Savor the Journey

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, another weekend is behind us.  I hope you were blessed to savor some moments with family and/or friends.  On this particular weekend, I had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with both!  (Family and friends, that is …)  Friends & fun on Saturday, and a surprise afternoon with a darling grandson today!   As a result, I haven’t blogged over the weekend, but I’ll take care of that right now.    

As mentioned before, not all stampers actually ’send’ beaucoups of creations.  But this year, I’m actually trying to get a few cards ready for Christmas greetings!   *gasp*  Let it be known that the word “few” shall be better-defined at a much later date, because right now, ‘few’ isn’t very many.  I’m fitting them in between other projects that are jangling around in my mind, and projects that are already ‘committed’ on the list.   Unlike my daughter’s annual Christmas Card Sweat Shop, I’m a solo operation here in the stampin’ studio.  

I’m always inspired by my DD’s clean & simple creations … always.  However, I’m never quite satisfied with my attemps at clean & simple.  This time, I’m willing to share one of those attempts with you, and will actually send some to family this year and hope to include a picture inside.  We’ll see as the next week or so flies by. 

The added boost of this card comes from the shimmery white cardstock.  I adore the instant elegance this product gives to projects!  Easy texture is popped up with my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, and bling is courtesy of Stickles glitter glue.  Easy-peasy!  I hope you like it!

***  I’ll be back later this week for sure.  The coming attractions include a very special treat on Black Friday … you’ll definitely want to check in and follow the trail of goodies!  I’ll be back early in the week with a Christmas project focused on a favorite new stamp set of mine!  I’ll hope to see you here again very soon! 

~Bev

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS:  Pine Sprig Set and Merry and Bright   (both from Rubbernecker Stamps)

INKS:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Fired Brick;  Adirondack Pigment Ink - Bottle

PAPERS:  Cryogen White,  SU Handsome Hunter or Real Red (I’ve used each.)

ACCESSORIES:   Stickles - Xmas Red, Scor-Pal, Ranger Glossy Accents, Cuttlebug & Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots

   If you’ve been wanting to try some new Ranger products, or add to your collection, here’s a sale worth sharing  …  now through Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. PST!!    Check it out at Rubbernecker Stamps!!   

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I know, I know.   How many of us have given much thought to our long-beloved ‘Frosty’ the Snowman’s ‘Mom’?   Admittedly, while in the throes of our gleeful youth, we tend to take things as they appear, and rarely look ‘backwards’ to the previous times for explanation.  So imagine my surprise when I discovered “Ms. Mann”!   She has been right here in my stamp box, quietly waiting for just the ‘right’ moment to “come out”. 

Ladies & Gentlemen, I’m pleased to introduce you to “Ms. Mann”!  Thanks to the SCS Sketch Challenge this week, Ms. Mann has found the perfect avenue for her “coming out”!  

Her snow’ground’ has been highlighted with white glitter, while her outline has been emphsized with diamond glitter.  After searching through my normally-ignored scissors, I brought my deckle scissors out of retirement to add a little appeal to some of the edges. 

I’m sure that ‘Frosty’ and ‘Ms. Mann’ are thrilled to have the mystery resolved!  In about a month and a half, I’ll be approaching the anniversary of my own most personal ‘discovery’.   Here’s to a perfectly happy week of possible new discoveries to all of you!       ;)      

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Project Details … STAMPS:  Ms. Mann  (from Rubbernecker Stamps)

PAPERS:   Prism Simply Smooth White, SU Old Olive, DSP = Imaginisce 

  INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black , Copic Markers as shown (Please click on the image to enlarge your view of the Copics.)

ACCESSORIES:  May ArtsSatin Ribbon, MultiLiner Pen Black, Fiskars Deckle Scissors, Glue Dots, Quickie Glue Pen, Martha Stewart Carrara Marble Glitter, SU Dazzling Diamonds

Here’s to a blessed new week, everyone!  

At the front of the weekend, I was blessed to help my DDaughter & family in the annual ‘attempt’ at taking the “just right” pictures for their Christmas cards.  Weather was great, which is a clear indication that it’s time to take advantage.  Now you must understand, that it is a great thing to have a digital SLR … As usual, it was between 250-300 photos later that we finally succumbed to the wind (and maybe to the 3 children?), and made the decision that surely there was an acceptable final photo in there … somewhere!  

At the “far” backside of the weekend, I found some time to stamp .. Yay!  

So here’s one of the results, taking inspiration from this week’s Featured Stamper challenge at SCS.   Congrats to Dawn Easton for her week in the limelight!  What a pleasure to explore her many talented designs. 

One of the most unique aspects of my card today is that it involves ‘no’ stamping!  The main image and the tag are actually ‘punch-outs’ from part of the Graphic 45 Christmas Past collection of papers.  What an EZ way to create a card!   As a ’stamper’, I’ll admit that this was a bit of a surprise to me … and I think I really like it!     ;)     I added paper-piercing along the horizontal edges as my own touch, duplicating the curves of the border punch.  I hope you enjoy it!  

Thanks for stopping by .. Here’s to a blessed week for each of you.  I appreciate your visit!

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  none!

INKS:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Antique Linen

PAPERS:  Graphic 45 DSP - Christmas Past Collection.  SU Confetti Cream + Basic Black + Real Red

ACCESSORIES:   Martha Stewart border punch, Vintage buttons from my stash, Ornare Piercing Template & Piercing Tool, Taffeta ribbon, Linen thread, Glue dots, foam dimensional tape.

Welcome to the weekend!  If you have some time to enjoy a bit of creativity, you’re invited to join the Sugar Babies for another weekend sketch from the Sweet Stop Challenge, SSS30.  Just use today’s sketch as your inspiration, then visit The Sweet Stop to upload your creation for a chance to win $10 toward stamps from Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps!   Join us in the fun!

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Do the elves look forward to the weekends?  I’m guessing that everyone at the North Pole is probably ready to shift into near-overtime these days.  So perhaps the reindeer are probably in vigorous ‘Fall’ training about now, complete with special diets to enable peak flying efforts.   It’s pretty obvious where this merry little reindeer has been playing around … or maybe he was really just helping the elves with the sleigh barn decorations.    ;) 

For a little bit of added interest around the reindeer, I rubbed Perfect Pearls along the edges of the image piece and red layer.  It adds a just a delicate glow of shimmer.   Surely this little reindeer didn’t check out Mrs. Claus’ make-up table!  His hat is nice & cozy thanks to red & white ‘Sparkly Fluff’.

Here’s to a wonderful weekend for each of you!   For even more inspiration, you’ll find plenty to savor at the Sugar Babie’s blogs:   Korin Sutherland,  Nicole Anderson,  Holly Brown,  Ann Clack,  Jodi Collins,  Barb Guinan,  and my thanks to you for visiting me today!  Take a smile with you along your way today!

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS>>  ‘Merry Christmas‘, and ‘Petite Reindeer‘ (both from Rubbernecker Stamps)

INKS>>  Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark Pen, SU Real Red, Copic Markers as shown (Please click image to enlarge.)

PAPERS>>  Neenah Solar Classic Crest White, Prism Intense Kiwi, DSP = Bo Bunny’s ‘Holly Jolly Dots’

ACCESSORIES>>  Ranger Perfect Pearls - Perfect Bronze, Ranger Embossing Tinsel - Red, Inkssentials Opaque White Pen, Quickie Glue Pen, Dew Drops Clear, Ranger Glossy Accents, OCL’s Sparkly Fluff (Red + White), American Crafts Galaxy Marker - White, Spica Glitter Pen Clear, Spellbinders Wizard, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen - red, Martha Stewart Ruby Coarse Glitter, EK Success Oval Punches, Glue Dots, Metallic Ribbon, foam tape.

Well friends, in case you haven’t noticed already, the signs of Christmas are all around us now.  Even the ‘Black Friday’ shopping ads are available online!  While trying to get a plan of action started, Santa & I were visiting, talking about the upcoming Christmas season as well as previous Christmas holidays.  As people savor the fellowship, food, family, friends, and the exchanging of thoughtful or whimsical gifts, what goes on at the North Pole after Santa and his team of reindeer glide the empty sleigh back into the landing zone outside the reindeer barn?  Think about it!  That’s one tired Santa and twelve hard-working reindeer!

Many times we have all heard the statement, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”    I think it must be true.  Here’s my recent version of that sentence, which seems to clearly indicate dear Santa’s need for a soothing hot meal by Mrs. Santa, followed up by a nice looooong nap in a cozy, warm bed. 

It all started with the SC254 challenge at SCS this week.  Cuttlebugged snowflakes, thin lines of dazzle, and designer paper that reminds one of a snowy night are the simple elements used to present this “picture” of Santa after handing over the weary reindeer to the elves in charge of their proper feeding, brushing, and freshly hayed stalls.   Sweet dreams, Santa!   Take some much-deserved time to fully rest and refresh!  

 {{{hugs}}} from Texas!

**Please check back on Saturday for a Sweet Stop Sketch and a merry little reindeer!

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS:  Saint Nickolas (KK Originals @ Rubbernecker Stamps)

INKS:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Antique Linen, Adirondack Pitch Black Pigment Ink, Copic Markers as shown (Please click image to enlarge.)

PAPERS:  Prism Simply Smooth White + Mystic Dark + Vanilla Cream, DSP = Graphics 45 Christmas Past Collection

ACCESSORIES:  Color Box Stylus set, Martha Stewart Glitter, Ranger Clear Embossing Powder, heat tool, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug embossing folder - Snowflakes, white foam tape

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of having dinner out with special friends … and was reminded that Thanksgiving is a mere 2 weeks away, and Christmas is just 6 weeks away.    For someone such as myself, this news strikes a shopping chord of near-panic.  Shopping for gifts is ‘not’ a comfort zone activity for me … never has been, and I simply have no reason to expect a change at this place in time.     ;) 

((repeating to self …  ’breathe’ …. ‘breathe’))  

Okay … I’ll admit that the discussion seemed to be logical, and Cheryl’s reasoning made a lot of sense … (She’s always so good at that!) 

So, when I looked through this week’s featured stamper challenge later (FS144), I discovered a cute little gift box by ‘chrisations.ink’, and decided to “get started” toward the upcoming holidays.  Now granted, I do ‘not’ have a sweet little something to tuck inside just yet, but this is truly perfect for such sweet little gifts such as jewelry, a watch, hand-made pendants or bracelets, or (gasp!) a set a car keys, etc!   (The overall height is 4.25″ tall, just to clarify that it can only hold “small” treasures.)  How to make it?  SCS has a sweet little tutorial right here that is so easy to follow that even ‘I’ could do it!   ;)   

The scored cardstock was stamped repeatedly with a pine sprig stamp, then folded into the gift box shape.  The stamped & colored image was accented with sugary Sparkly Fluff atop the trees, and glass glitter along the layers and snowflake button accent.   Voila’!  One little gift box all ready for a treasure to be tucked within!  I hope you find a bit of inspiration to spur you into the holidays!   Here’s to a fabulous new week ahead!   And yes, you are welcome to leave little ‘nudges’ to push me forward into the new holiday shopping season .. I can use all the ‘nudges’ available.   ;)  Permission granted as of now, for the duration of the holiday shopping season!  Please be gentle!

Here’s to a wonderful week for each of you!  Thanks for sharing a moment of your day!

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  ‘Pine Spring Set‘, ‘Moonlight Wonderland‘ , and ‘Snowflakes & Stardust‘ (all from Rubbernecker Stamps)

  INKS >>   Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Lettuce, Distress Embossing Ink, Copic Markers as pictured (Please click on image to enlarge.)

PAPERS >>  Gina K. Designs Apple Green Luxury C/S, Neenah Solar Classic Crest White, SU Night of Navy + Summer Sun

ACCESSORIES >>  Scor-Pal, Quickie Glue Pen, Sparkly Fluff - Sugar, Scor-Tape, Vintage Glass Glitter, Doodlebug’s Sugar Coating Glitter, Spellbinders Wizard, Spellbinders Nestabilities Scallop Circles, Embossing Tinsel - Bridal, heat tool

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 Here it is … the welcome weekend!  I can slmost ’see’ the happy smiles from here!  This also brings a sweet new sketch challenge from The Sweet Stop, SSS29.    Come on along and join us in the fun!  Follow the sketch, then upload it to Mr. Linky at The Sweet Stop for your chance to win $10 toward shopping at Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps! 

  The main image was stamped once with Memento Tuxedo Black, then a second time with Adirondack Pigment Pitch Black & heat embossed with black embossing powder.  Both images were colored with Copic markers, but the embossed snowman was later cut out to produce a popped up layer atop the first snowman.  Additional highlights were added with Spica glitter pens. 

For some added pizazz around the layers, a little line of Quickie Glue Pen was covered with glitter, and the punched fir leaves are also glittered.  I hope you like it!

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  Thanks so much for stopping by to share a “Hello” today.  Here’s to a wonderful weekend for each of you!   For even more sketch inspiration, you’re invited to check out the rest of the Sugar Babies’ blogs!

Korin Sutherland

Nicole Anderson

Holly Brown

Ann Clack

Jodi Collins

Barb Guinan

Bev Gerard  (Thanks a bunch for stopping by to say “Hi” today!)

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS:  ‘Frosty in Frame‘ and ‘No-L’ (both from Rubbernecker Stamps)

  INKS:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Pigment Pitch Black, SU Markers Garden Green + Real Red,  Copic Markers as shown (Please click image to enlarge.)

PAPERS:   DSP = American Crafts, Neenah Classic Solar Crest White, SU Garden Green & Real Red.

ACCESSORIES:  Ranger Black EP, heat tool, Spellbinders Wizard, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles + Classic Rectangles + Classic Squares, Scor-Pal,  Clear Rhinestones (colored with Copic marker), Martha Stewart punch, Art Institute’s Diamond Dust Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen, glue dots, Offray satin ribbon, foam tape, Ranger Glossy Accents (rhinestone adhesive), Sakura Glaze Pen clear, Spica Glitter Pens red & green.

  At long last, the photos have been edited and internet access has been located!  Yipppeeeeee!!   I started writing this post at the ABQ Sunport (i.e. ABQ Airport) while waiting to return to Texas.    Sounds like a most beautiful day will be in store for Albuquerque, and an equally beautiful forecast for N. Texas upon my return! 

I was so tickled during the weekend stamp show to have an SCS online friend come over to introduce herself … it was Tammy (tkfite)!!  I know that we have exchanged a card or two in recent years, but what a sweet surprise to meet her IRL!  Thank you, Tammy!

After a 12-hour drive to Albuquerque on Thursday, Friday was a full day of setting up the Rubbernecker Stamps booth, getting everything ready and ‘just right’ for the stamp show on Saturday & Sunday.  It’s actually a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of physical work … as opposed to my usual ‘design’ work here in the studio at a L-shaped table … complete with a chair!  (Oh how I dearly missed my chair!  hahaha)  Ahhhhhhh, those little comforts!  

Here are a few glimpses of the booth in Albuquerque!

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 Here’s Pat (a.k.a. ‘Mrs. Rubbernecker’) busy demonstrating a stunning technique using the new ‘Fall Trilogy’ stamp set, embossing & distressing. 

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Here’s a view to one side from the center of the booth.  Lots of shopping space!  (Please click image to enlarge.)

 ”Mr. Rubbernecker” mans the register and makes sure everything stays stocked.  I didn’t catch a picture, but he also jumps in to ink up some cardstock and see what new creations he can come up with!  (Why do I always ‘miss’ those shots?!)  (Please click image to enlarge.)

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I had the special pleasure of staying in ABQ after the show, to visit with a friend I’ve known since before 1st grade.  After we closed up the booth on Sunday, I was blessed to spend a couple of days with her and her family before returning home today.  Thank you, Joyce!

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  It was a pleasure and loads of fun to share the weekend in Albuquerque.   “Mr. & Mrs. Rubbernecker” are back in California now, pressing more rubber stamps and prepping for the next show in Phoenix, Arizona.  I know they’ll have a great show there next weekend.  Be sure to look them up if you’re in the Phoenix area!  

“Times” will be changing!  (Well, for many of us in the USA, that is!)  Yep!  This is the last day for Daylight Savings Time.   Welcome to the new weekend, everyone!  

Today’s Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge, is SSS28!   It’s always fun to switch to a different card size/shape for a new way to spice up your stamping.  This fun sketch might be just the ticket to spark your creativity in a new direction.  If you’ll upload your creation from this sketch to Mr. Linky on the SSS28 post at The Sweet Stop, you’ll have a chance to win $10 toward your choice of Sweet ‘n Sassy digital images!    Best of luck, everyone!

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My card started off with a 6.5″ square gold metallic cardstock, folded in half to create the 3.25″ X 6.5″ card.     Graphics 45 DSP with a small holly pattern gave me the idea to stamp & emboss the holly leaves for the addition atop the small red satin bow.  The ‘Peace’ sentiment is gold embossed for a touch of added elegance to echo the gold card base.  I hope you like it!

I’ll be working Saturday & Sunday at the Albuquerque Stamping Convention, so please come on by and share a smile if you’re in the neighborhood!  

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If you would like even more inspiration for this sketch, the rest of the Sugar Babies will be sharing their different versions on the following blogs, Saturday!   I’m sure that they would enjoy hearing from you as well! 

Sugar Babies >>    Barb, Jodi, Ann, Holly, Nicole, Korin, and (myself) Bev (Thank you bunches for stopping by today!!)

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Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  Peace and Brush Holly (by Stamp Oasis);  both from Rubbernecker Stamps

  INKS >>  Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink, Ranger ‘Queen’s Gold’ Embossing Powder, Copic Markers (as shown - Please click image to enlarge.)

PAPERS >>  Graphics 45 DSP - Christmas Past Collection, Gold Metallic cardstock, Prism Simply Smooth Ivory

ACCESSORIES >>  Scor-Pal,   Offray Satin Ribbon, Ranger ‘Queen’s Gold’ embossing powder, tidy tray, heat tool, EK Success Scallop Border Punch, Ranger Glossy Accents, Clear Rhinestones (colored with Copic Marker), QuickKutz Quicker Picker Upper (Thanks, Jessica!).