Creative use of one stamp

Today's Christmas card has a few steps but I think you'll really like it. Except for the greeting, it uses only one stamp to create a beautiful Christmas wreath.

I took the designated stamp from the Autumn Fun stamp set and stamped it repeatedly in a circle around a 4"x4" card using Creamy Caramel ink.

Then I changed ink to Garden Green and stamped over the initial impressions. Just approximate to do your stamping and it gives you a kind of blurry appearance. Don't worry though, the next step will clear it up.

Now, using Rose Red ink, stamp the image again on top of the previous impressions. It will now look like there are berries on the wreath. Isn't that amazing for using only one stamp!

Lastly, I added a holiday greeting and a little bow using Rose Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. The paper was cut using the Big Shot and the Scallop Square die. This card is one of those "it's so easy" types that you just want to show everyone.

Have fun making your own cards.

Monday Morning Challenge

Today's card is, of course, another Christmas card. I told you the other day that I have really been enjoying the new My Digital Studio computer program. Isn't this card lovely! Now I'm ready to really stamp some of these, or maybe I'll have them printed and add a little embellishment afterwards. Either way, they will look lovely.

I hope this gives you another idea of how to create your own Christmas cards.

A Holiday Greeting

Today's card was done using the sketch for the Saturday Stamping Challenge 411. I just can't stop doing Christmas cards right now. The way it looks, most of my friends will be receiving different cards since I've made so many samples. Today's is just another look at what can be done using the Christmas Jingle Designer Series Kit and some colored brads. I just had to decorate my tree with lots of colored lights. I hope you enjoy today's card. I look forward to seeing you designs.

Stamping Challenge during the holidays

Since I'm off work for a few days, I have time to participate in some of the stamping challenges that are around each week. This card is actually a combination from 2 different ones. The sketch was done for the Diva Coffee Break challenge and the colors are part of the Color Throwdown challenge. I don't know that I would ever have selected these colors otherwise.

Again, I used my computer software, My Digital Studio to make this card. It is so great for designing a rough draft. But then, I am also using it to make a scrapbook of our summer vacation. It is so user friendly, and that is very important to me. I don't want to take any more time and effort that I have to do.

Another Christmas Card

Todays card was designed using the sketch for the MojoMonday Challenge. The fascinating part is that I created the card in just a few minutes with no mess in my stamp room. I used My Digital Studio computer program to create this sample. This program is great for creating cards, calendars, and even scrapbooks. I have been really happy with the products that I've created. I can't tell you more....there might be some Christmas gifts in what I have created.

If you want to create this same card using SU! supplies, here is what I used:

Stamps: Christmas Jingle

Inks: Real Red

Papers: Merry Moments Designer Paper, Real Red, Whisper White and Old Olive Cardstock

Accessories: Old Olive grosgrain ribbon

Tools: Scallop Edge Punch

A very simple gift card box

How simple could today's project get? I purchased this tin on sale at a discount store. It is only a little over 1/4" thick. I covered the top with some designer paper, added some 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and then stamped and punched the greeting. Isn't it cute? Who wouldn't love to receive a gift card, or even money, this way?

Be sure to share other ways you might decorate your own.

Personalized Journal and Notepad

These samples are so easy to create. All it will take is just a little time and creativity.

For the Journal: Using your designer series papers and an inexpensive journal/notebook, cover the outside as you would any bookcover. I usually add a strip at the binding to give come contrast. I then add a piece of paper inside the covers to disuise the paper that went around the corners. If you want, add a strip of ribbon for an accent.

For the Notepad: I used a 4"x4" coaster and covered one side with designer paper. The clip has a small scrap of the same paper glued around the outside. The ribbons are added as accents but add a nice finishing touch. Now, just glue a small notepad on the coaster and you're finished with another holiday gift.

I hope you've enjoyed these 2 ideas. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing your personal creations.

Lip Balm Holder

If you want to give a quick and easy stocking stuffer or maybe a Secret Santa gift, this one works great. Using just a few scraps of cardstock and an added stamp, if you want, you can create many of these in an afternoon.

Cut a piece of cardstock 3 1/2" x 5 3/4". Score at 2 1/2" and 3 1/4".

Fold the cardstock on one of the score lines. Cut 2 slits through both layers up to the 2nd score line.

Fold on the score lines to create a "book". Put the cut area inside to make a holder for the lip balm.

Decorate the front as you want. Be creative.

Now, be sure to send me photos of your creations.

An early Christmas decoration

This framed holiday decoration is an imitation from another stamper, Leann Greff. She came up with a beautiful idea and I just made a few changes to suit myself. I hope you enjoy it.

The frame is a 6"x12" inexpensive one from a discount store. The papers used come from the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Papers in the Stampin'Up! Holiday Mini Catalog. The red/white combination is flocked and very elegant. The substitutions for the "O" in Noel were done using the Merry & Bright Rub-ons. I think they add a nice appearance. The large snowflake was done using the Snowflake Punch and the corners have Real Red 1/4" ribbon attached. For such easy additions, it adds a lot to the overall picture.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me via email at: criokodiak@gmail.com. Also, remember that everything I am posting can be ordered.

Enjoy your holiday gift making.

More Bookmarks!

I thought these little creatures were so cute that I had to share them with you. I have been collecting punch animal designs over the past few months and these are some of my favorites. In fact I made a large number for the Humane Society to sell at the local Holiday Bazaar.

By using punches and variety of colored cardstock, you can create a multitude of designs. For me, I prefer the simpler ones such as these. When making your own, if you sponge around the edges it seems to make it look a little more complete. You can see this easily on the lion and bear. The lamb even has a little bow on the top of her head to complete the look.

I hope you enjoy these ideas. I would love to see samples of your own creations.