Final Christmas Card Share of 2013!

Here is my final Christmas card of 2013. This year, unlike the past few years, each and every recipient on my card list was sent a card (although the last batch went out on Christmas Eve day!) That is a big accomplishment, especially with all of the extra time I've devoted to work. I started 2013 with plenty of time to pursue my crafty endeavors, and finished the year lucky to squeeze even an hour of crafty time in each week! What a difference a year makes. That is a good thing, as it's nice to be contributing significantly to the household, but a bad thing as I need to have creative time in order to feel complete. It's odd how that works with us creative folk -- our desire to create is so great, we end up grumpy or sad or wandering through life like a lost soul if we do not get enough creative time in. It's like an itch that needs to be scratched, or an addiction that leads to "withdrawal" symptoms when we aren't able to just. make. something.

So my 2014 intention: make more time for craftiness. My crafty business is doing well, but my scrapbooks are not. They are quite neglected, so it's time to get back to what got me into papercrafting in the first place: preserving my family's memories for generations to come. It's time to strike a balance between work, family, and my creative needs so that I do not lose my mind!

Alright...so here's the card. It is simple, yet striking, I think. Of course, Crafter's Companion to the rescue, with the 4.25x5.75 Darice Ornaments On Side embossing folder and a piece of sandpaper. After sanding the embossed image, I just added a matted sentiment stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, from the Crafter's Inspiration magazine, one of the freebie stamps provided. Done! (That's the key to Christmas cards by the way -- if you want to send out a bunch, keep it simple!)

Get ready for one more post to finish off 2013. My last Crafter's Companion post for 2013! Can you believe another year has ended? I certainly can't! So many good things...I wonder what's to come in 2014?

'Tis the Season...Card Season, That Is.

Yes, Christmas card season is in full swing. I have about half of my cards out, the other half to go out by Christmas Eve (yes, you might get them late, but at least you'll get them!), and am happy to report that each and every card is handmade this year! You might remember last year half were handmade, while I resorted to store bought after realizing I just didn't have the time to make the rest. Well, this year I have devised an easier way, one that allows me to be more productive, in terms of my "assembly line" method.

Last year, I started each card from scratch. That included the image that I stamped and colored, all the way to the final embellishment. That can actually be a hindrance in getting your cards out. Think about it: you get into the card zone after completing a card, having a great idea for the next one. The only problem is that you need to stop in between cards to stamp and color the image in. This can disrupt the crafty groove more than you think!

I just took a sheet of Ultra-Smooth Premium White Cardstock (8.5x11) and filled it with stamps that I wanted to include on this year's holiday cards. I don't do them all the same. Rather, each one is unique. They might have the same stamp here or there, but they're colored and designed completely different from one another. So I set out with a collection of holiday stamps from Crafter's Companion. Pictured here are the S.W.A.L.K. Winter EZ Mount Stamp Set - Warm Heart, Paintbox Poppets EZ Mount Stamp Set - Sleigh Ride, and Popcorn the Bear EZ Mount Stamp Set - Just For You all on the same page.

 I got the S.W.A.L.K. images colored in first, each one different than the other. Both girls feature FS3, FS4, and FS5 for their skin and True Black, OR1 and OR3 for the penguins. The girl on the left has TN5, TN6, GB6 (hair) and PP3, PP4, and PP5 for the bows/clothing. The girl on the right has TN2, TN3, TN4 hair, PL1, PL2 bows, and HB1, HB2, and HB3 clothing. They both have Frosted Lace Stickles on the fur accents of their clothing.

And here's the card I put the pink-suited cutie on. I stamped the sentiment directly onto the patterned paper with rich, deep Memento Luxe Natuical Blue ink. I just love that stuff!

 

 

 Today, I hope to complete my cardmaking for the holiday season. They will all be sent in the mail on the 24th, and I can start to enjoy the holiday with my own family more peacefully, knowing I got it all done!! It feels good to say that -- ever since Patryk was born, it felt like I just couldn't get all of the usual holiday tasks completed. I'm happy to say that after 6 years, even after picking up more work and having less available time to get things done, I have gotten back into the swing of the holiday routine. I love Christmas! I'm hoping to get one more post in before Christmas, but in case I don't, I hope everyone has a peaceful, relaxing holiday with the ones they love. May 2014 bring you abundant blessings and happiness (and craftiness!)

xoxo

Khristen

Crafter's Companion December Challenge: Ribbon/Twine

Good morning! It's December, and that means more than the holidays: it's time for another Crafter's Companion challenge! This month, we want to see you use ribbon or twine (or both, like I did) on your project.

Making your own Christmas cards can be a daunting task, unless you keep it simple. The Crafter's Inspiration magazine helps you accomplish this while still looking like your best work ever with all of its freebie papers and stamps!

I used the magazine to make this card, which took me all of a few minutes. Perfect when you have a long list of Christmas card recipients!

All I needed was my Collal Tacky Glue, which I love because it ensures the paper elements are perfectly in place. The papers are all freebies included in the magazine, including the stamp and image. The sentiment was stamped onto Luxury Centura Pearl cardstock with Memento Paris Dusk ink. Blue and white twine was added around the top of the sentiment. I cut out the image and adhered it with adhesive squares over a piece of white ribbon. That's it! the perfect card for anyone on my list, and it was soooooo easy!

Head over to the Crafter's Companion Challenge blog to see what the other designers have come up with, and don't forget to enter your own creation for a chance to win a gift certificate to the Crafter's Companion store!

xoxo
Khristen

Everyday Sentimentals for Christmas!

**IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE CRAFTER'S COMPANION/CARDMAKER BLOG HOP, CLICK HERE**

Christmas card making is in full swing, and I couldn't be happier. I love this time of year, and sending out handmade cards when I have the chance. The past few years have been ultra busy with all of the kids' various activities around the holidays, but I've actually had some time to get cards made! We'll see if I can make all that I need (I have a rather big list!), but for now, I'm about halfway through. Impressive, I know! ;)

I decided to use this stamp from the Everyday Sentimentals - Love Is All You Need EZ Mount stamp set on one of my cards. Why not? It is quite versatile, and works perfectly for the holidays!

The key to making your own holiday cards is simplicity. You need to let go of those voices in your head that say this has to be the fanciest card you've ever made. Simple can be stunning, too! So I used scraps in my Christmas paper collection, which I save just for cards, to make it easy. A few sheets of perfectly placed paper adhered with Collal Tacky Glue (wet glue helps you ensure perfect paper placement!), the sentiment adhered with foam circles, and black bling makes a nice, simple card that will be perfect for anyone on my card list!

Head to the Crafter's Companion store and grab some Sentimentals stamp sets. They're perfect for any occasion!

xoxo
Khristen

Crafter's Companion/Card Maker Blog Hop!

Good morning, if you're reading this post then you must be here for the CC/Card Maker Blog Hop! If you have come here from Stacy's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, head to the Card Maker blog to start from the beginning. The prize (and there are actually two of them): a Makey Bakey Mice Christmas stamp set, two 6-pen sets of Spectrum Noir markers, Mistletoe Moments embossing folder, and a 1 year digi-subscription to Card Maker magazine!

Here's the full blog hop list in case you get lost along the way:

CardMaker

Kendra Wietstock

Mary Dawn Quirindongo

Stacy Morgan

Khristen Foss

Laurel Beard

Chrissie Tobas

Alice Golden

Stacy Harper Watson

Denise Coulter
Christiana Reuling

Michelle Woerner

Roxanne O'Brien

Trena Brannon

Leah Lucescu

Rosemary Dennis

Tenia Nelson

Stephanie Severin

Jennifer Ingle

Latisha Yoast

Taylor Usry

Crafter’s Companion

Our challenge was simple: make a holiday card. So I decided to grab a couple of my favorite Christmas stamp sets, the Dee Gruenig Ahh, Christmas and Dee Gruenig Jolly Holly EZ Mount Stamp Sets:

I used my Spectrum Noir pens to color up the ornaments from the Jolly Holly stamp set (JG4, LG2, LG3, DR1, DR3, CR6, JG3, CR6, CR7, CR8) after stamping them in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I fussy cut them, ran a piece of twine throught the holes, and adhered them with Collal Tacky Glue. The sentiment is from the Ahhh, Christmas set.

Alright, there you have it! You're headed to Laurel's blog next. Happy hopping!

xoxo
Khristen

Crafter's Companion/Xyron Blog Hop!

Exciting stuff today: the team at Crafter's Companion is teaming up with Xyron to bring you some fabulous holiday creations! You *need* to head over and take a peek at our blog, and visit all the blogs you can. Lots of giveaways and goodies when all is said and done, so hit up some blogs and leave some love in the form of comments for your chance at a sweet CC/Xyron prize package!

All of us CC designers received some awesome Xyron goodness to make our projects, and if you've used Xyron, you know that is something to be excited about! Here's what I came up with: a holiday box created with my Ultimate Tool, made possible by the fabulous Xyron Mega Runner and High Tack Adhesive Dots.

 After following the instructions for this neat box on the Advanced Construction Techniques DVD held in place with the Mega Runner, I adhered the ribbon handles with the High Tack Adhesive Dots. I added the image, part of the Dee Gruenig - Ahh Christmas stamp set. Memento Dew Drops made it easy to color different parts of the image -- rich cocoa for the sentiment, ladybug for the red, and bamboo leaves for the green. After matting it, the Mega Runner assures it stays put on the top of the box!

There's no question: Xyron makes excellent adhesive! Head over to the Crafter's Companion blog to see the gorgeousness the rest of the team made, and don't forget to leave some bloggy love for your chance at a great prize package!

Happy hopping!

xoxo
Khristen

More Stamp It Twinkle Sneak Peek Goodness!

Before I get too far into my post, I want to wish my wonderful, supportive, hard-working husband a very happy anniversary. I don't know where I'd be, or what my life would be like, without you! I love you, can't believe it's been 8 years since we decided to take the plunge. Best 8 years of my life!

I thought that since tomorrow is the scheduled release day for the new Stamp It Australia Twinkle stamp range, I should tease you with another great set. This is the Falling Snowflake set, and I made two cards with it. The first: simple. The stamps, on vellum, with patterned paper and a red cardstock backer.

 I curled up the points of the star after adhering the entire piece to the card with adhesive squares.

The second card features images stamped on vellum, and after adhering them with Stick & Spray Permanent adhesive spray, I added stitching above the sentiment. The red cardstock was embossed prior to adhering it to the card with the 6X6 Embossalicious Christmas Patchwork embossing folder, which was cut to fit the size card I wanted to make.

This is my #2 favorite stamp set from this range...but like I said, I want them ALL! Check out the amazing work from our other designers on our blog and Facebook page, who have been sharing awesome sneak-peekiness all weekend! And head to the Crafter's Companion store tomorrow to buy yourself these stamps!

xoxo
Khristen

Stamp It Australia Twinkle Sneak Peek!

Oh I just love new releases...especially Christmas-y ones! Crafter's Companion is due to release this gorgeous new line of stamps on October 17th (yes, that's THURSDAY!), the Stamp It Australia Twinkle range. I am absolutely in love with them! These are great for people who aren't into cutesy cuddly animal stamps. It's a great mix of designs, from vintage to modern, snowflakes to Christmas. I know you'll find at least one set you have to have (but I have to have them ALL!)

Here's a sneak peek using the Christmas Happiness stamp set. I chose to stamp the image onto vellum (which means I had to be good and patient, giving it adequate time to dry.) The image is one of my favorites out of all of the stamp sets, and the Christmas papers layered on red cardstock showcase it nicely. I adhered the vellum using Stick & Spray Permanent Adhesive spray. The green ribbon was a last minute addition that I am glad I added before adhering to red sheet music paper!

Don't you just love this image? I know you'll love them all! Don't forget to follow our Facebook page and blog to see the gorgeous sneak peeks from other designers. I will be posting another couple of cards on my blog the day prior to the release, and head to the Crafter's Companion store on Thursday to order yourself these fab Christmas stamps!

PS: the tutorial I promised last week is coming! It's quite photo-heavy, so it's going to take some time to get it posted :)

xoxo
Khristen

New Crafter's Companion Release Sneak Peek!

Good morning! Do you know what today is? We're showcasing the newest stamps, scheduled to hit the Crafter's Companion store on 9/19, the Makey Bakey Mice! These are adorable, and two ranges are offered: Everyday and Christmas.

I chose to use the Festive Fun & Frolics stamp set as figure skating holds a special place in my heart. I miss my younger years, when Saturdays were spent at the skating rink getting ready for that one show per year!

Here's my card:

 Isn't it sooooo cute? I used Lily Bee Designs Christmas Cheer - North Pole and Studio Calico Wonderland - Tree Farm (woodgrain paper), which I used my distressing tool on to rough up the edges. A bling flourish, May Arts ribbon flower, Littly Yellow Bicycle stick pins, and some Frosted Lace Stickles showcase this skating cutie, colored with my Spectrum Noir pens (CR7, CR10, CR11, GB2, GB4, GB5, TN3, TN5, TN7, IG2, IG7, IG9). Both the mouse and the sentiment were adhered with foam squares.

I can't wait for the release of this range! Be sure to head to the Crafter's Companion shop to on 9/19 to pick up a set (or 6!) for yourself, and if you don't follow our Facebook or Twitter pages, you should do so to keep up with all of the new releases. Our designers are releasing lots of sneak peeks you won't want to miss!

xoxo
Khristen

A Little More Crafter's Companion Christmas

I don't know what it was about this month...maybe the cooler weather....maybe the kids heading back to school. Whatever it was, I made quite a few Christmas projects! Here's a great card I whipped up using Crafter's Companion stamps and Delicata ink, soon to be offered in the store.

 I turned to the Stamp-It Australia Holiday Collection - Tree Whirl stamp set, the Sheena's A Little Bit Festive - Loving Christmas stamp set, Claudine Helmuth Rock-A-Blocks, the Snowman Delight & Candlelight Embossing Board, and of course that gorgeous Delicata ink I am so very much in love with.

 The oval shape is embossed and cut out, then stamped.

 I had to ink up the edges, and love the gold-on-red so much!

Everything is raised up with adhesive foam squares.

I love how easy Crafter's Companion makes it to bring together a lovely card quickly! Don't forget to like our Facebook page in order to see sneak peeks of new stamp sets before they hit the store, and all sorts of inspiration and tutorials!

Birthday Week At Crafter's Companion!

Birthday week is almost over...you didn't miss it, did you? Well, there's still time to cash in on some fabulous deals and receive free stamp sets with your purchase! Head over to Crafter's Companion to check out all of the fabulousness!

Here is one of the stamp sets up for grabs. I made a quick card with the freebie Stamp It Australia - The Snowflake being offered if you spend $50 (did i mention orders $50 or more receive free shipping?)

 You need this stamp! I am absolutely head over heels in love with it!! I chose to mist the stamped piece with Red Velvet and Key Lime Glimmer Mist, followed by Silver Mister Huey. I love the sparkle! The colors matched perfectly with this piece of EP Season's Greetings, and I mounted it all (after distressing, of course!) to a sheet of SC Wonderland woodgrain paper. I love this card (and that I'm getting a headstart for the holiday card season!)

Sparkle sparkle! Love it!!!!!

So what are you waiting for? You have until August 19th to take advantage of Crafter's Companion's birthday deals and take home one or both of the freebie stamp sets! Watch later this afternoon for the other, which I added to a layout.

Don't forget to check out the Crafter's Companion USA Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for even more inspiration. Our design team has been loving these freebie stamps!

xoxo

Khristen

Christmas In July At Crafter's Companion!

I'm back from my vacation, just in time to share this layout I created for Crafter's Companion's Christmas in July week! Head over to the Crafter's Companion blog all week to see fun Christmas inspiration, and knock some of those Christmas cards off of your list!

I decided to make a layout with the 6X6 Let It Snow Embossalicious embossing folder, available soon in the Crafter's Companion store :) It was perfect, and after I embossed it, I thought it would look great rubbed in gold ink, more specifically Tsukineko's Golden Glitz Delicata, coming soon to the Crafter's Companion store:

 I turned to the Dee Gruening Ahh...Christmas! stamp set from Crafter's Companion for the title, adding simple journaling and a burlap flower. The edges of the cardstock are inked up as well.

Isn't that embossing folder so fantastic covered in shimmery gold?

Don't forget to check out the blog all week to see more fabulous Christmas creations, and visit the special Christmas shop!