Sweet Stamper

Seaside Christmas

Many of my husband's family live in Florida, and the images in By the Seashore rubberstamp set are perfect for seaside-themed Christmas cards.  Snow scenes aren't really appropriate for Christmas in seaside areas!

This is another of the great swaps I received at the Stampin' Up! Hilton Head Incentive Trip. That is another seaside community where By the Seashore rubberstamp set would be perfect for Christmas cards, birthday cards, notecards and more...handmade of course!

For the card here, simply change the greeting and you have a wonderful Christmas thank you note or notecard.  Change the colors as well, and you have a perfect masculine birthday card or handmade card for just about any occasion.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  By the Seashore (wood #126530, clear (#126532), More Merry Messages (wood #126400, clear 126402)

Ink:  Real Red(126949), Gumball Green (126861) classic stampin' pads

Paper:  Real Red(#102482), Very Vanilla(#101650), Gumball Green (#126840) card stocks; Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper (#126896)

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Snow Burst Embossing Folder (retired but on the Clearance Rack!-#124096), Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon (#126848), Dazzling Details (#124117)

Please shop my online store today.  

And thanks for stopping by!

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As I share these lovely holiday greetings from the company I represent every day, Merry Christmas from me, too, Candy Rattray, your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in San Antonio!  I'm wishing you and yours the very best Christmas ever.  

And as I enjoy the best Christmas yet with the San Antonio Rattray Clan, I'm giving thanks for you and all you do to make it possible for me to have my own business.  I love serving you and helping you enjoy creativity and the joy of bringing handmade, heartfelt creations into your world.  With much thanks and gratefulness, Merry Christmas!

Big Shot Holiday Stocking Die

Here are two little denim Christmas stockings I created last year using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Big Shot Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die.  They are a his and hers country style pair of Christmas stockings that measure 5-1/2" x 4-3/4" and are very easy to make.  These are no-sew Stampin' Up! fabric projects, so they are quick and easy.

Because the Holiday Stocking Die is a Bigz Die, it will cut many different materials.  Notice the leather on both stockings above.  I had some leather scraps and thought I would try them out on the Big Shot.  I was elated with the results!  The denim came from an old pair of jeans, so they have an authentic, worn look.  And the jeans were headed to Good Will.  Instead, I decided to put them into my scrap bin and repurpose them. I adhered the front and back of these denim Christmas stockings with fabric glue and also attached the leather cuffs and trim that way.  Super easy and no sewing!

The trims are also from Stampin' Up!  The lace is the 5/8" Crochet trim (118481) and the holly leaves and snowflake are the Winter Wishes Stitched Felt pieces from last year's Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog.  Although they are retired, they are still available in the Stampin' Up! Clearance rack!  You get 16 pieces for just $3.99!

I'm giving you the Stampin' Up! supply list all together here:

Accessories:

• Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439)
• Holiday Stocking Die (124098)
• 5/8" Crochet Trim (118481)
• Pearls Basic Jewels (119247)
• Winter Wishes Stitched Felt Pieces (124108)

Non Stampin' Up!:  leather and denim scraps, fabric glue

These little Christmas stockings are perfect home decor pieces to adorn your mantel and/or to give as little gifts.  They are real classics that appeal to all ages.  So get creative, make some yourself using what you have on hand as well as the Stampin' Up! trims, and give them as adorable, handmade gifts.  Stuff them with candies, homemade goodies, small tools (crafting or woodworking or auto repair), etc.

Please shop today in my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net. 

 

 

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Stocking Stuffers-Stampin' Up! Style

Today, my daughter and guest blogger Tiffany (handydandyhelper.blogspot.com) has a cute Stocking Stuffer-Stampin' Up! style, to share with you:

Do you save all your leftover "bits" of Stampin' Up! ribbon & DSP?  I do!  After all, waste not, want not:)  So how do I justify keeping all these "bits"?  They make superb tags & toppers, perfect for dressing up stocking stuffers...Stampin' Up! style!

I simply folded a 2 x 3 piece of Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper over my small flat cello bag, stapled and then attached a tag with a Stampin' Dimensional.  The tag utilizes some of the Cute Christmas rub-ons & glimmer brads from last year and topped on the Shimmer White card stock, look lovely:)

They also make for great Christmas tree gifts- simply attach some corresponding embroidery floss or ribbon and wait for the squeals of delight as your loved ones see you darling handmade treats/gifts hanging on the Christmas tree, begging to be opened!  The Christmas holiday season is such a special time of year, I like to bring handmade touches to just about everything.

Enjoy!

Tiffany (handydandyhelper.blogspot.com)

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Ornament Keepsakes has been our most popular rubberstamp set in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog (this is not official, but it's what appears to be the case:) and it's easy to see why.  With coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits (Big Shot Dies) to cut them out, you can make gorgeous ornanments like the ones on the handmade Christmas card above with ease.  To sweeten the deal, you can purchase both the rubberstamp set and framelits as a bundle and save 15%.  I love the way Stampin' Up! makes it easy to make wonderful things AND save money!

I received this gorgeous handmade Christmas card as a swap when I attended the Stampin' Up! Hilton Head Incentive trip in September, and it is the creation of April Jackson.  I love blue Christmas cards.  They just look serene and elegant.  And I think April did a fantastic job with this handmade Christmas card featuring the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle.  The Christmas ornament that takes center stage--literally--is all shimmery thanks to Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, and it's just the right touch for glitz and glamour while retaining real elegance.  

This handmade Christmas card was the inspiration for one of the cards in my Christmas Card Stamp a Stack last month.  I simplified it since we were making lots of cards.  Here's the list of supplies for this card:

Stampin' Up! Supplies (*Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog):

Stamps:  *Ornament Keepsakes rubberstamp set

Ink:  Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad; VersaMark Pad

Paper:  Marina Mist, Very Vanilla Cardstocks

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, *Holiday Ornaments Framelits, *Holiday Frame Embossing Folder; 3/4" Circle Punch (to round the edges), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Although we can save money by purchasing the Ornament Keepsakes rubberstamp set and coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits, I also love the fact that we can purchase them separately.  Stampin' Up! gives us choices and options that help us create the handmade items we want to make and purchase the supplies we need according to our taste and budget.  Win, win!

Purchase any of these papercrafting supplies and/or more from my online store:

candystamps.stampinup.net

It's the easiest shopping you will do this season!  Purchase this week for Christmas delivery!

 

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This is one of the handmade Christmas cards we made in last month's rubberstamping card club in San Antonio.  My club delivers lots of fun and value while helping you build your papercrafting supplies in a budget-friendly way, learning lots of techniques, and making new friends.

Full information about my Rubberstamping Card Club in San Antonio for 2013 is here.  We begin in January, and there is room for you!

The handmade Christmas card shown above is actually a quick and easy card.  It's made special by the awesome touchable texture delivered via the Core-dinations cardstock (sandable cardstock--how cool is that???!!!) and the very trendy and wintry sweater trim as well as the sparkle of the Dazzling Details (a very shimmery glitter glue).  Love those items from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog!

Stampin' Up! Supplies (*Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog items):

• Stamps:  *Heart of Christmas, Four Seasons (hostess set)
• Ink:  Gumball Green, Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pads
• Paper:  Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red Cardstocks; *Gumball Green Core'dinations Cardstock
• Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Stripes Embossing Folder, *Stampin' Sanding System, *Gumball Green Sweater Trim, Owl Builder Punch, Dazzling Details; Anywhere Glue Sticks, Stampin' Dimensionals

Start the year out right with regular, monthly stamping.  It's good for your mental health...really and truly!  

Contact me today to let me know you will be joining us!

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Free Scrapbooking Class in San Antonio-December

My free scrapbooking class in San Antonio for December is this Thursday.  Here are the details:

Thursday, December 13th

10:00-11:30 a.m.

13246 Trentwood, San Antonio, 78231

Two 12 x 12 pages plus a 3D item--we are making

Christmas gift bags this month!

How it works:  Pay $15 for the class or free with a $30+ Stampin' Up! order.  (I apply your class fee to the order.)

Your class payment reserves your spot.  rsvp by Wednesday, December 12th.  

This is the Christmas layout we did last year.  I'm still designing the one for this week, so you will have to come to my free scrapbooking class in San Antonio to check out the new design!  My scrapbooking style is heavy on photo spots.  I like the photos to take center stage; that means my layout and embellishments play a supporting role.  Photos are the stars of my scrapbooks!  

I have a fun group of ladies that come to this class, and we can't wait to scrapbook with you!  Whether you are brand new to scrapbooking or a veteran that is looking for fresh ideas and the camaraderie of awesome ladies while you scrapbook, my free scrapbooking class is a perfect fit for you.  We use all Stampin' Up! products which bring a cohesive, put-together look that you will love.

Please remember that you must rsvp by Wednesday, December 12th.  I have to prepare for you!  I can't wait to scrapbook with you!

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This beautiful handmade Christmas card was created by one of my team members, Carolina Hinojosa.  This was her swap at our November Southern Sweet Stampers meeting for my group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  I love the way Carolina has taken bold, simple images and combined them with a combination of bright and soft colors resulting in a modern look for a classic handmade Christmas card.  

The angel is a favorite image for Christian Christmas cards as angels figure prominently in the Story of the Nativity from start to finish.  From an angel visiting Mary and then Joseph, an angel visiting the shepherds, and then an angel visiting the wise men--each time with important messages from God--you can see why angels are an important and popular Christmas image.  Rejoicing With You rubberstamp set has the beautiful angel image pictured above as well as 3 beautiful scripture and inspirational sayings in elegant fonts.  They can be used to create lovely handmade Christmas cards like Carolina's as well as gift tags, treat holders and even home decor items.  

Making your own handmade, heartfelt creations during the holidays is a great way to express the love of God--as we give them away.  Even as Jesus Christ is the gift of God to us, offering us eternal life and a relationship with our Heavenly Father, so we give gifts at Christmas as we celebrate His birth.  Although people can get caught up in commercialism, the giving of gifts is a wonderful expression of love and appreciation.  Gifts that you make with your hands and warm with your heart are gratifying to make and especially meaningful to give.  I've provided a supply list below for everything used in Carolina's card in case you wish to duplicate it.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Stamps:  Snow Swirled, Rejoicing With You Rubberstamp Sets

Ink:  Real Red, Bashful Blue Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Real Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White Cardstocks

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

All supplies are found in the main Stampin' Up! catalog.  If you don't yet have your own copy, email me today and I'll send you one free of charge.  It's a gift!

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This gorgeous handmade Christmas card was created by one of my swapping buddies, Bobbie Ganley, and she uses the candy cane image from the Scentsational Season rubberstamp set as a design element in a very elegant, festive card.  I thought I would share it today for my Saturday Sample.  

Don't you love the touchable texture on this card?  Now I realize you can only see, not touch, this handmade Christmas card.  But I think even just looking, you can tell how awesome this card is in person.  I really, really love the Core'dinations cardstock as I have said on previous posts.  It takes our amazing dry embossing we do with the Big Shot and Stampin' Up! Embossing Folders to another level of texture and tones.  

Stampin' Up! Supplies (Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog items denoted by *):

Stamps:  *Scentsational Season, More Merry Messages rubberstamp sets

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Gumball Green Cardstocks; *Cherry Cobler Core'dinations Cardstock; Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper; Silver Glimmer Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, *Holiday and Labels Collection Framelits, Polka Dots and Petals a Plenty Embossing Folders, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch, *Stampin' Sanding System

I also love the new bundles in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog.  By purchasing coordinating products together, you save 15%.  Both the Scentsational Season rubberstamp set and coordinating Holiday Collection Framelits are used in the card above.  They can be purchased singly or together as a bundle.  Stampin' Up! scores again by giving us options AND savings.  

You can purchase any of these items from my online store.  Or feel free to contact me at candy@sweetstamper.com with any questions.  Thanks so much for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator:)

Order now from my online store:  quick, easy, affordable shopping for all your crafting needs!

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I adore gingerbread men, and the ones in the Scentsational Season bundle (stamps and coordinating framelits) are so much fun to use!  This handmade Christmas card comes together quickly thanks to my favorite stamping tool:  the Big Shot.  

In addition to loving the Scentsational Season bundle, I love the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  I have used this folder again and again.  It creates a deeply embossed woodgrain image.  I think that when you emboss the Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock with this folder and then sand it with the Stampin' Sanding System, like I did above, it truly looks like bark.  So cool!

Stampin' Up! Supply List, Holiday Catalog items noted by *:

• Stamps:  *Heart of Christmas, *Scentsational Season 
• Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pads
• Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla Cardstocks; Early Espresso Core'dinations Cardstock
• Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, *Holiday Collection Framelits, *Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Stampin' Sanding System, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Anywhere Glue Sticks, Stampin' Dimensionals

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Stop the rushing around and start the quick, easy cute packaging!  Stampin' Up!, once again, has answers to your (and my!) holiday needs!  Get your Stampin' Up! holiday packaging today from my online store:

candystamps.stampinup.net.

Simple, easy shopping; simple easy packaging.  Classic yet trendy style!

What will you put inside your Stampin' Up! holiday packaging?  Ideas:

• homemade goodies
• candy-dipped pretzels
• purchased, wrapped candies
• chocolate:)
• popcorn balls
• Stampin' Up! supplies!
• Fancy Friends Kit
• Ornamental Elegance Kit (makes 10 of the ornaments on the cover of the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog!)
• mints and gum
• the possibilities are endless!

Scentsational Season Coffee Gift/Card

Delight your coffee- loving friends and associates with this handmade card/gift.  (Scroll down to see the inside of the card with the coffee packet.)  This Scentsational Season project allows you to bundle your handmade Christmas card and small gift into one simple “package” and thought it would make a super Saturday Sample.  I have a supply list AND instructions for you so you can recreate this!

*Indicates Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog Products

Stamps:  *Scentsational Season (#121026 wood mount, # 121190 clear mount), More Merry Messages (#126400 wood mount, #126402 clear mount)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin’ Pad (#126966), Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker (#119680)

Paper:  Sahara Sand (#121043), Very Vanilla (#101650), Cherry Cobbler (#119685) Cardstocks; * Festival Of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (#126904)

Accessories:   Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (#113439), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335), *Holiday Collection Framelits (#127814), Stamping Sponges (#101610), *Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim (#129938), *Silver Dazzling Details (#127845), SNAIL Adhesive (#104332), Sticky Strip (#104294), Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430)

1.  Take ½ sheet of Sahara Sand cardstock, fold in half and crease with bone folder.  Run front of card through Big Shot with polka dots folder.  Take 4-1/4 x 2 piece of cherry cardstock and attach to inside of card with Sticky Strip.  (You need Sticky Strip here so that your coffee packet is held in place securely.)  Stamp greeting of choice from Many Merry Messages in upper right hand of card inside.  Set aside.

2.  On 3-1/2 x 2-1/2 piece of Sahara Sand cardstock stamp greeting at bottom of piece and steam marks at top of piece.  Sponge all edges with espresso ink.  Take 2-1/2 x 2 scrap of Vanilla cardstock and stamp mug image from Scentsational Season with cherry ink.  Cut out using mug framelit with Big Shot. Color liquid inside mug with Early Espresso marker and attach to Sahara Sand piece with a dimensional.  Ink up the steam marks from Scentsational Season with the Espresso marker and stamp above the mug.

3.  Take 4-1/2 x 3-1/4 piece of plaid dsp and stick to 4-3/4 x 3-1/2 piece of cherry card stock.  Stick 20” piece of sweater trim to back of cherry cardstock with a small piece of Sticky Strip.  Place 4-5 dimensionals on back of panel and stick to card front.  Place 3-4 dimensionals on back of small Sahara Sand panel and stick to center of plaid panel.  Open card and insert coffee packet.  Tie closed.  Accent snowflake on front of mug with Silver Dazzling Details.  

This is one of the projects I created for my 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign where I give 12 free projects to my newsletter subscribers.  They come to your inbox every Wednesday leading up to Christmas.  Are you on my newsletter list yet?  If not, you should be!  My newsletter comes out twice each month and is a great free resource, chockfull of tips, free projects, notice of specials, how-to's, and more.  Right now, you get the 12 Weeks of Christmas projects in addition to my Sweet Stamper Newsletter, so there are plenty of ideas coming your way:)  Sign up today by going to the little sign up box in the upper left hand corner.  Enter your contact info, and then sit back and enjoy fresh inspiration and ideas...free!  And feel free to visit my online store to browse the fantastic Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog products like Scentsational Season!  candystamps.stampinup.net.

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Candy Cane Lane Wreath

Today, I have this gorgeous Candy Cane Lane Wreath, mady by my daughter Tiffany (handydandyhelper.blogspot.com).  She is my guest blogger today and will tell you all about it!  This is a fantastic Stampin' Up! fabric project!

You might recognize this project from Stampin' Up!- it was featured in the booklet of designs & ideas for the fat quarter trios two years ago when Stampin' Up! fabric was introduced .  The Stampin' Up! instructions are very clear , so even if this is your first wreath project (like me!), with just a few tweaks for difference in scale (mine is considerably larger), it came together beautifully!  The instructions come as part of the Candy Cane Lane fat quarters; they are in the package.

 

I love how all 3 fat quarter prints from the Candy Cane Lane Fabric trio are showcased in this wreath and of course lots of buttons- what's not to love?

For more details on how I pieced this beauty together, check here & enjoy:)

 

Back to Candy Rattray:  You can still get the Candy Cane Lane Fabric in the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack...for just $.99 each.  That's right--I did not make a typo.  $.99 for 3 fat quarters, all coordinating in Stampin' Up! style.  That means you have time to make this wreath!  Tiffany has made other Stampin' Up! fabric projects with Candy Cane Lane Fabric.  Check out the links below to see what she has been up to. 

Purchase your Candy Cane Lane Stampin' Up! fabric today:  candystamps.stampinup.net

 

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Free Digital Download

"Even the Naughty Deserve Something Nice" free MDS Digital Download, trendy chalkboard art.  

Get yours today!

Free Digital Download

Mixed Medley Rubberstamp Set

Mixed Medley Rubberstamp Set is one of the fantastic hostess sets in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog.  

• What is a hostess set?  It's an exclusive set of rubberstamps that you may purchase when you are a Stampin' Up! hostess.  They are also discounted, so they are incredible value!
• How do I become a hostess?  You can host a Stampin' Up! event or place an order of $150 or more.
• How do I host a Stampin' Up! event?  Contact me to book a date for one of my private classes where you and your friends will make 6 cards, 6 tags or 2 Christmas ornaments.  When your friends and family order Stampin' Up! supplies at our class, YOU earn free stamping supplies and also qualify to purchase our exclusive, discounted hostess rubberstamp sets.  
• How do I get hostess benefits without hosting an event?  Place an order of $150 or more from my online store.  You will receive "stamping rewards" of $25 to spend any way you wish including on our exclusive hostess sets.  Spend more and get more free!

The darling handmade Christmas card above is a swap I received at the Hilton Head Incentive Trip I earned with Stampin' Up!.  I lost the creator's info, but it's a great card and uses just one rubberstamp set:  Mixed Medley hostess set!  Here's the list of Stampin' Up! supplies used in the above handmade Christmas card.  Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog items are denoted with *.

Stamps:  *Mixed Medley hostess set

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Raspberry Ripple Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Raspberry Ripple cardstocks; *Snow Festival Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Adorning Accents Edgelits, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, *1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels; SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Please contact me today by email (candy@sweetstamper.com) or by phone (210) 355-5729 to book a private class for you and your friends.  You will learn to stamp, make some great handmade projects, and earn free supplies!

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Mommy & Me Christmas Class!

I'm so excited about my Mommy & Me/Grandma & Me Stampin' Up! class in December!  Here are the details:

Saturday, December 8th

 

10:00-11:30 a.m.

My Kitchen!

Decorate 12 Christmas Cookies (homemade sugar cookies)

Make 2 decorative boxes to house your cookies or for gifting other goodies

Ticket includes a full set of Stampin' Up! Kraft Boxes (4) to take home

Additional decorative kits for your Kraft Boxes available for purchase

One adult per child required!

Teens are welcome!  Join Mom/Grandma and make a mess in someone else's kitchen while having fun and creating beautiful, delicious treats!

$18.00 per registration (two people)

BRING YOUR OWN APRONS!

rsvp with payment by December 1st

 

cash, checks, and credit cards accepted (small paypal fee added to paypal button)

Bring your cameras as you will be making lots of memories with your little ones...without any mess for YOU to clean up:)  Get your little ones involved doing what YOU love:  crafting!  This Mommy & Me Christmas class combines my two great loves:  stamping and cooking for tons of creative fun for the holidays.  Class is  in the morning when the little ones are still fresh and full of energy.  And you will have just enough projects to enjoy with them but not enough to tire you/them out.  Instead of an all-day affair that leaves you exhausted, you get all the fun stuff and no clean up!

I'll have my camera, too, and will be snapping away so we can preserve those memories (and scrapbook them later!).  My Mommy & Me Christmas class is early in the day, so you still have time to go to lunch and shop or take a nap! Personally, I would choose the nap.  Just sayin'!!!

Please register today as space is limited!

Beautiful Season Christmas Cards

For Christian-themed cards for the holiday season, Beautiful Season rubberstamp set makes lovely handmade Christmas cards that hit all the right notes of classic Christian Christmas.  I love all the "sentiments" or greetings in this Stampin' Up! rubberstamp set.  With two inspirational greetings for cards plus a little label for gift giving, it's great value.  I created the cards shown here for a Christmas Card Class earlier this year, using a classic color scheme (Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and River Rock) to coordinate with the classic images.

The sentiment "May your season be blessed with all things bright and beautiful," calls to mind the lovely Anglican hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful,"  extolling the wonders of God's creation.  We spent 9 years in England, and our two older children attended a wonderful Church of England school for a few years.  "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is a favorite hymn in the UK, particularly among children, and it brings back very fond memories for my family.  Here are the charming lyrics:

Refrain All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all. Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings. Refrain The rich man in his castle, The poor man at his gate, He made them, high or lowly, And ordered their estate. Refrain The purple headed mountains, The river running by, The sunset and the morning That brightens up the sky. Refrain The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun, The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one. Refrain The tall trees in the greenwood, The meadows where we play, The rushes by the water, To gather every day. Refrain He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well. Refrain

 

I hope that you make some handmade Christmas cards this year to share with those you love.  Consider using Beautiful Season rubberstamp set with its lovely, classic images and inspirational words.  And I hope you enjoy the lyrics to the All Things Bright and Beautiful hymn, a true classic for any season.  

Christmas is, above all, a truly Christian holiday.  Its beauty is a reflection of its roots:  the birth of Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world.  May your Christmas season be blessed with all things bright and beautiful.

 

Merry & Type Rubberstamp Set

This is one of the handmade Christmas cards I designed for my current 12 Weeks of Christmas gift, and it features Merry & Type rubberstamp set.  My 12 Weeks of Christmas gift is a gift of 12 free holiday projects to my newsletter subscribers.  If you are not already subscribed to my newsletter--which is free--please go to the sign up box to your upper left and get in on all the free goodies!  

My 12 Weeks of Christmas gift is 12 free projects delivered to your inbox including handmade Christmas cards, gifts, and tags/wraps.  Please sign up today!  The next one goes out today, Wednesday, November 7th, and I'll make sure you get it.  

So here are the instructions and supply list for the above handmade Christmas card featuring Merry & Type rubberstamp set.

Stamps:  Merry & Type set (122550, wood mount), (122552 clear mount)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin’ Pad (#126966), Pink Pirouette Stampin’ Write Marker (#119700 Soft Subtles Collection Set)

Paper:  Lucky Limeade (#122926) card stock, Pink Pirouette (#111351) card stock; Cherry Cobbler Core’Dinations Card Stock (127846)

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (#113439), Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder (#116824), Little Leaves Sizzlet (#114511); Silver Stampin’ Dazzle Marker (#128978), Stampin’ Sanding Block (#129367), Core’dinations Dust Buddy (129366), Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots Ribbon ( #124138), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246), Dazzling Details (#124117), Anywhere Glue Stick (#104045), SNAIL Adhesive (#104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430); red sharpie pen

1.  Cut 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of Lucky Limeade card stock in half, fold in half and crease with bone folder.  Stamp Deck the Halls greeting in lower right corner with Cherry Cobbler Ink. 

2.  Take 2 x 4-1/2 piece of cherry card stock and run through Big Shot with embossing folder.  Sand tops of poinsettias with sanding block until desired color has come through.  Wipe with dust buddy to remove excess card stock bits.  Stick down to card stock base with glue stick.  (You may need to trim piece slightly—you used a 4-1/2 inch piece of card stock since the embossing folder will “shrink” the cardstock slightly.  You want the finished piece to be 4-1/4”, the same as your card base.

3.  Stamp ornaments in cherry ink on 4 x 2 piece of pink cardstock.  Color ornament tops, criss cross pattern of left ornament, and center of largest ornament with silver marker.  Using pink marker, color in top and bottom of large ornament and highlighted portion of other ornaments.  Color one large rhinestone with sharpie and place in center of largest ornament.  Wrap 3” piece of ribbon around top of pink cardstock, securing ends on back with SNAIL.  Run a scrap of lime cardstock through Big Shot with leaves sizzlet.  Attach to back of pink cardstock with SNAIL.  Place 4 dimensionals on back of pink cardstock and adhere to card front.  Fill in the pink portions of round ornament with Dazzling Details.  

To purchase any of these products and more, please visit my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  And sign up today for free projects via my free email newsletter.  I can't wait to share with you!

Christmas Card Class - Stamp-a-Stack!

My Christmas Card Class for November is one where you get to have it your way with more options (and cards!) than ever. Reserve your spot asap as seating is limited and this is the final Christmas Card Class of 2012. 

Thursday, Nov. 15th

12:00 noon - 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17th

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Prepared supplies for 6, 12, or 20 card stacks
• All cards are original designs created just for you!
• Hands-on instruction during class
• Fully illustrated instructions for Class by Mail
• $18 for 6 cards-3 each of 2 designs
• $24 for 12 cards- 4 each of 3 designs
• $30 for 20 cards-4 each of 5 designs
• Payable by cash, check or credit card (small paypal fee added)
• rsvp with payment by Monday, November 12th

Choose Your Stack

6 cards $18.75 USD 12 cards $24.75 USD 20 cards $30.75 USD

The Christmas music will be playing, chocolates will be on the table, creativity will be in the air, and fun will be the order of the day!  I can't wait to stamp with you!  Please sign up today!

Holiday Twist Ties

Holiday twist ties.  No doubt you've seen similar ideas on Pinterest, but today I'm sharing this quick & fun project with a Stampin' Up! twist & it costs pennies, maybe, perfect for upcoming festivities!

Start with some supplies from the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack: Wire Works (sorry--it sold out, but you can use any craft wire) & Letters to Santa DSP (or other holiday DSP), plus Sticky Strip and you're ready to start!

Cut DSP to 1/4 inch x 12 inch and then into 2 x 6 inch pieces- you will need both pieces to make one twist tie so cut desired amount.

Line one piece of DSP with a 6 inch piece of Sticky Strip.

Peel off the red backing and place a 6 inch piece of wire from the thinnest spool (approx 26 gauge) over the Sticky Strip.

Place the second strip of corresponding DSP over the wire, lining up carefully; smoosh & tie!

Try these twist ties with the Gussetted Cellophane bags in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog- since I don't have my holiday goodies baked yet, I put some Stampin' Up! buttons in one of these bags & they're perfect, with lots of room!  At 5" x 3" x 11-1/2", these gussetted cellophane bags are large enough to hold plenty of treats--food or otherwise:)

Hope you enjoy this fun lilttle craft- this would be great to get your kids involved with too!

This is a project shared by my daughter and guest blogger Tiffany aka handydandyhelper.blogspot.com.  I love her creativity and kid-friendly projects! 

Triple Time Technique- The Open Sea

We are learning the triple time technique at my hostess clubs this month, and I wanted to do a holiday card with a non-holiday rubberstamp set.  In my creative journey, I landed on The Open Sea!  I knew I wanted to use the "Peace on Earth" sentiment from Greetings of the Season (Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog). I also knew I wanted to use the new 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon (Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog).  The tulle ribbon is both easy and fun to work with!  Here is the result of my designing.  I thought it would make a great Saturday Sample, complete with supply list AND directions:)

I love the triple time technique, and The Open Sea is a perfect rubberstamp set for it.  You could easily change out the greeting with a Happy Birthday or other sentiment and have a great masculine card.  The Open Sea is perfect for masculine cards, and triple time technique is not fussy or girly, making it a wonderful technique for our manly men to enjoy.

Here is the list of supplies for the card as well as instructions.  Enjoy!

Stampin' Up! Supplies (* indicates Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog items):

• Stamps:  The Open Sea, *Greetings of the Season
• Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede Classic Ink Pads; VersaMark Pad
• Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla Card Stocks
• Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, *Crumb Cake Scallop Tulle Ribbon, Embossing Buddy, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

1.  Take 1/2 sheet Cherry Cobbler card stock, fold in half, and crease with bone folder.

2.  Take Very Vanilla cardstock pieces and layer them with a tiny bit of SNAIL adhesive to hold them in place.  These are the dimensions:

1. 3-1/4 x 2
2. 4-1/4 x 3
3. 5-1/4 x 4

Random stamp the world and compass images with Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede inks. Place small pencil mark in upper left corner on back of each piece so you remember how to put them back together.  Now pull them apart and layer them onto the card base and corresponding Cherry Cobbler pieces, placing another pencil mark in top left corner of Cherry Cobbler pieces as well as dimensionals on back of each:

1. 3-1/2 x 2-1/4
2. 4-1/2 x 3-1/4
3. card base

(If you are methodical when you are stamping, you don't need the pencil marks.  But invariably, the phone rings, the dog barks, or the baby cries.  The little pencil marks ensure you can put your pieces together accurately:)  Do not attach the smaller two pieces to the card base yet!

3. Attach the two smaller pieces to one another by peeling off the dimensional protective pieces.  Wrap a 12" piece of Crumb Cake Tulle around as shown in photo and tie in knot.  Trim ends as desired.  Now attach this entire panel to front of card.  

4.  Take 3 x 3 scrap of  Cherry cardstock and swipe with Embossing Buddy.  (This ensures your Embossing Powder stays right where you want it to and does not stray into undesired territory.)  Stamp "Peace on Earth" in Versa Mark and then cover with Gold Embossing Powder.  Heat with Heat Tool to set.  Allow to cool and punch out with Decorative Label punch.  Place 2 dimensionals on back and affix to card as shown in photo.

To learn great techniques like Triple Time Technique, enjoy a free monthly class, and receive hostess benefits, please consider joining one of my stamp clubs.  New clubs begin in January, and you can join us as my guest absolutely free next month.  Simply email me to let me know when you would like to come.  You are under no obligation, and it's a great way to try us out.  I have a fabulous group of ladies to stamp with, and we would love for you to join us!  Full information about my stamp clubs is here.

Handmade Christmas Tags

On Monday night I held an impromptu stamping session to celebrate the spectacular 15% off Stampin' Up! special, and I promised to show you the handmade Christmas tags in case you could not join us. Here is the one that I designed first.  I received the one on the left, made with Snow Much Fun rubberstamp set, through a Stampin' Up! Convention swap.  The person's info got separated from the tag, so I have no idea who made it.  Anyway, I love this tag and decided to use it as a springboard for my own creation.

One of the great things about making your own handmade Christmas tags is that you can use up lots of your scraps!  In addition, these make fantastic gifts.  Make up a set of a dozen or so to give to family, friends, coworkers, teachers, etc.  They will be so appreciative!  After all, a cute handmade Christmas tag will dress up any gift, however large or small.  And they make a great gift in their own right...for just pennies.

I love the way the little die from the Apothecary Accents framelits nestles right into the largest Scallop Circle Punch.  And if you follow my blog, you know that I just adore the Winter Memories rubberstamp set.  It has been the subject of many projects this year!  So it was a natural choice for me.  The tag base is actually Midnight Muse, and that is not really coming out in this photo.  I took it late in the afternoon, and my natural light did not give me a true color.  I'll take another photo to see if I can get a better rendition of this handmade Christmas tag creation.

Stampin' Up! supplies:

Stamps:  More Merry Messages, Winter Memories rubberstamp sets

Ink:  Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad; Black StazOn Pad, Neutrals and Soft Subtles Markers

Paper: Midnight Muse and Whisper White Cardstocks; Snow Festival Designer Series Paper; Silver Glimmer Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Apothecary Accents Framelits; 2-3/8" Scallop Circle, Boho Blossoms, and Modern Label Punches; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Island Indigo Bakers Twine

Please visit my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net to purchase any of these supplies and more.  I'm thinking you have lots of scraps you can use, but in case you need a punch or something to round out your supplies, there are lots of choices there with no encounters with traffic or sub-standard customer service.  With your online purchase, you will receive a handmade thank you card from me.  Thanks so much for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!  I am honored to serve you:)

Blessings,

Candy Rattray

First Christmas Rubberstamp Set

I am loving the First Christmas rubberstamp set for making inspirational Christmas cards!  This is one of the designs for my upcoming Christmas Card Class:  Stamp-a-Stack.  It's a quick and easy design, perfect for making multiples.  Personally, I mail and hand out lots of handmade Christmas cards, so I need quick and easy ones.

First Christmas rubberstamp set is versatile and easy to use.  Here, I've created a super simple handmade Christmas card that evokes the simplicity of the very first Christmas.  I love the Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Bashful Blue color scheme for its symbolism.  The Crumb Cake and Early Espresso conjure up images of a humble stable full of animals.  The Bashful Blue symbolizes heaven and the heaven-sent gift of Jesus Christ.

I also like the Window Frames framelit that gives the focal point a great geometric/architectural look.  Its shape reminds me of a window from an early church building--perfect for my inspirational Christmas card.  

Are you making your own handmade Christmas cards this year?  I encourage you to do so!  You will be so blessed by the creative process and love that goes into each handmade Christmas card.  I like to pray for the people receiving the cards while I make them as well as praying that my card will help connect them to God.  And giving/mailing the cards is fantastic as you send out that love!  You will send handmade, heartfelt, prayerful Christmas greetings to the special people in your life.  Give them love this Christmas with your own handmade creations!  It is a wonderful expression of the true reason for the season of Christmas:  Jesus Christ.

Christmas Lodge-Saturday Sample

One of the fantastic new single stamps available through January 3rd is this gorgeous tree from Christmas Lodge rubberstamp set, so I thought it would make a great Saturday Sample feature.  Not only is the tree available as a single stamp (#132320), it is also 15% off on Monday only, October 29th!

As you can see on my handmade Christmas card above, the Christmas Lodge:  Tree is a large image, creating a fantastic focal point for handmade Christmas cards, handmade Christmas tags, and more.  At 4" x 2-1/2", it has lots of presence.  And as with all Stampin' Up! rubberstamps, the detailing on the image is incredible.  Over the next few weeks, I'll be featuring some of the great new single stamps available from Stampin' Up!  What began as a pilot program just a few weeks ago has been so successful that Stampin' Up! has released more single stamps (that are part of fantastic rubberstamp sets) including a few brand new, never-before-seen rubberstamps!

See all the new single stamp offerings here in my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  Please visit that page to see the great single stamps available for you today.  Then contact me to place your order on Monday during the Spooktacular Savings when all Stampin' Up! stamps are 15% off (excluding hostess sets).  I love saving you money while supplying you with the absolute best rubberstamps on the market!

• Email me
• Call me (210-355-5729)

 

Scentsational Season Gingerbread Joy!

I received this darling Scentsational Season rubberstamp set sample during a swap at Stampin' Up! Convention, and it makes a great Saturday Sample!  The little gingerbread man is just so darn cute!  This card was created by Betty Gillespie of Derby, KS.

Stampin' Up! Supplies (*Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog Products):

Stamps:  *Scentsational Season rubberstamp set, Joyous Celebrations rubberstamp set

Ink:  Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad; VersaMark Pad

Paper:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler Card Stocks; Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Perfect Pennants Die, *Holiday Collection Framelits; Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Gingerbread men date back to the 16th century and are one of the happiest images of the Christmas season!  They evoke thoughts of childhood and warm, spicy aromas and good eating.  Sign me up!  In addition, gingerbread men appeal to men and women, boys and girls.  So consider using the gingerbread man as part of your handmade, heartfelt holiday celebrations. Whether in the form of actual gingerbread men cookies and/or gingerbread men handmade cards and other cute projects, your handmade creations will delight you as well as your friends and family.

Please visit my online store to purchase the supplies used in the above sample and more.  You can purchase the Scentsational Season rubberstamp set and Holiday Collection Framelits as a bundle and save 15% or purchase a bundle with the stamp set and designer series paper.  Those bundles are available in clear mount as well as wood mount.  

And during this month only, you receive a free Festive Paper Piercing Pack ($7.95 value) when you purchase one of these bundles.

Click here to see the flyer with all 4 options.  With every option you save money and get a free gift!  It's a great Stampin' Up! special to take advantage of to make your handmade, heartfelt holiday creations even more affordable.  

Get them in my online store today.  I appreciate your business!  candystamps.stampinup.net

Christmas Card Class - Stamp-a-Stack!

My Christmas Card Class for November is one where you get to have it your way with more options (and cards!) than ever. Reserve your spot asap as seating is limited and this is the final Christmas Card Class of 2012. 

Thursday, Nov. 15th

12:00 noon - 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17th

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Prepared supplies for 6, 12, or 20 card stacks
• All cards are original designs created just for you!
• Hands-on instruction during class
• Fully illustrated instructions for Class by Mail
• $18 for 6 cards-3 each of 2 designs
• $24 for 12 cards- 4 each of 3 designs
• $30 for 20 cards-4 each of 5 designs
• Payable by cash, check or credit card (small paypal fee added)

Choose your stack:  6, 12, or 20.

Choose Your Stack

6 cards $18.75 USD 12 cards $24.75 USD 20 cards $30.75 USD

The Christmas music will be playing, chocolate will be on the stamping tables, and there will be plenty of holiday spirit in the air.  Don't miss it!

Studio of Candy Rattray, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

13246 Trentwood

San Antonio, TX  78231

First Christmas Rubberstamp Set

The simplicity and beauty of First Christmas rubberstamp set hits all the right notes of expressing the "reason for the season" aka what Christmas is all about.  There are 4 simple stamps in the First Christmas rubberstamp set including the baby Jesus in the creche shown here, a lovely star, the sentiment shown here, and another that says, "This Christmas may you know Him more fully through the love and grace He so richly bestows."  

On Sunday's I like to feature faith-based posts, inspirational posts, and the like.  Sunday is the Lord's day, and I make it a practice to not offer anthing for sale on my blog except for charity, so you will find me featuring my stamp camps since they are charity events and actually benefit the Tower City Church Storehouse.   And you will find handmade cards and other projects that are inspirational or can be used as such.  

This lovely handmade card is one I actually received at a swap during Stampin' Up! Convention.  When I first saw this rubberstamp set, I liked it but was not wowed by it.  Well, it has really grown on me and is the set I'll be using for personal handmade Christmas cards this year.  On the sample shown here, there's a little bit of "fancy" which, to me, depicts the royalty of Christ Jesus.  But there's also a simplicity in the First Christmas rubberstamp set which depicts the lowly birth of Jesus Christ as well as the simplicity of the Gospel.  That's a great combination for an inspirational Christmas card.  

How about you?  Are you planning to celebrate the upcoming holiday season to the full?  When we lift up Jesus, the reason for the season, we don't get burned out from the holidays.  We don't get caught up in materialism and meaninglessness.  Jesus Christ is the center of Christmas, and as we honor Him, our celebrations are special and meaningful.  After all, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ.  As such, let's celebrate to the full!  Handmade Christmas cards, gifts, lights, trees, festive parties, special times with friends and family...all because we are celebrating the birth of Jesus.  He is so worth it!

Saturday Sample - Merry & Type

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a handmade Christmas card I created last year featuring the Merry & Type rubberstamp set.  It's a quick and easy card made special by a little heat embossing, pretty designer series paper, and a cute punched image.  This is what Stampin' Up! products are all about--seamless coordination resulting in panache, pizzazz, and ease of use.  

Although I'm having a blast with the fantastic Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog, there are amazing things in the regular Stampin' Up! Catalog, too.  Every product used in this handmade Christmas card is in the main catalog.

Have you started making your handmade Christmas cards?  There is still plenty of time, but you might want to get started to avoid any rushing.  I hold monthly handmade Christmas card classes August - November.  Check my calendar for the next available class.  Additionally, I post lots of samples here on my sweetstamper blog so you have access to lots of creative inspiration.

Stampin' Up! supply list:

Stamps:  Merry & Type rubberstamp set

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad; VersaMark Pad

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand card stocks; Regals Collection Designer Series Paper Stack

Accessories:  Embossing Buddy, Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Linen Thread, Postage Stamp Punch, Brights Glimmer Brads, SNAIL Adhesive

To purchase any of these products and more, please visit my online store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.  You will find additional projects there as well as my calendar and other fun things to browse.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you will come back tomorrow, Sunday, for my weekly Inspirational Sunday Post.

 

Christmas Blessings Rubberstamp Set

I love all things Christmas, and Christmas Blessings rubberstamp set has lovely, classic Christmas images of  poinsettias, misteltoe, and holly as well as Christian greetings of the season.  This handmade card is a swap I received, and it's full of classic Christmas with its poinsettia and holly images and classic color scheme of Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler.  Notice the pewter-embossed holly.  It adds a nice touch of glimmer along with the Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details in the center of the poinsettias.  Both those elements add a little shine while still keeping a subtle look overall.  Although this handmade card is really lovely, it takes only minutes to make.

I love handmade cards at any time of year, but Christmas is really the pinnacle of handmade cards...and handmade gifts and goodies, too.  As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, what could be more appropriate than using our God-given creativity to bless those around us?  Handmade gifts and cards enable us to say "You're special!" to those we know well and also to those that are on the periphery of our lives.

The people I most enjoy giving to during the holiday season are those that don't expect anything from me.  For years, I have given homemade goodies to the garbagemen and postmen and others that do thankless jobs year round for me and my family.  But I also enjoy giving handmade gifts to cranky neighbors (I don't have any at present:) and people that are not on good terms with me and/or my family for one reason or another.  Forgiveness is God's way for us year-round.  But at Christmas and the holiday season, it just seems particularly appropriate to give a tangible expression of forgiveness.  It puts "feet to our prayers."  Forgiveness is a choice not a feeling.  After I have forgiven someone of a wrong, it takes forgiveness to another level when I pray for them and ask God to bless them.  It takes forgiveness further still when I take/send a handmade card and/or gift to them.   

I invite you to join me this Christmas season in using our God-given creativity to bless those around us.  Let's give of ourselves and our substance to friend and foe.  Let's do what Jesus has done for us--extend a hand of grace.  Our tangible expressions of love and grace, handmade gifts and cards, express the true reason for the season:  the love of Christ Jesus.

Saturday Sample - Winter Memories Rubberstamp Set

I've been in the groove with Winter Memories rubberstamp set of late and wanted to share this handmade card as today's Saturday Sample.  I created this as part of a sketch challenge.  What's a sketch challenge?  It's where you get a sketch--kinda like a map-- and then make your card from there.  

I said I'm in a groove with Winter Memories rubberstamp set because I have mode so many projects with this great stamp set!  I'm loving it:)  The classic images are real keepers.  I've made two different swaps, the handmade card above, and 3 designs for my upcoming Christmas Card Class.  It's easy to use and very versatile.  Here's what I used on my card above.

Stampin' Up! Supplies:

Holiday Catalog Items signified by *

Rubberstamps:  *Winter Memories set

Ink:  Black StazOn, Assorted Stampin' Write Markers:  Summer Starfruit, Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit, Cherry Cobbler, Blush Blossom, Pool Party

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla Card Stocks; *Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Tasteful Trims Die, *Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim, Dazzling Details (glitter glue), SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Please sign up today for my October Christmas Card Class featuring Winter Memories rubberstamp set.  Full info and sign up are here.  I can't wait to stamp with you!