Another Thank You

I am such a sucker for thank you stamps.

Probably because I feel pretty strongly in sending a thank you card. I probably err on the side of too much.  I remember a period of time my mom would say, "what are you thanking me for now?"  Ha ha ha...Granted, that doesn't mean I can always get to it right away, but I do try to send one if I can remember. :)

The other day I was able to finally get up to my craft room (yay!) and create a couple thank you cards I'd been wanting to send out for quite some time.

I decided to try a few NEW things! :)  Stampin' Up has joined the photopolymer wagon (totally clear stamps). I wasn't really tempted by this until the "Another Thank You" set came out - cuz you can never have too many "thank you" stamps, right? ;)

I used the large script "Thank You" from this set for my cards. As you'll see, it looks like exactly the same card, twice. But if you look closer, you'll find that because of the technique I used, they will never be exactly the same card. :)



















(I was in a hurry, so the picture isn't that great - so sorry!)

I used two of the NEW InColors from this year for my cardbase: The bottom is Pistachio Pudding, the next layer is Coastal Cabana.  It was my first time using those colors together. Actually...the first time using either one, period! lol

What do you think that very top layer is? Why, it's our Watercolor Paper!
How in the world did she get it to look like that??

Here's what I did in 5 easy steps:
1) Embossed the "Thank You" on watercolor paper by stamping the image in Versamark Ink, sprinkling with clear embossing powder, and then heat-setting it with my Stampin' Up heat tool.
2) I then used my aquapainter to "paint" water on the paper.
3) Then, I painted over top of the embossed image with the Pistachio and Cabana inks and my aquapainter, blending the colors together here and there, leaving them their true colors in other places.
4) Wiped away excess color on the embossed image with a tissue.
5) Mounted onto the layers, and voila! :)

Hmmm...I shall call this technique...watercolor emboss resist! :) The emboss resist technique is not a new one to me...but usually I am sponging or rubbing ink over the embossed portions (which resist the ink). This whole watercoloring over the top is new to me. :)

PS - Here's a link to all the Photopolymer stamp sets SU now carries - including the newest one released yesterday (9/24), a Halloween set!  You can order this and any other supplies through me, 24/7! :)

Well, what do you think?
Do you feel the same way about thank you's, or do you feel like a verbal thank you is enough? Maybe you'd rather not answer that, and instead have something to say about the cards?  I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Thanks For Your Support

You know...there's a few people this card could be for, because...yes, I am SO grateful for their support.  However, the truth is that this is another sample I made for my Annual Party in October. :)

The image is from a set called For The Birds - one of my "must-haves" upon perusing the new catalog when it came out. ;)  I *love* to watercolor, and this set is perfect for that! :)

The card base is our Whisper White cardstock embossed with the Big Shot and new Woodgrain embossing folder from the Holiday Catalog - LOVE it!!

The strips of designer paper are from the Twitterpated dsp.

I stamped the image onto our watercolor paper with Stazon ink, then colored in with my trusty aquapainter and ink pad lids. :)

Finished it off with a button from the Brights Button Assortment, and a bow of white baker's twine. :)

How'd I make the fancy-schmancy cut top and bottom of main image panel?  By inserting the ends into my Designer Label punch!

Stay tuned for more samples from the For The Birds stamp set! :)

*NOTE: Stamp set links send you to the wood-mount version. Clear-mount (what I mostly use) is also available for a lower price. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A "Corny" Thank You

Love it when I can use a pun in my title. ;)
Today's project is NOT Christmas....it's more Fall-ish. Is that a word? Fall-ish??

Anywho...here's another sample I made to have on display at my Annual Holiday Party in October...

I made this card using another stamp set / matching framelits combo from the Holiday catalog. :)

I used the Perfectly Preserved stamp set, and the Cannery Set framelit dies. Not only was I able to use a matching stamp set and framelit dies, but...I also used the coordinating Orchard Harvest Designer paper! I really really like this paper. So much, I'm thinking about getting more before the catalog is gone in December. :)

Did you know you can purchase the stamp set and coordinating framelit die set as a bundle for 15% off? YES!! You CAN!!! :)

Anyways...it's pretty self-explanatory, but...the card base is Crumb Cake, and the designer paper as mentioned before, is Orchard Harvest. I inked the corn husks with my Lucky Limeade marker, and the corn with a combination of So Saffron and More Mustard markers. Love! :)  I then cut it out using the coordinating framelits dies! :)

The "Thank You" tag is stamped in Lucky Limeade from the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set, and cut out with the Bitty Banners framelits die, then connected to the layers & bow of linen thread for that rustic country look. :)

*NOTE: All stamp set links lead to wood mount stamps, but are also available in clear mount for a lower price. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Fresh Poppy Thank You

I have a quick Thank You card to share with you today - made it a couple of weeks ago, I think. I've lost track of exactly when, lol. It's been a little busy around here, to put it mildly. ;-)  Next time I update, I'll show you what's been going on. :)

I actually sat down to work on the checkbook (on computer)...and then got sidetracked by the things I haven't been able to enjoy for awhile...Facebook, Etsy, and now the Blog. Haven't made it to Pinterest yet, lol.  I'd better get to that checkbook soon, but FIRST...on to the card:

FRESH Vintage (stamp set)
POPPY (color)
THANK YOU (kind of obvious, dontcha think?)

Since I've been low on time, we're talking a BASIC little notecard here, people.

Whisper White cardstock base, stamped repeatedly with Fresh Vintage (FREE during Sale-A-Bration!) in Poppy Parade ink.

Sending Many Thanks sentiment from Petite Pairs stamp set, punched with large oval, backed by a Poppy Parade punched scallop oval. Up on dimensionals, of course. ;-)

Well, what do you think?

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Cards & Gift...in ONE!

I've been so excited to share something with you. Since JANUARY!
I especially LOVE it because it's all my own - I was feeling inspired and love how it turned out! :)

I made it as a "Hostess Gift" for my SAB workshop back then, but planned on making another one for this week's workshop (scheduled for Feb 22). I didn't want to risk the upcoming Hostess seeing it before she should! lol

Well, the workshop was cancelled this week, so obviously the danger has passed, so now I can share it! :)

READY??!!  Ok.

  

I learned how to make a card holder on our Demonstrator Website - one of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator!

Theirs wasn't decorated this way - this is my own design. Love it when the mojo is workin! :)

Would you like to see what's inside?

OK. :)

  

Four matching cards and four envelopes!

Want all the details??

OK. :)

Card Holder:

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Pool Party
DP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB - free!)

Accessories:  5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Big Shot, Blossom Punch, Simply Scored, Everyday Enchantment Brad (SAB - free!)

Cards:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

DP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB - free!)

Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic pearls

Well, what do YOU think?  I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
Crystal

A Little Treat

Remember my last post where I showed you a card I made using the new Framelits die?

Well, I'm back to show you something made with it - AGAIN!
This time, a lovely little treat. :)

I always like to include a little "thank you" treat with orders placed when I have a party at my home (Open House, SAB, etc).  Here's what I made up this time:

It's a little difficult to see the lovely swoops on the edges, but they are there! :)

I used the "Twitterpated" DP from the Occasions Mini catalog for the main part, then punched a hole at the top to tie the tag to.

The tag is our Postage Stamp punch in Riding Hood Red, and the "thanks" image is from the Pretty Postage stamp set. I colored the top and bottom "thanks" with Blushing Bride marker, and the middle one with our Riding Hood Red marker, then punched it out with our 1" Square punch.

The ribbon is the Lucky Limade color from the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack. A SALE-A-BRATION freebie! :)

Inside the treat holder are two packages of Smarties. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

So Grateful

Hello there!

Back again to share a card I recently made to be a sample at my Sale-A-Bration party.
There's a lot to show you about this card, so let's get started right away! :)

Let's go layer by layer, shall we? :)

Base: Whisper White cardstock

Layer 1: Cherry Cobbler cardstock

Layer 2: Whisper White cardstock, embossed with the Finial Press embossing folder & Big Shot

Layer 3:  Kraft cardstock first cut with the NEW Framelits Labels Collection!!  They're in the Occasions Mini catalog, and I LOVE them!  Then, I embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder (carryover from Holiday mini) for more texture. :) Wrapped a piece of Cherry Cobbler binding ribbon around that layer and tied a pretty bow. :)

Layer 4: Stamped the NEW set Apothecary Art onto Whisper White cardstock, and cut out with another layer of the NEW Framelits Labels Collection! Colored in with my Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke ink pads and aquapainter.

Layer 5: Stamped "So Grateful" from the NEW Apothecary Art, cut out, popped up on dimensionals, and added the tiny pearls from our Basic Pearls.

I'm bummed about the picture...could NOT get a good one...shadows, too much light, etc...
WHEW!!  I think that's everything!

Well, what do you think??  I'd sure love to hear from ya!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Multi Occasion Thanks

I've been procrastinating.

I wonder if any other cardmakers suffer from this affliction. Since my birthday is a few days before Christmas, I like to send out thank you cards for both my birthday and Christmas at the same time. Sooo...I waited until Christmas was over. :)

I had the girls make and write in theirs...they finished last week.

I, on the other hand...I put too much pressure on myself to create this fabulous card that's simple enough to make multiple copies of, yet is still nice. COULD NOT get going on it. Since everyone knows I make my own cards, I have high expectations of myself and get overwhelmed trying to create this great card. Is that weird?  Anyways, it makes the process take much longer than it should. Sometimes (shhhh...don't tell), I wish I could just buy a set of thank-you's. It would be MUCH easier. But I just can't. ;-)

Well, after trying a few things, I finally figured out one I liked. It's simple, to-the-point, yet a little elegant too. Love that it could work for multiple occasions!

Warning: Poor picture quality - took in the evening before running to the Post Office. ;-)




It's a smaller sized card...3.5" x 4.25". I think. :)


Simple, yet stated.






I embossed the whisper white cardstock with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder and my Big Shot.  Stamped the "thank you" from an old Hostess set (LOVE this thank you!)...and that's it! :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Thank You Treat

Quick post today...

Thought I'd share the Open House thank you's I made to include in the gals' order bags.

Soft Suede and Very Vanilla cardstock
Spice Cake Designer Paper
Easy Events stamp set
Aquapainter & Ink pad lids
Pool Party ruffled ribbon






Would you like to see the inside??

OK. :)

I always like to include some kind of little treat. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Flower Garden Thank You

Quick post today...I'm in the middle of making 5th B'day party invitations for my daughter. :)

Judging from the title, you probably pictured today's project as something full of color and flowers, maybe?  Well, it's completely opposite of "full of color," but there IS a reason I titled it that way. :)

I used my Big Shot for this card...along with an embossing folder called "Flower Garden," which premiered in the Summer Mini catalog (6 days left!). :)

A clean & simple card...soft, serene...could maybe be used for wedding??

Not a whole lot more to say about this one...again, I used the Big Shot and Flower Garden embossing folder.

Ran a length of white taffeta ribbon along the side, and stamped "thank you" from the set Short & Sweet with Crumb Cake ink. Punched it out with our Large Oval punch, and adhered with dimensionals (of course - wink). :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

LAST DAY (and a peek)!

A friendly reminder...THIS IS THE LAST DAY YOU CAN ORDER RETIRING PRODUCTS FROM STAMPIN' UP's 2010-2011 catalog!!! :)

Yes, I'm yelling. ;-)  Hurry, RUN!! (click on SU logo in RH sidebar)

Here's a recent project I made using a set that's going to retire (Paradise):

It's a gift certificate holder...for a local nursery (plants). :)  I used the Lots of Tags die for the Big Shot for the label background...the wide oval punch for the label.

And what ARE those colors I'm using??? Anyone care to take a guess? Yup. One of them is already retired. ;-)  If you guessed Mellow Moss & Always Artichoke...you're correct. It's still one of my fave combos. ;-)





And now for the promised sneak peek project...
Actually no. I've just decided I'm going to show you TWO more projects today. As a thank you for sticking around even while I had to take a bloggy-vacation. Imagine that - THREE projects in one day! :)

I had some thank you cards to make...

So, here are two different cards using TWO sets from the current mini catalog (Summer Mini).....AND some new colors from the upcoming catalog! (Releases on 7/1/11) :)

This 4.25" square card features the On The Grow stamp set (Summer Mini) stamped with Black Stazon ink onto Watercolor cardstock, and colored in with the new colors Wisteria Wonder & Lucky Limeade. :)

The next card (which I love the CAS-ness of, btw) uses Swirls & Curls Verses. The Swirls & Curls is actually a Hostess stamp set you can earn from the mini catalog...don't worry...you still have until August 31 to get it and On The Grow - include them with your first purchase from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! :)

I inked up the stamp with the new color Lucky Limeade, took the ink off the flower with my blender pen, then colored the flower with my new Calypso Coral marker. Clear as mud? ;-)

 

Well, what do you think?  I'm glad to be back to share with you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Wasabi Florets

Hi all!
I finally have something to share with you...but don't get too excited - when you haven't stamped in awhile, it's hard to get back in the groove! lol

{{I'm hoping to do a TON of stamping today & get my groove back!}}

In the meantime...I'll share a recent creation using a NEW set called "Fabulous Florets" from the new Summer Mini! WOOO HOOO!  Seriously. It's been so long...I feel like rejoicing when I can actually take time to stamp! lol :)














I started with a whisper white cardbase (4x3.5)? Sorry...it's already been sent out & I can't remember, lol. Stamped it repeatedly with the larger outline flower from Fabulous Florets in Wild Wasabi Ink.

Hence the title "Wasabi Florets" - original, I know. ;-)

I stamped out the thank you from "Thank You Kindly" in matching Wasabi ink, then punched it out with our wide oval punch. What's the layer behind it?  I cut the design using Wild Wasabi cardstock, "Lots of Tags" sizzlit and the Big Shot!

Ahhh...just the simpleness of it makes me smile. I like the crisp freshness of the green and white. Yes, it takes a little time stamping all the flowers out, but really...not too bad.

Thank you SOOOO much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Sweet Thanks

Awhile back, you may remember me talking writing about having a SAB (Sale-A-Bration) party at my home. LOTS of work as a demo, but oh so fun that night as we gathered! :)

Every once in awhile, I like to put a little 'thank you' treat with my stampin' friends' orders. It's usually when I have an Open House, but I decided to this time also. :)

Here's what I did for that party (Mar 1):








Easy-peasy.

SU's small cello bags, filled with sour watermelons (YUM!), added white satin ribbon, added tag.

Tag - "thank you" stamped from Because I Care (Hostess set) in Regal Rose ink on Whisper White cardstock. Punched with lg. oval punch, scallop oval in Pear Pizzazz behind it.


Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Birthday/Christmas Thanks

So, I have to be honest with you.
Yesterday's post came pretty easily to me...and I'll tell ya why. ;-)

You see, I had made up some thank you cards to send for my Birthday/Christmas gifts (remember, my b'day was the 21st).  A clean and simple card that looked nice, that I could make multiples of, without spending a ton of time on.

When the CAS challenge came and I saw the colors included, I knew I could make a card for the challenge, just by changing a few things from my original design. So that's what I did. Essentially, they're the same card...but not. lol! :)

Here's the card I originally made for thank yous (aka my inspiration for yesterday's card):

A great little thank you!  A 4.25" square card, one layer, generation stamping, and a simple sentiment.

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Watercolor Trio, Warmest Regards
Ink: Pear Pizazz, Basic Black
Cardstock: Whisper White
Technique: Generation Stamping

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Wild & Krafty Thanks

Okay, so it's not exactly "wild," but there IS a reason I named this post as such.  I took part in a CAS (Clean & Simple) challenge on SCS, and the challenge (not only to be CAS) was to follow a specific color palette:

Wild Wasabi
Kraft (Crumb Cake)
Chocolate Chip
White

Are you ready to see what I came up with?  ok. :)

To me, it feels like something's missing on this 4.25" square card...what do YOU think?

The Small Print (all Stampin Up)
Stamps: Watercolor Trio, Warmest Regards
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Dimensionals (of course - wink)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Funny...seems like I should be saying "Merry Christmas" with the view that greeted me this morning:














The girls, of course...have been VERY excited, and out there all morning. Snow angels, sledding, tromping through, building things, forgetting about being cold.  Want to know what they've been doing the most?  Using their own little snowshovels to create paths....made my job a little easier! :)














Whatever this Thanksgiving brings you, I hope that it is a wonderful day filled with beautiful memories being made!

I've so much to be thankful for...but right now, all I want to do is say thank you to you, and say I'm thankful for YOU! :)

THANK YOU for stopping by, and have a WONDERFUL day!
Crystal

You, Light Up My Life!

You have that tune in your head now, dontcha? ;-)
Me too....ever since I made these:













Too bad I don't know the rest of the lyrics. Oh wait...GOOGLE!  Be right back....

Well, this part of the chorus DOES kind of apply!!  WOO HOO!
"You, light up my life....you give me hope...to carry on"

Explanation: I made these to put with the orders that the gals placed at my 5year Demo Party. A little thank you, if you will.  :)  To be honest, sometimes it does look a little hopeless, being a demo.  There's been more than once that I thought I'd have to quit...but then something happens (usually thanks to these gals), and I have hope to carry on! :)  Oh, and...they really do light up my life, too! :)

The deets: The sentiment is computer-made. I used a new set "Growing Green" to stamp the outline flowers, then there's the Early Espresso cardstock matting around it. At the top of the treat bag (SU's small cello bag) is the new DSP from the mini catalog, "Deck the Halls".

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A Thank You Mum

I never buy flowers for myself (consider it an extravagance), but these were so beautiful and bright and cheery and Fall, perfect for my front door! :)  So, when I gave in to that impulse, bought a pot of these beautiful mums, and a few days later found them dead, I was sad. To say the least. ;-)

I was lamenting the fact to my MIL (mother-in-law), and a few days later, what did I find by my front door? Mums!! :)

I knew exactly what I wanted to do on my thank-you card to her:





















Okay, so it's not perfect, but I had trouble with one of the layers, lol!  I learned how to make this flower on Stampin' Up's demo-only website - thank you, Diane Dechaine!  I will say it was a little time-consuming, but overall, a pleasant effect during this beautiful Fall season! :)

I wanted the flower to be the focalpoint, so I kept the layout quite simple.  Just a "Thank You" stamp, some layers of Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and More Mustard cardstock, and some more Cherry Cobbler...this time in the form of ribbon (mini catalog)! :)

Oh...in case you're wondering what's in the middle of the flower...it's coffee grounds. ;-)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Thank You Kindly
Ink: Early Espresso
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Boho Blossoms Punch, Stylus, Stampin' Pastels, Blossom Party Die, Big Shot

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT Monday! :)
Crystal

Etsy Update & PUMPKINS!

Pretty blah title, I know.  Pretty much says it like it is, lol.
*I actually wrote this yesterday*

FIRST - I've spent allllll morning (and into the afternoon) updating my Etsy store, so it'd be great if you make it worth all that work and go check it out. lol! :)  Find something you'd like?  Go ahead...buy it! ;-)

MY ETSY SHOP (craftincrystal)

NOW...for the pumpkins.

I know I've mentioned before that I *heart* watercoloring, but can I just say it again? ;-)  I LOVE WATERCOLORING! :)

Even more so when I use our watercolor paper. (sigh)...love it.

I stamped the front pumpkin, then masked, then stamped the remaining pumpkins, gourd, and leaves.  Then...I got out my trusty aquapainter and ink pad lids and set to work!  The leaves on top of the pumpkins are cut out and I added a linen thread bow, then stamped the sentiment from Grateful Greetings.  Added the layers, and...Voila!

Okay, so this has taken me all day to get to (multiple interruptions)...but it's finally ready to post. Oops, I guess that means this is Saturday's post instead of Friday, lol!.

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Grateful Greetings
Ink: Stazon Black, Various ink lids for coloring
Cardstock/Paper: Watercolor paper, Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, More Mustard
Accessories: Paper snips, Aquapainter, Linen thread

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

It's My Party

...and I'll Stamp if I want to, Stamp if I want to....
...you would stamp too, if it happened to YOU!

If you were invited to a Stampin' Up party of mine, you'd definitely be stamping something! :)

Below are the two projects the gals did (from start to finish) as free M&T's (Make n Takes):

First, a little treat bag type thing...













Here's the side view:

And now, a Christmas card.

Yes, it's a little early, but this party was instead of my Annual Holiday Open House, so I felt the need to include some Christmas. :)  It's basically the same card, just a flipped sketch. I let the gals decide what they wanted to do, and they also got to choose which stamp for "Merry Christmas."

Want the quick "how to"?  OK...

Thankful Thoughts Treat Holder - Cut out (2) Top Notes with our Big Shot & Top Note die (yep, they got to play with the Big Shot!), Fold bottom of bag downward, then cut bag down to 2 3/4". Attach to (1) of the Top Notes, punch with word window punch.  Decorate 2nd Top Note, then attach on top of bag, Line up and punch with Word Window punch again. Tie with ribbon.
Top Note: Crumb Cake cs
Vines: Baroque Motifs stamped in Old Olive
Pumpkin: Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Wide oval punch, sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink & sponge dauber. Stamped leaf from Autumn Harvest & cut out, Attatched linen thread bow.
Sentiment: Stamped from "Grateful Greetings" in Early Espresso Ink
Handle: Word Window punch, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon

Whew! Maybe it would've been easier to film a video for this one! lol

Merry Christmas Card
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla
Designer Paper: Deck the Halls (mini catalog)
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, Scalloped oval and Large oval punches, Scallop trim punch, Dimensionals

Well, what do you think?!!  I'm dyin' to know! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal