Playing with Scentsational Season

Decided to stamp a card last night. I love this stamp set, and love it more because it comes with matching Framelits.

Had to stamp the inside card also since the base card is dark Early Espresso it needed a cream layer on the inside.

 I'll be going to babysit this afternoon. Need to pick the girls up at the school as they have after school activities. My Christmas cards are ready to go out, but I need to get postage stamps. Hoping hubby has some forever stamps stashed away.

Stamping trails
Karen 

Quick Update

Spent yesterday working on last minute sewing projects. Sorry can't post them as they are Christmas gifts and I know the people receiving them read the blog.

I'll be boxing up gifts and mailing some out on Saturday. I'll be happy to get some of my sewing room floor back as I have gifts everywhere. Love Christmastime but lots of work to to! Next on the list is baking. I'll have to get it together and start a grocery list of the things needed.

We will be spending Christmas Eve with Skip's youngest sister and her two girls. There will be more family members there also. On Christmas we will be staying home. Decided to get take out Chinese food for dinner that day. Skip thinks I'm crazy, but I don't want to cook, I just want to enjoy the day. We can pretend we are in Christmas Story they went out for Chinese after the Bumpus's hound dogs ate their turkey. LOL Love that movie! Since the house used is right here in Cleveland OH I'm thinking about going on a tour  of the house. A man bought it and turned it into a museum, and has everything right down the the leg lamp in the window.

Stamping trails
Karen

Paper Cone Angel

Back with another designer paper angel. This one is made with the scallop circle die, and the 2 3/8 scallop circle punch. Head bead is 1/2. Wings made with a 4 inch dolly.

I found this pattern on the Stampin Connection website.

My two nieces are really getting excited about Christmas. I picked them up from the bus yesterday and they couldn't wait to show me all the decorations they put up over the long holiday weekend. Just hoping I can keep them focused during the rest of the month and days leading up to winter break. They still need to do their homework. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Oval Accent Treat Box

Thanks to Simone Bartrum for sharing her tutorial for this cute treat box using the Oval Accent die. 

Stamp set Christmas Lodge, wheel Etruscan Elegance, and Be of good cheer designer paper. 

I like the design of this treat box because of the interlock at the top. No ribbon or adhesive to hold it together. 

I was really lazy yesterday. Didn't do to much. I didn't sleep well so I took a nap during the day, which is something I almost never do. Maybe I'll get more done today. 

I do have to go back to watching my girls this afternoon. They went back to school today. 

And just an FYI Christmas is less than a month away. How did that happen? Don't know where the time is going but it just keeps whirling by. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Flameless Candle Snowman Ornament

Isn't he a happy fellow? Made from a flameless tealight candle, and 2 1/2 circle punch, and 3" die cut. Hat is 1 inch square punch, and window punch. Retired snowflake punch used for the arms.

This picture shows the candle turned on. 

I used a 3/4 circle punch to make a hole in the larger circles to allow access to the light switch. Snowman body have pop dots in between. Wondering what the eyes, mouth, and buttons are made from? They are pearls that have been colored black with a permanent marker.

The Tree is up....and Snow

As per our tradition the tree went up the day after Thanksgiving. This year I decided to put up the large tree as it has not been up for three seasons. I had been using the smaller Barbie tree, but I was missing some of my favorite ornaments so the big tree went up.

Some old favorites. Reindeer light bulbs. Above them are vintage glass ornaments that belonged to my mom and dad. They are from their first Christmas tree together.

The Grinch light bulb. Under that the new Barbie ornament from Hallmark, and a Barbie shoe tree. I just had to get some Barbie stuff on the tree.

New addition Charlie Brown Christmas ornament from Hallmark. It lights up and plays the theme song from the Christmas play. This one Skip bought. He just liked it. It is cute and we both enjoy the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

Old faves, Sylvester the cat, homemade ornament that John made, Snowman in a bucket, Pillsbury Dough boy (my mom loved the dough boy and ordered new ones each year)and Noel bear wagon. This one my mom bought me from Avon years and years ago.

And of course what would a tree be without some snow? We got just a dusting. It was a cold 29 degrees this morning.

I didn't hit the Black Friday sales, although we did walk down to K-Mart Friday morning just to get some fresh air and check it out. Yesterday we went to the mall and did some walking as it was to cold to walk outside.
Today I'm making my famous Turkey Soup with the leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Going to stay in and work on some last minute projects. I need to get my out of town Christmas boxes in the mail this coming weekend.

Stamping trails
Karen

Happy Birthday Sarah

Happy Birthday to my baby girl who turns 30 today. Sarah you are beautiful woman. Mom and dad are so proud of you. She wanted Oreo cookie ice cream cake. So I made that for her and as not to melt the ice cream only used 3 candles.

My friends know I make use of any type of box I have on hand to use for wrapping. Sarah I think forgot. She thought I was giving her Rice Krispies.

The look her face is priceless! 

She had fun opening up all 30 presents. I thought we would never reach the end of them.

I had to hurry her up a bit as she wanted to ooo and ah over each of them. 

I also wanted to thank Lisa again for the lovely tablecloth. She got me this one for my birthday and it is just perfect! We had a nice Thanksgiving with the family yesterday. I'm pretty tired today. Going to put up the tree later. Got to get some more coffee in me!

Stamping trails
Karen

In Honor of Macy's 86th Parade

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I was inspired by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade that I always watch while fixing dinner. I used SU punches to help me create this punch art.

This is a picture of the Kitty float. Just love Hello Kitty! 

Dinner is at 2 at our house. Some of the family is getting together. Wishing my Dad, Mom, and Tony were still here, but on this day they are all in my heart. 

I may not be posting tomorrow. Not going Black Friday shopping. I'll be at home putting up the tree. Can't wait to do that! I haven't put up our big tree for the last 3 Christmas's as I've been using the Barbie tree. I've been missing my ornaments (I know sounds strange) so the big tree is going up this season. Barbie tree too. Going to put one in the living room and one in the family room. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Pumpkin Dip

Think the pumpkin dip got just a bit messy, but it was worth making it. So good!  

Pumpkin Dip

29 oz can pure pumpkin

2 packages cream cheese softened (I used the lower fat type)

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp vanilla

Mix the pumpkin and softened cream cheese first in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla and spice, mix again. I used my hand mixer. Then add 1 cup of powdered sugar, and mix. Add the remaining cups of sugar one cup at a time mixing after each addition. Serve with gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or apple slices. YUM! 

Taking some over to the nieces this afternoon, but will also be serving this at dinner on Thursday. This recipe makes a ton of dip! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Christmas Swap Received

I received the 12 Days of Christmas swap back. Since I joined two slots I'll have 24 little packages to open up. One each day of December through the 24th. So I'll will be sharing what I received with you on the blog each day.

This little candy favor was made by the hostess Vicki. Skinny cello bag willed with M&M's. So sweet of her to make these for all the swappers. Thanks Vicki!

I got a visit from Sarah yesterday that was a nice surprise. Her car was leaking gas so she brought it over to Super Lube to get it fixed. I went and picked her up and she hung out with me for a few hours till the car was ready. She had a leak in the fuel line and needed a new filter. She also got the oil changed. 

Today will be my last day to babysit this week. The kids have off through Monday of next week, so I'll have a long break. 

Going to make Sarah's ice cream cake today, and the pumpkin dip. Maybe the pumpkin bread to. I'll have to see how far I get. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Pocket Tissue Holders

I did some sewing yesterday morning, and put together some pocket tissue holders. When Deck the Halls fabric was on the SU clearence rack for .99 I picked up several boxes so I had plenty of it to make pocket tissue holders for everyone. These would make great stocking stuffers.

Close up view. Here is the link to the pattern that I followed. Super simple!

Stamping trails
Karen 

Candle Light Walk

We went to downtown Medina last evening for the 27th annual Candlelight walk. Got to see the square all lit up with the tree in the gazebo. Perfect weather for a walk. It was 55 during the afternoon and the evening was still warm. Clear night not a cloud in the sky which was great because they also shot off fireworks.

Jute Box in the town music store.

I love these flowers made from glass plates, bowls, and candle holders. I saw some of these on Pinterest and have thought about making some for the yard. Wonder what type of glue the designer used for these.

Fireworks for Thanksgiving!  

The show was pretty good, and they had it set to Christmas music.

Stamping trails

Karen

SU Stars Gratitude/Thanks Hop

Welcome to the November Blog Hop for the SU Stars group.

Home site link for this group visit here

 

This months theme is Gratitude, and Thanks. Michele got us started on this hop you can visit her blog here 

The turkey card is made using the Bird Builder and Owl Builder punch. I added a bit of crochet thread around the drumsticks to make it look like it was trussed up. Brushed silver card stock with the Modern Label punch made the cooking pan. 

My next project is a very simple origami cone made with designer paper. I thought they looked like cornacopias so I'm making them to place on the dinner plates for Thanksgiving. Going to fill them with nuts.

If you would like to make some cones visit this site 

The directions say to use 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. I wanted mine to be a bit smaller to sit on the plates so I used a 6 1/2 x 9 piece of designer paper.

I used Day of Gratitude for the leaves. Stamped on Vanilla cardstock then cut out.

Hope you enjoyed my little part for this Blog Hop. Next up is the ever talented Denise Floor

Stamping trails
Karen 

National Button Day

Did you know that today is National Button Day? You didn't? Well you know now, so get out the button box and make some wreath ornaments to adorn the tree. 

These were quick and easy to do with hot glue. Added some Cherry Cobbler seam binding and vintage lace for the bow. Gives it just a little pop of color on the cream color buttons. I tried to find buttons that were natural but had some texture. The texture adds interest to the ornament. 

Almost finished with Christmas gifts that have to be mailed. I'm also almost finished with Sarah's 30 birthday gifts. Still have a few to pick up and some more wrapping to do. I'm sure she will be surprised. 

I'll be off babysitting this afternoon. Then back home to finish up some sewing projects. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by. With Thanksgiving next week I'm ready to put up the tree. I would if I wasn't so busy with other projects. 

Happy Friday!

Stamping trails

Karen

Vellum Gift Box

Made this cute little gift box the other day. Made from cardstock weight vellum. I used a foam brush to add platinum shimmy paint to the snowflake stamp. After the ink was dry I did the score lines on the box.

The embellishment is made from a Sizzix die found in the holiday mini.

Top and bottom lids are made using Framelits Window frames on brushed silver cardstock.
Now I just have to find a gift to put in the box!


Went to MIL Kate's yesterday morning. Helped her rearrange her pots and pans, and just visited for a few hours. Always nice to spend time with her. Came home and did some house work. The kitchen floor was a real sight so it had to be mopped. Also washed the throw rugs. Today it is off to babysit.

Happy Birthday to my brother Tony up in heaven. He would have been 56 today. Miss you Tony and think of you often. If I can't have you with me I'm comforted to know you are with mom and dad and at peace now. Keep watching over me big brother cause I still need you!

Stamping trails
Karen 

Folded Angel Tutorial

Since I had several requests on how to make the folded angel ornaments that I posted yesterday I just had to make a tutorial for you.

 Cut designer paper 6 1/2 x 4 1/2. Score at 3 1/4, then make a cut 1 1/2 inch. See the picture.

Next step is to score every 1/4 inch along the 6 1/2 side. After the scores are made accordion fold the piece.

Take a piece of thin ribbon or twine and tie it around the bottom of the cut that you made. At this point it reminds me of the haystacks I use to draw in elementary school during the Fall. I know silly, but it brought back some memories.

At the top of the cut bring down the sides. These will be the angels arms. Use a strong adhesive to glue the bottom of the arms to the side of the dress. I used hot glue.

For the collar I used the 1 1/4 scallop punch. See the photo on where the score lines go. Also punch a hole in the center of the score lines. This will be attached to the 20 mm head bead.

Thread twine or thin ribbon on large eye needle. Run that through the top of the head bead and through the hole on the collar. Knot the thread and glue in place. I also used a spot of hot glue on the bottom of the head bead to attach to the top of the collar. Didn't want her head to bobble.

Completed angel.

Hope this helped. Have fun creating your angels! Great way to use up some designer paper, and would make great little gifts.

We didn't get the snow they said was coming. Some in the snow belt area got some flakes but not at our house. It is cold. Brrr!!!!

Going to run to Walgreens and pick up some photo's I ordered, then off to visit MIL Kate. I need to borrow some of her casserole dishes so I can make some yummy stuff for Thanksgiving. 

Stamping trails
Karen 

Folded Designer Paper Angels

These little folded paper angels were so fun to make. I got the directions for them from a fellow demonstrator Monika. So simple. Lots of scoring, but only uses one piece of 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 designer paper. Head beads are 20 mm. I had to run out to Pat Catan's yesterday afternoon to get the beads. 

Close up view. 1 1/4 scallop circle used for the bodice and the star from the Merry Mini's punch pack used with Champagne glimmer paper.

I think I'll be making a few more to give out during the holidays. They are addicting and since I have lots of designer paper I need to use this is a great project to do just that.

Back to cold. We actually got some of the white flakes, but its not cold enough to stick to the ground.....yet.

Stamping trails
Karen

Christmas Tree Tag How To

Had a few request on how the tree was made in yesterday's post. So here you go.

Start with the 1 3/4 scallop circle punch, and punch three from cardstock. Using a marker or pencil place a dot just a little off center of the punched cardstock.

On an angle using scissors cut to the dot. Count over 6 scallops and again cut to the dot. Don't worry if it is not perfectly angled just make sure you have the six scallops.

Repeat this process, cutting 5 scallops, then 4 then 3. You can get 4 and 3 from one of the punched out pieces. Then just overlap and glue together. I used Tobmo glue.

Here are the pieces you should have to make the tree.

I had some trees left over after I was finished making my tags so I made one more using 3 trees on the tag. Trunks are cut from scraps of brown cardstock.

It was so warm yesterday! Got to 73. Me and hubby took a walk in the park, then did some stuff in the yard. Got some sun. What a wonderful day!!!

Temps going to be dropping by tonight, so its back to business as usual for this time of the year, but it was great while it lasted!

Stamping trails
Karen

Holiday Tree Tags

I took some time during yesterday's stamp camp to make Christmas tag too. I really like making trees using the scallop circle punch. 

It was so beautiful out yesterday. Got into the 60's. How great is that for November? Me and John walked up to St Mark's since they were having a craft fair and it was so warm out. Didn't buy anything but did run into some fellow crafters that had displays. That was fun to catch up with them. 

Think I'll be outside today going to have another warm one. YAY! Going to the grocery store to pick up the food needed for Thanksgiving. Better go make that list!

Stamping trails

Karen