Snow House - Celebrate Winter

Happy New Year!  2018 already.  Seems crazy, doesn't it?  I'm welcoming the start of a very creative year on the Creative Embellishments team.  I'm proud and thrilled to join this fabulous chipboard team this year.  Yippee!  (You can find the original CE blog post here.)

 I've taken this opportunity to create a 3D winter wonderland scene using the chipboard pieces to decorate and accent the house as well as papers from Maja Design - 

a joyous holiday/winter collection from Maja Design- "Joyous Winterdays". 

The sweet boy and girl are made using Prima Marketing and Julie Nutting doll stamps ( Toby  and Little Girl).

Chipboard Treatments:

I wanted this house to look frosty and cold, I painted all my chipboard with white paint to start.  I really didn't use any other techniques on the chipboard.  But I did add a thin layer of  Prima's Snowflake Paste here and there to add a glittery snowy look.  

The surface of the bricks have been whitewashed  (white paint thinned with a bit of water) and the"grout " untouched relying on the rich brown color of the natural chipboard to provide visual depth. 

This is what the Creative Embellishments -Brick Pieces look like before:

I've taken various snowflakes from  Creative Embellishments  - Large Snowflake Set and placed them around this house and used the Creative Embellishments -Snowflake Page Corner Set as decorative molding on the  peaks of the house. 

Transitioning to the back of the house,  I created a frosty winter garden using Creative Embellishments -  (Garden)Trellis 1 all gussied up with pinecones and miscellaneous winter floral picks.  In order to make this piece a bit more durable, I suggest securing the pinecones and florals to the trellis with some thin wire.  

Next, my house has a cat sitting on a fence to add some charm ( BorderCreative Embellishments - Cats on a Fence Border ).  I cut the original Cats on a Fence  piece

in half and glued the pieces together to strengthen them for extra durability. 

The following images show the details of the sides of the house.  See how sweet that Cats on a Fence  is with my house? 

The next photos show how I used Prima's Snowflake Paste on the bricks below, the fence and also the roofing.   

A simple detail like wrapping the brickwork around the corner of the house makes a difference.  
It's all in the details!  

How Did I Make the Dolls Stand? 
 My little tip to make the dolls to stand up - I mounted them on binder clips that had been painted silver.    You can see the clips down below.   If you want to see how I used the binder clips as stands, you can find my tutorial on this blog post.  
I created a similar type project, so while not the exact same, you will have a good idea of the technique.  
See tutorial here. 

Where to shop? 

You can shop for Creative Embellishments Chipboard right here.  

You can shop for Maja Design papers right here. 

May your new year be filled with health, joy and an abundance of creativity. 

Maja Design - Joyous Winterdays paper collection
Creative Embellishments  - Large Snowflake Set
Creative Embellishments -Snowflake Page Corner Set
Creative Embellishments - Cats on a Fence Border
Creative Embellishments -Brick Pieces
Creative Embellishments -  (Garden)Trellis 1
Prima -Julie Nutting Doll Stamps - Toby 910969
Prima - Julie Nutting Doll Stamps - Little Girl - 910600
Prima -Art Extravaganza Finnabair  - Snowflake Paste 962906

Frosty Winter Wonderland - Mixed Media

Creative Embellishments 

Happy New Year!  2018 already.  Seems crazy, doesn't it?  I'm welcoming the start of a very creative year...Creative Embellishments style.  I'm proud and thrilled to join this fabulous chipboard team this year.  Yippee!  

 I've taken this opportunity to create a winter wonderland mixed media piece to join in the monthly challenge at Creative Embellishments.   You can find the challenge rules and info right here.  

 The chipboard pieces I selected are the Creative Embellishments  - Large Snowflake Set and Creative Embellishments - Snowflake Frame 2

I painted the chipboard frame white and added glitter glue.  Then I topped the chipboard frame with individual snowflakes  painted a light blue (Large Snowflake Set ).

 My paper choice?  Well, that's from Maja Design - 

a joyous holiday/winter collection from Maja Design- "Joyous Winterdays".

The paper collection is quite versatile and can be used for so many occasions - from Christmas to the cold days that follow in the new year and beyond.  

Where to shop? 

You can shop for Creative Embellishments Chipboard right here.  

You can shop for Maja Design papers right here. 

May your new year be filled with health, joy and an abundance of creativity. 

Large Snowflake Set 
Snowflake Frame 2
Maja Design - Joyous Winterdays paper collection
Creative Embellishments  - Large Snowflake Set
Creative Embellishments - Snowflake Frame 2

Vintage Christmas Cards Made Easy

I've love to use this post to share with you the spirit of Christmas, using the gorgeous holiday/winter collection from Maja Design- "Joyous Winterdays".  

 Maja Design collections have one very important feature helping to make Maja Design the very best paper for your money.  Since each sheet is double sided, the back side of the papers tend to have patterns that can be used year round.  That means you get great value for your money.  That's very important since the Christmas season is short.  

 Scroll down and I will provide links to help shop for this paper. 

Above is an image of the Maja Design- "Joyous Winterdays" collection and the specific papers I used on my card. 

"Beautiful Pine"

"Pick a Tree"

"Make Decorations"

And then there is the beautiful vintage ephemera from the collection.  This gorgeous sheet of vintage images helps your card making process super easy.   You can complete some of your Christmas or winter cards done in a few minutes. 

Isn't the paper simply lovely?  The vintage ephemera is perfect for super quick cards. 

Where to shop 

Thanks for stopping to visit.  I'd like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season filled with peace and joy.  

US folks can shop for Maja Design collections here and the new Joyous Winterdays collection is here. 

International folks can shop for the new collection as well as all the collections using the Store Finder link found here. 

Thanks for stopping and have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

Snowman Season

I'd like to share a joyous winter card featuring the gorgeous holiday/winter collection from Maja Design- "Joyous Winterdays"

The paper collection is quite versatile and can be used for so many occasions - from Christmas to the cold days that follow in the new year and beyond.  

These are the papers I used from the collection: 

"Mr. Snowman"

"Sparkle" 

"Frost"

Where to shop 

You can shop for Maja Design products here. 

US folks can shop for Maja Design collections here and the new Joyous Winterdays collection is here. 

International folks can shop for the new collection as well as all the collections using the Store Finder link found here. 

Thanks for stopping and have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

Joyous Winterdays Snowflake Cards

I'd like to share a joyous winter card featuring the gorgeous holiday/winter collection from Maja Design, "Joyous Winterdays" and some new dies and stamps from Spellbinders  

This collection, shown below, is a perfect Holiday/Winter combo with the warm traditional Christmas colors paired the blues and creams for those winter day projects.  This means you have a holiday collection that you can continue to use well past Christmas. 

 Actually all Maja Design papers have patterns that can be used year round.  This helps make your paper purchase savvy and smart. 

 The Joyous Winterdays papers used on this card are: 

Blizzard

Chilly (B-side)

I am absolutely in love with the delicate designs of the papers, especially the one called "Chilly".  

You can clearly see this pattern and color isn't limiting in terms of season.  

I paired these papers with some new dies and stamps from Spellbinders.  I'd say it's a perfect match.  

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Hannah Elise Layering Frame  Chantilly Paper Lace Collection by Becca Feeken 

and

Spellbinders Snowflakes Holidays 2017 by Stephanie Low -Stamp & Die Set

I am loving this die/stamp combo.   It's super fun. 

I stamped and layered the snowflakes with foam tape for added dimension.   I also added some thin foam under the gorgeous delicate Spellbinders Hannah Elise Layering  Becca Feeken .

OK my cards usually don't need extra dimension as they are already bulked up with embellishments but I can't help myself.  It's sort of my take on the saying, "go big or go home".  

I can't begin to tell you how much joy this collection brings me.  I love each and every sheet.  Because so many of us tend to hoard the paper we adore instead of actually using the papers, one might ask, if I love the paper so much, how can I possibly CUT IT UP???   

Well friends, papers and cards and your lovely projects are meant to be shared.  If the Maja collections bring a smile to your face while creating with them, imagine how they will truly light up the face of someone you love when they receive your card or project.  

So go ahead - CUT those papers.  Use those papers.  Share those papers.  That's how we show our love for Maja Design. 

 

Look at the beauty of that snowflake die/stamp set. I'm obsessed with snowflake and winter products...in paper only, not real life snow.  Phooey to that mess. But these snowflakes are simply wonderful.  

You can see more projects using the snowflake stamp/die set right here.

Where to shop 

You can shop for Maja Design products here. 

You can shop for all your Spellbinders dies here.   They have amazing sales and frequently have BOGO (buy one -get one)sales too!  

US folks can shop for Maja Design collections here and the new Joyous Winterdays collection is here. 

International folks can shop for the new collection as well as all the collections using the Store Finder link found here. 

Maja Design - Joyous Winterdays Collection - Blizzard paper and Chilly paper

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Hannah Elise Layering Frame  Chantilly Paper Lace Collection by Becca Feeken S5-329
Spellbinders Snowflakes Holidays 2017 by Stephanie Low -Stamp & Die Set -SDS-089

Cards for the Season of Peace and Joy

It's time to get those holiday and Christmas card ideas into high gear.  I have some products that certainly can help get you into that cheerful crafting holiday mood.  

I'm featuring Spellbinders and Maja Design papers today for inspiration.  

These are the Spellbinders products I used.  

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Annabelle's Trousseau Layering FrameMedium Etched Dies Chantilly Paper Lace Collection by Becca Feeken

and 

Spellbinders Love Peace & Hope Holiday 2017 by Stephanie Low -Stamp and Die set  

While the stamp and die set are from the Holiday 2017 collection, this set can be used year round.   Turn that wreath into a beautiful Spring Wreath card for Mother's Day or use for birthdays.  Finish your card using the "Love" stamp sentiment and you're done.  Perfect. 

Time to talk a bit about the Maja Design collection I used.  

 My oh my so gorgeous.

This is the Joyous Winterdays collection - complete with warm Christmas colors and  blues/creams for after the holidays and beyond. 

I used the "Christmastime" 12x12 paper on this card  for the red diecut frame. 

The sweet pine cones were stamped first onto watercolor papers, then die cut.   I find that stamping before die cutting is the easiest and most precise.  

The pine cones were coated in Ranger Glossy Accents  after painting with watercolor paints.  

So where can you grab all these yummy "Must Have" products?

You can shop for all your Spellbinders dies here.   They have amazing sales and frequently have BOGO (buy one -get one)sales too!  

US folks can shop for Maja Design collections here.   The new Joyous Winterdays collection is here. 

International folks can shop for the new collection as well as all the collections using the Store Finder link found here. 

Thanks for sharing your time with me as you visit my page.   

Products used:

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Annabelle's Trousseau Layering Frame Medium Etched Dies Chantilly Paper Lace Collection by Becca Feeken S5-327

Spellbinders Love Peace & Hope Holiday 2017 by Stephanie Low -Stamp and Die set  SDS-093

Ranger Glossy Accents 
Maja Design - Joyous Winterdays Collection
Watercolor paper
Watercolor paints
Floral Berries

Christmas Has Gone to the Dogs ( And Cats)

Pet owners love to receive cards from their pets.  I know I do.  It's a cute way to include our furry family in the celebration of a holiday or event.

Well, it's time for me to start making those pet cards, and just in time to use the new collection by Maja Design, "Joyous Winterdays".   

Here is a list of the gorgeous papers used from the collection. (Scroll to the bottom and I'll show you where to shop for these lovely papers.)

"Beautiful Pine"

"Pick a Tree"

"Outdoors"

"Make Decorations" 

The colors in this new collection combine winter blues and traditional Christmas colors of green and red resulting in an exquisite set of papers.  And as always, the papers have patterns that can also be used through the year - not just at holiday time.   BONUS!

I used the new Joyous Winterdays collection for my sweet dog card.  

The sentiment says, "Have a tail-waggin Christmas"

 The dog and kitty are from Tim Holtz "Mini Crazy Cats and Dogs" stamps and matching dies.  I'm obsessed with this die set. Here are a few other projects using this same set:

Kitty pop-up card

Puppy cards can be found here

I stamped dogs and cats using Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Mini Cats and Dogs stamp set and the coordinating die set - Sizzix Tim Holtz Mini Cats and Dogs framelits die  set Stamped onto watercolor paper. 

My process: 
stamp onto watercolor paper - die cut the figure after stamping - watercolor with a Watercolor Brush and Tim Holtz Distress inks in Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain

I also decided to create a kitty card using a very nontraditional collection of papers and colors featuring a raspberry red from Maja Design "Summertime" collection. 

 This is more proof that any Maja Design collection can be used for multiple purposes. 

Here is the list of papers I used from the Summertime collection:

"Is Always the Best"

"Taste the Strawberries"

"In the Garden" 

Thanks for stopping today.  

US folks can shop for Maja Design collections here.  The Summertime Collection is here and the new Joyous Winterdays collection is here. 

International folks can shop for the new collection as well as all the collections using the Store Finder link found here. 

Maja Design, "Joyous Winterdays"
Maja Design "Summertime" collection
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink -Walnut Stain
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks MINI - Vintage Photo
Watercolor Brushes
Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Mini Cats and Dogs stamp set
Sizzix Tim Holtz Mini Cats and Dogs framelits die  set