Happy Holidays Stitched Cottage

Merry Christmas

 

Are you ready for Christmas? 

I'm baking today and this evening we will be enjoying Christmas Eve 

with snacks and a favourite Christmas movie, before hanging our stockings. 

We have several family gatherings over the next few days with lots of food, fun and laughter!! 

I wish you all joy, love and peace this Christmas season.

I have one last group of cards to share for the holiday season. 

I made this mini album a few years ago to document the tradition of making gingerbread houses and cookies for Christmas and used it as inspiration for a group of four cards.

Mini Album: Front Cover

I used many of the same elements to complete 4 cards.

  Card Front

I used Tag Sale #3, cut from Vintage Cream card stock and stamped with Background Basics: Woodgrain and Fine Linen ink. A kraft coloured marker creates faux stitching along all sides of the tag. Vintage Tea Dye Duo was sponged along the edges. The tag was layered onto Pure Poppy patterned paper, Vintage cream and Veridian Green to give colour and dimension. 
The tag was applied to a card base that had been covered with Pure Poppy Gingham patterned paper.

The Vintage Cream border at the top of the card front was made with a scalloped punch and then a strip of green card stock accents this detail.

The gingerbread house (Waltzingmouse Stamps) was stamped with Versamark ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder several times using Veridian Green and Kraft card stock, as well as Lemon Tart and Pure Poppy Polka Dot patterned papers (windows, door and roof).  
I wanted the windows a little brighter, so I coloured them with a copic marker. 

Each piece was fussy cut and then layered to create the final house design. 
Each house was attached to the tag with foam dimensional strips.

I cut lots of stars (Star Gaszer Die) from Harvest Gold card stock, 
layered them together and then added a gold glitter pen to the top on. 
Each card was accented with five of these stars, the sentiment 
(Holiday Lights and Dark Chocolate ink) and a green Baker's Twine bow.

Supplies (PTI, unless noted)

Stamps - Waltzingmouse Stamps: Sewing Box Hugs;  Holiday Lights,

Background Basics: Woodgrain,

Inks - Dark Chocolate, Fine Linen, Kraft; Memento Cottage Ivy; Versamark

Papers - Vintage Cream, Harvest Gold, Pure Poppy Patterned Paper; 
Recollections Kraft; The Paper Company: Veridian Green

Dies - Tag Sale #3; Star Gazer Die Collection;  

Punch - EK Success Dotted Scallop

Other - Red Sparkle Dots; copic markers; foam tape; Green Baker's Twine;

Recollections: Snow White Detail Embossing Powder;  Sakura Yellow Gelly roll pen 

Winter Hills for Christmas

I used Winter Hills to make a card for the last Papertrey Ink Blog Hop (here) and decided to make another one with a different layout and colour scheme.

The framed image was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink; coloured with copic markers and then cut out along the outer edge. Versamark was applied to the whole image so it could be heat embossed with Sparkle Embossing Powder. It looks so very glittery in real life! The image was matted with white and Scarlet Jewel card stock.

In the Meadow Snowbank dies were covered with VersaMark and embossed with Recollections Sparkle Embossing Powder, then applied to a white card base.
 
The sentiment (Holiday Wishes) was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black ink.

I die cut several snowflakes (Snowflake Medley) and layered them together for dimension. The image was stamped with Crystal Blue ink (Close to My Heart). A dark red Sparkle Dot (Stampendous) was added to the center of the snowflake.


Supplies (PTI, unless noted)
Stamps - Winter Hills; Snowflake Medley; Holiday Wishes
Inks - Stamper's Select White, Scarlet Jewel
Papers -  Memento Tuxedo Black; Versafine Onyx Black; Versamark; 
Close To My Heart: Cyrstal Blue
Dies - In the Meadow Snowbanks; Snowflake Medley
Other - copic markers; Recollections: Sparkle Embossing Powder; 
Stampendous: Gold Sparkle Dots

Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C.

Shaker Shapes: Trees

Click here for Maile's card

I loved how Maille Belles used the Shaker Shapes: Tree die and Sparkle and Shine Additions stamps to create a flat card (non-shaker) so I made a set of 4 for my holiday mailing list. Her card is shown.

After making four cards, I used the 'leftover' trees to make 4 tags.

My Cards & Tags

CARDS

 I CASED Maille's  design, but added a few stamped stars to the trees.

My Card Details

Card Interior

Card Supplies   - PTI, unless noted
Stamps - Sparkle and Shine Additions, Holiday Wishes
Inks - Pinefeather; Raspberry Fizz; Aqua Mist; Summer Sunrise; Limeade Ice
Papers - Rustic White, Dark Chocolate; Bo Bunny: Mistletoe Collection
Dies - Shaker Shapes: Tree (tree and light strings)

TAGS

I cut the tree a little across the bottom to allow it to fit onto the rectangle (Stitched Rectangle die)with enough room for the corner sentiment. The small circle was stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with gold EP before punching a hole to insert Pure Poppy Baker's Twine.
The little string of lights is adorable, so I added them onto the trees using Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Spring Rain and New Leaf inks.

TAG BACK

Tag Supplies   - PTI, unless noted
Stamps - Sparkle and Shine Additions; 
C.C.Designs: AmyR Winter Sentiments
Inks - New Leaf, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, 
Spring Rain, Dark Chocolate; VersaMark
Papers - Classic Kraft, Dark Chocolate
Dies - Shaker Shapes: Tree; Stitched Rectangle
Other - Martha Stewart Lady Bug Embossing Powder; 
SU: Gold Embossing Powder;Pure Poppy Baker's Twine; 
Small circle punch


Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C.

Peaceful Pinecones

I have always loved PTI's Peaceful Pinecones for Christmas and holiday cards, so I pulled it out again this year to make a few cards for my stash. I was inspired by  this card (from Geri Freeman)) and CASED  it wih the supplies I had on hand.

* I made two cards with a little variation - one card has a plain front panel and the other one uses the Linen/Canvas Impression Plate.
* The pine needles were stamped with Garden Green (Close To My Heart) and Limeade Ice (PTI) on one side of the Rustic White card front panel. The edges of this panel were sponged with Tea Dye ink to give an aged effect.
* SU's Linen thread was tied around the card front before positioning the rest of the focal images.

 Focal Details: 
* The pinecone die (Peaceful Pinecones) was cut several times and then stamped with Dark Chocolate and Classic Kraft inks. 
* Tremendous Tags die was used to cut the round tag; then stamped with Label Basics in Kraft ink and sentiment (Two Feet Deep) in Pure Poppy ink.
Small 'berries' (Harvest Berries die) were cut from Pure Poppy card stock.
* The pinecones, berries, tag and bow (Linen thread) were grouped together to create the center of interest on the card front. This was attached to an A2 card base and then the 'berries' were covered with Glossy Accents.

Card Interior

Sentiment: Peaceful Pinecones

Inks: Pure Poppy, Classic Kraft

Supplies (PTI, unless noted)
Stamps - Peaceful Pinecones, Two Feet Deep, Label Basics
Inks - Pure Poppy, Classic Kraft, Limeade Ice, Dark Chocolate,
Vintage Tea Dye Duo;    CTMH: Garden Green
Papers - Rustic White, Pure Poppy
Dies - Peaceful Pinecones; Harvest Berries, Tremendous Tags
Other - Linen/Canvas Impression Plate; brown brad; Glossy  Accents; 
Stampin'Up Linen Thread; foam adhesive tape

Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C.

Holiday Rustic Wreath

Rustic Wreath is one of my favourite stamps for making Christmas cards. 

I used the main image and sentiments to make two cards:

 #1 Card

Side folding card
Rustic White card base

Eyelet Lace Border Die

#1 Card Interior

#2 Card

 Top folding card
 Blond Columns card base

Loop-de-Loop Border Die

#2 Card Interior

Supplies (PTI, unless noted)
Stamps - Rustic Wreath, Tinsel & Tags
Inks - Scarlett Jewel, New Leaf, Simply Chartreuse
Papers - Rustic White; Scarlett Jewel; The Paper Company: Blond Columns; 
Little Yellow Bicycle: Merry & Bright Bands
Dies - Tinsel & Tags die; Loop de Loop Border Die; Eyelet Lace Border Die
Other - copic markers; circle punch2 1/4"; corner rounder; 
embrodiery floss; EK Success: red metallic marker

Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C. 

Making Spirits Bright

I finished all of my Christmas cards and letters and sent them out to friends and family a few days ago!! Yeah!!  
The little girl and evergreen tree in Bright Spirits (Close To My Heart) are  perfect for Christmas. I tried several designs before I settled on this one.!! 

* I made the focal panel first, but then couldn't find a matching patterned paper in my stash. I ended up making a plaid background using Waltzingmouse Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds using Scarlet Jewel (PTI) and Garden Green (CTMH) inks.

* The focal panel was cut with a Stitched Rectangle die from Papertrey Ink. I wanted a square panel, so re-cut it to make it shorter. I've done this before and I`m pleased with the results. It definitely gives you more die cutting options!! 
* The main image was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then coloured with copic markers. The stamp has the girl holding a small star and I was able to find an amber adhesive gem in my stash that was the exact size. It gives a little extra sparkle and dimension to the image!!
* The stitched square was accented with a dark cranberry embroidery floss before matting with Scarlet Jewel card stock. The green banner is actually one of the dies from Fabulous Frames - cut twice. The notched banner edge peeks out from the bottom and by using the straight edge I was able to add this section to the top. I then cut an additional piece of green paper that sits behind the main panel, so that everything lies even and flat.
* The sentiment was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black.
* I wanted to add a bit of ribbon to the top and was able to create a tag effect by using a green eyelet and then tying a small piece of dark cranberry ribbon through all the layers.

 Card Interior

 Sentiment: Holiday Wishes

Lights: Sparkle & Shine Holiday Additions

Inks: (PTI) Scarlet Jewel, Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise; CTMH Garden Green

Supplies
Stamps - Close To My Heart: Bright Spirits; Waltzingmouse Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds; 
PTI: Holiday Wishes, Sparkle and Shine Holiday Additions
Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black; Versafine Onyx Black; CTMH: Garden Green; 
PTI: Scarlet Jewel, Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise
Papers - PTI: Stamper`s Select White, Scarlet Jewel; Recollections: green patterned paper
Dies -  PTI: Stitched Rectangles
Other -  copic markers; From my stash: embroidery floss; amber adhesive star gem; 
cranberry ribbon

Thanks for visiting today.

Karen C.

Shaker Shapes: Ornament

I was inspired by Erin Lincoln's Ornament card (here) when I made this card. I had some trouble figuring out how to create a card with a removable ornament, but in the end I came up with a solution that seemed to work!!

Card Base - Pure Poppy
Card Front - Vintage Cream
Patterned Paper - Echo Park: Wrapping Paper
Sentiment & Stars - Sparkle & Shine
Dots - Polka Dot Basics; Beautiful Blooms; Dot Spot
Inks - Pure Poppy, Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist; 
Spring Rain, Simply Chartreuse, Ripe Avocado
Dies - Shaker Shapes: Ornament;  
Shakers & Sprinkles: Heart  (circle confetti)
Other: Adhesive Foam Sheet; Clear Acetate; 
Close To My Heart: Bitty Sparkles; 
red eyelet; Pure Poppy Baker's Twine

A red eyelet was inserted through all the layers of the card front, so that I could tie the ornament with Baker's Twine. The recipient will be able to remove the ornament and still have a finished card underneath!!

Card Interior

I repeated the elements from the front of the card and 
added a sentiment from Holiday Wishes

I made a second card with a similar layout and supplies as above, but this time the ornament is not removable and different patterned paper was used.
I think this is my favourite - I love the traditional colours of Christmas - lots of red and green with accents of gold, yellow and blue.

Additional Supplies
Paper -  Stamper's Select White;   
Bo Bunny: Mistletoe Collection
Inks - Pure Poppy, Harvest Gold, New Leaf, Spring Rain,
Other - Versamark and Gold Embossing Powder 
             (confetti stamps from the Sparkle & Shine set);
multi-coloured metallic sequins

Card Interior

The sentiment was heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.

Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C.

Shaker Shapes: Sequin Ornaments

I've been working on Christmas/Holiday cards and have enjoyed playing with the new Shaker Shapes dies and Sparkle and Shine stamps from Papertrey ink.

 Card #1

Supplies   - PTI, unless noted

Stamps - Sparkle and Shine Holiday Additions

Inks - Pure Poppy;

Papers - Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy;  

Echo Park: Wrapping Paper

Dies - Shaker Shapes: Ornament

Other - corner rounder; sequins; cranberry ribbon; 

           foam adhesive sheets; clear acetate sheet

 Card #2

The same layout and supplies were used for this card, 

with some additions, as noted below.

Additional Supplies 

Inks - Versamark    Paper - Aqua Mist

Other - Stampendous Fine Gold Embossing Powder;

             

Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C.

Winter Wonderland

When I think of December and Christmas, snow always comes to mind!!   

This 4 1/4" square card has all the element of a Winter Wonderland!!

It reminds be of swirling snow!!

Card Base - Stamper's Select White impressed with Vineyard Impression Plate.
Card Front - Spring Rain card stock was stamped with Polka Dot Basics and Fresh Snow ink, then heat embossed with a sentiment (Two Feet Deep) using white embossing powder. 
A Cuttlebug folder was used to emboss the card stock, before adding snowflake die cuts. (Let It Snowflakes - MFT)  
The front panel was matted with white card stock, then attached to the card base.

Card Interior

A trio of snowflakes (Snowflake Medley) were stamped with Spring Rain ink. was

The sentiment (Holiday Wishes) was stamped with Blueberry Sky ink.

Thanks for visiting today.

Karen C.

Wishing You Joy

Whenever I need some inspiration for card making, I turn to the fabulous work from Papertrey Ink design team. I'm especially drawn to the colours, patterns and layering of Melissa Phillips projects. I loved this card and was happy that I had the stamps and dies to CASE her design. I made two cards with the same details and now I wish I had made a few more!! 

Cover Plate: Harlequin was cut and the diamonds were stamped in Pure Poppy, Limeade Ice and Aqua Mist using various patterns from the co-ordinating stamps. Melissa's original card was used as a guideline to place the diamond shapes.

Fancy Flourishes were stamped with Limeade Ice.
The sentiment (Peace, Love & Joy) was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black.

 

Three Snowflake Medley dies were cut and stamped with matching stamps; then stamped again with Versamark so I could heat embossed them with Sparkle Embossing Powder. They were layered onto the card front and a small glitter gem was added to the center. The card front was mounted onto a Limeade Ice base.

 Card Interior

Sentiment: Holiday Wishes

Snowflakes: Shape-Up Snowman Accessories

Fancy Flourishes and snowflakes accent the sentiment.

Supplies (PTI, unless noted)
Stamps - Happy Harlequin, Peace, Love & Joy, Snowflake Medley, Fancy Flourishes
Inks - Pure Poppy, Limeade Ice, Aqua Mist; Versafine Onyx Black
Papers - Stamper's Select White, Limeade Ice
Dies - Cover Plate: Happy Harlequin, Snowflake Medley
Other - Recollections: Sparkle Embossing Powder; Stampendous: Gold Sparkle Dots

Thanks for visiting today.
Karen C.