Inspired By #100 ... pink Christmas!

OH I do LOVE a bit of pink at Christmas time!!  I'm seeing tons of inspiration in Laurel's photo board for IB#100 … she's such an angel to keep us all inspired so beautifully, isn't she? 

This one is just for YOU, Laurel - thank you, and happiest birthday!!!

 

If my angel looks as if she's floating?  She nearly is!

She Wobbles, but she won't fall down!

Even her halo hovers with the magic of clear acetate -

and the sentiment is heartfelt, too!

 

How will you be inspired?  Can't wait to see all the pink packages, or angels, in our IB gallery!

=]  Michele

MFT Angel and coordinating dies
Pinkfresh Studio 'Believe' sentiment from Simple Joy STILL on SALE 
The leftover embossed panel from Lisa - which I now know is from Lifestyle Crafts
Stars from a very old MFT set called Hand Lettered Holidays

Ellen Hutson LLC Gratitude Sale

Thanks, from all of us, to all of YOU

who support us tirelessly!! 

 

Check out all the items on sale, in our

special Gratitude department here!

 

Here are the details...

• save an additional 20% on the products in the GRATITUDE19 category with the code GRATITUDE19
• applies to in-stock items in the GRATITUDE19 category only and only when code is applied
• not valid on previous purchases
• cannot be combined with other offers
• we are unable to combine orders
• sale ends Monday 12/2 at 11:59pm pacific time

 Happy Thanksgiving my friends!!

[now where did I put those Thanksgiving pants?]

=] Michele



Color Throwdown #570

Before you grab a glass of milk for these adorable cookies, may I share a little card - maybe two?  These colors for ctd570 are quite possible my favorite for Christmas cards! 

First up, this little sweetie from Penny Black's Cozy Cuteness, and this fun sentiment from MFT and its coordinating die - stamped in Catherine Pooler's Polished [red] and Hot Tub [pale aqua].  My little bundled-up girl was stamped in CP Black Jack, and Copic colored.

I managed to find several little snowflake stamps in my stash, to add a dash of Winter to my vellum overlay, heat embossed in white.

Next, is the out-of-the-vault Toasty Greetings and dies … tell me this, does he not look like he's dancing?  the twist?  maybe the FLOSS?  [If you are an IG-er you can see him in action @mfergu01 =]  Sure wish I had one of those little musical chips that play music when the tab is pulled!

All the credit for this dance action goes to Channin Pelletier who had her way with dancing hamsters - do go watch her video! and while there, watch them all - you won't be sorry!

 You'll see I've added a bit of action to my card base with my Lil' Inkers Quilted Spirals cover plate.

Okay... off I go to get one of these in the Color Throwdown gallery!  Can you guess which I'll choose?

=]  Michele

CAS[E] this Sketch #349

I'm so happy to see another 'sky's the limit' Sketch this week from Brian for CTS#349 ... take a look... and OH you have 2 WEEKS to play!!

It's a good one, right?  I have just the appropriate duo for that frame - it's that time of year!!

Here's a little close up to you can see the sentiment -

look! even Rudolph is wishing you peace!

 

Let's run by CTS#349 to see how the rest of the team has filled that frame - so looking forward to Brian's card - and YOURS!!

Thanks for stopping by - and Happy Thanksgiving to my friend here in the States! 

=]  Michele

I've edited to add him to The Christmas Kickstart Challenge #24 - Show us Your Santas!!!

MFT Christmas sELFies
Pinkfresh STudios Holiday Vibes patterned paper
Altenew 36 pan water colors

Inspired By #99 ... Christmas Welcome!

Wow!  what an entrance, right??  From all the ornaments here, one stands out to me... I'll bet your eye might have been drawn to it, too! 

My GinaMarie Design die [thanks, Bobby] provided all the pieces, parts and sentiment needed for this bauble … all but one, that is... the little hanger was fashioned from the grater die from EBE Cooking Lady set of dies - HA! 

You'll have to trust that my EBE Painted Stripes are as shiny as those in the photo as they were clear heat embossed.  The green frame, cut with a Reverse Confetti Cuts Stitched Note & Frames die, is my stand-in for the hedges.  It's amazing what a person will spot if she studies a photo long enough! 

Hope you'll play along with IB#99!!  We love it when you do... maybe your eye is drawn to that reindeer?  hmmm...

=]  Michele

MIx it Up #61

An extra entry for SugarPea Designs SPDMIX61 … it's just impossible to stop using this furry friend!  This time, my friend [Hey, Winter - sadly sold out at the moment!] adorns a cute tag [an older SugarPea] and this wonderful little HOME Sweet Home die - see if can find the tiny heart that cuts out of the house!

 

Hope your week is starting out sweetly!

=]  Michele

The Flower Challenge #38 - Dots or Stripes

The Flower Challenge #38 is asking us to add dots, or stripes! I've got just the duo for the job... my question is:  does Mistletoe count as a flower!!?? Hey!  It's dotted!!  No worries if it doesn't - I just had to play along anyway - YOU tell these guys they can't play, okay?  lol

Yes, Bobby - this is one of the dotted papers you shared with me so long ago!

Aren't they so cute?  I'd kiss 'em under the mistletoe! ha!  I've had such fun with this set - be prepared for more!

=]  Michele

MFT - Christmas sELFies, Mistletoe Kisses die, and Snow Globe Greetings
Spellbinder's Hemstitch squares - one of the bases, to cut the window

The Twofer Challenge #22 - Greenery

It's time for the Holiday edition of the Twofer Card Challenge!  Of course I will take advantage of the 'twist' for #22 to create two cards for the same occasion!!  It's the busiest time of our card-making year, right?  Thank you, D!!

My greenery bedecked Christmas cards highlight the beauty of just one of the Pinkfresh Studio Layered Wreath dies - yes, I have a few!  On my first card, I've cut three from different shades of green for my greenery:

If you look closely you might see that one of the cuts comes

from my card panel.  After die cutting that piece,

I ran the panel through with my Subtle texture ef from SU

 

Here's card two:

 

 

Don't adjust your screen, this card uses MFT's primitive white card stock -I just love that natural flecking,

and that Lil Inker's cover plate - obviously!

 

On this card, I've cut the PF wreath, and promptly snipped it's boughs to gather into a swag for my Spellbinder Hemstitch square cut window.

 

So there they are, my final Twofer for the Year!

Merry Christmas, to the Twofer Team -

can't wait for a whole new year of crafty inspiration from you!

 

Wait!!  Before I say goodbye, may I send out a

HUGE thank you

for all the darling created-from-your-hearts birthday cards I received in the last week!!  You might guess that I loved each and every card!  You'll be sharing my studio, where I keep you close all year!

 

 

Love you, friends! and every birthday wish! xo

=]  Michele

Lucky Charm Bracelet

You still have two more days to use that LUCKY13 code at Ellen Hutson, LLC … just in case you haven't secret Santa-ed yourself enough yet!  lol

The Lucky set [a gift with qualifying purchase] is loaded with all the perfect words that one would use with that Lucky word die... here's a fun way to use lots of them together!

 

I might be the only person still alive that remembers having a charm bracelet!  One of the charms I bought as a tween was a little tiny frying pan with a sunny-side-up enameled egg in it - I think it was my destiny to become a Chef, right?

 

I'm hoping that my friend Marge will read this and tell us more about that wonderful chain* she sent to me … or perhaps one of you has a source?  It worked a charm [pun intended] for my bracelet!  as did those darling Mini Tags dies!

I can tell you that the wonderful panel die is one from MFT called Blueprints 33, and the paper is another from that Honey Bee Log Cabin pad.  I've color-blended a few of the newest Catherine Pooler inks onto the Lucky base layer:  Sangria, Orange Peel, Sage - an oldie but goodie color - and Hot Tub [am I turning into a blue fan?] and rounding it off with my favorite grey: Twilight. 

 

 

Yes.  I am the Lucky one!  Thank you for sharing a bit of your precious time with me!

 

=]  Michele

 

pssst…. don't forget that LUCKY13 code!!!

 

* here's a source for many different types of chain on Etsy!  

CAS[E] this Sketch #348

I'm getting pretty close to having enough Christmas cards to go around.  Yay!  So, when handed a really basic Sketch like CTS#348, I couldn't help but make the most basic of cards - but it had to be a Christmas card!

Take a peek at Chrissie's Sketch:

See what I mean?  The sky's the limit … but I had a new embossing folder to play with from a darling little shop in Indianapolis while there for a little get-away in October.  Palette & Paper was filled with lots of goodies from Taylored Expressions!  Peaceful Poinsettia is the one that flew into my shopping bag [along with SO many other things - thanks, Mar!]

Those beautiful ribbons that are included with every order from Ellen Hutson, LLC surely do come in handy - thanks, Ellen!  It's a perfect match for this PTI Limeade Ice!

Thank YOU for stopping by, and playing cards with us at CTS#348!

=]  Michele

Inspired By #98 ... garlands

As much as I wanted to totally CASE that photo, I found a way to decorate a wreath with a few of items I had cut for a garland - you'll tell me if you think this is cheating, okay?

By now you'll recognize that Lil' Inker wood grain cover plate, right?  Here are the elements of my card design:

• a wreath was created by using two circle dies, but this time, I cut it from a pretty panel of embossed paper that I made while crafting with Lisa a few weeks back.  Lisa might be the only person that loves embossing folders as much as I do!
• That pretty bow is from Pinkfresh Studios' Season's Greetings set, and coordinating die - water colored
•  a few more of those favored Lawn Fawn Stitched Leaves - again water colored
• 'Tis the Season of sentiments from the latest release from Ellen Hutson, LLC
• Last, but totally necessary to my design, a few Queen & Company pom poms!

Okay, I know you'll do better than I did... let's go see if my teamies made a garland for IB#98!

=]  Michele

EBE Lucky as can be!!

I am so happy to celebrate Ellen's 13th anniversary!!

Congratulations, to Ellen,

and to her absolutely AMAZING team!

 

I know that I am as lucky as can be to be part of the Ellen Hutson, LLC design team! 
Together, we all want you to know
how lucky we all feel to have YOU ALL in our
crafting community!  So!  for you...

 

Before you shop - how about a card?  Then I'll share how you might have your own Lucky die, and stamp set!

 

Do you recognize that Mini Tag?  Yes.  It was part of the November release! 

 

 

Two things to remember:

1. Do NOT forget the code at checkout and
2. Do NOT forget the code at checkout! lol

I hope you find everything on your

 wish list right here! xoxo

 

=]  Michele

 

[two very sweet friends sent me the supplies I've used today...

the gorgeous copper mirror foil paper - thank you Barb!

that darling tiny gold chain - thank you Marge!!]

Christmas Kickstart Chellenge #23 Snow!

I knew just the set I NEEDED to get inky for Snow which is the Christmas Kickstart Challenge #23 this fortnight … tell me if you agree these guys aren't the coolest...

Those snow-guys are from an MFT* set called 'sELFies' - I just couldn't resist heat embossing these three onto TH water color paper, and doing some really simple water coloring with my Altenew 36 pan set. 

The 'polaroid' frame was also cut from water color paper [3 3/8 x 4 5/8"] and the square was cut out using a basic square from my Hemstitch square set.  The word SNOW was cut using Waffle Flower Crafts' Cutaway  Alphas - I love that the gingham* shows through - and the O was the perfect little hangout for my snowballs! [really they are pom poms from Queen & Co.]

Hope you like it, Jo!  I sure did love making it for you!
=]  Michele

*One of the sweet patterned papers from Pinkfresh Studios Holiday Vibes 6x6 pad

EBE November 2019 Release Day!

Today's the day, my friends … before I send you off to shop, how about hopping along with me to see all the fantastic designs my fellow EH Ambassadors have created?  [There is a prize involved, just sayin'!]  Therese lead the way today - just beautifully, as always!

I have teased you all week long so I'll make this quick … here is my affiliate link to shop … thank you so very much for your support!  and HERE are a few more cards to entice you!

 

In The Weeds stamps

For those of you who like a simple coloring technique!

 

Up in the Air stamps and dies

Think she'll catch those balloons?

 

Tis the Season and Mondo Amaryllis

 

Bon Bon Box, Small Sayings, and Mini Tags, are MADE for each other!

and images from Up in the Air -

btw these are those little tags and words I used on my Up in the Air card last week!

Wouldn't this make a darling Thanksgiving table place-card with a mint enclosed?

 

Be the Change stamps, and dies

and a homemade Chrysalis using a Pinkfresh Studio label die!

 

Okay... off you go to Sandy's post!  Thanks so very much for hanging out with me this week, and for all of your kind words about my little teases! xx

 

=]  Michele

Here are all the Hop links … have fun!!  and remember to comment on every stop to be eligible to win that prize!

Julie

Therese 

Michele - you are here

Sandy

Kelly 

Elena 

Lisa

Laurel 

Carolyn 

Emily

Brandi 

Ardyth 

Carly 

Adelina 

 

EBE November Release - Day 5 - my final Tease

Okay.  You know what, when, and what time to shop by now, right?  Here is my last teaser for the November EBE Release - dare I say Brandi may have known how much I'd love  it?  Meet: Be the Change!

 

It's always a treat to look out my studio window and see one of our"kids" perched, or flying by … that perfect slip of vellum, and the EBE Strands Die, helped me create a wonderful window for my card today!  Now, the Monarch's are pretty, but don't I wish I could custom color a few!!

Thank you, friends, for hanging out with me for the November teases... I do hope I've given you some little something from the release to add to your wish list!  Don't forget to comment over at the EH Blog for your chance to WIN IT ALL!  I'll be Hopping on Sunday with the EH gang - hope to see you there.  You know there will be another prize!

=]  Michele 

SugarPea Mix Up Challenge November 2019

Just that a looky-loo at this gorgeousness... go ahead, take a moment - I'll wait. 

 

Is that not the prettiest bowl of baubles ever?  I had to try to recreate one of them for Mix it Up Challenge #61 - guess who came out to play again?  tee hee…

 

Inside:  At Christmas time?  It's more than I can bear!

 

Now.  If I didn't have to be all perfectly straight, I could have hung that bauble over to the left and I could say I used the Sketch, as well as the photo … oh well, I'm happy - and btw it's my birthday, so that's all that matters today - right? lol

 

Did you notice where his scarf landed? 

 

 

I'll be back with my final teaser card for 2019 in a bit … see you soon!

 

=]  Michele

 

 

SugarPea Designs:  Buffalo Check, and Hey, Winter!

Twilight, Black Jack, and Sage CP inks

Gold and silver papers from Michael's

Gansai Tambi Starry Colors for scarf, and splatters

Strathmore Bristol paper for card base, small panel, and bauble

gold and silver thread from JoAnn's

[thank you Bobby for my pretty bauble die!]



EBE November Release Day 4 of Teases

 

I promised you a treat today, and I do hope you'll think I've delivered.  It's a Bon Bon Box with the cutest little Mini Tags, and Small Sayings to deliver them to those special people in your life.  Ready. set. go...

Here's how I made mine pretty outside, and in!  Just by choosing a double-sided paper - like this one from Honey Bee, called Log Cabin - that has the perfect weight for it!

Most of these designer papers include 2 or more of each design.  I've used two sheets of each for my Bon Bon boxes:

 

Making sure to cut them both

from the same side of the paper.

Then, it's just a matter of folding on the lines that are created while cutting,  and using a strong glue [like Gina K Connect] to connect the two sections of the box.  Here is how I add the perfect curve to my cuts:

Lay the box onto a mouse pad - or use the pad from your MISTI like I have - and carefully go over each side using your bone folder until it has the desired curve.  Almost like the process of curling ribbon... do you remember that? lol

Then it's just a matter of adding a sweet treat to the inside... here I've used my kids favorite treat... I use a wee bit of temporary glue tape on the tabs - one can never tell who might be peeking - and added a sweet little Mini Tag, with a silver embossed Small Sayings on each.

Hey, why not decorate your tree with these? 

So!  Was that a sweet treat?  I have one more for you tomorrow … if you've hung in there with me so far this week, I thank you SO much!  Everything will be available Sunday, November 10th in the Ellen Hutson, LLC shop!

=]  Michele