Nearly a New Year!

Hello!
I have been away far too long. I have decided that I must make this blog more of a priority next year. I thank you for sticking with me. I have found that it is easier to just post my pictures on Facebook, so that is what I have been doing. But, I know that my post on Facebook can get lost in the "crowd" and it is far easier for people to find it in their in box rather than surf Facebook!

I wanted to show you a card that had been in my head ever since I saw the new mini catalog, which we call Occasions, last month. If you need a copy of the new catalog, which starts January 4th and lasts until May 31, 2017, please let me know! The card features the Up & Away Thinlits, specifically the large balloon and three of the different cloud dies. I cut the clouds from Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper. The DSP, or Designer Series Paper, is one of the items that you can get for free with a $50.00 order, during Sale A Bration! (which also starts January 4th, and lasts until March 31, 2017) The whole package is perfect for the balloon dies as well as the stamp set, called Lift Me Up. You get 12 sheets of 12 x 12 paper in the free package, 2 each of 6 double sided designs. The dies and stamps can be purchased bundled together which saves you 10%!

 This is the front of the card. The verse is from the stamp set (Lift Me Up) and it is stamped on Whisper White and die cut using the Project Life dies. The clouds are popped up on dimensionals.

Here is the inside of the card. The balloon is a 3-D piece that uses 3 die cuts. I  scored the balloons first and made sure that they would fold correctly.  I carefully glued together two pieces and held them in place with paper clips until I felt that the glue had set. Then I glued the third balloon die cut in place and kept them clipped together for about 20 minutes.  There are three glimmer clouds on the inside. 

Here is a better look at the balloon. You can see how it folds flat so that the card can be mailed in a regular envelope. When the card is opened, the balloon pops up! I love how the two sentiments work so well together. I definitely think this would brighten someone's day, don't you?

Thanks for stopping by today. I wish you Peace and good health in the New Year!

December Blog Hop

Hello dear friends!
Have you just been to see what my friend Barb has done? What did you think? I'm sure it is wonderful! This blog hop might not happen without Barb making it so! Thanks Barb!

It has been so long since I have written anything...tsk, tsk! I really want to try to do better at posting more often. I shall try to make that happen! 

In my last post I mentioned that I had shingles. I was lucky in a way because it stayed on my scalp and face. The itching was intense and I am very glad that I am over it. 

In October I went to a retreat in Texas with my "boss", Diana. We had the best time! It was a stamping retreat and we learned many very artistic techniques. We also managed to sneak away to Magnolia Farms one afternoon. Have you ever watched the show Fixer Upper? This is their retail shop and bakery. What a blast. I did buy a sign for my craft room that says "inspire" that is made from metal. I have it hanging above the door, and now I can't imagine it not being there. It is perfect! I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it when I bought it, I just knew I needed it!!

And now here we are on the heels of December! How did that happen?? On November 29th I had a class here in our home that is best described as a party with paper crafting mixed in! I had the gals bring pot luck, and boy there were some yummy dishes. Thank you all!! Ed made a breakfast Strata the night before, and baked it after the people started arriving. While I was getting all the stuff together for our lunch, the gals started making gift tags. I had 20 stations set up about the house, and they would make one tag and move on to the next. There was laughing, stories and creativity flowing all through the house. Some of the tags used retired Stampin Up stamps but most were current products. Many were fairly simple to make. I am only showing the current product ones for this blog hop. Sorry about the lighting, I caught the last bit of the sun before it was done for the day. The first one is probably my personal favorite. 

 A bit of work gluing all the bits in place, but I think everyone loved this one! 

 You know you want to!! Right?!

 Sparkles with rhinestones, but the burlap adds a country touch!

 Do you see the little metal bell charm?? 

 Fun little epoxy star highlighting the banner!

 Simple! But I like the contrast of the red sweater look behind the vibrant green.

 Another simple one, but the holly paper is oh so festive!

 Santa's fur was painted with liquid pearls. He looks dapper, don't you think??

 Simple, but the addition of the punched dots for the holly berries really makes this one work beautifully.

 This one would be so darling atop a plate of your best Christmas cookies!

 This pine cone one was a favorite of many. They all loved the little jingle bell charm!

The tree shimmers with silver sparkle paper behind the cut out. 

 Silver and red...stunning!!

Simple, but sweet with the new Stitched Thinlets!

Thanks for joining me on this blog hop!! 

Now go create!

But, first head over to Mary's blog to see what fun stuff she has done!!

Merry Christmas!