Header Mine

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Wednesday 30 November 2016

Charlie's Christmas

It is the last day of November and the countdown to Christmas is officially on! 

My card today features Charlie, one of my fav animals from the new Fall/Winter release. This stamp is called "Charlie's Moo-ry Christmas" and I have paired it with the "Moo-rry Christmas" sentiment. 

This stamp of Charlie makes me smile - although I feel like I have interrupted him from something! You know - Oh hello! What are you doing here?! Lol



I coloured the stamp with alcohol markers and limped my badly worn out cuticle scissors around the image to fussy cut it. A fence cut out with my Cricut and some snow banks helped my put together my scene. Glitter snow was added to the snow banks to add some texture. A few snowflakes and some gumdrops finish off my card. 

Card Recipe
Stamp: Charlie's Moo-ry Christmas (TT056) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Sentiment: Moo-rry Christmas (FF018) - High Hopes Stamps
Patterned Paper: Comfort and Joy - My Minds Eye
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt Star Dust Stickles, Cupid Gumdrops - YNS, Marvy Snowflake punch, Fence - Old West- Cricut, Clear Spectrum Sparkle Pen, Glitter Snow - Aleene's

Spectrum Noir Markers used: BG5 BG7 BG10 TN1 EB1 EB2 1G1 1G2 FS6 CR3 FS8 GT1 GT2 GT3 DR5 DR1 DR7

We will have a new Challenge starting tomorrow! Be sure to pop by and see what the design team has created!


If you need High Hopes Stamps or crafting supplies you can find them at 


Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day! 


Thursday 24 November 2016

O Holy Night

              It's Thursday and the last Thursday in November already!!!

             Can you say full out Christmas card making mode anyone!?! 

My mom loves the Nativity scenes. Whether it is ceramic, wooden, a picture - a nativity scene is her favourite thing at Christmas.........well that and snowmen but the nativity scene is her all time fav. 

When I saw the "Let Us Adore Him" stamp from High Hopes Stamps I knew it would be perfect for her Christmas card along with the O Holy Night sentiment.



 I started by colouring my stamp with alcohol markers and since I had my cuticle scissors out from my card yesterday I decided to fussy cut this one too - I was on a roll after all lol. I grabbed my ink blending supplies and created my background. 
Something new for me - I also played with the new Nuvo Crystal Drops. You can use them to fill in areas or to make your own enamel dots. Note - make your enamel dots on something other then your card - if you mess them up putting them directly on the card ......well let's just say, mine aren't perfect but they are okay. I also used these drops to add some stars to the sky - a few are a little larger then I would like but I like the effect. Nuvo drops were also added to the star from the Shepard's Awe stamp also from High Hopes Stamps. 


Card Recipe
Stamps: Let Us Adore Him (S207) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Shepard's Awe (T028) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Sentiment: Oh Holy Night (E070)- High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: Frosted - Kaisercraft 
Dies: Classic Circle - Spellbinders
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt, Faded Jeans Distress ink, Silver Moondust and Midnight Sky - Nuvo Crystal Drops, Bashful Blue ink


Spectrum Markers: FS5 FS2 TN2 1G1 1G2 CT2 CT4 BG11 EB6 EB3 EB5 GB8 GB10 EB5 BGR2 BGR4 PP1 PP3

There are three ways to participate in this month's challengeClick here to find out how to play along for your chance to win some High Hopes Stamps!!
There are still a few days left to come play along! 
This month's sketch will get your creative juices flowing! 



Grab your High Hopes Stamps and come play along! I can't wait to see what you create! 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!



Wednesday 23 November 2016

Home For Christmas

It is the last week of November which means Christmas is fast approaching. I won't give you the weeks away count - if I do I will go into panic mode lol.

 I am in full out Christmas card making mode - especially because I have my first family Christmas dinner in a week and I will need 5 cards! Yikes!

The layout is based loosely on this month's challenge sketch. I have used a number of stamps from High Hopes Stamps: "Penguin Family Igloo" and the "All Hearts" sentiment from the new Fall/Winter release as well as a stamp called "Winter Wonderland Background".



I coloured the stamp with alcohol markers and then you got it - pulled out my cuticle scissors and fussy cut this cute penguin family. There are four kids in my family and believe me - every one of these penguins is "one of us"! 

After cutting my patterned paper pieces, I used the top of the Winter Wonderland Background stamp to create the border on some of the edges with white embossing powder. Stickles were added to the hats on the hearts on the sentiment for a little bling. Some ribbon from my stash and white gumdrops finish off the card.


Card Recipe
Stamp: Penguin Family Igloo (TT057) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Stamp: Winter Wonderland Background (UU013) - High Hopes Stamps
Sentiment: All Hearts (JJ002) - High Hopes Stamps
Patterned Paper: Holly Jolly - My Minds Eye
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt Diamond Stickles, White Embossing Powder (Ranger), Versamark Watermark stamp pad, Double Stitched Hills Die (YNS), Pop Dots (Forever In Time), White Sugar and Sparkle Gumdrops (YNS), Ribbon (stash)

Spectrum Noir Markers used: CT4 GB5 OR1 BG5 BG7 BG10 BT2 1G1 DR6 DR7 JG2 JG6 JG4

Our November Challenge is Fall/Winter Fun and there is a sketch to get your creative juices flowing. There are still a few days left! Click here to play along - we can't wait to see what your create!

Here's the sketch



If you need High Hopes Stamps or crafting supplies you can find them at 


Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day! 


Thursday 17 November 2016

Twinkle All The Way

                                Happy Thursday High Hopes Fans!

Thursday means the weekend is almost here and it's my turn to post a card for you.

Today I am sharing "Getting Spruced Up" and the sentiment "Twinkle All The Way" from High Hopes Stamps. This image just makes me smile - the first time I saw it I thought it looked like our penguin friend was doing a photo bomb but I think he is just getting ready to decorate his tree. 



I used this month's challenge sketch for my card layout - but shhh - don't tell the boss I forgot to add my tag.. our secret okay? I coloured my stamp with alcohol markers and cut it out using a stitched oval die. I used a smaller oval die to cut out my sentiment. I chose my paper from an older Echo Park collection called Holly Jolly Christmas - I liked the non traditional colours in this paper pad. 
To add some sparkle I added some star brads from my stash and I have a new addiction - Nuvo Crystal Drops. I added it in tiny drops to my corners and to the stars on the sentiment and to the trim on his hat. 
Nuvo drops let you fill in spaces or make your own enamel dots in whatever size you want - how cool is that! 


Card Recipe
Stamps: Getting Spruced Up (S241) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Sentiment: Twinkle All The Way (HH032) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: Holly Jolly Christmas - Echo Park
Dies: Stitched Circle Dies -Your Next Stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt, Antique Linen Distress ink, Nuvo Crystal Drops - Honey Gold 


Spectrum Markers: CT1 CT2 CT4 GB5 OR1 BG3 BG5 BG7 EB6 EB3 EB5 CG4 DG3 JG6 TN1 EB1 EB2 PP1 PP3 PP5 LG1 LG2 LG4 

There are three ways to participate in this month's challengeClick here to find out how to play along for your chance to win some High Hopes Stamps!!
There are still a few days left to come play along! 
This month's sketch will get your creative juices flowing! 



Grab your High Hopes Stamps and come play along! I can't wait to see what you create! 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!



Wednesday 16 November 2016

Comfort Food And Tutorial

It's November already - where has the year gone!?! which means cooler weather. Time to pull out the comfy, cozy sweaters (for the dog too!) and my favourite comfort food recipes. 

My mom makes the best apple crisp out there! I grew up making this tummy warming dessert for my family. When I saw the "Apple Pie Mouse" stamp from the new Fall/Winter release from High Hopes Stamps, I knew he would be perfect to make a card that could share one of my fav comfort foods of fall. 






I have done a tutorial on my version of a criss cross card - it is quite picture heavy so I have done a separate post for it - here's the link if you would like to take a look and give it a try. 

I coloured my image and cut it out using a classic circle die. After cutting out my card base I finished it off with patterned paper and a border cut with a die. The recipe itself was typed up on my computer and then decorated using matching patterned papers. An apple brad (gifted to me from a very special crafty friend ) and some ribbon are the finishing touches. 

Card Recipe
Stamp: Apple Pie Mouse (SS024) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: from my stash
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt , Apple Brad - Eyelet Outlet, Celebrate It Ribbon

Spectrum Noir Markers used: CR7 CR11 DR6 TN1 EB1 EB2 PP1 PP3 PP5 EB6 EB5 CG4 DG3 1G2 1G5 TN3 TN5 TN7


Our November Challenge is Fall/Winter Fun and there is a sketch to get your creative juices flowing. There are still a few days left! Click here to play along - we can't wait to see what your create!

Here's the sketch



If you need High Hopes Stamps or crafting supplies you can find them at 


Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day! 


Criss Cross Card Tutorial

Thanks for popping by to take a look at my Criss Cross Card tutorial. There are a number of ways to do a this type of card but I am sharing the version I like to use. 

I like how versatile this style of card is. Today I used it to share a recipe but I have also used it to create a baby shower invitation. It can also be used as a card - the insert would include the message. 

Now, on to the how to's of how I make a Criss Cross card. 

Gather your supplies: cardstock, patterned paper, paper trimmer, scoring tool. 

Cut two (2) pieces of cardstock at 41/4" x 11".  Score both pieces at 51/2"


Cut one base piece from the centre top (at your score line)  to the bottom left corner. The second base piece will be cut from the centre top to the bottom right corner. 


Fold both pieces along the score line. Add adhesive to the back of one of the base pieces - it doesn't matter which one really - and add it to your second base piece.



Cut a 4" x 5" piece of patterned paper and then cut in half from corner to corner. This will give you your pieces for the front of your card. You can choose to use two different patterns or one - whatever your heart desires. 



Adhere patterned paper to your base pieces. Add adhesive to the bottom of each of your base pieces (the diagonal cut) and adhere them to the card. 

For the insert: cut a 33/4" x 51/4" piece of cardstock and decorate as desired. 
I have added a piece of ribbon and a brad to give the recipient a place to hold the insert to pull it out but you can use whatever you like to create a "pull tab". 



I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial. I would love to see what you create if you give this a try! 



Monday 14 November 2016

Friends

I totally adore this digital image from Miss Daisy Stamps. Meet "Alannah" and her little bird friend - how sweet are these two!?!

I created this card to share in an "Add Blue" challenge and I chose the blue greys for my colour palette.



I coloured my image using alcohol markers and cut it out using a circle die and adding it to a doily I cut out with a die. The sentiment was created on my computer and cut out with a stitched oval die. I added a banner with a heart, corner dies, ribbon and some sparkly enamel dots. I like my winter/Christmas cards to have a little bling. Hero Arts glitter was added to the snow on the fence. 

Card Recipe 
Stamps: Alannah - Miss Daisy Stamps
Sentiment: Script MT Bold and Bradley Hand IT - computer 
Patterned Paper: Woodland Winter Collection - Bo Bunny
Doily Trio One Set - YNS, Fishtail Banner Dies - YNS, Build A Banner and Corner Dies - Whimsy Stamps, Classic Circle Die - Spellbinders
Antique Linen Distress Ink, Galena Ribbon and White Sugar and Sparkle Gumdrops - YNS

Spectrum Noir Markers: BGR2 BGR4 BGR5 BT2 GB8 GB10 EB5 FS5 FS2 TN2 DR5 DR1 DR7 JG2 JG6 JG4

I am entering this card into the "Add Blue" challenge at Miss Daisy Stamps Create and Share group
and into the Anything Goes - Bonus theme: Winter/Christmas in the Spectrum Noir Challenge on Facebook

I hope you have enjoyed my post tonight. Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday 12 November 2016

Warm Christmas Wishes

Today is a nice sunny November day where I live but the wind has a really cold bite and it's really windy so it isn't the best day to do things outside....or that's the story I'm stickin' with! 
You see, I have this image coloured and it just has to be made in to a card! I'm sure I'm not the only one that has ever been in this position

So today's personal challenge was to use digital paper (something new for me)  along with a digital stamp. I chose to use the N'Ice Friends 2 image, a sentiment from Christmas Time Sentiments and some patterned paper from I the I Dream In Christmas digital paper collection. All of these wonderful products can be found in the newly re opened digital shop at Whimsy Stamps.



First I printed the patterned paper I wanted to use, then I printed my image out and coloured it with alcohol markers. It is cut out with a circle die and placed on a doily die. The sentiment was also printed and cut out with a circle die. Some shimmery ribbon, glitter and sparkly gumdrops are the finishing touches to my card. 

                                                Card Recipe
                              Stamp: N'Ice Friends 2 - Whimsy Stamps
      Sentiment: Christmas Time Digital Sentiments - Whimsy Stamps
    Patterned Paper: I Dream In Christmas digital paper - Whimsy Stamps
                   Dies: Classic Circle (Spellbinders), Doily Trio One Set (YNS)
  Other: Galena Ribbon, snowflake from my stash, White Sugar and Sparkle                     Gumdrops (YNS),white gel pen (for the freckles on the cheeks)

Spectrum Noir Markers: BT2 BT5 BT7 DR5 DR1 DR7 CT4 CG5 OR1 FS8

Thank you so much for taking the time to pop by today! Guess I better go outside and get something done! 






                                            




Thursday 10 November 2016

Naughty!

I had some fun this week making a card to share with you featuring an older High Hopes Stamp called "Mudzie's Predicament". 

This stamp brought back some memories for me. I grew up in the middle (age wise) of two brothers. They often teamed up on me and convincing me to stick my tongue to the metal tobaggan we had at the time was no exception! I learned the hard way not to always listen to these two!!! lol





I coloured my stamp and then fussy cut it out leaving a thin white border. My sky was created with ink blending and the snow is dabs of white acrylic paint. The stamp is popped up with 3D foam pop dots for fun. A first for me - I ran some white card stock through an embossing folder and added some colour to it with ink. I also added colour to the tops of my snow banks. My card is finished off with a bow and some enamel dots. 

Card Recipe
Stamps: Mudzie's Predicament (T031) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: Classic Christmas - Simple Stories
Dies: Fence and Lampost, Hills Die Set, Fishtail Banner Dies -Your Next Stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Bashful Blue Ink - Stampin Up, Faded Jeans Distress ink, Snowflake embossing folder - Darice, Celebrate It ribbon, Classic Circle Die - Spellbinders, 3D Foam Dots - Forever In Time, Enamel Dots - Mistletoe Kisses Simple Stories


Spectrum Markers: 1G2 1G3 1G5 TN1 EB1 EB2 CT1 CT2 CT4 PP1 PP3 PP5 EB6 EB3 EB5 TN3 TN6 TN7 CG1 DG2 DG3 CR7 CR11 DR6

There are three ways to participate in this month's challengeClick here to find out how to play along for your chance to win some High Hopes Stamps!!
There are still a few days left to come play along! 
This month's sketch will get your creative juices flowing! 




Grab your High Hopes Stamps and come play along! I can't wait to see what you create! 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!



Wednesday 9 November 2016

Peace, Love, Joy

Happy Wednesday OCS Fans! 

I had some fun with my card this week - I tried something new! 
I used my Toner pen to add some foil in specific places to my card. More on that later as there are a few hits and misses with this one! 

First, let me introduce you to "Presents Galore" from the new release at High Hope Stamps. I also used the new "Peace, Love, Joy" sentiment. I used this month's challenge sketch for my card. 




After colouring my stamp with alcohol markers I cut it out using a scalloped oval die. I left the image in the die and used a black marker to put a thin line around the edge. A second scallop die was cut out of matching cardstock to put behind it. 
Now, here's where the adding of foil to the bow came in to play. It isn't perfect but I decided to use it anyway. The toner pen has a rather fat end on it and it is going to be best used for larger areas - definitely not in small, detailed areas. I tried adding toner with the edge of the tip and as you can see in the close up, there isn't as much toner left on the area so the foil doesn't adhere. I've learned you need full, thick coverage - so more practice in the future will make perfect. 

Card Recipe
Stamp: Presents Galore (TT061) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Sentiment:Peace, Love Joy (JJ003) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: Tis The Season Collection - Bo Bunny
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt Antique Linen Distress Ink, White gel pen, Lacey Circles die - Spellbinders, Gold & Holographic Foil - Heidi Swapp, Toner Pen - Heidi Swapp, Liquid Applique, Spearmint Gumdrops - Your Next Stamp

Spectrum Noir Markers used: BT2 PP1 PP3 PP5 FS8 JG2 JG6 JG4 DR5 DR1 DR7 TN1 EB1 EB2


Our November Challenge is Fall/Winter Fun and there is a sketch to get your creative juices flowing. There are still a few days left! Click here to play along - we can't wait to see what your create!

Here's the sketch



If you need High Hopes Stamps or crafting supplies you can find them at 


Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day! 


Monday 7 November 2016

Let It Snow!

It's no secret ..... I love horses! Honestly, I love animals period but horses are at the top of my list! If you love horses or know someone who does this digital stamp is a must have! 

Meet "Horsey Holidays" from the newly reopened Whimsy Digital Shop. I also added a sentiment from the "Christmas Time Digital Sentiments" collection. 





I tried to keep the layout simple because I really wanted to keep the focus on this cutie! I added some white acrylic paint mixed with glitter and randomly added drops to my card. It does glitter a little bit when the light hits it the right way - just a bit of a challenge to catch in a photo. I also painted my wooden snowflake with the same mixture. To add even more bling I added some Stickles to his hat. A smidge of matching floss and voila! 

Card Recipe
Stamp: Horsey Holidays - Whimsy Digital Stamp
Sentiment: Christmas Time Digital Sentiments - Whimsy Digital Shop
Patterned Paper: Altitude Collection - Bo Bunny
Star Dust Stickles, Making Memories Floss, White Acrylic Paint, Hero Arts Glitter, Wooden snowflake from my stash. 

Spectrum Noir Markers: BG5 BG7 BG10 1G2 1G3 1G5 TN6 TN7 TN8 EB3 EB5 EB8 BT2 CT1 CT2 CT4

I hope you have enjoyed my card! Be sure to stop by the Whimsy Digital Shop for more images, paper and sentiments. 
And be sure to check back on the first of the month for the new releases.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!





Thursday 3 November 2016

Naughty List

I can't believe it's the first Thursday of November already! Have you started making your Christmas cards yet? 

I have some done but when I saw this sentiment I knew I had to have it to use on a card for one my brothers. This is the first one I have used it on....I think you may just see it on a few of my Christmas cards this year.

I have also used an older High Hopes Stamp called "Santa's List". 

A new month also means a new challenge and this month we also have a sketch to get your creative juices flowing. I have made this week's card using the sketch (below). 


After colouring Santa and his list with alcohol markers I added some Stickles to the fur on his coat, hat and mitts and then cut him out with a stitched square die. I stamped my sentiment and coloured the words with Spectrum Sparkle pens - they are glittery but it's hard to see in the photo.
I cut out my tag and added a die cut word notes - cause Santa does keep notes..or so I'm told......... 
All of these elements are added to patterned paper from Carta Bella. Some ribbon and sparkly gumdrops finish off my card. 

Card Recipe
Stamps: Santa's List (R154) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Sentiment: Naughty List (JJoo4) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: Have A Merry Christmas - Carta Bella
Dies: Stitched Square, Little Notes Die Set, Stitched Fishtail Tag Two -Your Next Stamp, My Creative Time Dies 
Diamond SticklesMemento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt, Red Berry and Holly Green Spectrum Sparkle Pens, Celebrate It Ribbon, Be Creative 3mm tape, Holly Jolly Sparkly Gumdrops - Your Next Stamp


Spectrum Markers: FS5 FS2 TN2 CR7 CR11 DR6 BG5 BG7 BG10 1G2

There are three ways to participate in this month's challengeClick here to find out how to play along for your chance to win some High Hopes Stamps!!
There are still a few days left to come play along! 
This month's sketch will get your creative juices flowing! 




Grab your High Hopes Stamps and come play along! I can't wait to see what you create! 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!



Wednesday 2 November 2016

Chill Out

It's Wednesday and that means it's my turn to share some inspiration with you on the OCS blog.

The design team has been showcasing the new Fall/Winter Fun release from High Hopes and they have shared some amazing projects haven't they?!?

There are so many fun new stamps I just had to share another one with you this week!
Meet "Polar Friends" and the "Chill Out" sentiment.
How cute are these two friends sharing a drink.



I coloured my stamp using alcohol markers and then fussy cut it. This time I decided to leave a thin white line when I cut it. They are popped up using some 3D foam pop dots to add a bit of dimension my card. I used some paper from an older Bo Bunny patterned paper collection and added some fun snowflakes using the Frostyville Border die. The sentiment is coloured with alcohol markers to match and some ribbon and gumdrops finish off my card. 

Card Recipe
Stamp: Polar Friends (TT058) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Sentiment: Chill Out  (FF020) - High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Patterned Paper: Altitude Collection - Bo Bunny
Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic XpressIt Silver Tinsel Gumdrops - Your Next Stamp, Frostyville Border die - Memory Box, Celebrate It Ribbon

Spectrum Noir Markers used: BG5 BG7 BG10 1G2 BT2 BT4 BT6 BT7 PL2 PL3 PL5 GT1 GT2 GT3 EB1 EB2 blender


Our November Challenge is Fall/Winter Fun and there is a sketch to get your creative juices flowing. There are still a few days left! Click here to play along - we can't wait to see what your create!

Here's the sketch



If you need High Hopes Stamps or crafting supplies you can find them at 


Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!