2 more challenge cards - Gina K and OCC

 This card is for the Our Creative Corner sketch challenge.  I took a little liberty and switched the bottom 2 layers as I liked the look better with the lattice punch (Martha).  It's hard to read but the greeting reads Everything OK?  This card is going to my sister-in-law and her husband...she slipped and broke her shoulder then a few hours later her husband was blowing snow and fell and broke his wrist and tore his rotator cuff. 
I used Basic Grey's Origins DP and the stamp is from Clear Dollar stamps - Sorry Charlie. 

This one is for Gina K's Spotlight Color challenge. Violet, Asparagus and white.  I used her last week sketch for this one as well as a faux marble Technique Junkie technique for the background.  The stamp set is Botanical and the saying is from Candles on Cake set.  I added a few pearls and there you go. 

So there you go. 

Peebo

 

I opted for non-traditional Christmas colors, even though the DP was out of an old Hobby Lobby Christmas pack.  The large snowflake is from a mini-ornament pack I picked up.  

My dear friend Barb entered a picture in Rubber Hedgehog for their contest to make a stamp.  She won and send me a stamp of her winning entry.  Here is the card I made for her.  Thanks Barb for this great stamp.

Birthday graduated accordian fold card

Here's a wow card that's so easy to do:  Figure out the size of your envelope.  Multiply time 3, (remember to leave room so it fits) cut from as shown, score and fold.    I'm sure you'll figure it out.  I had some gifted envelopes in a strange size I wanted to use so unless I know what you have, I can't give you measurements. 

 

I used ivory cardstock for the base.  Used Cuttlebug folders and DP is from an awesome Hobby Lobby Paper Studiopack called Mirabelle.  Sponging ink over the cuttlebugged folders adds depth as does edge sponging.  The horse is a stamp from The Angel Company and the greeting is one from The Stamps of Life.   Now you may ask about the cool brads...they are actually paper!  I used a small circle punch, punched one from the DP, and layered that on 2 cardstock pieces.  I use a drop of glue between each.  Then a mini-wooden bowl from a craft store that I used a rounded piece to push the 'brad' in to make it look like a brad.  To give it a good shine I put a piece of wax paper in it and rubbed it some more.  Then a dot of home-make glue dots* to adhere them.  I can't take credit for the brad idea but not sure where I saw it so if someone knows let me know so I can give them credit.  I think the lace was from Hobby Lobby too. 

*GLUE DOTS- drops of Eileens Tack it Over and Over glue on left over scraps of Xyron paper, label/sticker sheets or what I use, ATG roll paper.  Let them sit 45 min then put another layer on top.  You can make whatever size you want and they only cost pennies for hundred, not $5!  It has to be TACK IT OVER AND OVER and you can't use wax paper.  I sent my hubby to Michaels to get the glue as Hobby Lobby didn't carry it here.  He comes home with 3 bottles.  I can make glue drops till the cow come home or I'm 120 whichever comes first. 

CD Christmas ornaments

My very first post on my blog was CD Christmas ornaments.  That is the post more people look at than anything.  I realized I could do better and saw a Dutch Dare challenge to make one (or a tag or card) and thought...hmm, I love a  challenge when I have time to stamp so here is what I came up with.  Now why I have time to stamp, remember, I just had pins out of my ankle so am supposed to take it easy.  I'm really doing quite well but shhhh, don't tell.  :)  I'm enjoying all this time in my rubber room.  So keep coming back I have a bunch of projects to post and leave some love.  I'm going to do some blog candy sometime before Christmas.

So, since I was it, I made 2 today.  I've saved a few of those clear plastic CD saver things that are on the bottoms of the blank ones thinking they could come in handy.  I had thought glitter...then remembered that glitter gets on EVERYTHING.  So I was pondering what to use and saw the Twinklets Diamond Dust (really chunky glitter stuff) I found at Hobby Lobby in the Christmas section.  I then had to figure out what kind of the 8 different kinds glue I should use.  First choice was Diamond Glaze (crystal effects) but it's pricey.  So thought I'd try Perfect Paper adhesive (PPA) as it said was ok for glass and knew it dried clear.  I brushed it on with a wet brush as suggested.

Next I put it on a coffee filter and dumped that Diamond Dust on it.  I pressed it in and set it aside.  The next one I tried plain old Elmers School glue, the kind you get or 25 cents before school starts.  I brushed that on THICK and left it while I was cleaning the brush to flatten out.  Then dumped the Diamond dust on that and set it aside. This one had a much thicker coat of DD on it.  The first one was more translucent.   Now it was time to decorate.

So I took the more see through one and decided to try to stamp some snowflakes on the back with StazOn.  Hey, that worked pretty good!  I knew it wouldn't show through on the other one though.  Now it if your going to try to make one, you might want to stamp BEFORE you put the DD on.

I embossed the sleigh and reindeer (Flourishes) in gold, colored the deer with Copics (E 31, 33 and 35) and the sleigh with pencils and blended with Odorless Mineral Spirits.  I used a Spellbinder label to cut out.  Note it was to big but I used the Technique Junkie, Out of the Box to make it fit.  TIP: I found that Copics sort of eat up EP so probably would use pencils next time.  I added some Diamond Stickles on the edge of the sleigh and as snow flakes.  NOTE: in the picture I have the reins on the reindeer but took them off as I ended up rubbing my Versamark pad over the image and clear embossing the whole thing.  It gave it more a porcelain look.

I took a large embroidery needle and stuck it through where I wanted the gold 'reins' on that piece of foam and knotted it in the back.

I used a gold brad to hole the reins.
It ended up needed a layer so I cut the next size Label out of red mirror cardstock and cut around that for a small border.  The Dreamy Moments sticker is one I've had for a long time and the snowflake on the sleigh is a silver charm I colored with a gold marker.

 By now the CD was dry.  I added some puckered Christmas ribbon by putting Red Line tape on the BACK SIDE of the CD.  Don't try the front, it won't stick to the DD...don't ask.

Then I puckered the ribbon around the edge.

I punched a hole for the ribbon to string through to hang on tree with the Crop A Dile.  That thing works slick.


I used the Glossy accents to attach the stamped images on the side of the CD with the DDust on.  Weight down the image to dry.



The Skiing Bear is from High Hopes and mounted on the CD with the blue snowflaked on the back (you can see them IRL).  I stamped and colored him with Copics then ran another piece of cardstock through my Xyron and attached to the back for 2 reasons, to cover the copic bleed through and 2nd to add more stability.  I don't think even 120 pound cardstock would be thick enough.  I also did the clear EP on that whole image and glued him down with the Glossy Accents as is the snowflake border which is a garland from the mini-tree aisle.  Check that out for awesome cheap embellishments.

I think the worst part of making these is the waiting for things to dry...so while your doing that, try making the Irish Stew receipe below.

Oh and this is what my son-in-law makes.  They are Santa's from around the world hand painted on Turkey feathers!  This is Father Clause.  He has some awesome ones and sells them...for the people who have everything this is great.  If anyone wants one, they are $22 (includes postage).  Tell me what you want and he'll make it!  They look great stuck in a tree or just about anyplace.  If you don't want a Christmas theme, he can do just about anything.

Irish Guinness Stew

Now, why you ask when I usually do a stamping stuff would I have a stew on my blog?  Well, if you notice, I love to cook and bake too (If someone would clean up after me I'd be the happiest person on earth to do that all day).  Anyway, I thought this would be good to share since we are all so busy this time of year.  It's a crockpot recipe that you can let cook all day while you craft the day away smelling the delishishness of this stew.

First, you need stew meat, bacon and a bottle of Guinness.  I have only used Guinness, a stout Irish beer.  It's very dark.  I don't know what other ones have the same flavor as I'm not usually a dark beer person but buy a six pack, it's that good!

Cook your bacon in a large pan.  Feel free to cut in in more manageable size as your going to crumble it anyway.

 Make sure it's nice and crisp.  I use about 7 slices of thick bacon.  You can do more if you want...go ahead you might want some.  Save that bacon grease in the pan unless there is a lot, you need about 4 tablespoons.

 Then get your stew meat.  You can either buy it or cut up some round steak into bite size pieces.  I check to see what's cheaper when I'm getting it.

Now you can braise it (fry it in the pan to sear in the flavor and juices) in the bacon grease.
You can omit this step if you want to save time but if you already cooked the bacon, why not?  Don't overcrowd it, you might need to do a couple pans of beef.

 Next cut up your veggies.  Now what you use is up to you and how big you cut is a big debate in my family.  I used to make them a lot bigger, then my nephew complained that he wanted bit size.  Whatever.  I use potatoes, carrots (the mini cut carrots are so handy, no cutting) onion, and a rutabaga (known as Swede in England...what do they call a person from Sweden there?) See the picture, they come in a waxy coating.

Peel that coating off with a sharp knife and cut up that wonderful goodness.  Now, my hubby and son don't know I even put this in they must think they are a different kind of potato as they are a little yellow cooked but a much better veggie for you.  YUM.  Try one, they're great.  You can add celery or cabbage too but I'd have a revolt from my men.

 Start putting the meat and veggies in your slow cooker.   Have that Guiness ready.

 Press in a couple cloves of garlic, add a couple teaspoons of Kosher salt (more flavor), 1/2 t. fresh ground pepper, 2 T. Worcestershire sauce, throw in a bay leaf and 2 t. Paprika .  Don't forget the crumbled bacon.

YUMMY.  Oh and notice the liner?  Whoever invented these crockpot liners should receive a Nobel Peace Prize.  I mean it sure saves lots of fights as to who will clean that mess out of there!










Then pour in the beer.   Look at that lovely foam.  YUM.  Let it cook and go stamp or shop or wrap presents.  You can smell that goodness.  I cook it on low for about 7 hours.  It was done before that but we weren't ready to eat and I was so excited to eat I forgot to take a finished picture.  Trust me, it's heaven.

My Christmas cards this year

Just thought I'd share a few of the cards I've made to send this year.  I love the Stardream cardstock (have since I made DD's wedding invites with it) so since I have a bunch and the holidays always 'scream' sparkle and shine (is it because of the snow?) I thought I'd use it for most of them.

 This one is a gatefold and I used a Spellbinder Label with a Tapestry Peg stamps.  I really like how this turned out.

 Again a not much stamping card but I did make the poinsettia

 This one is close to the first but I used DP for the bottom layer of the greeting.  I think I like the first one better though.

Gina K Sketch Challenge card

Here's another Gina K only a sketch one see it here.  I'm slowly whittling away at my holiday cards.  This will be a great 'manly' card.  Love this layout.

The Gina K set is Life is good, (don't know the greeting ) DP is from Paper Studio Mirabelle.  I added a few buttons, some die swirls and glitter snowflake from a mini-ornament pack. 
I stamped the deer and trees in black memento.  Punched a small circle to mask for the setting sun, then I used the sponge daubers to sponge on Cantelope, and Red memento.  I needed some burgundy so used SU Cranberry Crisp.  A little glitter on the bottom for snow and it's done.  TIP: to stick the die swirls down I ran through my Xyron sticker maker.

Belated Birthday

My nephew's wife had a birthday that I missed the other day so when I was perusing challenges I thought this would be a good opportunity to make her a belated Birthday Card.  So this card qualifies for the Gina K color spotlight challenge here using innocent pink, chocolate brown and ivory and the Crazy 4 Challenges sketch here.

 

I used Stardream ivory cardstock for the 5 X 5 inch base and ran a large cuttlebug folder on it.   I make mine 5 X 5 inches so I can mail them in a 5 X 7 envelope and not pay extra postage.  So smart of me right?  LOL

I used my new Spellbinder Lacey Circles for the brown and small one on the pink.  The Gina K set I chose was Friends are forever...I embossed the lillies in pearl white and sponged a light pink over it then colored them in with copics.  Martha Stewart supplied the border punch, Hobby Lobby the ribbon and charm.  Sorry the greeting stamp is unknown. I think Jennifer will like this, if not, she can pretend. 

Just Us Girls (JUGS) Challenge

In an effort to get the rest of my Christmas cards done, I thought I'd try the sketch from the Jugs challenge for one.  It really was pretty simple, almost to simple, I feel like I cheated since I didn't do much stamping and fudged just a little on the layout.....basically because I was doing it from memory but hey, what are they going to do, ban me from playing?  (Please don't, I'm sorry)

The base is naturals ivory, a layer of hunter green with a panel of DP from Hobby Lobby. I ran a strip of ATG and used Martha's punch to make the garland instead of a banner.  Threw on some glitter to cover the rest of the adhesive, in retrospect the ATG tape maybe wasn't the best idea.  Added a few gems, button brads and circle greeting from Just Rite.  There you have it, an I cheated card. 

Challenges

 Scroll down for the Flourishes challenge card, Winter White.

Well, the screws and wire were removed from my ankle Wednesday morning.  True to form, I was totally sick from the anesthesia.  So instead of having 2 days of stamping, I only had one, today.  So here's what I accomplished.
First I saw that CCEE stampers had a snowman challenge here.  Instead of a card, I had saved these cans from Yams I had on Thanksgiving.  What made me decide to keep them was they were white on the inside, gold on the outside and a nice size. Since I opened them with a Pampered Chef can opener there was no sharp edges and I could use the lids to reclose if I wanted.

Well, I thought for sure a 12 inch piece of designer paper would fit around it.  Well, it was really close:

Since I chose a paper that I could match easily, I figured I could piece it and match pretty well.

See, you can hardly see the seam.

The other can I decided to use some wrapping paper, which I knew would be long enough.  :)

So here are my 2 covered cans.

Now it's time to decorate.  I picked my images, both from Whiff of Joy out of Switzerland, a snowman (for the challenge) and Santa because I wanted to.  SO send the Challege police after me.  LOL

I stamped my images and cut out with Spellbinder labels.  Had I known the large one for the Santa would have covered the seam, I wouldn't have had to be so meticulous on matching.  The snowman image I layered on the next size label die (Sorry, I don't have my dies labeled as to what number they are).

And here are the close ups. I colored them with Copics and used some chunky glitter for snow on the bottom...oh and it's been snowing here all day...we have about 6 inches so far.  I dug in my stash for other Christmas stuff I had to decorate with.

 I decided to decorate the lid of the Santa can.  I can use it for fudge or even a pair of socks.  Then I decorated the rest of the can.  I used the snowflakes from Spellbinders and a HO ho Ho stamp I picked up at Michael's dollar bin embossed in gold on a die cut piece of white cardstock.  Oh I used Scorpal tape to hold everything down except the die cut snowflakes, I used homemade glue dots.

 So there is my snowman challenge.

Next Flourishes WINTER WHITE CHALLENGE.  Show off a little pop of color, but make sure the overall feeling is white.  Since almost everything outside is white with all this snow it was easy to do this!

 

I stamped the large evergreen in Ivy Brillance Ink on vellum.  That was layered on a piece of Stardream Opal cardstock that I ran through the Cuttlebug dots folder, layered on Forest cardstock on a Stardream base.  I added a bow, a few die cut flourishes and some gems to decorate the tree.  One more Christmas card done!