Year End Review

I wanted to take a look back at the past year of my blog. I selected one of my favorite posts from each month, so if you have time take a tour of my year end review.

I also wanted to take this time to thank my followers. Love to read your comments. Hope I have been able to help and inspire you with your crafty projects.

It is fitting I think that my last card of the the year 2011 is a thank you card. When we had snow earlier in the week I enjoyed watching the cardinals land on the bird feeder and the snow covered trees. They look so pretty against the white snow.

Punches: 2 1/2, 1 3/4 for snowman body, bird builder, owl builder, and modern label punch.
Northern Frost embossing folder used on Baja Breeze cardstock. Thank You is from Perfectly Penned stamp set.



www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-mice.html
December

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/11/holly-jolly-snowman.html
November

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/10/punch-art-snowman.html
October

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/09/cat-in-hat.html
September

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/08/vintage-scallop-circle-punch-flower.html
August

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/07/christmas-in-julygoing-strong.html
July

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/06/5x7-office-frame.html
June

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/05/holiday-tag-matchbox-set.html
May

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/04/happy-easterand-matchbox-dresser.html
April

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/03/chapel-card.html
March

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/02/still-stamping.html
February

www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2011/01/double-heart-candy-basket.html
January

Wishing you a wonderful, safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Stamping Trails
Karen

New Stuff

I got lots of new stuff for Christmas, and I had to get busy and start using supplies right away. I just adore the little elephant stamp! Too cute! My friend Kat has been getting me elephants for Christmas for the past several years now as I like my elephants. This little guy was made by Inky Antics. I stamped her on Going Gray cardstock (retired SU) with black ink. She is shaded with basic gray, melon mambo, and white watercolor crayons. Layers are melon mambo, basic gray. Ribbon lace punch, and Spellbinders large circle and scallop circle dies also used.

I also let Kat know that I really needed to get my cutter replaced. Just look at the pic and see how all the numbers have rubbed off. It was getting pretty darn hard to cut without being able to see the numbers clearly. She got me a new cutter, with pretty blue flowers. Too COOL! I'm going to cover the number side of the cutter with clear contact paper. That way the numbers won't rub off of this one. Big thanks for the great gifts Kat!

My tree and all the other Christmas decorations are down and put away for another year. Always sad to see them go, but it was time! Living room is nice, clean, and back to order. Next on my list of things to do is clean out the mess in the stamping studio. With all the frantic last minute projects the room is in a very sad state. Glad you can't see it!

Stamping Trails
Karen

White Christmas.......

Was really late this year! We had temps in the 40's all Christmas week, then this morning I woke up to all this pretty snow. Best thing about it was that I didn't have to go out to brush off the snow. Poor hubby did. He is working day shift this week, and is not very happy about it. This is a pic of the trees in the backyard. All snow covered. Love it! But I can do without the cold. Its 29 but with the wind chill it's in the teens.

Picture from my front door. Today I'll be taking down the tree. I normally wait till New Years Eve to take it down, but since its been up since the week before Thanksgiving I'm ready to have it gone.

We had a very nice Christmas. I was depressed a bit as this was the first Christmas without my mom. Miss you Mom!

Hopefully I'll have time to get back into stamping this week. Since Christmas is over I need to change gears and get out of holiday stamping mode.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Wonky Candy Trays

I have one word for these trays...WONKY! Such a great idea but I think it takes practice, and skill to get these to come out right. Although I do like them, and they smell great!

You line a cookie tray with parchment paper...which I didn't have so I used waxed paper which might have been why these came out wonky! Set up your design with peppermint candies (don't forget to unwrap them) Preheat oven to 350. Put the sheet in oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The candies will melt together.

See what I mean? Started out as a 5x5 piece square but the top spread a bit to much. After taking out of the oven you need to let them cool only takes about 5 minutes. Then peel off the paper.

I think they are cute to put little candies on.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve, and Christmas. I won't be posting on Sunday, but I'll be back on Monday.

Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy to all.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Easy Gift Card Holder

I needed several gift card holders so I made this quick and easy one. Base is scallop circle die that was embossed with a snowflake folder. I cut two of these as half of one of the circles is used for the pocket. Stamp set Snow Much Fun. I know I've been using this set like crazy, but I really love it!

Other punches used: tab rounder, 2 1/2 circle, large scallop punch, 1 3/4 circle punch, modern label, and 1/2 circle punch.

Here you can see the back. I'll be hanging some of these on the tree for the family to find.

I made a large pot of chicken noodle soup today, and I also made some seasoned crackers to go with it. I normally only make these crackers during the holiday.

You'll need one bag of oysters crackers
Mix the following together: 1/3 cup canola oil, 1 tablespoon dill weed, 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. Pour over the crackers and mix well to coat. Lay down some paper towels and pour the crackers on them, allow to dry. YUM!

More Stocking Stuffers

The lip balm holders are actually going to be given to my hubby's sisters. I think I'll put one in Sarah's stocking.

Super simple to make. Outside is cut 5 3/4 x 3 1/2. The cardstock is then scored at 2 1/2 and at 3 1/4. After the scoring is finished you will need to fold at one of the scored lines and use scissors to make two cuts up to the second score line. Push the cuts to the inside to create a slot for the lip balm to slide into. I had to use a glue dot to secure the lip balm so it wouldn't slide out.

Inside was just stamped with the tree from Snow Much Fun. Outside piece uses Frostwood Lodge designer paper, and scallop circle punch along with 1 3/8 circle punch for the snow guy. Used the Crop-a-dile to punch a hole for the Cherry Cobbler ribbon.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Working on last minute stocking stuffers in between making batches of cookies.

I picked up these little hand sanitizers at Big Lots for 33 cents. Couldn't pass that up. I wrapped them using Frostwood Lodge designer paper. The word stamp is from Occasions Alphabet stamp set. Love that set and so very happy that I earned it from SU. Gotta love free stamps. I wrapped a piece of bakers twine around the bottle. Quick and easy.

I'll be making lip balm holders today so check back tomorrow if you'd like to see them.

Stamping trails
Karen

He's Mr. Green Christmas

He' Mr. Sun....He's Mr. Heat Blister, He's Mr. 101

Okay not going to type the words to the whole song but you get the idea. I made this for my friend Joe who really likes Heat Miser. Most of this topper is cut free hand. Not a lot of SU punches would work. I did find out something while trying to come up with a face shape.

I first thought to use the ornament punch but then decided it was to small and moved to the second largest oval on the Ovals die. That's when I discovered by cutting off the top of the ornament and the tip it could be used as a layer for the smallest oval in the Oval die.

I broke out some retired colors for this topper. Blush Blossom for the face and ears, Summer Sun for the hair. Riding Hood Red for hair, and collar. Owl Builder punch for eyes. Of course now that I have Heat Miser I need to make Cold Miser.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Making Cookies

Had a great afternoon on Sunday making cookies with Sarah. We had to have "Magic Bars". We only make them once a year at Christmas time. Here you see her making the graham crackers crumbs for the bottom layer.

Next its patting it in the pan.

Pouring sweetened condensed milk on top. Had to have hubby run to the store for me to get the milk as I picked up evaporated milk by mistake. Seems I do that every year. I think its my holiday tradition to get the wrong milk. LOL

All layered up with choco chips, and flaked coconut, ready for the oven.

We made a new bar cookie this year. White chocolate cranberry blondies. They turned out pretty good. Not to sweet even though you see the chocolate piping on top. The recipes only calls for 1/2 cup brown sugar.

I still have a few more batches of cookies to make today. Didn't have time to get them all done yesterday.

Just a final thought........

May all your Christmas cookies come turn out.....without any burnt edges!

Stamping Trails
Karen

Christmas Mice

Had to have some little mice for the tree. Aren't they cute? Very easy to make. You will need the Ovals die, Heart Trio punch, 1/2 circle punch and Owl Builder punch.

Use the largest of the ovals from the oval die for the body. The second largest oval will need to be cut into a point to form the mouse nose. Two of the medium hearts for the ears, circles from the owl punch for the eyes.

Here you can see the underside of the mouse. The candy cane is slid in through the 1/2 hole on the top and secured to the underside by using glue dots. Strands of bakers twine, or white twine used to make the whiskers.

The second largest oval will need to be cut into a point you can see by this photo how it will look after it is cut. This will be glued to the underside of the mouse to form the point for the nose.

Hope you enjoyed this fun and super simple project!

Stamping Trails
Karen

SU Stars Blog Hop

Welcome to SU Stars Holiday and Winter Home Decor Blog Hop!

I made this bulge wreath for my hubby to put in his area at work. Just a little holiday decoration that was more on the masculine side.

I started out by cutting 2 1/2 squares of designer paper. I used Frostwood Lodge paper from the Holiday mini. You need a total of 14 pieces of 2 1/2 squares.
For the base of the wreath I used white cardstock cut using the scallop circle Sizzix die. After cutting the squares I ran them over the edge of my craft table to break the fibers a bit. Makes it much easier to roll the squares into the bulge shape. After rolling I glued them together using a low temp glue gun.

Here you can see how the completed bugles were glued around the scallop circle base. For the center of the wreath I used Cherry Cobbler punched with 2 1/2 circle punch. Stamped the deer from Nature Silhouettes in Early Espresso, and used simple masking to add the tree from Lovely as a Tree in Garden Green. Word "Merry" is from Tiny Tags, and inked with Cherry Cobbler. I added a bow using Early Espresso quilted satin ribbon, and gold antique brad. Hanger was glued to top back of wreath also using the quilted ribbon.

Finished size of this wreath is about 7 x 7.

Hope you liked my little part of this edition of the SU Stars Blog Hop. Up next is the wonderful talented Eileen LeFevre

I was number 3 on the list for this hop. If you'd like to start at the beginning please click here

Stamping trails
Karen

Torn Fabric Bookmark

This is a very quick and easy gift idea for the book reader in the family. I started out by tearing Deck the Halls fabric into about a 1 3/4 inch strip. Strip was then cut to be 20" long. I raided my elastic pony tail holders and found a brown one. Fold up 1/2 inch of one end of the fabric strip,and insert the elastic. Use a running stitch across to hold the band in place. Repeat for other end of the strip.

The elastic will allow the bookmark to fit around all sizes of books. Don't sew? You could use fabric glue to hold the band in place.

I used Easy Events to stamp the clock image. Then it was water colored. I thought about printing off the words "time to read", but sometimes I really would rather personalize my projects and use a marker to write what I want to say.

It was warm yesterday so I did my walking outside instead of on the treadmill. Just about got blown away! The wind was really whipping around. Can't complain 53 degrees is great to have in the middle of December.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Little Snow Baby

My little 5" baby needed a new outfit for the holidays. I just love this snowman costume. How cute!!!! I almost think that the hat is a bit to big for the baby's head, but I then I think that it just adds to the charm.

This one didn't take me as long as some of the other outfits. The white is easier to work with, because its bright I can see the thread better. The black hat was another story. I dislike working with black thread the most.

I think I might make a batch of cookies today. Some of my friends are having a cookie exchange party today. Wish I could attend but its in TX. So I'll make a batch of cookies and dream I'm in Texas.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Look What I Got......

My dear friend Marianne sent me this gorgeous paper bag scrapbook. OMG it is just so wonderful. The colors are perfect, and the papers are so me. The binding is done with gold duck tape, how clever!

Lots of pages for me to add photos, journaling, and keepsakes.

I like the little tags, and the inserts that slide into the bags.

Lots of little embellishments just make this book so special!

And to top it all off she gave me a feather pen, made from one of her bird's feathers! How cool is that! Marianne you really just made my day. You did such a wonderful job putting this book together. Thanks for the time and care you put into it. Just love it!

Stamping Trails
Karen

Hostess Gifts

I'm thinking about giving these for hostess gifts. You know me I try to recycle when I can so I've been saving the plastic inserts from the ribbon rolls from SU. I knew I'd be able to use them for something. I wrapped about 4 yards of ribbon onto the roll then used linen thread around the ribbon to hold the tail in place. For the top and bottom I used matching cardstock and the scallop circle punch. For the layer I used 1 3/8 circle punch. Stamp sets used Snow Much Fun done in Baja Breeze, and Gift Givers done in Cherry Cobbler.

Here you can see the side view of the ribbon spools.

I took Sarah to the Hospital yesterday. She got a nice purple cast put on. She didn't want me taking any pictures of her....but I'm sure I'll be able to get a pic around Christmas. Her boyfriend Jason is an artist, and he is going to airbrush something on. Can't wait to see that. He does great work.

Going to have another sunny day here and in the mid 40's. I'll take it!!!! Normally its colder by this time of the year.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Tags Again

Well the more I wrap the more I'm finding I have to make more tags to go with the wrapping paper. For Sarah I'm using purple, silver, and black with snowmen. After checking the paper up to Concord Crush cardstock I found it was the perfect match.

I used 1 3/4 circle for the head, and 2 1/2 circle for the body. The body I ran through petals a plenty embossing folded, and I roughed up the edges of each one to give it more texture. Nose is Lavender Lace cardstock (retired SU). For the eyes I used the 5mm half round beads that I used on the fabric bear. Scarf is Concord Crush ribbon (thanks again Kat for giving me that!).
Other punches uses: Word Window (hat brim, to/from), Trio flower (hat and tag).
Silver glitter paper, Top Note die, snowflake embossing folder (Sizzix), mini silver brads.

Close up of tag. I punched a hole in the top of the tag then put the silver curling ribbon through. I'm happy with it. Hope Sarah likes it

Stamping Trails
Karen

Shopping and Wrapping

Skip and I went out and did some Christmas shopping yesterday. Just hit a few stores. Found some stuff for Sarah and Jason. Can't post what as I know my dear daughter reads my blog.....(Hi Sarah)

We went out to eat, then home to wrap. Didn't do much of anything else for the day. Wasn't feeling well late in the day and decided it was best to turn in early.

I did get to the post office early yesterday morning. Our post office is normally packed on Saturday morning and with Christmas its worse, but I was surprise to find that at 9 am there were only a few people there. Makes me wonder if people are not mailing out packages for the holidays as in years past. Most likely not sending as many Christmas cards as well. Makes me sad....I use to live for letters from friends. I guess writing letters is a dieing art form.

Looking forward to getting some stuff done in the studio today. I still need to run the vacuum as I got mica flakes all over the floor when I was making tags the other day. Oh the trials of crafting!

Stamping Trails
Karen

We Had Some Snow

I woke up yesterday and saw snow out my window. Not much, it snowed about an inch, and brrr was it ever cold. Good news the weatherman said next week we are going to be in the 40's which is great for this time of the year in Ohio. I had to feed the animals outside. Here is the fat squirrel grabbing some peanuts. He was fighting off the blue jays. The jays were actually flying down on the deck and picking up the un-shelled nuts. Didn't think they would do that.

Here are some Christmas cards we have received this season. I have some of them displayed on my hutch. Lisa I'll be hanging the three wise men card over my door for the year. Lisa once told me that if you receive a three wise men card you should hang it over your door all year so you will have a prosperous new year.

Marianne....Skip looked at your card and made this statement......Funny to have someone in MI send a Winter Greetings card...he said someone from FL should send that. I loved the card. White on White with just a touch of silver. Perfect!!! Who knows what Skip is talking about...you know how he is. LOL

Stamping Trails
Karen

Snowflake Tag

I made this very simple gift tag yesterday. I've been busy with getting some crocheting done that I haven't had much time to stamp.

Snowflake die #2 cut with Shimmery White cardstock. One strip 10 x 1 1/4 of Frostwood Lodge designer paper. This was scored every 1/4 inch then punched using the scallop border punch. Folded then glued together with sticky strip to form circle then glued to 3/4 circle of Cherry Cobbler cardstock to form the rosette. Snowman tag from Tags til Christmas. I cut the tag a bit smaller than its size by using the 1 3/8 circle punch. To complete I added some micro flakes. I've found for me the best way to adhere these to cardstock is Tobmo Liquid glue. Love that stuff!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen

Cold

Brrr it was cold last night. Went down into the 20's. We also got a bit of snow yesterday, but it didn't stick. Not ready for winter, but I guess I have no choice but to get through it! Bears have the right idea....just go to sleep till it gets warmer, but I guess my friends and readers would miss my blog posts....so for all of you I'll try to stay awake!

I stamped the three wise men from Come to Bethlehem on a white paper doily. Then layered that on Crumb Cake Top Note die. Background is Marina Mist and the stamp used on that is retired Holiday Print. Cherry Cobbler ribbon, word, and star with rhinestone finishes off this card.

Spoke to Sarah yesterday she is doing okay, and told me her ankle wasn't hurting as much. I know she must be going crazy hanging around the house all day when she is use to the go, go, go lifestyle. She is working on cleaning the house, and I told her to pace herself and not put any weight on the ankle. She assures me that she is being careful.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Recycled Box

I love how this little box turned out. Would you believe that this is built around the cardboard circle from a mini glue dot roll? Well it is. The top and the bottom of the box are made with designer paper and Espresso cardstock. I glued the designer paper and cardstock together using Tombo liquid glue. The circles for top and bottom are 2 3/4 inch. The circle for the top is scored at 1 1/4 inch to allow the lid to open.

Roses at the center are so easy to make. I first punched a circle in Cherry Cobbler cardstock using 1 1/4 circle punch, then I used the scallop circle punch over the hole and punched again. I cut the scallop circle ring open then curled it around my paper piercer tool. After it was curled it was glued to a 1/2 circle of Cherry Cobbler cardstock. I'll try to get some pictures posted of this so you can see how it is done.

To keep the box closed I used linen thread that is looped around the flower/brad on top of the lid.

Stamping Trails
Karen

Sticker Makers

After crafting with my nieces in November they fell in love with my Xyron sticker maker, so I had to get each of them one for Christmas. I'm a bit jealous as they are getting cool ones with tiger stripes. Mine is a plain. Oh well.

I spent most of the day with Sarah. She has a boo-boo.....she took a tumble and fractured her ankle. We spent the day at the hospital. It's not a bad break. She'll have to wear a cast for 6 weeks. My poor baby.

Hopefully I'll get some crafting done today. Tick, Tick, Tick....goes the clock...Christmas is right around the corner and as always I'm not ready!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen

Tiny Bear

Is this not the cutest little thing? I just had a blast stitching up this little bear yesterday. Wanted know how I made her?

You will need the large scallop circle die, and scallop circle #2 die. Fabric of course. This one was made using Deck the Halls. The body is one fabric scallop circle cut with the Big Shot and scallop circle die, head is cut from the largest scallop circle from the scallop circle# 2 die, then you will also need 6 circles cut from the smallest scallop circle on the scallop circle #2 die.

Each cut scallop circle will then need to be gathered using needle thread and a running gathering stitch. Circles are then filled with polyester fiberfill and closed. I used hot glue to attach the circles together. Before attaching the feet I punched two small hearts from the heart trio punch using Cherry Cobbler cardstock. I stitched one to each paw. If you look at the head you will also see that I didn't stuff the ears. I did gather them like the other parts, but I flattened them out after the gathering was finished then glued them on.

Face is a 3/4 circle cut from cream felt and hand stitched in place. Straight stitch used to make the mouth lines. Tiny little black buttons used for the eyes, and a half round 5mm bead used for the mouth. After all that was done it was fun to tie on a cherry cobbler seam binding bow, (did you see that I even added a half pearl to the center of the bow),and lace ribbon for the bear's ear.

Side view. I sat the bear on a round SU container so you can see how small it is.

Close up of the hearts on the bear's paws. I got the idea for the bear on Shelli's blog.

Stamping Trails
Karen