Watercooler Wednesday WWC154 Judy's "All About Christmas" Challenge

 

The days are starting to get longer although they seem to be flying by just as fast if not faster than a month ago.  I haven't been able to scrounge up much stamping time or Mojo since the New Year but managed to get my card finished for this week's Watercooler Wednesday "All About Christmas" Challenge being hosted by Judy Markowitz.  Nothing like getting an early start on making my Christmas cards for next season!  

How about starting your Christmas stash early too. Make a card or project and link your creation with the InLinkz at the bottom of this challenge.  It's easy!

Here's some details:
          1.-No back-linking to previous posts, your must be a new project.
          2. You must link your project back to our challenge 
          3. You must link directly to your post, not simply your general blog.
          4. Can't be linked to more than 8 challenges including ours.
          5. Have fun!

Oh, and don't forget to  use the link-up below to share your project.  The Linky closes Monday, January 29th at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Here's My Card:

I've made another fun Twist N' Pop card for this week's challenge.  Hands down this card style is one of my favourite fancy folds, and you'll see many examples of it on my blog.  If you're interested in making one simply click here and check out this post for all the measurements and my working template. 

Outside Details:
One of the things I really like making for these Twist N' Pop cards is the belly band.  The belly band is "the keeper of the gate".  It's what holds back the mystery of these special cards.  Honestly with a good belly band you have absolutely no idea what's going to show up inside the card until it comes off.  What fun!

For that very reason I try to make the belly band extra special.  For this card I wanted the sentiment to be bold so I chose the Special Delivery sentiment from Merry Little Labels.  It's stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink on Whisper White card stock and cut out with the large oval from Stitched Shapes Thinlets.  

For some glitz n' glam I cut out a larger oval from Red Glimmer Paper and mounted that with foam tape behind the sentiment layer.  I added a 3/4" x 4 strip of designer paper on the front of the band and then attached the Special Delivery label with Tear N' Tape to the center front.

The card front itself is very simple and has no embellishment.  I added a 5 1/4" x 4" layer of Whisper White card stock followed by a layer of patterned paper   from "Season of Style" DSP. This paper was around a few seasons ago and I still absolutely love the colourful zig zag pattern.   The chevrons of colour are Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive.  Perfect!

When the belly band comes off it reveals Santa Claus and his pack of reindeer, in all their festive glory. 

Inside Details:
Every Twist N' Pop card I make has an inside story. This one begins with Santa's Reindeer, who're eager and ready to "guide his sled tonight". I stamped the reindeer images with Stampin' Ups! Cookie Cutter Christmas which was carried over from last year. I stamped them with Momento Tuxedo Black ink on Crumb Cake and then fussy cut out all those cute little heads with my detail scissors. If you don't like fussy cutting there's a coordinating builder punch.

Using an oval or other shape as a support when you're grouping images really helps to hold them together, so I cut a 3" oval from Whisper White for these ones. Rudolph's shiny nose was cut from Red Glimmer Paper and I scattered some red sequins about for extra shine. I also added a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Season of Style designer paper to this panel. 

I kept the bottom panel of the card very simple by only adding a 5 1/4 x 4" layer of Whisper White card stock.  I stamped Merry Christmas from Teeny Tiny Sayings in Cherry Cobbler and cut this piece and the Old Olive layer out with the two coordinating dies from the Stitched Sayings Thinlet set.  

Center Panels:
There are four center panels each adding a little bit more to the story and helping to support the greeting.  

The first panel represents the homes waiting for Santa's special delivery and consists of three layers of images.  It starts with a 3 1/4 x 2 1/4" piece of DSP followed by a 2" x 3" piece of Whisper White card stock.  I cut out the sky with the Card Front Builder dies and added a piece of silver shimmer paper behind the Whisper White panel to light up the night sky.  The houses were cut from Basic Black card stock with the Home Town Greeting Edgelit and placed on a slant.  I used the retired Sleigh Ride Edgelits to cut out the final layer of sleigh and horse from Whisper White card stock.  

The second panel is Santa's Suit and is simply constructed from Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black card stocks.  I added a silver glimmer paper square for the belt buckle and some Black Basic Rhinestones for the buttons.  

For the third panel I stamped the Santa Claus image from Cookie Cutter Christmas on a piece of Whisper White Card Stock and cut this panel out with the Pinpoint Rectangles Die. I cut out two more panels from Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler card stock and attached the Santa panel to them before adhering to the DSP.   I stamped and fussy cut a second  Santa image and coloured it with markers and Wink of Stella on the bear, cuffs and hat.

The fourth and final panel has a layer of Old Olive that was embossed with the Holly Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The sentiment "Just for You" is from the Merry Little Labels stamp set and the sprigs of holly were cut out with the Card Front Builder die set. 

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Cookie Cutter Christmas, Merry Little Labels, Teeny Tiny Sayings
Card Stock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Old Olive
DSP:  Red and Silver Glimmer Paper, Season of Style (R)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive
Accessories:  Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Detailed Scissors, Dimensionals, Foam Tape, Tear N' Tape, Black Rhinestones, Wink of Stella, Home Town Greetings Edgelits, Memory Box Pinpoint Rectangles #30065, Holly EF, Stitched Shapes Ovals, Sleigh Ride Edgelits, Card Front Builder Thinlets, Large Oval Punch,

I hope you enjoyed today's Watercooler Wednesday Challenge and that you've had time to check out my template and tutorial on my previous post just click here.. I also hope you've checked out the entries from all the Design Team members at the Watercooler Wednesday challenge as there are so many great ideas and inspiration.

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot  

Watercooler Wednesday #WWC153 - Gail's Masculine "Anything Goes" Challenge

This past week has been so much fun.  It's been filled with good things like being with friends, playing cards, cooking Pierogies and entertaining.  All things that put joy in my heart.  The warmer weather and longer days are also contributing to my good spirits.  

Although I didn't have much time for stamping my thoughts were on it and I was able to design a card for the WWC153 at the Watercooler.  Gail Allen is our hostess and she's challenging you to step away from your comfort zone and make a "Masculine Card".

The WWC153 challenge is open for links until 5:00pm MST Monday January 22nd, 2018.  There's plenty of time.

Here's My Card:

Supplies:
Stamps:  Country Living, Gorgeous Grunge, Make a Wish (Fiskers)
Inks: Smokey Slate, Momento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso,
Card Stock:  Smokey Slate, Basic Black and Sahara Sand 
Accessories:   Paper Trimmer, Detail Scissors, Big Shot, Happy Birthday Thinlet, Tom Bow Adhesive, Gray Dots.

I made this card for a friend whose birthday is coming up soon.  He's into guitar picking and wearing boots, so this card is perfect for him.   I started with a Basic Gray layer for the card base and added a layer of Basic Black.  My third layer was a piece of Sahara Sand that I'd stamped the images on, but I kind of messed up on the stamping and had to cut it down  by a 1/4"  on all sides. Because this panel was so much smaller than I'd anticipated I layered on some   additional layers of DSP that I found in my scrap drawer.

I decided to use the Happy Birthday Thinlet for my sentiment on this card. The bold lettering was perfect.  Because this card is going overseas, I wanted it to be as light as possible and not too bulky.  By cutting two layers of the words in Basic Black and gluing them together, I was able to add a bit of texture and pop and keep the card weight in check. 

I coloured the boots with Chocolate Chip and Early Espresso inks that I'd watered down considerably.  I wanted the guitar to be the focal point so I coloured it with more intensity.  I has a bit of a sheen like a real guitar would. The basic gray dots and splashes from Gorgeous Grunge were added for more expression.

I kept the masculine feel on the inside of this card by adding a strip of the dsp and a piece of basic black card stock.  The sentiment is from an old Fiskars set I have called "Make a Wish".  I stamped it in Momento Tuxedo Black. 

And that's it for this week's challenge.  Hope you liked my card and will leave me a word of encouragement.  Don't forget to check out the entries by the other Design Team Artists at the Watercooler Wednesday challenge.

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Watercooler Wednesday #WWC152 - Kath's "All About Occasions" Challenge

Hi Stampers!  How's your week going?   We're getting rain in this part of the world and although sadly needed because of the drought conditions, it's still dull,dismal and wet.  The upside is it'll only last a few days, and maybe, just maybe I can get some stamping time in during the showers.  

We have a new challenge for you today on Watercooler Wednesday, hosted by Kath.  She's challenging us to create something for an "Occasion".  The WWC152 challenge is open to everyone  until Monday January 15th at 5:00pm MST.  So why don't you join us, who knows you could ROCK THE WATERCOOLER!

Here's My Card:

The occasion I'm  celebrating is my friend "M's" upcoming birthday.  I wanted to create a sophisticated and glam card for her and I think I hit it on the mark with this "Double Z Joy Fold Card". 

Here is the Double Z Joy Fold Card opened up.  This is a  5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square card when closed.  I made a special envelope for it with my Envelope Board, but forgot to take a picture for you.  I lined the flap with the green striped paper and stamped a Dragonfly on the front. 

 
Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Dragonfly Dreams and Happy Birthday Gorgeous
Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Old Olive
DSP:  Merry Little Occasions
Ink:  Old Olive
Accessories:  Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Stitched Shapes (Circles) Dies, Detailed Dragonfly Thinlet Dies, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Sticky Strip, Large Basic Rhinestones, Green Sequins,Wink of Stella.

Details:
The Base Panel is 11' x 5 1/2" Basic Black card stock scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2".  Use bone folder to crease score lines in Mountain and Valley folds. 

 For the panel layers cut:

• Front Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" Whisper White and a 2 1/4" x 5" piece of DSP and adhere.
• Inside Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" Whisper White and a 2 1/4" x 5" piece of DSP and adhere.
• For Square panel cut a 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Whisper White and a 5" x 5" piece of DSP and adhere.  

 The Joy Fold Panel is a 9 1/4" x 3 3/4" Whisper White piece scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2". Use bone folder to crease the panels in Valley and Mountain folds.  

For the panel layers cut:

• For Square Panel cut a 3 1/2" square of Basic Black, a  3 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Whisper White and a 3" x 3" piece of DSP and adhere.  
• For Inside Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of Basic Black, a 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Whisper White and a 2" x 3" piece of DSP and adhere. 
• For the Last Panel cut a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of Basic Black and a 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of Whisper White. Adhere.  Stamp the sentiment "It's Your Day" from Happy Birthday Gorgeous set in Old Olive ink. adhere. 

For Front Circles cut the largest stitched circle from Basic Black.  Cut the next largest circle from Whisper White. Adhere together with dimensionals.  Stamp the floral image after stamping off twice in Old Olive on the white circle.  Stamp the sentiment "Happy Birthday" across the center in Old Olive.

Cut three Dragonflies using the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlets  - 2 from Old Olive and 1 from Basic Black and adhere in a stack.  Add large basic rhinestones down the spine.  I coloured the wings with Wink of Stella to give some luminescence.

To Assemble:
1.  Add Tom Bow Glue to the back of the last panel of  the Joy Fold section.  this will be attached at the midway point on the large square panel. 

Once it's attached, fold up both the the Joy Fold Panel and the Back Panel and add glue to the left edge of the Joy Fold Panel and secure to the Back Panel.  Tip:  Before you add the adhesive check your panel placement to get your best position.  

Once the panels are adhered together attach the circle and Dragonfly to the front panel and add some sequins.

Well that's it for this week's card.  I hoped you enjoyed it and will try this fancy fold.  You'll find it is a quick and easy card to assemble and the sky's the limit in terms of decorating it.  It can be used for any occasion.  I'd be happy if you'd leave me your thoughts on this card.  

If you haven't visited the Watercooler Wednesday main page and checked out the cards by the other Design Team members you can click here to link  back.  You won't be disappointed.  Lots of inspiration this week. 

Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin Spot 

Creative Circle Design Team January Blog Hop - Love Is In the Air

Hi stampers and welcome to the first Creative Circle Design Team blog hop for 2018.  Our hops are held on the first Thursday of each month, and there's always a new and creative theme. 

Here is My Project:
This month's theme is Love Is In The Air and it since I have a February wedding coming up, the timing was perfect for creating a wedding/gift card holder.

Here is the front view of my wedding card.  I've decorated it with images from the Lift Me Up stamp set.  

This is the back view of the card.  When you pull the tab at the top a gift card holder slides out.  The pocket is made with Stampin' Ups! Mini Treat Bag die cut.

The inside of the card is unique because it has an acetate divider page which separates the back and front of the card. 

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Beautiful Bouquet and Lift Me Up
Ink: Smokey Slate, Momento Tuxedo Black
Card Stock: Whisper White, Smokey Slate and Basic Gray
Other Papers:  Silver Glimmer paper, DCWV Elegant Holiday Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Mini Glue Dots, Basic Pearls, Lots of Labels Thinlets, Up and Away Thinlets, Mini Treat Bag Thinlets, Stitched Shapes Framelit Dies.

Details:
I have not included the details in this post  for the front of the card.  You can find them by clicking here, to see an earlier post I did for the Watercooler Wednesday Blog Hop.

I did however add a gift card holder to this card using the Mini Treat Bag  and Lots of Labels Thinlet Dies.  The gift bag was cut from Whisper White card stock, assembled and glued to the back of the card with sticky strip adhesive.  I added a 3 3/8" x 4 3/4" piece of Silver Glimmer Paper, topped with a 3 1/4" x 4 5/8" piece of Designer Series Paper to the front of the bag.  

I inked up the medium sized hot air balloon from Lift Me Up in Smokey Slate and then stamped off twice on a scrap of paper before stamping the image on a piece of Whisper White card stock. Next I stamped over top of the balloon with the sentiment "Wishing You a Day of Love and Happy Memories" from the Beautiful Bouquet stamp set in Tuxedo Black ink. I cut out the sentiment with the largest circle in the Stitched Shapes thinlet die set. I stamped the heart from the Lift Me Up stamp set in Smokey Slate and cut it out with the matching die and added it to the bottom left side of the heart. I also added some small clouds and a hot air balloon cut from silver glimmer paper to finish off the detail on the gift card bag.

Lift Me Up Stamp set coordinates with the Up and Away Thinlet Dies.  Order #142896

 

Stitched Bouquet Stamp Set #143666

For the gift card holder I cut out the largest label from the Lots of Labels Thinlet set in Whisper White.  I cut a 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" piece of Whisper White and a piece of the Designer Series of paper and attached them over top of the label only leaving the tap part showing.  I cut a 2" x 3 1/4" piece of designer paper and glued it to the bottom of the designer paper side to hold the gift card.  As an after thought I also cut the top of the label again in Silver Glimmer Paper and glued it to the back of the label top.  

Thanks again for dropping by and I hope my card inspired you to try this acetate peak a boo card.  It's a really fun technique and is unbelievably quick and easy to assemble.  Make sure you check out the other blog designers at the CCDT home page or click on the links below.  Lots of inspiration is in store for you. 

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Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot