December 12, 2015

Secret Santa

This is my first Christmas with my employer and one of the traditions is having a secret Santa. As a papercrafting junkie, I LOVE creating fun daily treats. Early on, I was trying to figure out a way to stump my person. My coworkers know of my love for papercrafting and me being Santa wouldn't be secret for long! When one colleague told me she hoped I had her name for secret Santa, I had a thought.

If I can't keep my Santa identity a surprise, I can at least surprise some other folks. There are 21 people participating. I decided to make multiples of most of my projects, give one to my person and choose 2-4 others to receive the treat as well. Between now and Christmas, I'll share some of my projects with you. 



I was so surprised to see that the Square Pillow Box die is retiring. I thought for sure this would be a keeper. The box in the photo is made using the Holiday Fancy Foil Designer Vellum. This is beautiful paper. 

Products I used for embellishing include the Tree punch, oval framelits, silver foil sheet, rhinestones, 1/8" striped ribbon from the Holiday catalog and 1/8" Silver ribbon.

There are two Ghiradelli chocolates inside the box - yum! I sure hope the treat is enjoyed!



Don't forget to check out the great year end deals! Click here to shop.




Stop back for more photos of my Secret Santa projects. What kind of treat would you like to receive in a secret Santa package? Please share in the comment section. I love to hear from you.

Until next time, take gentle care,




December 11, 2015

Count Down to Christmas

A quick post to share a project I made years ago when my son's fingers easily slipped into the openings. Oh my, how time flies. So much time goes in to projects like these, but they do make memories that last a life time.




*** Remember to check out the fantastic year end savings! ***
Click here to shop my online store.





Until next time, take gentle care,



December 10, 2015

SALE! While Supplies Last!


Click HERE to shop and save!


While you're shopping, don't forget this week's deals:


*    If you own and love the Big Shot, don't miss this opportunity to save on the Precision Base Plate. This is a must have tool for your intricate dies. I didn't think there would be much of a difference using this plate, but I was wrong! It's a great addition to your tool kit. Psst! Santa...hint, hint!

*    Iced Rhinestones? Bring 'em on! Think Valentine bling!

Be sure to stock up and save!



So you may be wondering what I've been up to. I survived hosting my first Thanksgiving holiday. My younger sister has hosted in the past, but this year she and her family vacated, so it was my turn. The best part, in my opinion is having the leftovers!

My spare time then turned to my annual holiday card order. This is the 9th year I've been making the cards for my friend's business. I send him 4 samples, his team chooses the card and I go to work. Here is this year's selection:


I made and delivered 200 of them. I always enjoy hearing the comments from his customers.

The technique:

*  Crumb Cake cardstock run through the Woodlands embossing folder. The folder was so popular, SU! ran out of them and had to stop taking orders. The good news is this folder will return in the new 2016 catalog in spring!

*  Using a brayer and white craft ink, ink the raised trees. You are going to get white ink in the debossed areas, not to worry, it's just snow being blown about!

*  The "snow" is a 4" x 2 3/4"  of Whisper White torn down the middle making "snow" for two cards.

*  The cardinal if from the Festival of Trees stamp set. The greeting is retired and the silver cord is from the holiday catalog.

Once I got rolling on these, it really didn't take all too long to create the pieces. As I was assembling the card I kept looking at the card front stack thinking - that doesn't look like I'm going to have enough. Yeesh, I had only cut on package of card stock - back to the cutting table to cut the 2nd package and break out the brayer and ink!

I hate to admit it, but with this order and several other small ones that I made, I still need to make mine! That's what this weekend is for! Do you make and send cardsow many do you make? Are they all the same design or do you create a variety? Be sure to share in the comment section!

Until next time, take gentle care.