Happy Halloween

Here is my last Halloween card for the season.  If you want a timeless bundle with great Stamps, Sentiments and Framelits, this is the Bundle!!  Love this Tree and the pumpkins are adorable.  These can be used year round!

Ingredients:

Spooky Fun Stamps and Halloween Scenes Framelits  144437 $36.75  Bundle price  and the FENCE!!  I have not even used this FENCE, gotta get busy and put a fence on some Christmas cards!!

Have a Happy Halloween and get Treats, NO Tricks!!!



The have extended HOSTESS CODE 6CWTH3Q4 and this code will close Nov 13th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Merry Medley Woodsy

Today I made some more Woodsy versions using Always Artichoke ink on Tip Top Taupe card stock.  Both cards have a strip of Warmth & Cheer paper stack(I LOVE this paper!!!).  I then cut Pine Boughs in Garden Green, Pine Cones in Tip Top Taupe sponged with Early Expresso and Champagne Glimmer paper!!  But now I realize the Champagne is retired!!  Oh well substitute Copper or emboss some Pine Cones.  This Framelit set is GREAT!!  You can cut so many pieces at once and they only take a bit of poking to come to life!

One card is mounted on Always Artichoke, the other is sponged with Early Expresso and mounted on Tip Top Taupe.  Oh and see the Copper Pine Cone embellishment?  Tied on with a snip of Linen Thread!!  Not able to mail this card unless you put it in a padded mailer, but LOVE these mini Pine Cones!!

 I think I like the Always Artichoke more than the Cherry Cobbler?

 There are 3 Different Pine Cone dies.  Lacy and Open, One that make cuts above....hard to see.

 And the one above that makes smaller cuts.  So much texture!!!

I used Tombow and Glue dots to build my stack of Boughs and Cones.

Ingredients:

Merry Medley  142148 Wood $20.00,  142152 Clear $15.00

Mini Pinecones 141990 $7.50

Christmas Pines stamps and Pretty Pines Thinlits Bundle  143496  $54.75 

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Nov 13th at 6 PM.  I am extending this current code until November 13th.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Merry Medley meets Pine Boughs

I must admit, this Background stamp was NOT on my wish list!!  I know, very few things do not make my list.  But of course I kept seeing cards made using this stamp and had to have it!! 

But then came the dilemma, do I buy Wood Mount for $20 or Clear mount for $15?  I usually choose Wood for Background stamps, but that is $5 more, Wood always seems to give the best image, especially if you ink the stamp and then press the card stock from the top.  This got me thinking......why not do the same with Clear mount.....but do not mount the stamp.  Keep the stamp in the case(it sticks to the case like a champ!!) ink the stamp and press the card stock from the top!  I used my Clear Block H to press and drag across the card stock.  Here is a visual....

The case gets a little inky, but I rinsed the entire thing in the sink and then blotted dry with a tea towel when I changed ink colors!  And the stamp did NOT MOVE!  Hope you can all use this idea to make background stamps $5 cheaper and just as effective!!

And here is my first card.......

 Cherry Cobbler card base and ink on Tip Top Taupe card stock.  Line up your cardstock along the edge to make sure your words are neat and even.  I like the look that the ink coverage is not totally perfect.  It is a Background, if you take more time and ink very carefully the coverage will be better.  This Cherry Cobbler ink pad has seen better days, but this is the look I was going for, so no problem!

Then I added the Presents and Pine cones Washi tape, then embossed with the Pine Bough embossing folder.  This is very subtle, not quite what I expected, but I'll take it!  I then used the Christmas Pines and Pretty Pines Bundle to stamp and cut Pine Cones, Boughs and a Bow.  The Pine cones were stamped in Early Expresso on Tip Top Taupe and cut, then sponged with Early Expresso.  Boughs are Emerald Envy.  Cherry Cobbler Bow and some Linen Thread.  Lots of Big Shot cutting, but I actually lined up all the paper and cut them all at the same time!! 

Love this Woodsy Winter card and all your Sentiments are in the Background!!   More versions coming.......

Ingredients:

Merry Medley 142148 Wood $20.00,  142152 Clear $15.00

Christmas Pines stamps and Pretty Pines Thinlits Bundle  143496  $54.75 

Presents and Pine Cones Washi Tape  141988  $8.00

Pine Bough Embossing folder  141831 $7.50

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Santa all a Sparkle!!

Ok, I finally had some time to devote to Santa Construction and LOVE this version!!  In my mind White cards are Stunning and add a few pops of color and some Dazzling Diamonds and you've got a Beautiful card. 

Fairly easy, Whisper White card base, Whisper White THICK for your Santa.  Cut your Santa piece at 4 X 5 1/4.  Center your Santa Framelit leaving room at the bottom for the Sentiment.  Roll thru the Big Shot at least twice.  Check and see if all the cuts are thru the card stock and then use the Die Brush to remove the cuts.  Save some of the swirls to use on other cards!!

Use a scrap of Real Red and Blushing Bride and cut out the pieces to color your Santa.  Basic Black for the glasses.  Trim and add to Santa.  I popped up the entire panel and then pushed the Hat and Cheeks to the base with a thin layer of Tombow glue to adhere. 
I then used my Tombow to draw lines of glue and then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds!!  Love the Shimmer and Shine!!

 Oops I should have added the rest of Santa's Forehead!! 

Greetings From Santa Bundle  Wood 143523 $46.75,   Clear 143524 $39.50  Stamps and Detailed Santa Thinlit

Dazzling Diamonds  133751  $5.00

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Northern Exposure Lodge Greetings

One of my Favorite shows years ago was Northern Exposure, not sure what it is about Alaska but I have always been drawn to that Lodge Lifestyle.  No Out Houses PLEASE, but the Wild, the Winter, the Sled Dogs....such adventure!  I would probably last 1 winter!! 
There are several reality type shows on about Alaska.  If you have not watched, check out Alaska the Last Frontier, GREAT show and Jewell is a Kilcher!!  Who knew!!

Ok now for my Lodge Card.  Again this Warmth & Cheer paper stack has so many looks!!  This look went perfect with the Reindeer image and North Pole sentiment.  I did some Early Expresso sponging and used the Cable Knot folder on the Plaid.  A Project Life Framelit cut out the Greeting.

A closer look at this plaid!   This would make a Great Man's Birthday card!

Greetings From Santa Bundle  Wood 143523 $46.75,   Clear 143524 $39.50  Stamps and Detailed Santa Thinlit

This stamp set will be ON SALE November 1st, but NOT the bundle.  Watch for the Flyer to post on November 1st!!

Warmth & Cheer paper stack  141991  $10.00

Cable Knit Embossing folder  143537  $10.00

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Greetings from Santa Ho Ho HO.....

Here is another plaid with Santa's Wish List and Ho Ho Ho as the greeting.  I used the new Cherry Cobbler and Emerald Envy Metallic Thread as an accent.

 Close up, maybe a different plaid would better back the Metallic Thread.  Beautiful in person!!

Greetings From Santa Bundle  Wood 143523 $46.75,   Clear 143524 $39.50  Stamps and Detailed Santa Thinlit

This stamp set will be ON SALE November 1st.  NOT the bundle, only the stamps.  Watch for the Blog post Nov. 1st.


Warmth & Cheer paper stack  141991  $10.00

Metallic Thread combo  142003  $6.00

Cable Knit Embossing folder  143537  $10.00

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Greetings from Santa

When I first made my Wish List for this Holiday catalog......I kept turning the pages and did not really see this Santa Thinlit until I paged back thru and noticed the card samples.  WOW what an awesome card on page 11.  I have yet to re-create that one.  But then I noticed the Stamp set in the Bundle and Stampin'  Up out did themselves again, beautiful sentiments to go with Santa and the rest of this stamp set.

So this week I am focusing on this Stamp set and the images that fit with the Greetings.  First up is my favorite........the Tree!   And what better to pair them with but the Plaid!

 I stamped a line of Trees with Garden Green ink on a Garden Green card base.  Merry Christmas was over stamped in Black Stazon, I wish it was darker......this is when I wish I had a Misti.......maybe for Christmas.

I love this Plaid from "Warmth & Cheer" paper stack.  I made a Flannel Shirt out of this similar pattern 40 years ago when I was making my EX and my Dad Flannel shirts.  I was a pretty good seamstress back in the DAY!!
I use the Cable embossing folder, but it does not show up very good in the picture.  This ribbon 1/4 Stitched Natural Trim is amazing!  Ties like a DREAM!!


Greetings From Santa Bundle  Wood 143523 $46.75,   Clear 143524 $39.50  Stamps and Detailed Santa Thinlit

Warmth & Cheer paper stack  141991  $10.00

Cable Knit Embossing folder  143537  $10.00  6X6

1/4 Natural Trim  141484 Gold $7.00

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Fall Y'All

The weather is still teetering between Summer and Fall, I am afraid the curtain is going to drop soon and all the LEAVES with it!!  I worked in the yard Sunday, trying to get a jump, or at least keep up!!

This card is super simple and could be used for any Occasion depending on your sentiment now thru Thanksgiving!!

I random stamped Vintage Leaves in Peekaboo Peach, Crumb Cake and Early Expresso on Crumb Cake card stock.  The Sentiment is from "Basket of Wishes".  I love the candy dots as accents, they are retired but the Enamel Shapes are fabulous!!

The Accent Leaf was stamped with Early Expresso on Peekaboo Peach and then sponged to darken and give that Real Leaf Look!!  A Snip of Linen Thread tied for some texture.  These Vintage leaves will always be my favorite!!!

Stay tuned......Santa is coming and Christmas.....starting Tuesday!!!


Vintage Leaves 138802  $26.00  Photopolymer

Leaflets Framelits  138283 $25.00

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Baby Gift Bag and Tag

I have not made a Gift Bag is quite awhile and needed one for a Baby Gift.  It is so easy to create a Gift Bag and Matching Tag.  I try to keep White and Craft bags on hand.  Today I chose white as this was a Bag for a Little Girl. 
I love when the bag matches the gift, so my Inspiration was this Onsie purchased at the Blue Mound Craft Fair last weekend.  This crafter had amazing kids items with Bible Verses.  Here is her info in case anyone wants to look her up.  Karen Dillon  Search......A Perfect Treasure...... on Facebook.  aperfecttreasure@yahoo.com  She is on Facebook, Etsy and Instagram.

Very cute stuff!! 

And here is my Bag and Tag:

 I used some retired ribbon and Baker's Twine to add the tag punched with the Scalloped Tag Topper punch.  The Onesie, Bib and Hanger were cut with the Baby's First Framelits.

Safety Pins in Smoky Slate, Pink Booties and Daffodil Delight Duckies all from Something for Baby.  Sentiment is from Suite Sayings.

Something for Baby  134027 Wood $30.00,   134030 Clear $22.00

Baby's First Framelits  133735 $25.00

Scalloped Tag punch  133324  $23.00

Suite Sayings  140709 Wood $29.00,   140712 Clear $21.00

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Paper Pumpkin Storage and MORE!!

Sorry I missed a day of blogging, but lots going on this time of year for me.  How did I do it the past 2 years with the Royals?  I'm sure I had a few melt downs!!

Anyway I think I have mentioned the Demo Only Facebook group and all the great ideas.  We cannot share directly from the page, but you want to visit this ladies Face Book page  if you are a Paper Pumpkin subscriber or want a GREAT storage solution for small stamp sets and accessories.  WHY did I not think of this?  Pampered Stamper  https://www.facebook.com/ThePamperedStamper

Here is my version and really when you do the math for a $16 or $21 dollar investment you can store at least a years worth of Paper Pumpkin stamps all in one tidy album.  Here are some pictures I took.  I think the key is to MAKE the kit!!!  Have those cards ready to go and just store the stamps, leftover bits and pieces.  Love the idea to turn the box inside out and give as a box full of cards or any gift that will fit.  So unstack those boxes, Christmas is coming.......give gifts, give cards!!!  Give a Box of cards to a Local Nursing Home for residents to use.  Take one to Church to send to sick members.  Spread the Love, Share your JOY!!!

 Here is the instruction sheet for the October 2016 kit.  I put an ink mark on the paper to match the Holes of the Binder and punched with my Hole punch.  This way you always have the instructions with the leftovers and can identify the stamps.

 And then I placed the stamps and leftovers in the pockets of the 6X8 project life pages.  12 pages for $6 in different pocket formations. 

 Here is a smaller pocket page, which is perfect for the smaller stamp sets and great for left overs.  If the backing on the stamps is too big, trim it down with your snips.

 Here is another small set with lots of embellishments.  I punched a hole in the Banner baggie and added to the ring binder.

 And below is a Pocket page......2 for $5.  These can hold several ready made cards or anything else you want to store with your Paper Pumpkin stamps.

 Here is a shot of the album from the top.  3 months in so far and plenty of room for 9 more!!  The Instruction sheets provide your labeling!!  And since this is a ring binder you can easily move things around and change the order at any time!!

 A great way to be able to search and USE these stamp sets, rather than search thru a stack of Red Boxes!!  And if you do not have Paper Pumpkin, I bet you have oodles of those small stamp sets in baskets, bags, drawers, etc.  Get them organized so you know what you have.  This is a SOLUTION!!

And I added the sticker to the front of my album with Tombow multi.  I could decoupage it and stamp on it.  These albums are quite versatile for only $10.  And include a spot on the spine for the year or a Label. 
And your ink spots can be stored together ready to use, rather than hunt for them.  Paper Pumpkin is a great way to collect ink colors!!  You can slip them in a pocket, but I prefer to keep all my ink spots together on top of my color caddy.  Or they also fit in a Wide Stamp case  127551 $7.00 for 4 cases

6 X 8 page assortment  135297  $6.00
Album  139655  $10.00
Pocket pages  135874  $5.00  2 pockets

See more Project life supplies on page 167 of the big catalog


The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

Shop 24/7 at :   www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net