Passionettes Spring Mini Blog Hop!

Welcome to everyone that has hopped over from Vicky's Blog!

  

Well, we're nearly saying Goodbye to 2011 and Hello to 2012 - luckily in this dreary twilight zone we have the new Mini catalogue to cheer us all up - hooray!!

Although the launch date isn't until 4th January, Monica Gale has initiated this blog hop to give us all a bit of inspiration - hopefully I have followed the instructions and you can hop all around the participants to see every ones creations - just the remedy for the weather :-)

With the wind and rain lashing against the window, it's a joy to think that Spring might be around the corner, and I've used that thought for my inspiration.

All supplies Stampin'Up!

PAPER: Pocket Full of Posies DSP Very Vanilla card stock

INK: Early Espresso

STAMPS: Easter Blossoms

PUNCHES: Scallop Trim Border, oval and scallop oval punches

ACCESSORIES: Baja Breeze 1/2" Seam Binding, Victoria Crochet 5/8" Trim, Rhinestones

DIRECTIONS: Base card 15x15cm. Baja Breeze patterned DSP (see below as the pattern detail is gorgeous) 13x13cm, Very Vanilla 10x10xm - both with corners punched. Print early espresso cherry blossom (use watercolour pencils for the blossom and rhinestone for the flower centres), and sentiment on VV card stock. Oval punch sentiment and scallop oval punch the Rich Razzleberry DSP (also shown below). Use snail adhesive to mount baja dsp centrally, then dimensionals to raise and offset VV blossom to the bottom left corner, to leave space for the seam binding/crochet ribbon bow at the top right corner. Use dimensional for bow and sentiment - as always,
keeping it simple ;-)


And here is a quickie card using the 1 1/4" square punch to make a paper patchwork card, using the same DSP and stamp set, with the only difference being a Sahara sand C6  card with Sahara sand ink for the background blossom and bottom right flower.
Less is more ;-)

And now click on this link and hop over to Teri's Blog - have fun and keep on Crafting, Gen x

24th Advent Window - Merry Christmas!!

So a little wish from the Polar Party stamp set, and of course me!

 Hope you have enjoyed this virtual advent - even though some of the entries have been a little late!! I think my new years resolution has to be to advance prep more - ho ho ho!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,

just off to finish the wrapping! Keep on crafting, Gen xxx

23rd Advent window!

So somehow today, when I really should be tidying and cleaning in preparation for the forthcoming festivities, I got distracted by some paper offcuts - it really doesn't take a lot to distract me!!

So the thin DSP paper that I really should of thrown away from my November workshop with Llandrindod Card Club, I weaved, gluing the woven paper onto this punched heart.

I used stampin dimensionals to raise the heart on the the Lace Ribbon Border, which I have threaded 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon through and a couple of mother of pearl heart buttons, on a contrast of Cherry Cobbler card behind.

I finished it with a sentiment from the Contempo Christmas set, as with so many hearts, it seemed to be appropriate for the theme. Keep on Christmas Crafting, Gen xxx

Welcoming wreath for the 22nd Advent window!

Finally finished, just in time ;-)

Here I have used circles of DSP (the size of a dinner plate), then cut them into quarters - hence four cones of each pattern, using the corner punch to create the curved scallop edging.

Eight of them I punched a circle in, showing the reverse pattern of the paper through the circle, and then put a scalloped edge circle around the apperture, hanging a couple of tiny golden bells for a little jingle each time I open the door :-)

In the centre I have simply created the bow of the new 1/2" Cherry Cobbler scalloped dot ribbon, using a vintage brad to secure the middle - rather than having lots of knots.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, he's on his way :-) Keep on Christmas Crafting, Gen xxx

21st Avent window - tree decoration!

Undoubtedly everyone reading this has already decorated their Christmas tree, but as always mine won't be up till close to Christmas Eve - feel the deadline!!

This is a decoration was shown to me by Suyin Powell last year at Llandrindod Card club, and this is my first attempt. It was also detailed in the Christmas issue of Making magazine. 

It's simply made from a square of DSP, in this case 20cm square, with four strip cuts at 2cm intervals. With the double sided DSP you get a really wonderful effect when it starts spinning around :-)

For me, this is a little too large as tree decoration, so will be putting it in the utility window to brighten up the washing up - ho ho ho! Making smaller ones for the tree, maybe 7.5cm.

It can be varied by cutting 1cm intervals, not gluing the last strip to make a square frame for the finer decoration. Also, if you make six of the above decoration and fix them at the bottom tip, and what I see as the halfway hips, you can make a spectacular star - I am definitely planning to do this ;-) perhaps in the brushed gold or silver card stock, anythings possible!

Keep on Christmas Crafting, Gen xxx

Trees for the Twentieth Advent window!

So for today's Advent window I've chosen the tree stamp from the Polar Party set (p20), and a little colouring in - just the relaxation everyone needs at this time of year!

I have just mounted it on some of the New Brushed Gold card stock, with the eyelet border punch on the right hand side. 

I love the simplicity of this print - nearly considered leaving it without colour, just couldn't help myself!! Keep on crafting, Gen xxx

19th Advent Window - he's packing his sleigh!

This is my variation of a Santa pillow box that I saw on ILWS

(see inspiration link right).

Using my Big Shot for the scallop circle and running the circle through with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder for the beard texture, 2 petals of the 5 Petal Flower punch for the moustache. Then large oval punch for the face, punches from the Bitty Shapes punch pack for the nose, mouth, eyes and white bobble.

I think I will make more of these for my nieces and nephews and put them on my tree so they can search them out and find a surprise when they come round on Boxing Day - maybe the adults need some of these too ;-) Keep on Christmas crafting, Gen xxx 

18th Advent Window - double detail!

So today I share with you my simple willow wreath that I have added very simple embellishment to.

At the top of the wreath a Contempo Christmas bauble printed and punched six times (to make a 3D bauble), with rhinestones for festive bling.

A large Old Olive 1 1/4 " Grosgrain striped ribbon bow at the bottom, and then four buttons on each side, some from SU and some that have been lying around ;-) 

Being such a rustic lover I can't cover up any more of the willow - less is more!

The wreath shape is a wonderful reminder of the year going through a full circle - with us being back at the beginning again in a few days, and the start of another New Year.

Keep on Christmas crafting! Gen xxx

17th Advent window - Printed Presents!

As I'm delivering parcels to family this weekend I thought I would share some of my parcel printing!

The small bag at the front is Dasher in Chocolate chip, and snowflakes in Whisper White ink with the Serene Snowflake stamp set, also seen on the larger bag on the left.

With the bag on the right I've used the Delightful Decorations stamp set (p21) in Real Red and Garden Green, using some Old Olive card stock and Bauble punch for the matching tag - Ta Da!

Keep on crafting, Gen x

16th advent window - cracking on with Christmas!

As always with my day off I can't resist a bit of crafting - ho ho ho!

These mini crackers are made with The Big Shot die Candy Wrapper (p123), here in the Holly Berry Bouquet Speciality DSP(p96) - fab that you see the reverse of the paper in the twisted frill.

I think I might use these as place names for Christmas Day with a scallop oval and oval punched name plate on the front and a single sweet treat inside for everyone attending. I think they would also look fab on the Christmas tree, and like to stash surprises for my nieces and nephews that they have to hunt for, so the possibilities are endless! Keep on crafting! Gen x

Crafty Advent Window - 15!

From parcels to little stamped presents . . .

this is a little 5 notelet set (10x10cm), showing the design of the cards on the front of the carrier (made out of an A4 sheet).

I've used Sahara Sand and Naturals Ivory card stock. The fabulous Scallop trim and border punch for the card edging, then a retired punch stamp for the bird punch and the corner stamp from Vintage Vogue. Simply tying the top of the notelet carrier with some of the new Victoria Lace Trim (p106).

The thing that I love about this basic pattern you can use it for any colour or pattern that is appropriate for the person your making the gift for - MAKE your Christmas Crafty ;-)

Fabulous 14th!

Just a quick Happy Birthday mention for Owain

- hope there's lots of cake ;-)

After all the cards I thought that I should show some Xmas parcels! The pillow box at the front is so much easier now with the Big Shot die!

Stamped here with delightful Dasher and Serene Snowflakes. The poinsettia flowers and swirls are from the Season of Joy set - of course I have used naturals ivory card stock as I like things to look a little rustic!

Ho ho ho! Only 11 sleeps to go ;-)



Window 13 - simply stellar!

As December is rushing past once more, my card designs are getting simpler - less is more!

Here I've used one of the A la carte stamps - Stylish Star (p16), in Cherry Cobbler ink on the fabulous Brushed Gold card stock (p95), hope you can see the detail of this stamp - I love it!

Window 12, just before 12!!

Even I think this is cutting it fine! Today's window  . . . .

A little banner I've done for my kitchen notice board. Explaination tomorrow, after some sleep!

Keep on crafting Gen xxx

The letters for the bunting is from the Broadsheet Alphabet set (p80), using Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green inks, then some old DSP punched hearts - think I may be adding some rhinestones at a later point for a bit of Xmas bling ;-)

11th December - double window!

Today, in celebration of Tara's Birthday, something that was inspired by a present.

The first window shows my paper chains in progress, made from Holly Berry Bouquet Speciality DSP (p96).

I have made the strips 21cm long and 3cm wide, simply glued with snail adhesive. The window on the right shows the finished effect, with some 1 1/4" Cherry Cobbler Striped Grosgrain Ribbon tied at the top of my willow obelisk.

This project really illustrates the joy of the double sided SU DSP :-) I like this project so much, it may possibly be my tree this year!!

Keep on crafting, Gen xxx



Time for the 10th Advent window!

Following on from yesterday's embossing here's one with Cherry Cobbler

Continuing with the Season of Joy stamp set (p25), I have used the cherry cobbler emboss for the styled poinsettia flower, on chocolate chip card stock, using the scallop trim border punch on the right hand side and the new 1/2" scallop dots ribbon (p107) on the left. Keep on crafting, Gen x

Now for the nineth advent window!

My first play with the new and wonderful Wild Wasabi embossing powder

Continuing with the less is more theme I've used the Season of Joy set (IB&C p25), on black card stock, and then the Eyelet border punch (p116) on the right hand side :-) Have also treated myself to the Cherry Cobbler embossing powder so think that may be tomorrow's project! Keep on crafting, Gen x

And behind advent window 8 . . .

A couple of perky penguins :-) Having no strength of will power I couldn't resist a new Christmas stamp set! These characters are from the Polar Party set (IB&C p20) seen here in Pacific Point ink and 1 3/4" circle punched, with Whisper white ink snowflakes from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set to break up the blue background, scallop trim corner punched for a little detail - less is more!  

Seventh Advent window!

Today there is another sneak peek at my work decorations.

Here's a little white twig arrangement. The central heart was from a fantastic 3D swap at last years convention, stamped with Baroque Motifs in turquoise and then Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

The card baubles are from the Contempo Christmas set, highlighted by rhinestones and then the baubles are from a few years ago using some transfers to continue the wintry theme.

We've had a bit of the white stuff here today, but as hail rather than snow! Keep on crafting, Gen x



Sixth Advent Window - slightly late!

Somehow yesterday raced past without being able to blog!

It was still possible to do some stamping though!! My first play with my Tags til Christmas set (IB&C p24) - I used Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Tempting Turquoise colours. Obviously I have several of the matching punches, but have shown the scalloped square punch especially for Mandy, as I'm sure it's on her wish list - hee hee hee!

I think the next step for me is to use Cherry Cobbler embossing for the Santa suit on black card stock, and try to make a head for Santa too, as the headless version simply won't do! I think the bauble pattern will look great as a 3D decoration ;-) Keep on crafting, Gen x



Behind the 5th Advent Window!

Is a peek at the festive banner I've put up at work - well the start of it anyway!

As I changed the festive colour scheme this year to Blue and Silver I couldn't find a Christmas message in the right colours! So I made this one from Pacific Point card, the Bauble punch, Silver embossing for the Delightful Decorations stamp set (IB&C p21) and then capital letters to spell out -

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

- done in the new brushed silver card (p95) and the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet medium sizzlit die for the fabulous Big Shot - I love the finished effect! Keep on crafting, Gen x

Fourth Advent Window!

Here's one to use up scraps of Designer Series Paper or old Christmas cards . . .



The simplest of ideas for a Sunday - as they are made out of paper they are wonderfully light and don't weigh down the willow twigs :-)

The large baubles are made from 8 strips that are 15cm long and 2cm wide, the small ones are also 8 strips 10cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Then get your eight strips together and punch a hole in the top and bottom of the strip with a crop-a-dile, push a brad through and then fan the paper strips to form the bauble, some of the new Antique and Glimmer brads (IB&C p109) make the bauble look very posh!

Keep on crafting, Gen x

3rd Advent window

 May I begin today by wishing Thomas Kennedy a very Happy Birthday - hope you have a fab day!

Now for today's virtual treat . . .



This is of course the Petal Cone made with my seriously overworked Big Shot ;-) The joy of Stampin' Up! double sided paper is that you see both sides with projects like these. Just perfect for cramming with Celebration sweets, or whatever your favourite treat is! This is one of the projects that Dolau Youth Club did - with the bonus of filling the cone at the end of the session! Crafty fun for all :-)

Second Day of December!

So here's the second window of this virtual advent calendar!

This is a variation of a card that I did at Convention last year,

using Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Naturals Ivory colour scheme

and the Welcome Christmas stamp set (IB&C p26).

The berries on the wreath are made by using a crop-a-dile (p115) to make holes, that expose the cherry cobbler colour behind. The corners of the wreath are punched with the curly label punch (p117). This card is quick and easy - just the way I like it :-) Keep on crafting ;-)

Advent blog!

So, I was thinking that if I could publish a blog a day, that I could have my own virtual advent calendar for those of you that are following and perhaps share some of the Christmas inspiration I have been doing at workshops recently.

Here, for my first window into December is the Robin Christmas card,

 that we did at Llandrindod Card club.

Huge thanks again to Teressa & Ruth for continuing to run such an inspiring group,

who allow me to get carried away periodically ;-) 

Simply using Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla card with the scallop trim corner punch (IB&C p116), Bird Builder punch (p119), using Old Olive card for the branches and then the greeting from the Contempo Christmas stamp set (p25)

Ho, ho ho . . . . keep on crafting, Gen x