Wacky Watercooler November 2016 Blog Hop: All About Christmas!

2016-november-banner

Welcome to our “All Out” Christmas Blog Hop

Hello and Welcome to the “All Out” Christmas Celebration Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop.  If you are looking for inspiration for Christmas you’ve come to the right place.

As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.   That site will also, with a bit of scrolling back lead you to any and all of our past hops that you might still find inspiring.

Now that you’re here I hope you’ve arrived from  Gail’s blog.   Gail is a dear friend I first met in the Watercooler.  She’s also one of our many (and talented) Canadian stampers.    I hope you found her projects as inspiring as I always do.  I always enjoy Gails original take on life and on stamping.  She’s so often the heart of our Watercooler stamping group.  A fun presence that reminds us all how much joy there is in life.

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Today all the stops are out and we’ve a wide open field for any kind of project!  So…what do you think I did?  Cards of course.  {grin}   Over the next few weeks I’ve got projects of all kinds on tap to show you but as we approach the end of November I’m working madly to finish as many cards as I can so I’ll meet my first week of December mail out deadline.   That’s my annual deadline…just don’t ask me when they really get mailed.  LOL

Here’s my first Christmas offering.   A

The secret ingredient is Washi Tape…and gold.   Love that rustic/formal combo.   Over the weekend I’ll be sharing a page of directions as well as a pictorial tutorial to show you exactly how it’s done.  It’s really quite easy.

Santa Sleigh Tree with Washi Tape

(click the image for a larger view)

santas-sleigh-with-washi-tape-jean-fitch-copy

Inside

santas-sleigh-washi-tape-inside-jean-fitch-copy

Supplies:

Stamps: Santa’s Sleigh, Star of Light (the three stars)

Ink: Versamark, Garden Green

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso Cardstock & Gold Foil

Other: Big Shot, Santa’s Sleigh Thinlits, Baker’s Twine Trio (Holiday Catalog), Warmth & Cheer Washi Tape, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL

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Next up is a fun Gift Card Holder in a bag.   For this project I got my new Stitched Frame Framelits out to play.  I’ve done the new rectangle from a square in this same design but wouldn’t you know…I gave that version away!  Arghhh…just before the hop.   So…check back again and I’ll have that for you too as well as directions on how to make the rectangle.  In the meantime…here’s the simpler version.

Note:  The Blooms & Wishes stamp set that I used is 25% off through the end of November so if you want to CASE it’s the perfect time to purchase the ingredients.

Stitched Frame Framelit Gift Card Bag

stitched-gift-card-bag-jean-fitchPlain without insert

 

christmas-stitched-frame-gift-card-holderChristmas with insert that holds a gift card

flower-stitched-gift-card-holder-detail-november-2016-watercooler-hop-jean-fitch-copyDetail of the stitched frame piece

stitched-gift-card-pocketBackside of the insert with the gift card pocket

stitched-gift-card-bag-2-jean-fitchAlternate version

Supplies:

Stamps: Blooms & Wishes, Merry Medley (background Stamp)

Ink: Soft Suede, Watermelon Wonder, Wild Wasabi

Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White, Glassine Bags

Other:  Bone Folder, Linen Thread, Baker’s Twine Trio (Holiday Catalog), Rhinestone Jewels, Paper Snips,  SNAIL, Glue Dots, Dimensionals.

I’ll have directions for this one as well over the weekend.

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Last but not least here’s my final project.  It just isn’t Christmas without a star right?  So using the Star of Light stamps and dies I’ve created a couple of “Star of Bethlehem” type card designs.

Star of Light 1 & 2

star-of-light-1-jean-fitchSilver embossed version – stamped behind the window

star-of-light-2-jean-fitchSilver foil die cut version

Supplies:

Stamps: Star of Light

Ink: Night of Navy, Versamark

Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Other: Big Shot, Evening Star Thinlits, Bone Folder, Silver Metallic Thread, White Seam Binding,  SNAIL, Glue Dots, Dimensionals.

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I encourage you to play with the products that I’ve showcased today.  Especially if you are still working on getting your own cards ready to send out.  As you can see, the products I’ve used will coordinate with products you may already have or can find in the Stampin’ Up Holiday and Annual Catalogs.

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That’s it for my share of the hop.  Time to move on over to my friend  Christine’s blog.   Christine is another original who is crafty in so many ways and areas and that joy of creativity always shines through.  I know you’ll be inspired in so many ways.  Enjoy the rest of the hop and I hope to see you back here soon.

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Wacky Watercooler July 2016 Blog Hop: Our Third Anniversary Celebration!

Wacky Watercooler 3rd Anniversary Celebration Banner

Welcome to our July Third Anniversary Celebration Blog Hop

Hello and Welcome to the third anniversary of the Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop series.  After three years together I can’t help feeling I should be making Anniversary cards for each of my hopping buddies.  I love my fellow artists and you dear readers as well, for sticking with us, and visiting today!

Who are the Wacky Watercooler Artists?   Most of us are Stampin’ Up demonstrators (or were when we started the hops) who hang out in a back corner of our company chat site and do precisely that…chat.  We’ve shared our ups and downs.  Funny and sad lives and stories for so long that even though most of us only know each other from online or the occasional meet up at conventions or on the phone you’d believe we’ve been neighbors for years!   It’s amazing how close we’ve gotten and how the friendships have grown.  Bless you Internet and Bless you Stampin’ Up!

It’s hard to believe it’s been 3 years since we started the hops.  At the beginning I was the captain and I was honored to lead such a wonderful gang of friends and rubber stamping artists.   Behind the scenes was so much fun (and occasionally challenging) coming to consensus for designs and hop policies as we got started.   We’re all strong minded but with loving spirits so the best of the best always came out in the end.   If you’ve been following us for all that time you know that Heidi is now at the wheel of the bus and is also our able and beloved captain and there have been a few other changes in the line up over the years.   I’m jazzed that so many who were in at the start are still regular contributors and even more that Heidi was able to bring the entire gang from the first hop back together to join the celebration along with newer members of the band to share some inspiration.  If you are as nostalgic as I am you can see the very first hop here.

As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.   That site will also, with a bit of scrolling back lead you to any and all of our past hops that you might still find inspiring.   In fact…we’re hoping to lead you there with many of our CASE projects this time around from the original hop.  Enjoy!

Now that you’re here I hope you’ve arrived from  Gail’s blog.   Gail is another dear friend I first met in the Watercooler.  She’s also one of our many (and talented) Canadian stampers.   I seem to be bracketed by my sisters from the north this hop. {grin}   I hope you found her as inspiring as I always do.  While not an original hopper Gail has jumped in with a heart and soul that keeps the Watercooler itself (and our hop) hopping with her original take on life and stamping.

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Today’s hop, as part of our celebration has us featuring older stamp sets that are still current on our stamping shelves – a mean feat for some sets to last that long don’t you think?  Two in particular.  Gorgeous Grunge and Wetlands you’ll see as you follow along through the hop.  Of course we may throw in other sets as well to keep it interesting (or ones we hope will still be around in another 3 years).  At least I did.  LOL

Here’s my first celebratory offering.   Appropriate don’t you think that it’s mixed with a set called Picture Perfect.   Beaches and wetlands so often are don’t you think?  A perfect picture?  And also gorgeously grungy?  Sorry…I couldn’t resist saying that. 😀

The secret ingredient is gold.  Check the directions I’ve shared in PDF form and you’ll see touches of gold everywhere that add to the texture.

Picture Perfect Starfish

(click the image for a larger view)

 Picture Perfect Starfish on the Beach - Jean Fitch - Wacky Watercooler Hop 07/21/16

Inside

Picture Perfect at the Beach - Jean Fitch - inside - Wacky Watercooler Hop 07/21/16 - Jean Fitch

A version closer to Penny’s with a wonderful and inspiring sentiment from Rose Wonder.

Picture Perfect Star Fish - Rose Wonder - Jean Fitch

And a detail of the gold embossing that gives the starfish so much life and texture.

Starfish Detail - Jean Fitch

Note:  This lovely design is a CASE of fellow artist Penny Hanuszak who shared the original version on a Watercooler Wednesday Challenge posting a few weeks ago.  Thanks Penny!  I added a sun and different sentiments to change it up just a bit.  Check the post for Penny’s directions or my own PDF below.

Do you have Gorgeous Grunge yet in your stamping arsenal?  It took me a while to add it to mine but now it’s there that speckle image is one I reach for time after time.  Here I’ve also gotten the lined image baptized with ink.  Another popular image for creating roadways and waves in their respective places.

Do you remember that saying that “today is the first day of the rest of my life”.  It was popular as a philosophy and even in song back in the day.   Probably why I fell in love with the Suite Sayings “Forever begins today” sentiment.  Possibly it’s just me but I find it applies to so many occasions.  I’ve left a sentiment off the inside of this so I can decide later on the occasion Forever will be paired with.

Supplies:

Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge, Kinda Eclectic, Picture Perfect, Wetlands, Suite Sayings.

Ink: , Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Versamark

Paper:  Soft Suede (5-1/2” x 8-1/2”), Island Indigo (4″ x 5-1/4″), Crumb Cake (3-1/2” x 3-1/2”) for the Starfish, Whisper White (3-3/4″ x 5″, 4″ x 5-1/4″)

Other: Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,  Stampin’ Sponges, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL

Picture Perfect Star Fish-Jean Fitch – PDF directions and dimensions

Tool Tip:  Do you remember this old trick for keeping your sponges organized?  A punch piece folded and stapled to the bit of sponge with the paper and title that reflects the ink color.   I’ve added to it with a plastic cup to keep the sponges in while working with them so I don’t get ink all over the table (or where I don’t want accidents to happen on projects in progress).

Sponges for coloring

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Next up is a fun popup Spring Fold card using our stamp and punch combo Grateful Bunch.  I also used the brand new copper embossing powder.  I wish you could see this in person.  Much more coppery!

Pop up Grateful Bunch Spring Card

Grateful Bunch Spring Card - WW Hop 072116 - Jean Fitch

View from the back

Grateful Bunch Spring Card - back - Jean Fitch

Collage that shows you the full front, side and folded flat

Grateful Bunch Spring Card Collage Image - Jean FitchAs you can see from the pictures the card folds flat for mailing.  The flat size is a 4-1/4″ square so it’s perfect for our regular envelopes.   This version made use of our new Peekaboo Peach In Color.  Another color combo that has a bit more zing a bit less vintage look uses Watermelon Wonder.   My sideline Linda made off with that version before I could take a picture so I’ll have to share that version at a later date.  Smart woman.  The stampers at the Stamp Camp where I debuted this all loved the Watermelon Version and grabbed for those papers.  Myself…I rather like the vintage look of the peach.  A bit Victorian don’t you think?

Supplies:

Stamps: Grateful Bunch, Rose Wonder

Ink: Soft Suede, Mint Macaron, Versamark, Peekaboo Peach

Paper: Mint Macaron (4-1/4” x 8-1/2”), Soft Saffron (2-3/4” x 2-3/4” & 1-3/4” x 1-3/4”), Peekaboo Peach (2-3/4” x 2-3/4” & 1-3/4” x 1-3/4”), Whisper White (2-1/2” x 2-1/2”). Measurements apply only to the colors you choose to use. White and Background color scraps.

Punch: Blossom Bunch

Other:  Stampin’ Trimmer, Bone Folder, Heat Tool, Copper Embossing Powder, Copper Metallic Thread, SNAIL, Glue Dots, Dimensionals.

Here’s the directions in PDF form and if you don’t have a bone folder yet…you’ll want one now!

Pop Up Grateful Bunch Spring Card Hop Version-JeanFitch

And a link to Dawn’s video that showed me how the folds work for the basic Spring Card.  The decorative design is mine (grin):  https://youtu.be/LE5p70Rwx9s

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I encourage you to play with the products that I’ve showcased today.  As you can see, they coordinate with products you may already have or can find in our new Annual Catalog.

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That’s it for my share of the hop.  Time to move on over to my friend  Terri’s blog   Terri and I met up online originally and then in person at a Stampin’ Up! convention.  One of my fondest convention memories ever!   We’ve been friends ever since.  So many of her fun, interesting and inspiring projects have landed on my CASE lists over the years that I’m expecting that to be the “CASE” this time around too! {grin}  Can’t wait to  see which of her wonderful projects I’ll be making next!   Terri is another one of the original hoppers.   Take it away Terri and Happy Anniversary!

To follow the hop click on the link below:

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Wacky Watercooler June 2016 Blog Hop: New Catalog Open House

Wacky Watercooler New Catalog Hop 2016 June Banner

Welcome to our June New Catalog Open House Blog Hop

Today we’re opening our hearts, homes and studios to the New 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.   Hopefully you’ve had that little darling of a catalog in your hands already for a week or two.   And I hope you will agree with me that it’s the best catalog ever!   Yeah…I know…I say that every year…but this year I really mean it! 😀   So many wonderful items carried over from my favorite ever Occasions Catalog and even better…new toys (er…creative tools) to play with for the next 12 months.

Now that you’re here I hope you’ve arrived from  Marsha’s blog.  Marsha and I have been friends for years and often bounce ideas off each other.  Today is no different since Marsha never fails to come up with interesting and inspiring projects that always land on my CASE list!  Can’t wait to go back and see which of her wonderful projects I’ll be making next!

As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.

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For today’s “open house hop” I’ve decided to share the same cards I shared at last Saturdays live open house.  Friends were able to make these next two cards and play with new colors, new punches, new images and of course new Big Shot bits and pieces (as well as the returning favorite Woodland embossing folder).

Now that we are into June Stampin’ Up has returned the Woodland Embossing Folder to the lineup.  It departed for a short time after the Holiday Catalog retired last January but after an outcry from customers and demos alike they brought it back.  If you’d like a repeat of that for the Cups and Kettles dies and stamps from Occasions call Stampin’ Up at 1-800-782-6787 and share your thoughts!

Please note:  If you would like the directions to either of the following projects please drop me an email or leave a comment.  I’ll be happy to pass them along.

Foxy Friends in the Woodland

Wacky Watercooler June Blog Hop - Foxy Friends in the Woodland Duet - Jean Fitch

Wacky Watercooler June Blog Hop - Foxy Friends in the Woodland Landscape - Jean Fitch

Wacky Watercooler June Blog Hop - Foxy Friends in the Woodland Portrait - Jean Fitch

With the dark hues of Tangerine Tango and the bare birches of the Woodland EF this card will work perfectly for Fall.  Add a die cut Santa cap and it works for Christmas.   Of course foxes are out and about any time of the year so the basic design works all year round as well.

Foxy Friends and the new Duet Banner Punch and matching Thoughtful Banners stamps are turning out to be two of my favorite bundled product packs.   The only thing I forgot was the coordinating Foxy Friends Designer Series Stack!  No worries…it’s coming.

Check back next week for a quick look at what I’m planning for both bundles come Christmas!    Our local Rogue Stampers group will be doing Christmas in July and I’m hoping an early peek at two of the cards will fill our roster of attendees at the Stamp a Stack we have scheduled.  There is always room for you dear reader if you are in the area.

Supplies:

Stamps: Foxy Friends, Thoughtful Banners

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi

Paper: Tangerine Tango (5-1/2” x 8-1/2”), Whisper White Thick (3” x 3-1/2”), Whisper White Thin (4” x 5-1/2”, strips)

Punches: Fox Builder (new), Duet Builder (new), Corner Rounder or Envelope Punch Board

Other:  Big Shot, Woodland Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, SNAIL

 

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Floral Affection’s Flirty Wink

Wacky Watercooler June 2016 Hop - Floral Affection embossed Flirty Flamingo colors, First Sight stamps - Jean Fitch

Wacky Watercooler June 2016 Hop - Floral Affection embossed, Flirty Flamingo colors, Partial Wink, First Sight stamps - Jean Fitch

Two variations.  One with all but the dots inked and the other with only the flowers.  Pity you can’t see the sparkle and shine that the Wink of Stella clear pen imparted.  Pick your favorite.  I’m curious to hear which you prefer.

 

Supplies:

Stamps: Various text stamps – First Sight, Wetlands

Ink: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo (reinker), Wink of Stella Clear Brush Pen

Paper: Flirty Flamingo, Whisper White (thick)

Other:  Big Shot, Floral Affection Embossing Folders, Dimensionals & SNAIL

Technique:  Painting with Wink of Stella brush pens.

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Technique:  Painting with Wink of Stella Clear Brush Pen using the Flirty Flamingo ink refill.

Technique Tip:  It’s easy to paint with the Wink of Stella pens.  Place a wee bit of reinker in a dish and pick up the ink with the Wink of Stella pen and apply to the area you would like to color.  Works with an inked image or an embossed image.  To clean the pen just wipe it on a scrap of paper until the color disappears from the pen tip.  Much as you would use a blender pen.  Of course…you are losing a bit of the shimmer fluid that way.  You might prefer to keep a variety of pens dedicated to color ranges like pink, red, orange, green, blue and so on so you can just pick up a pen and go.

As an alternate: You can also just squeeze the pad and use the ink from the pad cover that transfers from the squeeze.  However…and it’s a big one…make sure you wipe up the leftover mix of ink and shimmer fluid from the Stella pen.  You’ll contaminate your ink pad if you don’t thoroughly clean all the leftovers from the cover before closing the pad.   Much safer to use the reinker in a separate dish in my opinion.

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I encourage you to play with the fun new products that I’ve showcased today.  As you can see, they coordinate with products you may already have or can find in our new Annual Catalog.

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That’s it for my share of the hop.  Time to move on over to my fab friend  Heidi’s blog (she’s also our wonderful hop coordinator so leave her some comment love!) her wonderfully inspired creations are another set always fun to see and CASE.  Heidi my dear…you really have to stop enabling me into new product!   Of course…what else are friends for.  LOL

To follow the hop click on the link below:

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Watercooler Wednesday Challenge – WWC71 – Nautical Father’s Day

WWC71 – Heidi’s Tic Tac Toe Challenge

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge - WWC71 - Tic Tac Toe Heidi's Challenge

Welcome to this weeks Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.

Today we not only have a new challenge…but we also have a new Watercooler Artist who has joined us for the next 3 months.   Penny Hanuszak.  Yay, a new pal to play with.   Penny and her creative talents will be familiar to many of you as she has participated in many Watercooler Blog Hops.   A wonderful friend and a creative artist.   I’ll be looking forward to seeing what she has for us today and in weeks to come.  Welcome to the Challenge Miss Penny!

Today Heidi has opened up many choices for our designs with the Tic Tac Toe challenge pictured above.  Technically I went with the far right vertical listing (gift card holder, Father’s Day, die cut or punch) but I also managed to fill in just a few other squares too.  Originally I was going to try for all 9 but a friend convinced me that I was being an over achiever in my goals so I went with a design I shared at a recent Stamp Camp instead. 😀  I also have a few alternates that used the same design but different sentiments just to show how versatile this “guy” card can be.

Please note:  My design is a CASE (copy and share everything) of a design I found on Pinterest with just a few tweaks to make the colors pop and of course the “pocket” added inside for the gift card.

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 Nautical Father’s Day

(as always click the pictures to see larger images)

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge - WWC71 - Heidi's Tic Tac Toe Challenge - Nautical Father's Day - Jean Fitch - Open Sea (retired) meets the Sunburst die cut.

And the Pocket for the gift card.

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge WWC71 - Nautical Father's Day Inside - Jean Fitch - Open Sea (retired)

And here are a few alternates with different sentiments as well.

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge WWC71 - Open Sea Nautical Alternative 2 - Jean Fitch - Open Sea (retired)

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge - WWC71 - Open Sea Nautical Alternate 1 - Jean Fitch - Open Sea (retired)

One last variation by a talented member of our Rogue Stampers Group that meets once a month.

Open Sea Nautical Father's Day Rogue Group alternativeI love how the design was turned on it’s side and has more of the log image showing stamped in a darker shade of ink.  A different set of sunburst rays too.

Sadly the Open Sea stamp set is retired but it won’t be leaving my shelves anytime soon. 😀   Of course I may have to see if I can tweak this design with more current papers and ribbons.   And maybe another sun like image.  Stay tuned…one never knows when creativity will strike.  {grin}

Note:  You won’t always see this many retired products on my posted projects but this design was shared at my May Stamp Camp (so sorry you didn’t join us for that) before many of them went bye-bye for good.

Supplies:

Stamps: Open Sea (retired), Crazy about You (sentiments)

Inks:  Basic Black, Sahara Sand

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Delightful Dijon, Sahara Sand, Whisper White Cardstocks.   Timeless Elegance Designer Series Paper (retired)

Punches: 2-1/2″ Circle, Triple Banner, Small Banner (retired)

Tools & Adhesives:  Big Shot, Circle Collection Framelit dies (mat for the circle punch), Sunburst Thinlit die,  Banner Framelit Collection Die, Burlap Ribbon (retired),  Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tear n’ Tape, SNAIL.

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I really love how the Cherry Cobbler makes the Dijon and the Black DSP pop (that was one of my tweaks to the original design) against the neutral Whites and Sahara Sand.   Hard to see but I used the sailors log image to add a bit of texture to the Sahara Sand card base.

I also love how easy it is to use our wonderful Tear n’ Tape to create a pocket for a gift card.  Makes it easy for any card to double as a gift card holder.  Need a holder?   Grab a card from your stash and add a pocket!  Easy peasy.

There is one trick to this card that might not be obvious.  Using a 2-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Delightful Dijon place the paper in the far left side of the die to cut.   Cut and then flip and place on the right hand side of the card.   In short the Sunburst die cut was carefully placed to create a partial die cut and then flipped before being attached to the card base.  The rest is pretty much stamp, punch or die cut as shown.

The key unifying factor to most of the elements is the banner cut on just about everything.  Cut with dies or with scissors.  Either works.   The sentiments are a combination of words from the Crazy about You stamp set collection collaged on a clear block.

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That’s it for this challenge.  To see the rest of the design teams Tic Tac Toe Challenge contributions head on over to the Challenge blog website here.   That’s also where you can add your own creation with the linky doodad.  When you add your own design and there are more than three entries, one of you will be a challenge winner or runner up and have the option to place our new badges on your own site.  Of course…you’ll also win bragging rights!

Check here to see the winner of last weeks challenge.  And here to see all the other linky and Artist Team entries.  Check the challenge site for rules on competing for future challenges.

I really hope you will add your own creations this week.  Really…this challenge is an easy one.  Grab your colors and play!

I hope you’ll join us next Wednesday for yet another Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.

Jean Fitch in pink

 

 

 

 

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge – WWC65 – Anything Goes Has Rose Wonder Blues

WWC65 – Anything Goes Challenge

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge - WWC65- Anything Goes

Welcome to this weeks Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.  Today Anything Goes.  Don’t you love days like that…when anything is possible?  Well…as far as the challenge goes…today…anything goes!   The rest of your day/week is totally up to you and the other rules in your life.  {grin}

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Since anything goes today….I decided that some die cuts that have been sitting on my desk needed a bit of sponging.   Heidi got me going with our Spring CAS challenge last week and I had seen a fun design by Leonie Shroder last winter that got me going.   Nothing much simpler than a bit of sponging and then add the sponged die cuts to the card.   Made me feel as if I was Spring Housecleaning what with cleaning odds and bobs from my desk and throwing in a bit of sponging to boot.

Rose Wonder Blues

(as always click the pictures to see larger images)

Watercooler Wednesday Challenge - WWC65 - Anything Goes - Floral Sponging

Hm…just occurred to me…this card would make quite a nice Mother’s Day card don’t you think?  Or just about any occasion with an appropriate change in sentiment.

Supplies:

Stamps: Rose Wonder, Suite Sayings

Inks:  Night of Navy, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Perfect Plum, Blushing Bride, Soft Sky, Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive

Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White (thick and thin), Shimmer White Cardstocks

Punches: None

Tools & Adhesives:  Big Shot, Rose Garden Thinlit Dies, Big Shot Brush and Pad, Sponge Daubers, 2-Way Glue, Snail, Basic Jewel Pearls

Technique:  Sponging on Shimmer Paper

Cost per card: 48¢ + envelope – as shown without pearls

PDF Directions Created by Jean:  Watercooler Wednesday Challenge – WWC65 – Rose Wonder Blues with Shimmer Paper

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I’m happy to note that both stamp sets used here (Rose Wonder & Suite Sayings) and the Rose dies will be available in the new Annual Catalog going live in June.  They’ve turned out to be popular with me…and my customers.   But why wait until then.  The Rose Wonder stamps and dies are being offered now in the Occasions Catalog at 15% off.  Can’t beat that deal.

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That’s it for this challenge.  To see the rest of the design teams Anything Goes Challenge contributions head on over to the Challenge blog website here.   That’s also where you can add your own creation with the linky doodad.  When you add your own design and there are more than three entries, one of you will be a challenge winner or runner up and have the option to place our new badges on your own site.  Of course…you’ll also win bragging rights!

Check here to see the winner of last weeks challenge.  And here to see all the other linky and Artist Team entries.  Check the challenge site for rules on competing for future challenges.

I really hope you will add your own creations this week.  Really…this challenge is an easy one.  Anything you have completed that hasn’t yet been shared online qualifies.  Easy peasy!

I hope you’ll join us next Wednesday for yet another Watercooler Wednesday Challenge.

Jean Fitch in pink

 

 

 

 

Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop: November Holiday Hop

November 2015 Banner

Welcome to our November Holiday Hop

We’ve gotten to that time of the year when we have holidays and other special days coming up fast.   To reflect that this month we’re bringing you another set of Holiday designs hoping to inspire you to get stamping!  With our talented designers I know you’ll see something to inspire you to get stamping  as deadlines are fast approaching.

Hopefully you’ve arrived from  Christine’s blog.  My friend Christine never fails to come up with interesting and inspiring projects that always land on my CASE list!  Can’t wait to go back and see which of her wonderful projects I’ll be making next!

As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.

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Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be on Santa’s Naughty List.?  Yep…I gave the name capitals.   After all…if Santa thinks you are naughty…well…that’s pretty bad.   Still…Santa being Santa…he has to wrap that coal up just a bit nicely.  And…he’d likely add a bit of sweet to the coal too right?   Even naughty people have a little bit of nice inside…somewhere…I hope.

I’ve had this idea running around in my head ever since the Berry Basket die came out.  And finally…I made it happen.   I think I was waiting for the Black Glimmer paper to arrive to make it perfect.  In in case you are wondering…no…those are not Oreos!

Santa’s Coal Bin duo

Santa's Coal Duo 1

In my mind there just had to be a duo.    The bin where Santa stores the coal and the package it arrives in.   The cup is in there just in case Santa relents just a bit and adds a package of hot cocoa to go with the Pearson Mint Patties (sandwiched between the black glimmer paper coal covers).  You could even add a little packet of marshmallows and a candy cane (for stirring ) for your naughty one.

The images are a tad subtle (not).  The stocking of course indicate what the package goes in and the scallop black glimmer represents the coal (duh) and coming from the North Poke it just seemed likely that a snowflake might have attached itself to the coal.

My thought about the snowflakes was so that Santa could tell the real deal dark and dirty coal (to keep his elves warm) from the candy coal that will hopefully encourage the naughty ones to be a bit nicer in the coming year.

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Santa’s Coal Bin and Coal

Santa's Coal Bin - Candy Coals in a Berry Basket - Jean Fitch - Wacky Watercooler November Blog Hop

Supplies:

Stamps: A Little Something, Snow Place

Ink: Real Red Ink Pad, Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive Stampin’ Write Markers

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White & Basic Black Cardstock & Basic Black Glimmer Paper

Punches: 1-3/4″ Scallop Circle

Other:  Big Shot, Berry Basket Bigz die, Snow Friends Thinlit dies, Square Pillow Box Thinlit Dies, SNAIL ,  dimensionals, glue dots, Sponge Daubers, Simply Scored Board.

As you can likely see the berry basket has a black glimmer paper edging and the mints have black glimmer paper covers (Scallop Punch)  as well as the white snowflake (from the Square Pillow Box die set).   What you might not see quite as well is that I lined the inside of the glimmer paper scallop strip with a real red strip to cover over the white background of the  glimmer papers underside.   I did something similar with the coal covers.   The backside of the glimmer paper being white I punched a second scallop from Basic Black cardstock and adhered it to the back of the glimmer scallop.   If you wanted to hide the candy treat inside you could also run a strip of Basic Black paper around the edging of the mint patty.

Something else you can’t see is the Basic Black cardstock riser I put in the bottom of the basket:

Berry Basket with Riser Insert

Coal Bin Riser in Place

Very simple to make.   Take a 5″ x5″ square of Basic Black and score at 1″ all the way around.  Then clip on one vertical score mark per side up to the horizontal crossing score.  The add glue and fold under and create the mini box top/riser.

Riser Creation Tips

Here are a couple of pictures to help with understanding the riser construction:

Score, fold, cut…

Coal Bin Riser 1

 Add adhesive and fold under and attach….Coal Bin Riser 2

And here’s the riser ready to go in the basket

Coal Bin Riser

 

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Santa’s Coal Packaging & Coal

Santas Coal Bin Package and Cup

Supplies:

Stamps: Festive Fireside, Snow Friends

Ink: Real Red & Always Artichoke Ink Pads, Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive Stampin’ Write Markers

Paper: Real Red, Basic Black & Whisper White Cardstock , Black Glimmer Paper

Other: Big Shot,  Brick Wall Embossing Folder,  Softly Snowing Embossing Folder, Snow Friends Thinlit dies, Square Pillowbox Thinlits, Festive Fireside Framelit dies  , SNAIL , glue dots, dimensionals

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In case you are wondering where I found the cup with the black background (perfect for coal accompaniment…not to mention hot cocoa) it appeared on the holiday specials shelf at Albertson’s.   A mere $1.59.   Pretty cool don’t you think?  Or should that be pretty coal?

Since Stampin’ Up didn’t see fit to make a Santa’s Coal Bin stamp this year (can’t imagine why not since I was planning this idea a year ago…hee, hee.)  I had to improvise with my trusty Cherry Cobbler Marker.   For the more tech minded among you a word processor and Whisper White paper would make a lovely version.   Normally I would have pulled out a punch for my labels but this year the Square Pillow Box die comes with labels in two sizes.  Also comes with a candy cane die and many wonderful bits and pieces to die cut with.

I also drew images and die cuts from Festive Fireside and Snow Pals stamps and dies.   I love how I can reach into my various Holiday Catalog products and find combinations that work beautifully together.   All the more reason to check that retiring list not once but twice…trust me when I say…you are going to want it all!

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I encourage you to play with these fun new products that I’ve show today.  As you can see they coordinate with products you may already have or can find in the Annual Catalog.    After all…even the naughty ones on your list might appreciate something fun.  {grin}

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That’s it for my share of the hop.  Time to move on over to my longtime friend  Buffy’s blog her wonderfully inspired creations are always fun to see and CASE.  And if you are lucky you may get a peek at her sweet and lovely granddaughter Amelia!

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Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop: October Holiday Round Up!

Wacky Watercooler October 2015 Hop Banner

Welcome to our October

Holiday Round Up Blog Hop

We’ve gotten to that time of the year when we have holidays and other special days coming up fast.   To reflect that this month we’re doing a no holds barred round up.  Each designer is on their own to add their own touches to that idea.   With our talented designers I know you’ll see something to inspire you to get stamping  as deadlines are fast approaching.

Hopefully you’ve arrived from  Gail’s blog.  Gail never fails to come up with fun and interesting projects that always land on my CASE list!  Can’t wait to go back and see which of her wonderful projects I’ll be making next!

As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.

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With this hop once again I’m showcasing simple.  I seem to be in that mood lately.  Of course I’m also in a sparkly frame of mind too (so hold on for the glitter) as well as waiting for snow to head my way.   Much as I’m enjoying Fall now that the Summer temps have come and gone I’m always in a hurry for those first flurries.  I know…my Canadian friends (who have extra long winters and deep snow) have long been convinced of my craziness!  LOL

You can’t get much more simple or as snowy as this Wonderland card.   Wonderland is one of my favorite stamp sets from the Holiday Catalog.   This was the card I showcased at last Saturday’s Stamp and Stack and quite a few there also liked how quickly and beautifully this design came together.

Wonderland Silent Night - Jean Fitch October 2015While this particular card went with the Sahara Sand/Mossy Meadow version the Crumb Cake and Pear Pizzazz versions also with Mossy Meadow touches were just as lovely.   Easy to mail since there are no embellishments and takes about 15 minutes to stamp and put together once you have the basic pieces cut.  The stamp set has quite a few possible images too for the envelope and the inside of the card.

Next week I’ll share the dimensions and an instruction sheet from my Stamp a Stack (have to find where I put it! :D) as well as pictures of the other colors of cards.

Supplies:

Stamps: Wonderland

Ink: Mossy Meadow Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink.

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Mossy Meadow Cardstock

Punches: Triple Banner

Other:  SNAIL ,  dimensionals, Sponge Daubers, Simply Scored Board.

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Here’s the card I’ve designed for friends who every year invite me to join them for Thanksgiving.  Once again I reached into the Holiday Catalog’s bag of tricks (just had to get a Halloween reference in there since that’s fast approaching) to provide the special touches.

Thanksgiving Wishes & Greetings

Thanksgiving Greetings - Jean Fitch October 2015(As always with the pictures you can click on them to see a larger image.)

This card makes use of the gorgeous new Winter Wonderland Designer Vellum Stack, Black Glimmer Paper and two of my favorite die sets: Seasonal Frame Thinlit dies (available bundled with the snow globe set Sparkly Seasons) and Square Pillowbox Thinlit Dies (also bundled with A Little Something stamp set).

I don’t know about you but “grateful” is one of my favorite thoughts, die cut, and moods.   I try so hard to be grateful all year long.  And Thanksgiving gives me yet another season to express it.   Several of the words come from a set you  might expect to use only for Christmas.  I wanted to show you that it has unlimited possibilities.

The general design idea is from a Christmas card shown by Pam Morgan at our Stampin’ Up 2015 Convention.  She also showed a trick for wrapping the words around the dies.  Pretty clever don’t you think?  Place your die cut word on the table and set your other stamps around it rubber side down.  Then just press your block to the stamps.  Every stamping will leave just the right amount of room for your die cut!  Brilliant!

How to line up stamps with diecut

Supplies:

Stamps: Holly Jolly Greetings

Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink

Paper:  Tangerine Tango & Pumpkin Pie Cardstock, Black Glimmer Paper, Winter Wonderland Designer Vellum Stack

Other: Big Shot,  Magnetic Platform,  Seasonal Frame Thinlits, Square Pillowbox Thinlits,  Gold Cord, Whisper White embossing powder, Heat Tool,   Brights Candy Dots, SNAIL , Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue,

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And last and sparkliest….

All is Bright - Cardinals in the Dazzling Trees - Jean Fitch October 2015

With all the sparkle I just had to use the sentiment that included All is Bright as part of the line right?  And yes…the paper is Whisper White…I just had trouble getting the camera to see it that way and still show the sparkle.

This was also from last Saturday’s event and easy to put together and mail once you have the pieces cut.  Of course…it also requires the most clean up if the glitter gets out of control. LOL

Here’s another shot I tried to give you a better idea of the glitter added to the tree trunks.   Essentially you emboss the trees with the Woodland folder then add two way glue along the trunks and branches then dip in glitter and tap off the excess (is there ever NOT excess when it comes to glitter?).  Easy peasy.   I’d recommend you stamp the cardinals first so you don’t stamp on glitter and leave empty spots on the image.   And if the glitter isn’t enough bling you can also add rhinestones to the sentiment layer.  I left them off so the card would be easier to mail but hey…if you are a girl that needs bling…feel free to add them on your own version. 😀

All is Bright detail picture - Jean Fitch October 2015

Supplies:

Stamps:  Wonderland (sentiment), Festival of Trees (cardinal)

Ink:  Whisper White Craft ink, Black StazOn

Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red

Punches: Triple Banner

Other: Big Shot, Woodland Embossing Folder,  Dazzling Diamonds glitter, SNAIL, Two Way Glue Pen, , Glue dots or dimensionals.   Simply Scored Board.

I’ll have directions and dimensions for this one next week as well.  I’ll also show you a slightly different version that stands in a different direction.

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I encourage you to play with these fun new products that I’ve show today.  As you can see they coordinate with products you may already have or can find in the Annual Catalog.    If you are behind on your Christmas Card making the two Christmas/winter cards shown are fast and easy.

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That’s it for my share of the hop.  Time to move on over to  Penny’s  blog her wonderfully inspired creations are always ones that fill my CASE file too.

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Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop: September Mix-Up – 2015 Holiday and Annual Catalogs Together!

September 2015 Mix Up Hop Banner

Welcome to our September Mixed Up Blog Hop.

We’re mixing it up this month.  Showcasing a mix of Holiday Catalog and the Annual Catalog.  Showing how well both work together.   Trust me when I say…we have two super catalogs this year (and yes I expect the same of the Occasions Catalog when it is revealed in January too).  Stampin’ Up is really on a roll this year.   When it comes to the Holiday Catalog you’ll want it all!   I pretty much feel that way about our 2015 Annual Catalog as well.

Hopefully you’ve arrived from  Debbie Spano’s blog.  Debbie always has something wonderful to share…don’t you agree?  Can’t wait to go back and study her amazing projects a bit more closely.

As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.

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This hop I’m showcasing simple.  I have quite a few gifts to share with friends and neighbors this year.  I’ve connected with some wonderful people locally who’ve been such a help now that I’m a tad more homebound.   They all deserve some special treats to show my appreciation don’t you think?

One of the best sets I’ve found for simple (you can step it up too!) that covers so many seasons is the new Holiday set Happy Scenes.   You can even save money on it by grabbing the bundle.  The bundle pairs the stamp set with a fabulous window die and it saves you 15%!   I didn’t use the die this time around but I bet someone on the hop has. 😀

One of the best things about these sets.  Once you have a design in mind both the card and a matching treat bag take about 20 minutes to make the pair.

(As always with the pictures you can click on them to see a larger image.)

First up…Autumn….

Happy Scenes Autumn Together - September 2015 - Jean Fitch

Given together or singly this is a fun and easy set to create with.

Happy Scenes Autumn Treat - September 2015 Hop - Jean Fitch

Happy Scenes Autumn - September 2015 Hop - Jean Fitch

I had it in my head that these were small stamps since they were designed to fit in the window of the paired die.   Nope…these are some nice sized scenes that can really show off their full size goodness all on their own!

Supplies:

Stamps: Happy Scenes

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso & Cajun Craze markers.

Paper:  Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla Cardstocks

Other: Big Shot, Woodgrain Embossing folder, Oval Collection Framelits,  Seasonal Frame Thinlits, Gold Cord, Very Vanilla Thick Baker’s Twine,   SNAIL , Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue, dimensionals.  Clear Envelopes (for candy). Simply Scored Board.

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Next up… A winter scene from Happy Scenes paired again with the oval framelits.

Happy Scenes Winter Set - September 2015 Hop - Jean Fitch

Here are the close ups so you can see the details.  There are more Holiday and Annual products hiding in the treat set.  I discovered that the new 6″ square embossing folders like Softly Falling  make creating with larger sized projects a dream.

Happy Scenes Noel Treat - September 2015 Hop - Jean Fitch

Happy Scenes Treat side view - September 2015 hop - Jean Fitch

Tip:  The clear envelopes Stampin’ Up sells in the annual catalog on page 149 are perfect for holding candy or other treat in this type of treat holder.   Insert your treat and close with the self adhering flap.   Use a Crop-a-Dile or other punch to punch through the paper and the clear envelope at the same time.  Insert ribbon and you’re done!

Happy Scenes - September 2015 Hop - Jean Fitch

Supplies:

Stamps: Happy Scenes, Wonderland (snowflakes)

Ink:  Whisper White Craft ink, Black StazOn

Paper:  Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Other: Big Shot, Softly Falling Embossing Folder,  Oval Collection Framelits, Snowflake Elements (wood), Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Lost Lagoon Taffeta Ribbon (retired but available on the clearance rack), SNAIL, Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue, Fine Tip Glue Pen,  Glue dots.  Crop-a-Dile, Clear Envelopes (for candy), White Gel Pen. Simply Scored Board.

I used the White Gel Pen to emphasize the snow sections on the tree and to draw a white line below the black snow bank line.  Subtle…but I like the effect.

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Treat Holder Directions:

Paper dimension:  5″ x 11″

Score paper at 4-3/4″ , 6-1/4″.   Fold along score lines and crease with bone folder.

Emboss with folder if you wish or stamp to create a background.   Decorate as you wish.   Punch holes at the top or use a small die or punch to create an opening to tie ribbon through.   Easy Peasy!

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I encourage you to play with these fun new products.  As you can see they coordinate with products you may already have or can find in the Annual Catalog.   You can create something fun even without coloring the images.  Of course…if you love to color and have the tools…they are even more beautiful.

I have a shameful secret to confess here.   Well…shameful for a demo…when I sat down to create my project I discovered that all my coloring tools were either dry or missing in action!  Except for a handful of markers.  Shameful right?    No worries.   Stampin’ Up has lots more they can renew my supplies with.  If you’re in the same fix give your demo a call and they can set you right up.   Of course if you don’t have a demo at the moment I’ll be happy to help too!

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That’s it for my share of the hop.  Time to move on over to my dear friend Marsha’s wonderful blog where she shares her always creative outlook and fun projects.

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August Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop: Showcasing Sprinkles of Life and a CASE

August 2015 Banner

Welcome to the Wacky Watercooler

August Blog Hop.

Hopefully you’ve arrived from  the wonderful and always inventive Miss Gail.    As usual you can follow this hop in a circle going either direction.  Of course you can also return to the home hop site if you ever get lost along the way.

Do You love sprinkles, life and stamping?

I do!

Then what better kind of hop than one that features a stamp set that covers all three things!

Sprinkles of Life catalog image

Whether it’s sprinkles of raindrops, sprinkles on a cupcake or a sprinkle of flowers…I love sprinkles.  And life for me includes the joy of stamping.   So of course when Stampin’ Up introduced a new Ronald McDonald set called Sprinkles of Life…and added a matching punch…I fell fast and hard in love with both the stamps and the punch!

I love too that Ronald McDonald House Charities also scores with a $3 donation for each set sold (hint, hint…buy it now!).  If you haven’t heard of RMHC it’s a wonderful endeavor that offers housing and help to families who have children in hospitals in various cities throughout North America.  Some houses even have Stampin’ Up demonstrators who take on various projects in the house including providing cards and stamping events to help lessen the stress.

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My first Sprinkles of Life original creation….

 Trees in a Box

Trees in a Box - August 2015 Watercolor Hop - Jean Fitch - Sprinkles of Life stamp set, Tree Builder Punch

This fancy fold is referred to as a Card in a Box.  There are any number of tutorials available though our own Watercooler alum Heidi Weaver has one here.   I’ve adjusted it just a wee bit (making it 5″ tall so I can have some extensions above the back of the box and scoring at 2-3/4″ instead of 3″).

If you are wondering how you mail this…here is the secret of this very cool type of fold.   It folds flat to mail and then pops back out to its 3D loveliness.   Warning…because of the extra thickness you will need to add extra postage.   Oh…and there is an area on the back of the tall back piece where you can leave your message and any watermarking you want to add.

Sprinkles Card in a Box - fold flat - August 2015 WWC hop - Jean Fitch

Here are a few other angles to give you the whole picture:

(click on the pictures to see a larger view)

Sprinkles Card in a Box side - Wacky Watercooler August 2015 Sprinkles of Life hop - Jean Fitch

Sprinkles in a box - detail - Wacky Watercooler August 2015 Sprinkles of Life hop

Note to self…do not work with Red and Green together in future…or else get a proper light box before Christmas!   Turns out those two colors in combination are among the hardest to get an accurate picture of and the background colors for the camera work play a major role as well.   For instance…in the above picture the text is stamped in Real Red…but it looks pink (as in Melon Mambo)!  And the greens are also much darker than they look in the picture.  More Garden Green…less the look of Pear Pizzazz.   The birds actually are pink cardstock but with Real Red ink to provide the outline.

Supplies:

Stamps: Sprinkles of Life

Ink: Real Red, Garden Green, Early Espresso

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Punches: Tree Builder, Scallop Oval

Other: Big Shot, Simply Score, Paper Snips, SNAIL, Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue, Dimensionals, glue dots.

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My second Sprinkles of Life original creation….

Flipping for Sprinkles Card

Flipping for Sprinkles - August 2015 Wacky Watercooler Hop - Sprinkles of Life - Jean Fitch

Flipping for Sprinkles - inside - August 2015 Wacky Watercooler Hop - Sprinkles of Life - Jean Fitch

This is my version of Clean and Simple…sort of.  Not much in the way of layers…and pretty much just ink and paper.

A tad hard to tell (though if you click the picture you’ll get a better view) but the hello from the Greetings Thinlits is doubled with two colors.  The outline at the back is Soft Suede and the top layer is Early Espresso.  Can you tell my hankering for chocolate came out in this card.  All that’s missing is a caramel filling. 😀   And once again… it’s hard to tell that the flowers & text are Real Red.   And the greens are also darker.

Supplies:

Stamps: Sprinkles of Life, Trust God

Ink: Real Red, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Early Espresso

Punches: 2″ Circle, 2-1/2″ Circle

Other: Big Shot, Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder,  Greetings Thinlits, SNAIL or Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue, Glue dots.

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And lastly… we are also CASEing (Copy & Share Everything) the new Annual Catalog yet again… a popular feature of our hops.

The Stampin’ Up 2015 catalog image for my CASE is this one:

2015 Annual Catalog page 18 - Watercolor Thank You

2015 Annual Catalog page 18   –   Watercolor Thank You

And here’s my altered version:

(click to view a close up)

Watercolor Thank You CASE the catalog - 2015 August Wacky Watercooler Hop - Jean Fitch

The concept and layout is still basically the same but the colors, textures and an extra layer are all mine. 😀 I moved from the originals Crumb Cake to Tip Top Taupe.  And from flowers to hexagons for my background.   I love working with the new In Colors and of course black and silver are the perfect accompaniments to the subtle colors in the collection.

Supplies:

Stamps: Watercolor Thank You

Ink Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Tip Top Taupe, Mint Macaron Cardstock.  Pretty Petals Designer Series Paper Stack

Punch: Banner Triple

Other: Big Shot, Circle Collection Framelits, Honeycomb Embossing Folder,  Silver Metallic Baker’s Twine, SNAIL, Dimensionals.

**Thanks Stampin’ Up for creating such wonderful catalog samples and super tools to CASE with!**

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And thank you for coming along for the hop ride.  That’s it for my stop on the hop.  Time to move on over to Miss Jaylin’s, she’s a young demo wanna be with a creative outlook and sweet projects she puts together from her demo grandmother’s stash of materials.

Thanks for Hopping with the Watercooler Gang!

Jean Fitch in pink

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July Wacky Watercooler Blog Hop: Follow up with Blog Candy and project reveals

Welcome to the July Blog Hop follow up and reveals…not to mention a bit of blog candy!

If you missed the Blog Hop that started last Thursday you can find the full line up here.     And…you can see my original post here.  Trust me when I say you don’t want to have missed this hop.  Some truly wonderful creations were shared that you will want to CASE for Christmas ideas and creations of your own.

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Here was my original Every Blessing card:

Every Blessing

Christmas in July!  Every Blessing.  The new silhouette set.

And here is the Men in Black version.   I know…they aren’t wearing sunglasses but I couldn’t resist the title.

Every Blessing - Men in Black - Jean Fitch

I really like the all black header piece.  The gold thread wrapped around the piece really pops don’t you think.  Part of why this version is my favorite.

This also shows the trickiness of photographing black doesn’t it?  I find I have to suppress the flash and play with the lighting.  It also reminded me that one should skip using the embossing buddy when working with black as the residue left behind is much more noticible.   And one other reminder I saw here in this other card….

Every Blessing  Men in Black - Jean Fitch See the star?   If you have long hair…make sure it’s up and out of the way when heat embossing or you’ll get drag marks and even halo looking effects if it moves around in the Versamark and in the gold powder.   A non stamper might not notice but it makes me crazy!   Of course it used to make my Dad crazy too so he was forever cutting my long bangs and long hair – yep…he was the barber of the family when I was a kid.

Every Blessing inside - Jean Fitch

And of course the interior…almost forgot to show you this.   I die cut a star from Very Vanilla and stamped the other sentiment from the set.   Of course you can fancy it up a bit more.  And if, like me, you like to add a bit more than just your signature you can add a quarter sheet of vanilla to the usual area and add the star with sentiment to the upper half of the interior.

Supplies:

Stamps: Every Blessing

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark

Paper:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Corrugated Paper (Kraft used though package also includes white)

Punches: Itty Bitty Accents Pack (star)

Other: Big Shot, Chalk Talk Framelits, Star Collection Framelits (for the inside sentiment), Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Gold Metallic Thread, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, SNAIL or Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue, glue dots.

Check back Sunday to see more detail shots and for my Men in Black version and then you can vote for which one you prefer.  Who knows…there may even be a bit of candy involved.  😀

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My next celebration of Christmas in July was a Luminaria.  Or it would have been if I had remembered to bring the little electric candle back from my event so I could take a picture.  Here’s the lit version below the original.  Much better don’t you think?   In real life the sentiment pops…it’s just hard to photograph.

Gentle Peace Star Filled Luminaria

Gentle Peace Star Filled Window Luminaria - Jean Fitch

Gentle Peace Luminaria Card lit - Jean Fitch

And a side view:

Gentle Peace Luminaria side view - Jean Fitch

Here’s the imagination gone awry one:

Gentle Peace Luminaria Curved Sentiment - Jean Fitch

I had the idea that the sentiment should follow the bend of the star.   Not a bad idea per se….the gold embossing just doesn’t show up as well in the gold embossing.  Perhaps if I had stamped it in black it would show.   I love the bendability of the photopolymer stamps and can’t resist featuring that ability…it just didn’t work quite as well as I had hoped in this particular instance.

One other thought about this star design.  If you aren’t happy with the “embossed” impression that the die makes you can cut from the back of the card front and you won’t have that impressed star effect.

Here’s the fun tag/ornament that I created with the star piece that is left over from the design of the card front.   Another opportunity to use lots and lots of the beautiful Metallic Thread that Stampin’ Up brought out in the new annual catalog.

From this:

Blank Ornament Star

To this:

Gentle Peace Star Ornament - Jean Fitch

Simple but fun right?

Supplies:

Stamps: Gentle Peace

Ink: Versamark

Paper:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Vellum Cardstock, Corrugated Paper (Kraft used though package also includes white)

Punches: Itty Bitty Accents Pack (star)

Other: Big Shot, WoodGrain Embossing Folder,  Star Collection Framelits, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Gold Metallic Thread, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Very Vanilla Seam Binding (retired), SNAIL or Tombow multipurpose adhesive glue, Glue dots.

Can you see the subtle detail I got by running the hardwood stamped section through the Woodgrain embossing folder.  It’s almost something you notice by touch more than by sight.  Still…I like it.

This card was a CASE of one by Carol Payne.  Click on her name and you’ll see her version and a wonderful video showing how she puts it together.

So…I mentioned blog candy right?

Here’s the candy:

Gentle Peace Blog Candy - candle not included

A set of :  Card, ornament, blank star and a few feet of the metallic thread (not shown) to create your own.  Electric candle not included as it’s a pain to ship. 😀

To win the candy just drop me a note or a comment here in the post telling me which of the Every Blessing cards you prefer…the one with a vanilla stamped sentiment or the all black version.   Tell me too which of the new or not so new Christmas sets in the new annual catalog you want to work with (pages 68-72).   I’ll use the random number generator to select a winner and get the package out to you once I’ve named the winner and you’ve provided the address.

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Thanks for checking back.  Hopefully you’ve enjoyed the background views and new ideas.   As a reward for getting this far along in the post here’s the direction sheets you can download for free for the Christmas projects from my hop post.    They may read a little oddly since they were created for my Christmas in July Stamp Camp where samples were available to see and I was right there to answer questions. 😀

Every Blessing – Shepherd Christmas Card  – PDF directions for Every Blessing card

Gentle Peace  – PDF directions for Gentle Peace Card

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Hugs and blessings,

Jean Fitch in pink