It's A Monday

Today is Monday.  I had big plans for Monday.  It was going to be a crafty day of quilting, working on my Design Team cards and filming a few videos.   Unfortunately I started my day with ironing.  That's not the worst part.  I decided to try out my new mini iron on my small half square triangle blocks with this bad boy.

Owie Iron

I'll spare you the details, but it ends with a bad burn on my index finger.  My question as to whether this iron gets hot or not is YES!   Thankfully my dear husband came home with burn cream, but it's not pretty.  No videos and no typing with my "pointy" finger and no playing with my new toys today.  :(   On the bright side I have loads of cards to share with you that I've made since Christmas, so I can take a few days to heal.

This card is a complete CASE from my dear friend, Kristie.  As soon as I saw her card I wanted to copy it.  I loved everything about her card from the sentiment to the double layer of stripes to the glitter.  Clicky to go to her blog and see my inspiration.  BTW- I wasn't the only one who loved her creation.  She won a challenge with her card.  ;)  Way to go Kreative Kristie!!!!

There were a couple of things I changed on my card.  My stripes go in different directions, I added some bling to the sentiment and I used black glitter.  (This stuff is cool!)   I'm not sure how Kristie created her stripes, but I'm sad I can't make a video to show you the easy tricks I used.  Perhaps I will on another card soon.   The stripes in the background were stamped with Real Red ink using a clear stamp called Knotty by Avery Elle.   The stripes in the foreground were made using sticky strip and black glitter.

Hopefully your day went better than mine.  On a bright note I FINALLY got my printer working after being without it for almost 3 weeks.  I use that thing almost daily to print challenges, coupons, invoices, letters, etc.  It will be nice to be able to print out sketches again instead of trying to decipher my drawings.

Thank you again for the inspiration Kristie!

Creative Blessings,
Heather

Card Recipe

Stamps: Another Thank You (SU), Knotty (Avery Elle)

Ink: Real Red (SU)

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White

Misc: Scor-Tape, Black Glitter (SU), Basic Rhinestones

CAS(E) this Dazzle

Card #1 Gratitude

Don't you just love the week after Christmas?  We keep our tree and decorations up until after New Years.  I love enjoying the glow of Christmas without the rush and stress.  Everyone enjoys playing with their new toys, including me.  Over the past 4 days I've made a dozen cards and begun a new lap quilt.  When I'm not creating I'm on my new computer learning the ins and outs of Windows 8 and trying to find all my favorite sketch challenges.

My first card was a mixture of two challenges and 2 new (to me) products.   As soon as I saw the sketch challenge for CAS(E) this sketch I knew I what I wanted to do. All I needed was the time to do it!

CTS #58

My thought was to use a "thank you" sentiment, score lines under the sentiment.  Then I wanted to add some branches or leaves using my new metal sheets from Add A Little Dazzle.   I decided to check out the Dazzling Diva challenge and found it would fit perfectly with  the card I had in mind to create.

DDC#5

Isn't that photo lovely?   Monica and her Divas always have the prettiest photos to inspire us.  Monica has put out a call for a new design team member.  I've been thinking it over and decided I should use some of her products before deciding if I want to take the plunge and apply.  :)

My verdict?  I love these metal sheets.  They are thin and easy to punch.  They are shiny and catch the light.  I've made 2 more cards using her sheets and I love them!  (No, she isn't paying me to say that.  :)  To finish off the card I added some trendy sequins and my favorite silver ribbon.  It's hard to see in the picture, but the mat is a glittery gray and silver striped paper from DCWV.  Oooohhh, I had some fun playing with my new non-SU "toys".

Card Recipe: (Stampin' UP! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Big Day- Today (Waltzing Mouse Stamps)
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Twinkle Glints Stack (DCWV), Whisper White Card Stock

Misc: Add A Little Dazzle Metal Sheets, Bird Punch, Scoring Board, Sequins (non-SU), Silver Embossing Powder, Silver 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

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Card#2 Fabulous

The inspiration didn't stop there.  I had to make another card using all SU products.  See how versatile I am?  :)

This time I used the Million & One stamp set, punched 3 branches out of green cardstock and tied the sprigs with some linen thread.  Instead of a glittery mat I went with Crumb Cake cardstock.  It's still a very elegant look.  You can't tell in the picture, but the branches are also sponged to add a bit of "texture" that makes a big difference IRL.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Million and One

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark
Misc: Bird Punch, Linen Thread, Scoring Board, Silver Embossing Powder

Here are my questions to you:
What do you like to do the week after Christmas?
Which card do you like better?
Should I try to join the Dazzling Divas design team?

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Sew Saturday

Sew Saturday is back!  Have you missed me, my sewing friends? I know I've missed my sewing room and sharing my quilting adventures with you.   This year I didn't plan any sewing projects for Christmas gifts.  I'm still a bit of a newbie and didn't want sewing to become stressful.  Unfortunately that meant my sewing machine sat unused for most of December.  In fact the only time I have used it is on Christmas Eve.   My son's Christmas jammies were too big so I had to take in the waist.  :)  It felt so good to be back at the machine!

Yesterday I headed into my room and picked a new project for January.  I've decided my first quilt in the new year will be a lap quilt for me.  :)  Novel idea to actually make something for myself.  So far all my finished projects have been for other people.

I'm in love with the Surrounded By Love fabric line by Moda.  If I start now I will have a sweet Valentine's quilt by February.  (At least, in theory I will.)

Did you spot my new black chair in the background.  It's so comfy!  The armrests move up and down.  This is PERFECT for me!  I'm so short that I have to raise up the chair to be comfortable while sewing, but that means that the arm rests hit the table making me have to lean into the machine.  It's not a comfortable way to sew.  With my new chair from Costco I can have the seat all the way up and the arm rests up as well all while having support for my back.  :)  

An added bonus I discovered is how comfortable it is to rest my feet on the bottom thingys.  They have little grippies that keep my feet from sliding off.  Yes, I am THAT short.  :)  I spent loads of time researching and trying out chairs trying to find one that was comfortable and fit my needs for the sewing room.  So far I love it.  Of course, I haven't sewn anything while using it yet, but I plan to put it to the test this weekend.

Now back to the fabric.   Yesterday I was able to do something I've never been able to do.  I went "shopping" in my "stash".  Oh what fun to have enough fabric that I can find something I need!  Remember, I've only started quilting again last May.  It takes time to build these things.

I decided I wanted to do a hugs and kisses quilt using a contrast color for each of the 3 main colors in the 1 charm pack I have.  There wasn't enough charms to do it with the charm pack, so I went on the hunt.  I  found a red, pink (Riley Blake) and white/red/pink combo(Moda).  It was so exciting.  Actually I fell in love with one of the fat quarters I found in a bundle.  It's called Always & Forever by Deb Strain for Moda fabric.  I love it so much I've decided to use it as my backing.  The only problem now will be finding yardage.  Any ideas?

Time for me to go play now.  I just love the week after Christmas, don't you?

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

P.S.  What did Santa and his helpers bring you for Christmas?

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours, I wish you a Very Merry Christmas.   May all your Christmas wishes come true.  This year I have been blessed to receive so many handmade cards.  I thought I would share some of them with you.  

Tristan

Julz

Jan

Susan

Margaret

Linda

Kristie

Sharon

Michelle W

Julz

Over the past two years I have enjoyed making and sending cards to my friends and loved ones. Getting all these handmade cards in return has renewed my joy in sending out cards.  Knowing how much it means to me to receive them I now want to make even more to send out next year.   Thank you my creative StampNation friends!  

Creative Blessings and Merry Christmas,

Heather North

Tags for Christmas

Have you ever been wrapping presents late at night and run out of tags?  I have a solution for that.  In the video below I have given you several different EASY ideas to make your own quick tags for Christmas or any other time of year.  :)

Note: If you are viewing in a reader or your email you may need to go to my blog to view the video.  Click on the post title above (Tags for Christmas) and it should take you directly to this post.

Try using different colors of cardstock or ink for each person on Christmas morning.

You can use patterned paper for your tags.  If you paper is a bit too busy punch out a smaller shape in solid cardstock and write the name on the solid cardstock.

Want to get really fancy?  Check out the beautiful tag one of  my StampNation Sistah's, Julz, sent me from her home in New Zealand!!!  I love it!!!!   Believe me, I'll be saving that tag when I open the present.

Hopefully your presents are all wrapped, tagged and under the tree, but if they aren't these ideas should make part of your job a little easier.

Merry Christmas!
Heather North

Banner Christmas Joy

Is there someone on your list that has everything?  Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for her?  Perhaps today's project idea will help you.  :)

Each pennant has a flower and a letter.  You could put anything on these pennants.  It would be darling to hang little ornaments instead of triangles, or use snowflakes in place of the medallions.

There are so many possibilities once you start creating.

My poor neglected Cricut got a bit of a workout the past few weeks.  I used it to cut out the letters and pennants.  You don't need a Cricut to make this though.  In the video I give you more ideas of other things you can use.  

Note: You may need to go to my blog post to see the video above if you are not there now.  :)

Doesn't it look perfect hanging from the shelf in my home?  That is why I had to make another one.  It will probably hang all year long because Joy never goes out of season. 

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Suplies:

Paper: Mondern Medley DSP,  Champagne Glimmer Paper, Misc. Metallic Cardstock from my stash, Black

Ink: Crumb Cake
Accessories: Cricut, Crop-A-Dile, Scallop Circle Punches, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon,  Lace Trim Ribbon, Black Glimmer Brad

Modern Medley DSP

Champagne Glimmer Paper

Playing Christmas Catch Up

Two days without a post.   Can you guess what I have been doing?  Probably the same things you are...  finishing my Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, mailing packages, sending cards, stressing out, going to a Financial Aid meeting for parents of high school seniors....  Ok, perhaps you didn't have to do that last one.  The week before Christmas they have a meeting to discuss all the costs of college we will be facing next year.   Really?  As if I didn't have enough to worry about.  Sigh.   Good thing I have needed to spend lots of time in my hobby room.  :)  It's my therapy!

I've been making cards, tags and boxes.  I've got my Christmas CDs playing while I work and I find peace while I am creating.  Here's a card I made inspired by Catherine & Mo's "A Very Trendy Holiday" card class.   For some reason I really loved using non-traditional colors.

This is one of those cards that I would like to make again.  I would fix the Raspberry tree on the right side and I would add some sequins.  This card was made in November and I didn't have sequins then.  I kept meaning to make another one and show you the improved version, but time is running out.  :)

Have I shown you my Christmas Deer card yet?  This was a fun card to create. I just sat in my hobby room and played.  If I've already shown it, I apologize, but I didn't want the Christmas season to go by and not show you this one. Remember, if you have a deer stamp they make great masculine cards.  ;)

My plan was to film a video showing you how I created the background added the ribbon, but Christmas snuck up on me and I've been fighting allergies for a couple of weeks.   Perhaps I can show you at a different time using Spring colors and images. For today I am adding this card to this week's Merry Monday challenge.

December comes with a few changes to the Design Team.  First, we have more members so each of us take turns getting a week off.  Today is my off day, so I am going to show you a sneak peek of last week's card.   Which brings me to the second change.  All of my Design Team submissions for StampNation will now be exclusive to StampNation.  Just one of the many perks of being a member is that you get exclusive content. Now the DT content is exclusive too.   It's as though I am a part of a special club.  ha-ha.

Not a member of SN yet?  It's only $9 a month and it is well worth the investment in my "me time".   If you are a member you can see my card along with the rest of the DT and member cards by clicking HERE.   If you would like to see this week's challenge click HERE.  My hope is to show you how I made the tag that is on this Christmas Carol card.  If all goes well I'll even have a video for you. :)

Have I made up for two days without posts?  :)  It's time for me to edit my video that I hope to share with you tomorrow, if I don't fall asleep first.  Above is a sneak peek for the video I will be editing.   I hope you enjoying the magic of this season and that you find a parking space near the entrance next time you head to the store.

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Sparkling Snowflake

Can you guess why the fairly clean and simple card is one of my favorites?  If you guessed glitter, sparkle, shimmer, glimmer or dazzle you're right. :)   I wish I could show you in person just how pretty it is.  If you are on my Christmas card list you just might get to.

This year I've been using my new favorite accessory, heat and stick powder, to create glittery wintry scenes.  Please excuse the way I sound in the video below. My allergies have been really bad, but I wanted to film this for you before Christmas.

Note:  You may need to visit my blog to view the video.  Click on the post title "Sparkling Snowflake" if you want to go to my blog post now.

It's so pretty that I think I might make another card just to display on my shelf for January.  In the video I mention my Dazzling Diva Winner card.  CLICKY to go to that post if you missed it the first time around.

I'm linking up to SSS Wednesday challenge.  The challenge is "Let It Snow".  Perfect card, don't you think?  :)

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Card Supplies
Stamps: Snowflake Soiree (SU), Vintage Snowflake (TCM)
Ink: Marina Mist, Midnight Muse, Soft Sky, Versamark

Accessories: Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Heat Tool

Weathered Snowflake

Did you like the card and video I posted yesterday?  As promised today I have an alternative idea and this card uses Framelits instead of the Cricut.  You could also use a punch and get similar results.   The greeting doesn't say Merry Christmas on it anywhere, so it can be used for any occasion during the cold winter months.

Here's the follow up video showing you my card and thought process behind making the card.  Sometimes inspiration comes when you don't expect it.

Note: If you are not on my blog, you may need to go to this blog post to view the video above.  ;)

In the close up you can see the fabulous weathered wood look achieved by stamping on Marina Mist with craft ink using my new Woodgrain stamp from Watlzing Mouse Stamps.

I'm linking up with the CAS*ology challenge to use a snowflake.  I think this is fitting, don't you?  It's clean and simple and the snowflake takes center stage.  :)  You should check out their fun facts about snowflakes included in this week's challenge.

CAS*ology74

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Supplies Used (SU, unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Snow Day, Festive Flurry, Woodgrain (Waltzing Mouse Stamps)
Ink: Marina Mist, Whisper White Craft, Versamark (small snowflake)
Paper: Marina Mist, WhisperWhite, Soft Sky
Accessories: Festive Flurries Framelits, Silver Embossing Powder

Festive Flurry Clear Mount Bundle

Snow Day

Washi Tape Tree

It's crunch time in the craft room as the deadline to send out Christmas cards and gifts approaches.  Today's card is very quick to make and mass produce.

Isn't it cute!  I filmed a video showing you how easy it is to make this card.

Note: you may need to go to my blog to view the video.  Click on the post title "Washi Tape Tree" above to go there now.  :)

You could punch out gold or silver stars to make this even easier.  I stamped my star, then covered it with dazzling details.  Stars must sparkle, even if they are pink, right?

The die cut panel is made of textured cardstock.  I like the look it added, but it meant I couldn't get a crisp stamped image.  In this instance I was ok with that.  :)   The twine is a yummy pink, raspberry red, and white candy stripe.

If you don't want to take the time to wrap baker's twine and tie a bow you could use the coordinating red washi tape from the Seasons of Style pack, or a strip of paper, or leave it without anything except the sentiment.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to papercrafting.

Creative Blessings,
Heather North

Supply List (SU unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Greetings of the Season, Merry Minis
Paper: Crumb Cake Smooth Cardstock, Crumb Cake Textured Cardstock
Ink: Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Cricut Cartridge, Baker's Twine (not SU, anyone know who puts their thread and those adorable wooden spools?), Merry Minis Punch Pack, Dazzling Details, Seasons of Style Washi Tape

Greetings of the Season

Seasons of Style Washi Tape

P.S. Sorry about the late posts, poor picture quality and videos issues.  It has been a struggle with technology, but I see light at the end of the tunnel.  (Today I made the trip to Olympia to pick up our new modem.)  Thank you for being patient with me as I learn my new computer, update our home internet and figure out how to transfer photoshop to my new computer.  By the beginning of next year I should have everything up and running faster than ever.   That means no waiting all day for photos to upload and edit and download.  (in theory at least)