Bokeh Snowflakes ~ Video

Today's card was inspired by a card I made last summer exclusively for the StampNation classroom.  I made two watercolor backgrounds that day, and this card I'm showing on my blog today was inspired by that first card.

In the heat of August I created this snowy scene to cool me down. I've waited to share it with you because I made it for A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 and I wasn't sure if it would make it into the class or not.  Can you spot the trends I used?  We had so many awesome samples from our amazing team of designers that this card didn't make the cut, so I get to share it with all of you!  Doesn't that make you want to see the other cards in this class that did make the cut?  

Check out the video below to see how it is made.  If you cannot see the video click the direct link to watch it on youtube.  http://youtu.be/M7yvDALmbPs

There may be a few too many sequins, or perhaps not.  It's almost Christmas time, so I say, "bring on the bling!".

If you are a StampNation member you can click the link to see my original Bokeh technique video: Inspired By #3  

If you are not a member and would like to become one, click the link:  Learn more about StampNation.   My next installment of Inspired By is coming out on Friday, and a new challenge went up today with a sponsor prize.

Imagine Crafts is our sponsor this week for StampNation.  Here is a sneak peek at how the design team was inspired.

If you are looking for the trendiest Christmas card class online be sure to check out A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0.  I have 4 exclusive videos for the class.  :)  http://www.catherinepooler.com/trendyholidayHN

REMINDER- Tomorrow is the LAST DAY for StampNation members to use their $10 off coupon code for A Very Trendy Holiday.  

Supplies
Stamps: Alpine Christmas (Waltzing Mouse Stamps); Snowflake Soiree (Stampin' UP!); Vintage Snowflakes (The Crafts Meow)
Ink: Broken China- Peacock Feathers- Tumbled Glass (Distress Inks); White Paper (Fresh Ink); Versamark (SU)
Paper: Basic Gray (SU); Distress Watercolor Paper (Ranger); White (Bazzil)
Accessories: Sparkling Clear- Sweetheart Mix- Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh); Stitched Rectangles Die (Lil' Inker Designs); Studio Matte Medium (Ranger); White Embossing Powder (SU)

Washi Tape Christmas ~ Video

Now that the weather is colder, I am super inspired to get caught up on my Christmas card making.  It is my second week in a row entering the Merry Monday challenge.  My new goal is to participate each week in the Merry Monday challenge for the next 6 weeks.   By then I should probably be sending out my cards.

These were the first cards I made for the challenge.  Then I took a closer look at the challenge photo and realized I was supposed to do dry embossing, not heat embossing.

#132

Ooops.... It was an easy fix though.  I just pulled off the top layer and embossed over the sentiment.  The second take is even better than the first.

The gold card has an elegant look to it.   This time I die cut my sentiment instead of stamping it.

eta:  Last night I was looking in my inbox and discovered the new Virginia's View Challenge.  My card is right on trend with her metallics challenge, so I have to link it up there too.  Check out the AWESOME inspiration at her challenge site!

This simple design was so fabulous I decided to make it in another color scheme, and film a video for you.

Note-  If you are reading this post in an email or reader you may need to visit my blog to see the video below.

It was fun to play around with different colored cardstock and washi tape to achieve different looks.

At this point I'm not sure which one is my favorite?  Which one do you like the best?

Now I have 4 cards to add to my pile.  I'm not even tired of the design yet.   Perhaps I should pull out my red and green washi tapes and try for a couple more.  At this rate, perhaps I will be done with my cards early this year.  (ya, right, even I don't believe that one!)

Before I go...

If you haven't yet signed up for A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 you will want to sign up this weekend.  The coupon code for StampNation members ends soon, and the BONUS Sketches PDF will only be available for those who sign up by Monday.

Click here to learn more about the Very Trendy Holiday card class

Click here to sign up for StampNation and grab your coupon code.

Be sure to check out Merry Monday Challenges and say goodbye to LeAnne Pugliese.   I'm so grateful to her for starting the Merry Monday Challenge blog and inspiring me throughout the year.  Without this challenge I doubt I would make any Christmas cards "out of season".  Her challenges and the design team's creation keep me motivated all year long.

Stampin' Supplies:

Gold Card:
Paper: Gold Foil, Very Vanilla Cardstock (Stampin' UP!)
Accesories:  Eliza Snowflake Die (Simon Says Stamp), Merry Script (Memory Box), Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape (SU)

Crumb Cake Card:
Stamps: Christmas Bliss (Stampin' UP!)
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Crumb Cake (Stampin' UP!)
Accessories: Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape (SU)

Lost Lagoon Card:
Stamps: Merry Christmas Message (Hero Arts)
Ink: Lost Lagoon (Stampin' UP!)
Paper: Lost Lagoon, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: All Is Calm Washi Tape (SU), Eliza Snowflake Die (Simon Says Stamp)

White Card:
Stamps: Merry Christmas Message (Hero Arts)
Ink: Lost Lagoon (Stampin' UP!)
Paper: Silver Foil, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: All Is Calm Washi Tape (SU), Eliza Snowflake Die (Simon Says Stamp)

Watercolor Alpine Christmas ~ Video

Today is the last day for you to have a chance to win a FREE spot in the A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 class.  Clicky to leave a comment on the original blog post. Don't worry, if you purchase the class and your name is drawn, you will get a refund.  :)

 So, in light of that, I thought I would share another card inspired by the class.

Creating the background for this card really helped me discover how distress inks and watercolor paper work.  The end piece came out nothing like I envisioned when I started, but that is the beauty of watercolor.

***Note- If you are reading this post in an email or reader, you may need to go to my blog to view the video below.

If you don't have distress inks, you can try this with any water soluble ink, such as Stampin' UP!   Check out yesterday's post to see the watercolor tag I made using SU inks.

Click here to sign up now for A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0

StampNation members, don't forget to pick up your coupon code first.

Not yet a member?  Click here to join the best paper crafting community on the web

Supplies
Stamps: Alpine Christmas (Waltzing Mouse Stamps)
Ink: Chipped Saphire, Iced Spruce, Stormy Sky, Salty Ocean, Tumbled Glass, Weathered Wood (Distress Inks-Ranger); Versamark (SU)
Paper: Distress Watercolor Paper, Whisper White
Accessories: Frosted Sequins Embellishments, Basic Rhinestones,  White Embossing Powder (Stampin' UP!)

Frosted Sequins Embellishments

Goosey Night & A Winner

Have you ever heard about Goosey Night?  Until a couple of weeks ago I had not, but then Maureen posted the challenges for the Design Team at StampNation to work on for today.  Thankfully I don't need to know anything about this night of mischief to create my Nighttime Challenge card.  Here's a sneak peek.

And now for the moment you have all been waiting for.... the winner of a FREE Spot in A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0....

Drum Roll Please...

Number 10

Congratulations, JoAnn.  Send Catherine an email and she will hook you up with your free class.   Even if you didn't win a spot, you can still join the class. Yesterday Catherine Pooler put up a new video giving you a sneak peek inside the classroom.

Click HERE to view the video or sign up.

Click here to join StampNation and pick up your $10 off coupon. 

Sew Saturday ~ October Finish

Thank you again Melissa and Shanna for continuing to offer A Lovely Year of Finishes!   There is something about your goals out there for the world to see and having a place to showcase those finishes that makes it easier to accomplish those goals. If it weren't for ALYOF on busy months I  might just set aside my goals and procrastinate my finishes.

I haven't had a ton of time at the sewing machine this month.  In fact the only time I have spent sewing in the past 2 weeks has been on cards.  Thankfully it has been cold enough for me to snuggle under this quilt at nights and hand sew the binding on my Michael Miller quilt.   My goal for October was to finish this project and I'm happy to report that I have, with time to spare.  I need another hand sewing project for the evenings, so I think I will pick up block 3 of my Christmas applique and start working on it.

The two completed blocks need berries and vines.   The block is stitched together and I have my freezer paper pieces cut out.  Before Christmas I have one more charity block I would like to finish.  It's turning out to look like a Christmas quilt.  I was just going to leave it as is, but that would make it a baby quilt.  This would mean it would likely need to go to a baby born at Christmas time, and that is a little too specific for a charity quilt without knowing who I'm going to give it away to.  Instead, I decided to add some borders to make it into a lap quilt.

This could be given to someone of any age this holiday season.  Of course the quilt could be used year round.  There is just something about using red and green together that makes it feel "Christmasy".  That is why I am making the borders Cream & Brown, to pull out those colors from the quilt and make it usable beyond the holiday season.  What do you think?

Speaking of creating for Christmas, I wanted to let you all know about a new card class that I have designed some cards and videos for.  If you would like some ideas for simple to elaborate cards to make in time to send out this Christmas consider taking A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0!  One of the trends for 2014 is sewing on cards.  Right up or alley, isn't it?  :)  Clicky to see a sample.

Click here to sign up for A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0

Click here to sign up for StampNation and get a coupon code for $10 off the class

Time for me to get back to sewing on this blustery day.  I just watched a youtube video on how to create mitered corners.  I think I will give it a try on this charity quilt. How are you doing on your October goals?

October Finishes

Rainbow Christmas Stencil ~ A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 Card Class Is Open ~ Video

A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 opens today and I am so excited to share it with all of you!!! Tuesday I showed you the monochromatic version of this card inspired by the Stencil trend in cardmaking.  Clicky to check it out if you missed it.  Today I am back with the rainbow version.

Plus, as promised, I have another video for you.  ***Note, if you are reading this post in an email or reader you may need to go to my blog to view the video below.

I'm linking this up with the Merry Monday challenge.  This week the challenge is to use non-traditional colors.  I think this card fits, don't you.  Merry Monday is also a great resource for anyone wanting to jumpstart your Christmas creativity.

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Now, back to the class.

Class is OPEN!  I'm so excited the doors are finally open for A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 !!!  Planning for this class began back in August and all the hard work has paid off just in time to get your Holiday card making mojo flowing.   Now you can get inspired to get your Christmas cards done in time to mail them out before Christmas.

Here is what the class has to offer

• Top Ten Trends for the 2014 Holiday Season
• 50 card/tag samples
• 19 videos (including 4 from me!)
• written tutorials 
• BONUS- Sketches

During this class you will learn from a top line-up of designers covering topics like these:

• Creative uses for dies
• Faux Watercoloring with Distress Markers
• Inlaid Die Cutting techniques
• Simple cards that pack a huge WOW
• How to make metal accent pieces
• Simple coloring with copics
• Emboss Resist techniques
• Watercoloring embossed images
• CASEing cards, but making them your own
• How to get perfectly aligned layers
• Masking Techniques
• and more!

As an added perk, StampNation members get a $10 off coupon.  Yes, this applies to new members too!  Click here to start your StampNation membership.

Ready to start the funnest class you've ever been in?  This is nothing like high school, my friends.  Click here to join in the fun.  Be sure to wait for your screen to change and log in after payment.

As an added bonus Catherine Pooler has given me one free class to give away!!!  Woot Woot!

To enter to win, just leave me a comment on this blog post telling me, "How many Christmas cards you would like to send out this year?"  

***Deadline to enter is Tuesday, October 28th at 9pm PST

http://www.catherinepooler.com/trendyholidayHN

Supplies:
Stamps: Christmas Sparkle (Clearly Besotted), Merry Christmas Messages (Hero Arts)
Ink: Fired Brick, Festive Berries - Peacock Feathers - Mowed Lawn - Evergreen Bough (Distress Inks)
Paper: Distress Watercolor Paper (Tim Holtz), Basic Black - Whisper White (Stampin' UP!)
Accessories: Cursive Merry Stencil (Memory Box), White Embossing Powder (SU), Mini Distress Tool (Tim Holtz), Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz (Tsukineko)

Trendy Tuesday ~ Stenciled Christmas

Are you ready to see my first official Trendy Christmas card of 2014?  A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 begins on Thursday.  (Wednesday for StampNation members with a $10 off coupon)  In the meantime I thought I would show you a card I made that was inspired by the class.

Believe it or not, this would be an easy card to mass produce if you like all your Christmas cards to be the same.  Watch the video below to see just how easy it is.

Be sure to come back on Thursday, the official launch day, where I will have a special giveaway and a look at another card I made with similar supplies in a watercolor rainbow look.

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Merry Christmas Messages (Hero Arts)
Ink: Broken China, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, Tumbled Glass (Distress Inks), Black Onyx (Versafine)
Paper: Vellum Cardstock (SU), Distress Watercolor Paper (Tim Holtz), Whisper White Cardstock (SU)
Accessories: Cursive Merry Stencil (Memory Box), Glimmer Mist Pearl (Tattered Angels), Clear Embossing Powder (SU)

Christmas is Coming

Just like you I hate going to the store and seeing Christmas lights on the same aisle as the Halloween candy. I like to celebrate my holidays one at at time, but us crafters have to work ahead a little bit if we want our projects done on time.

Stenciled Christmas-Mixed Font
Blue Christmas (Left)
Rainbow Christmas (Right)

That is what I have been doing for the past couple of weeks.  Catherine Pooler and Maureen Merritt invited me, along with several other designers, to join in their upcoming class. A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0  To say I was excited is an understatement.  We've actually been working on this class since last summer, but my creative juices really started flowing after the weather turned cold.  It's just hard for me to think of reindeer dashing through the snow when I'm outside baking in the hot sun pulling weeds.  Know what I mean?

Wishing You

If you are like me and you have been putting off working on your holiday cards, don't fear.   This class is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit and give a serious jumpstart to your creativity.  In fact I have been so inspired that I've made several cards that aren't even a part of that class.  I'll be sharing some of them on my blog and StampNation.

Holly Jolly

Class starts next week.  Wednesday for StampNation members and Thursday for everyone else.  How about I kick off my Holiday card series with a video on Monday?   Can you spot some of the trends I used on the card sneak peeks?

Blendabilities Bird

Let me know what you think the most popular trend is for Christmas cards this year.  Do you have a favorite among these sneak peeks?  Let me know that too and I will pick the most popular for my video on Monday.

P.S.  All of these sneak peeks were either inspired by the trends showcased in A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 or were made for the class and weren't needed.  If these didn't make the cut, you know you will want to see the ones that did.   Did I mention we have an awesome line-up of designers?  So many samples to inspire you!  Thank you for being patient with me the past couple of weeks as I worked on this instead of posting daily cards.