don’t forget to leave a comment, as I do appreciate that. Thanks for hopping with us!

Julie Johnston-you are here

Sandi MacIver

Eva Dobilas

Host Code: EV7ETS99 good through the end of October.

Go here to learn the details on using the host code and my customer loyalty rewards program.

If you don’t have a demonstrator and need products or have questions, please contact me. Or if you would like a catalog, let me know.

clearance rack

Check out the Clearance Rack. There just might be something there youhave been needing, like Fast Fuse refills? When they are gone, they will be gone for good.

Fingers crossed that my order with the Snowflake Showcase arrives tomorrow. You will be able to order on November 1. These products will be available through November 30 or as long as supplies last.

CARD CUTS: Tranquil Tide: card base 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4, mat for copper 3-1/8″ x 4-3/8″, Happy (cut 3) sentiment 3″ x 6″, leaves and sentiment banner 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″; Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper: front mat 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″, inside mat 4″ x 5-1/4″; Copper Foil Sheets: embossed panel 3″ x 4-1/4″, triple leaf, 2-1/2″ x 3″; Merry Merlot: berry branches and inside leaf 3″ x 4″

Product List

[148353]

$72.75

First Frost Clear-Mount Bundle

[149943]

$49.50

Happy Birthday Thinlits Die

$20.00

[143700]

$20.00

Lakeside Framelits Dies

[146351]

$27.00

Layered Leaves Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[143704]

$9.00

Tranquil Tide 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[144246]

$8.50

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Joyous Noel 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

$4.00

[147816]

$14.00

Merry Merlot 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[146979]

$8.50

$9.00

$6.00

Merry Merlot Classic Stampin’ Pad

$5.00

[147112]

$7.50

$4.00

$4.00

$30.00

$110.00

Heat Tool

[129053]

$30.00

Stampin’ Up! Copper Tile Thanksgiving for Amy’s Inkin’ Krew Team Hop

October 9, 2018October 8, 2018 Julie Johnston

inkin-krew-blog-hop-banner2

Good Tuesday Everyone! What a weekend we had, rain, rain and more rain. My farm has had more rain in the past 3 weeks than in all of June, July, August and the first 2 weeks of September. I wanted to mow one last time, but that may not happen. Oh, well!

Today several of the talented members on Amy’s Inkin’ Krew are hopping, so let’s get on with it. Our theme is “Give Thanks”, and here is what I created. I just love the Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder (DTIEF), and chose to do it in Copper Foil Sheets.

Making the embossed copper was the first step. Next I used Versalmark ink to stamp the three leaf image from the Rooted in Nature bundle all over a panel of Cajun Craze.The Copper panel was adhered to this mat with Liquid Glue.

I pulled out some of the 1/4″ Copper Trim and stretched it wider, then covered the seam with it. I used a strip of Tear and Tape to make sure it stayed put, then wrapped it over the back and secured it with tape. This was adhered onto the Early Espresso card base with Liquid glue.

Now for the fun. I first cut all the pieces I needed for the collage as follows using dies from: Winter Woods Bundle-the bare tree cut from a piece of Nature’s Roots DSP; First Frost Bundle- berry branch (2) one from Wood Textures and one from Country Lane DSP; Rooted in Nature Bundle – triple leaf (embossed and die cut) (2) from Crushed Curry, and a Pumpkin Pie leafy branch; Seasonal Layers – large leaf from a previous endeavor of Grapefruit Grove sponged with Old Olive, and 2 small leaves, one from a previously sponged panel from another project and one from Copper Foil Sheets.

All of this was dry arranged on an oval using the #3 die from layering ovals (numbered from smallest to largest) cut from a scrap of Wood Textures DSP. When I was satisfied with the look, everything was adhered using Liquid Glue. Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back lift it off the front a bit.

To finish this art collage, I fussy cut one of the pumpkins from Toil and Trouble DSP, used Liquid Glue to adhere it to a scrap of Pumpkin Pie and fussy cut again. I didn’t want to use more Stampin’ Dimensionals, but didn’t want it flat either.

The sentiment is from the Pleasant Pheasant stamp set. After rubbing my Embossing Buddy over the pumpkin, it was stamped in Versamark, then heat embossed with Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder. To add more dimension though, I used my stylus from the Simply Scored Scoring Tool to enhance the grooves in the pumpkin. Liquid Glue used again here to attach it over the leaves. That finished the front.

On the inside, I stamped the berry branch from Frosted Floral in Crumb Cake, twice, on a panel of Crushed Curry. Over this I rubbed my Embossing Buddy, then stamped the other sentiment from Pleasant Pheasant in Versamark. This was then heat embossed in Copper Embossing Powder. Liquid Glue adhered this panel to a mat of Cajun Craze and into the card base.

Card done!

The envelope front has a pair of the Rooted in Nature triple leaves stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with Copper Embossing Powder.

For the flap, I used the watermark treatment on a panel of Cajun Craze using Versamark ink and the triple leaf stamp from Rooted in Nature. Liquid Glue was used to adhere this to the flap. I hope you enjoy this card. I seldom repeat a card, but this one might be the exception.

Only one question: Do you prefer a down and dirty quick blog post, or one that gives instruction, as this post does? Please, leave comments below.

To proceed with the hop, just click on either button to go forward to the very creative Karen, or in reverse to see what our talented leader Amy has done. Should you get lost, just click on any name to go to her blog.

Julie Johnston – you are here
Karen Finkle – https://karenscardkorner.blogspot.com/2018/10/stampin-up-painted-harvest-for-inkin.html
Karen Ksenzakovic – https://wp.me/paaNf4-5i
Jaimie Babarczy – https://wp.me/p79UhD-2a2
Linda Richenberg – https://wp.me/p8GiKS-ub
Connie Troyer – https://wp.me/p8xvI6-cG
Shirley Gentry – https://stampinwithshirleyg.com/?p=2205
Mary Deatherage – https://wp.me/p5snyt-6gA
Sue Prather –https://wp.me/p5yitZ-JZ
Aurora Lopez – https://craftystamperdesigns.com/?p=781
Amy Koenders – https://wp.me/p2SFwf-c49

The host code for October is EV7ETS99

CARD CUTS: Early Espresso: card base 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″; Cajun Craze: front mat and inside mat (cut 2) 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″; Crushed Curry: inside liner 4″ x 5-1/4″; Copper Foil Sheets: front embossed panel 2-1/2″ x 5-1/4″; Toil and Trouble Designer Series Paper: 3″ x 3″ or big enough to cut out a pumpkin. Other papers used are listed above
Product List

Rooted In Nature Clear-Mount Bundle

$20.00

[148353]

$72.75

First Frost Clear-Mount Bundle

[149943]

$49.50

Winter Woods Clear-Mount Bundle

[149992]

$50.25

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies

[143751]

$33.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies

[141706]

$35.00

Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[147906]

$10.00

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ Pad

$8.50

[147116]

$7.50

$8.50

Crushed Curry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$8.50

[131199]

$8.50

Country Lane 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[147804]

$11.00

Toil & Trouble 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[147531]

$11.00

Grapefruit Grove 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

$4.00

[146972]

$8.50

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[105117]

$8.50

$11.00

$5.00

$4.00

$4.00

$6.00

1/4″ Copper Trim

[144179]

$6.00

$6.50

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

$30.00

$110.00

Heat Tool

[129053]

$30.00

Stampin’ Up! Pleasant Pheasants for Combined Thursday Blog Hop

August 16, 2018August 15, 2018 Julie Johnston

joint blog hop header

Once again we are joining some Stampin’ Up! friends from north of the border (Canada, not Minnesota) for a combined Blog Hop. Lots of talent here folks, so come on along.

We usually have a choice (or you can use both) of a a sketch or a color challenge. For today we only have a sketch.

Aug 16 sketch

For my contribution, I chose the new (available September 5 in the Holiday catalog) Pleasant Pheasants stamp set. I used everything in the set EXCEPT for the pheasants! Next card, I promise. They are gorgeous.

wild wing creations-4

I began with a Cajun Craze card base. Next up, I added a Sahara Sand mat, which I ran through the Big Shot using the brand spankin’ new Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder. Gotta love this TIEF! Reminds me of the old tin ceilings, with which I am enamored. To distress it, I used a TINY bit of Soft Suede ink on my Stampin’ Sponge (cut into sixths) and sponged over the highlights.

This embossing folder will be available to you on September 5 in the Holiday catalog. It is part of the Country Lane Suite of products. I am told that if you mist your card stock with water before embossing, that it makes a deeper impression. I did not do that for this card.

I wrapped a length of Copper Metallic Thread around this panel three times, taping it on the back. This panel was then adhered to my card base with some Liquid Glue.

A scrap from Sahara Sand was stamped with the leaf border in Cajun Craze. I then fussy cut with my Paper Snips Scissors along one side, not too precisely, but enough to make a nice edge. Using what ink was left in the sponge, I sponged this edge too, to take off the ‘newness’ of it. This was Liquid Glued to the back side of a Mossy Meadow square.

wild wing creations-1

A smaller square of Sahara Sand was sponged around the edges, again without re-inking my sponge. The ole wooden bucket of pumpkins was stamped in the corner with Soft Suede. I used my Blender Pen to sort of blend in the brown on the bucket, then used Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry and Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Write Markers to color it.

The Embossing Buddy was wiped over this square before I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink, to keep the Copper Embossing Powder from sticking where I didn’t want it. I heat set it with my heat tool, then Liquid Glued this square to the Mossy Meadow square. Stampin’ Dimensionals adhere it to the card base and tin tile mat.

The copper thread is HARD to maneuver into a bow, so I wrapped it around 3 fingers a few times, pinched and twisted it in the middle, then used a glue dot to hold it together. This stuff has a mind of its own and wants to spring away if you don’t control it. The glue dot does a fine job of this. I then could wrap another piece around the bow and tie it to secure it firmly. The glue dot holds it in place on the card.

Card front: Done

wild wing creations-5

On the inside I again sponged the Sahara Sand panel very lightly with Soft Suede, then stamped the image and sentiment in Soft Suede also. The Blender Pen softens the wooden wheelbarrow and some Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker colored the pumpkins. A bit of Mossy Meadow for the grass and this panel is ready to Liquid Glue to the Mossy Meadow mat and into the card base.

For the envelope, I dry embossed the flap of a Medium Very Vanilla Envelope with the Tin Tile TIEF and stamped the wheelbarrow on the front in Soft Suede.

I hope you like this card. I have several Thanksgiving cards to make, and this Pleasant Pheasant stamp set will get used a lot.

Now, on with the hop! You know the drill. Click the button or each name to continue. And, don’t forget to leave your comments. Thank you for hopping with us.

Julie Johnston: You are here

Sandi MacIver

Don’t forget Bonus Days. For every $50 (before taxes and shipping) you spend by the end of August, you earn a $5 coupon to spend in September.

08-01-18_bonus-days_demo-main_en

08.01.18_BONUS-DAYS_CUSTOMER-FAQ_NAEN

CARD CUTS: Cajun Craze: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″; Sahara Sand: panel to emboss 4″ x 5-1/4″, front sentiment 3-1/4″ x 3-1/4″, inside liner 3-1/2″ x 4-3/4″, leaf border 1″ x 4″; Mossy Meadow: front 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, inside mat 3-3/4″ x 5″

Product List

Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$20.00

[147906]

$10.00

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

$8.50

[133676]

$8.50

Sahara Sand 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[121043]

$8.50

Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad

[147115]

$7.50

$8.50

$5.00

Neutrals Stampin’ Write Markers

$6.00

[147158]

$30.00

Regals Stampin’ Write Markers

[147155]

$30.00

Copper Metallic Thread

[141696]

$3.50

Stamping Sponges

[141337]

$3.50

$30.00

$110.00

$4.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

$4.00

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

Blender Pens

[102845]

$12.00

$6.50

Not a creative bone in my body today!

November 24, 2017November 24, 2017 Julie Johnston

Well, I guess it happens. Today I hit a creative wall where even the thought of trying to make something just gave me the willies! That has never happened before. Maybe it is spring fever? Could be, as the temperature is currently 72 degrees, about 30 degrees higher than it should be this time of year.

Or, maybe it is the knowledge that I had a lot of WORK staring me in the face. Not serious work, but the clean-up after a house full of company last night, following two days of cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, prepping, cooking, etc. in preparation for that house full.

My two girls and their spouses, children and grandchildren were here as were my sister and her 4 girls and their families. My brother-in-law wasn’t feeling well, so did not attend the festivities that my 4 year old Great Granddaughter called the “Thanksgiving Party”. and to her, I guess, it was a party. She got to see and play with her 8 boy cousins (second cousins, but never mind). Yep, of the 30 who were here, 10 were under the age of 10 and only ONE GIRL! As you can imagine, the decibel level rose pretty high at times in my not-very-big-house.

And the noise wasn’t just from children playing. All the adults were talking at once it seemed as we all had a great time just catching up with one another. Some had not seen each other since last Thanksgiving, while for others it had been Easter the last time they were together.

Before a bountiful meal, some of which I prepared, and some brought in by all attending, we joined hands for prayer, but instead of a prayer we went around the circle and each named one thing for which they are thankful. To end, my older daughter gave the final few words of prayer and a resounding AMEN was added by all.

This year was a bit different as, for the first time in a long time, there were no extras. No in-laws, out-laws, neighbors, friends, friends of friends, or just anyone who otherwise might spend the day alone.

A couple of churches in the area prepare a thanksgiving meal for anyone who is alone (actually anyone who wants to go may do so ), so perhaps those who might have come decided to go to the church instead. At any rate, several were invited but did not come, so it was just family this year. (unless you count a boyfriend or two.)

Today, I caught up on some correspondence, my sis came to get the items left behind by her grandsons, all the food was put away or frozen, or eaten, pots, pans and serving dishes washed and put away and the stove top cleaned! No creativity there, but for some reason there was a certain amount of satisfaction in seeing everything clean, or reasonably so.

The girls, granddaughters and nieces had kindly washed the plates and silverware, but I still had the task of putting away those things they didn’t. I have a dishwasher and told them we could just load it, but I think they enjoy visiting over the sink full of dishes.

I am not super-woman. There are things that should have gotten done that didn’t. Like the piano. I FORGOT TO DUST IT! Oh, my! the dust was thick, too. I didn’t scrub the floors either. And the company arrived before I managed to get a shower.

But, you know what? I don’t think ANY of that mattered. What did matter was the love and fellowship we all enjoyed.

While I am glad that a day is set aside to remind us to be always thankful and grateful for our many blessings, what is really important is that we gather TOGETHER to give thanks. Even the little ones who could talk said their thanks.

In closing, I want to say that creativity is a blessing too. And I am grateful to God for the gifts He has given me to be creative, to WANT to create (most of the time) and for the ability to recognize that some days you just need to work, not create.

There is always tomorrow, for most of us. And if there isn’t a tomorrow, well, then, it doesn’t really matter, does it?

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1st Thessalonians l5: 18

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Bundle

Thankful

November 23, 2017 Julie Johnston

Good Thursday morning to you all. And a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving as well. The turkey is done, the ham balls also. The pies are ready to go in the oven. I still have a little picking up and the vacuuming to do, but otherwise I think I will be ready for my company when they arrive.

Today’s card is a thank you to all of you who follow me. I appreciate every one of you so very much.

front

I am thankful, and grateful for all I have been given by the Good Lord. Blessings abound, even in the time of uncertainty or trouble.

I began my card with an Early Espresso card base. Then I chose one of the Wood Textures DSP for the art piece. Into this I die cut three leaves using the Thinlit from the Colorful Seasons Bundle I love this little leaf and use it often.

Using the same die, I cut three leaves from Copper Foil Sheets. Setting this aside for the moment, I sponged a piece of Very Vanilla card stock with Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Elegant Eggplant. This was adhered with liquid glue to the back of the Wood Textures DSP. The Precision Base Plate is a great advantage when cutting this detailed die, or for any intricately detailed die.

Also using Liquid Glue, I adhered the copper leaves into the negative space of the Wood Textures panel. This panel is Liquid Glued to a Pumpkin Pie mat.

Using Linen Thread, I wrapped it three times around the left side of the card front, taping it on the back. I did a ‘three times around three fingers’ bow and tied it to the wrapped strands. A glue dot for extra holding power keeps it in place.

front angled

The sentiment is from the Paisleys and Posies stamp set, stamped in Versamark on a light colored Wood Textures DSP and heat embossed in Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder. Before adding Versamark and embossing powder, rub your piece with the Emboss Buddy. This prevents embossing powder from straying off the Versamark and all over your paper. The ends were cut with the Triple Banner Punch and the banner attached with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The completed front is adhered to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The inside is a panel of Very Vanilla stamped all over with the leaf stamp from Colorful Seasons. I used Cajun Craze, and Crushed Curry with some stamped full strength and some by continuing to stamp without re-inking. inside

The sentiment is also from Paisleys and Posies and is stamped in Early Espresso. My world is truly brighter because of each of you! Thank you. This was adhered to a Pumpkin Pie mat and into the card base.

I did not have time to do the envelope which will probably have leaves stamped on the front and some Wood Texures DSP on the flap, unless I decide to stamp more of the lovely leaves!

Card Cuts: Early Espresso: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″; Pumpkin Pie: front mat 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″, inside mat 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″; Very Vanilla: sponged piece3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ inside liner 3-7/8″ x 5-3/8″; Wood Textures DSP: dark for front 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ light for sentiment 2″ x 4″
Product List

[145348]

$54.00

Paisleys & Posies Photopolymer Stamp Set

[142196]

$21.00

Banner Triple Punch

[138292]

$23.00

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$8.00

[105117]

$8.00

$9.00

$10.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

$4.00

[126974]

$6.50

$8.50

Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad

$5.00

[126953]

$6.50

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126965]

$6.50

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131173]

$6.50

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126945]

$6.50

Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126969]

$6.50

Linen Thread

[104199]

$4.50

$4.00

$4.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

$6.00

$110.00

$30.00

Precision Base Plate

[139684]

$25.00

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Bundle

Stampin’ Up! Happy Thanksgiving

November 15, 2017 Julie Johnston

Good Wednesday morning everyone! I hope your week is going well, and today is, as you all know, HUMP DAY, as my kids called it. I guess it means when you get to Wednesday you are over the hump of the middle of the week. If someone knows a different reason for that designation, please comment below.

Thanksgiving, in my opinion, is the most overlooked holidays. Coming between the increasingly popular Halloween and Christmas, well, it just gets overlooked. I host a family gathering in the evening and there are usually add-ons as well. What is an add-on you ask? Here it is anyone who has been added who is not a family member. It might be a friend, an in-law, a neighbor, a shut-in, or just anyone who has no other place to go for a festive meal.

All that said, my card for today is geared toward Thanksgiving.

card front

I began with a color scheme of brown, orange and copper, in this case, Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango and Copper Foil. I also included some Wood Textures, just because I like it.

Actually, the first step was to stamp the Wood Textures in Early Espresso ink with a leaf stamp from Colorful Seasons. Next, I ran this sheet through the big shot with the Woodland Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. The trees didn’t show up very well, so I inked the embossed side (the side that says Stampin’ UP!) with Early Espresso ink and ran the same sheet through again. Aha! Much better! This gave definition to the trees, subtle, but there. When embossing with a 6″ x 6″ designer paper, I emboss the whole sheet, then cut to size.

This was adhered to a mat of Tangerine Tango. A length of Burlap Ribbon was wrapped around ant taped to the back. I die cut an oak leaf from the scrap of stamped and embossed Wood Textures, then cut another from Tangerine Tango using the Vintage Leaves die.

A solid copper maple leaf and the openwork maple leaf were cut using dies from the Seasonal Layers Thinlits. I dry arranged them to see if this was all I would need, but did not adhere them.

Using a stamp from another company because Stampin’ Up does not have a Happy Thanksgiving stamp (or if they do, I don’t have it), I stamped the sentiment on Very Vanilla in Early Espresso and die cut it using Lots of Labels Framelits. I cut a second one in Tangerine Tango, cut it in half vertically and liquid glued them together.

detail

Placing several Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back allowed me to wind a pretty long length of Copoper Metallic Thread around. I re-arranged the leaves, using a Glue Dot and Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the Oak leaves, placing the wood one over the Tangerine Tango one.

A little Liquid Glue on part of the openwork leaf (the part on the oak leaf) adhered it nicely and a Glue Dot was sufficient to hold the solid leaf in place.

Belatedly, I decided the Very Vanilla sentiment was just too stark, so I VERY LIGHTLY sponged it with a little Early Espresso, moving my sponge from the outside in to give some definition to the edges. The Stampin’ Dimensionals adhered this piece over the leaves. The completed front was adhered to the Early Espresso card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

On the inside, another Wood Textures was stamped with the same leaf stamp and Liquid Glued to its Tangerine Tango mat. The sentiment piece is Very Vanilla edged in Early Espresso with my Stampin’ Write marker, and stamped with the same leaf stamp from Colorful Seasons in stamped off once Early Espresso. The sentiment is full strength Early Espresso, and is from the Paisleys and Posies stamp set. This was adhered to the Wood Textures panel and into the the card base with Liquid Glue.

inside

The envelope is Crumb Cake with Early Espresso leaves stamped on the front and on the flap. In retrospect, I am thinking I should have stamped and embossed another sheet of Wood Textures for the flap. I may still do that if I have time before it has to go in the mail.

I hope you like this card enough to try it yourself. Card cuts and product list are below. If you would like to order supplie and do not have a demonstrator, I will be happy to help you. If you have questions, please leave a comment.

Or just click on the order online button at right. Here are two great ways to earn free stamps and merchandise when you place a Stampin’ Up! order with me:

NOVEMBER 1-15 HOST CODE: JREYRYDQ

If you apply that Host Code to your online orders under $150, you’ll get a free gift from me. If your order is over $150, please don’t apply the hostess code (you’ll miss out on your own Stampin’ Rewards/Host $$ if you use it), but you’ll still get the free gift, too!

Wild Wing Creations Bird Egg Rewards:

Bird Egg Rewards

Qualify to earn FREE Stampin’ Up! product from ANY current Stampin’ Up! catalog or promotion! The Wild Wing Creations Bird Eggs Rewards Program is my way of personally saying “thank you” to my returning customers. For more information on the ordering benefits, click here.

We got a sneak peek at the new Occasions and Sale-A-Bration catalogs at On Stage Live last week. I’m sure you are gonna LOVE the new products. There are some GORGEOUS stamp sets there. I already have a wish list that is pretty long. Remember, the catalog goes live on December 1.

In addition, there is going to be an ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA beginning November 20. I will have more information on this in the coming days.

Card Cuts: Early Espresso: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″; Tangerine Tango: cut 2 for mats 4″ x 5-1/4″, leaf and sentiment mat 2″ x 8″; Wood Textures: embossed panel 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″, inside panel 3-3/4″ x 5″, leaf cut from trimmed piece; Copper Foil: 3″ x 5″; Very Vanilla: front sentiment 2″ x 3″, inside 3″ x 4-1/4″

Product List

[145348]

$54.00

Paisleys & Posies Photopolymer Stamp Set

[142196]

$21.00

Leaflets Framelits Dies

[138283]

$25.00

Lots Of Labels Framelits Dies

[138281]

$27.00

Woodland Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[139673]

$8.50

Tangerine Tango 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

$10.00

[111349]

$8.00

$8.00

$9.00

5/8″ (1.6 Cm) Burlap Ribbon

$4.00

Copper Metallic Thread

[141696]

$3.00

[141487]

$7.00

$4.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

$30.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

$110.00

[126974]

$6.50

Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker

[119680]

$3.50