More Fall and Christmas

We hope you will join us for all the creative fun during Fallidays! There are plenty of challenges, inspiration, and opportunities to share your creativity with fellow card makers. Be sure to visit Splitcoaststampers and play along with the challenges. You can find all the details HERE.

FF26MerMer5050 - Autumn Collage (no special die required - arrange a combination of squares and rectangles in various sizes onto your background and place your Autumn related items inside these shapes)

USEIT2026 - Bees

For my Autumn Collage card, I pulled out a wonderful leaf set from Bo Bunny and stamped three different leaf images using a variety of rich fall colors. Each leaf was trimmed and layered onto orange cardstock to help highlight the warm autumn tones. The leaves were then arranged across a striped background panel, creating a colorful collage effect that perfectly captures the feeling of the season. To add a little extra depth and interest, I popped the center leaf up on dimensionals, allowing it to stand out from the other elements.

Next, I stamped the Thank U sentiment and layered it onto brown and orange cardstock mats that coordinate with the colors found throughout the design. The sentiment was also popped up on dimensionals, helping it become a focal point while adding additional dimension to the card. For a fun finishing touch, I added a couple of bee embellishments from my tote of crafty items that I am working to use up. The bees were attached with dimensionals as well, giving them the appearance of fluttering over the autumn leaves.

To complete the card, the striped panel was layered onto orange cardstock and then onto a rich rust-colored layer. These colors were chosen to pull out several of the shades found in the background paper and stamped leaves, bringing the entire design together. The combination of fall colors, layered elements, and playful bee accents makes for a cheerful autumn thank you card full of warmth and seasonal charm.

Fall Thank You

FF26ForestRanger - Pumpkin Carving - include at least one jack-o-lantern on your card

For this card, I pulled out a fantastic Halloween die set from Spellbinders and used several cardstock scraps to die cut all the pieces needed for the scene. One of my favorite things about detailed die-cut projects is watching all of the individual elements come together. After cutting the pieces, I carefully layered them to build the scene and added dimensionals behind several of the elements to create extra depth and make the design feel more interactive.

Once the focal image was assembled, I layered it onto a fun gold designer paper from my stash. Since I am working to use up more of my designer paper collection this year, it was exciting to find a pattern that paired so well with the Halloween theme. The gold background adds a surprising touch of sparkle and helps the die-cut elements stand out. The panel was then layered onto black cardstock before being mounted on a purple card base, creating a classic Halloween color combination.

To finish the card, I added a Happy Birthday sentiment since I have several Halloween-themed birthday cards to make this year. The festive greeting transforms the spooky design into a fun birthday card that is perfect for celebrating an October birthday. The combination of layered die cuts, dimensional details, and bold Halloween colors makes this card both playful and memorable.

Fun Halloween Birthday

FF26DCinkit - Holiday Beverage (hot cocoa, apple cider, tea, coffee) suggestion: decorate your mug to reflect your holiday of choice.

For my holiday beverage, I chose one of my favorite winter treats, hot cocoa. To create the focal image, I die cut this fantastic Santa cup and added dimensionals behind the top portion of the cup to give it extra depth. I then die cut and assembled all of the festive accessories, including the candy cane, holly, chocolate bar, Santa belt, and marshmallows. Layering all of these pieces together transformed the cup into a fun and whimsical holiday focal point that is full of Christmas charm.

Once the cup was complete, I layered it onto a piece of music paper, which adds a wonderful holiday feel to the design. A strip of red and white decorative designer paper was added along the left side of the panel to bring in more festive color and pattern. The completed panel was then layered onto red cardstock and attached to a black card base. The black background helps all of the bright holiday colors stand out beautifully.

To finish the card, I popped the Merry Christmas sentiment up on dimensionals and placed it above the Santa cup. The raised sentiment adds another layer of dimension while helping balance the overall design. Between the cheerful Santa-themed cup, festive embellishments, and layered patterns, this card captures the cozy feeling of enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa during the holiday season.

Santa's Cup

FF26CreepsMomA - Halloween card featuring black and purple as your main colors

IC1088 - Pacha Soap Co - INSPIRATION

F4A868 - Orange and Purple

For this Halloween themed challenge, I pulled out this great image from Inkadinkado and stamped it onto white cardstock. It was perfect for the soap inspiration too, with the swirl in the soap looking like the smoke from the kettle. To soften the look and add a little spooky atmosphere, I blended purple ink around the edges of the image panel. I also added just a touch of color to her hair, the fire, and the top of the kettle, allowing those details to stand out while keeping the overall design simple and dramatic.

For the card base, I started with purple cardstock and added a black mat layer. To create an interesting background, I selected several coordinating black and gray designer papers and arranged them into a layered layout. The variety of patterns adds texture and visual interest without overpowering the focal image.

Once the background was complete, I popped the image up on dimensionals to give it extra depth and make it the center of attention. Several purple gems were added around the design for a bit of sparkle and to tie in the purple accents throughout the card.

To finish the card, I chose to use a birthday sentiment instead of a traditional Halloween greeting. Since I do not send many Halloween cards, this allowed me to create a card that will actually be used while still embracing the fun Halloween theme. The combination of spooky imagery, rich purple accents, and a birthday sentiment makes this a perfect card for someone celebrating a birthday during the Halloween season.

Halloween Birthday

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

More Fall and Christmas

We hope you will join us for all the creative fun during Fallidays! There are plenty of challenges, inspiration, and opportunities to share your creativity with fellow card makers. Be sure to visit Splitcoaststampers and play along with the challenges. You can find all the details HERE.

FF26stampinspooky - Thanksgiving (thinking of you, thank you, or just a thankful sentiment)

For this challenge, I chose the Thank You option and took the opportunity to use some of the designer paper from my growing "use it up" pile. One of the paper packs is filled with rich fall colors, making it perfect for this project. I selected several coordinating patterns and combined them to create a fun and interesting layout. To help each piece stand out, I added white cardstock mats beneath the designer papers and cut some of the pieces into banners for added movement and visual interest.

Once the layout was complete, I layered the finished panel onto a brown card base. The warm brown cardstock complements the autumn colors in the designer paper and helps tie all of the elements together. The mix of patterns and banners creates plenty of detail while still allowing the design to feel balanced and easy on the eye.

To finish the card, I stamped a Thank You sentiment and punched it out with an oval punch. An additional punched layer was added behind the sentiment for extra definition before popping it up on dimensionals. The raised sentiment provides the perfect focal point and adds depth to the design. This card is a great example of how a few coordinating papers can come together to create a warm and cheerful thank you card while helping reduce that ever-growing designer paper stash.

Scrappy Thank You

FF26janemomA - DIY Holiday Tree

For my DIY tree, I followed the Ever-Green Tree tutorial on Splitcoaststampers.com HERE.

For my tree project, I started by punching several white twig pieces from my ever-growing pile of white cardstock scraps. The individual twigs were layered onto a triangle base to create the shape of a Christmas tree. It was a great way to use up scraps while adding lots of texture and dimension to the design.

Once the tree was assembled, I wrapped it with gold baker's twine that had been sitting on my desk waiting for just the right project. The twine creates the look of garland draped across the tree and adds a lovely touch of shine. To embellish the tree, I added several gold gems and finished it with a punched gold glitter star at the top. The combination of gold accents gives the tree a festive and elegant appearance.

After completing the tree, I layered it onto a white embossed panel to provide additional texture without distracting from the focal point. The embossed panel was then matted with a layer of gold glitter cardstock before being attached to a white card base. The mix of textures, sparkle, and dimension makes this card feel both classic and festive, while the gold accents add just the right amount of holiday elegance.

Elegant Gold and White Tree

FF26hbrown - Colorful Autumn Pumpkins - use other colors besides just orange

For this challenge, I decided to create a blue pumpkin for the "Not Orange Pumpkin" theme. I stamped this wonderful pumpkin image from DRS Designs onto watercolor paper and then used my Zig watercolor markers to bring it to life. Choosing shades of blue instead of the traditional orange gave the pumpkin a fresh and unexpected look while still maintaining all the charm of a fall card. The watercoloring added soft shading and depth, helping the pumpkin become the star of the design.

Once the coloring was complete, I stamped a birthday sentiment in the upper corner of the panel. I then used a stitched rectangle die to cut out the focal piece, adding a decorative border that helps frame the image and sentiment. The stitched detail provides just the right amount of texture without taking away from the watercolor focal point.

To finish the card, I layered the panel onto a woodgrain designer paper from my ever-growing stash that I am working hard to use up this year. The rustic wood pattern pairs beautifully with the fall theme and helps the blue pumpkin stand out even more. The completed panel was then mounted onto a white card base, creating a clean finish that keeps the focus on the unique color palette. This was a fun way to put a different spin on a traditional fall image while creating a cheerful birthday card.

Blue Pumpkin

FF26CAKath - Inspiration challenge with either a photograph or a saying for a Christmas theme.

I was inspired by the vintage feel of the postcard and the beautiful poinsettias featured in the inspiration piece. To create my card, I stamped this lovely image from The Ton in the upper left corner and again in the lower right corner of a kraft cardstock panel. The repeated design helps frame the card while drawing the eye toward the sentiment, which was stamped in the center of the panel.

For the coloring, I reached for my Prismacolor pencils, which are my favorite medium when working on colored cardstock. The pencils blend beautifully on kraft cardstock and allow the colors to appear rich and vibrant while still maintaining a soft, classic look. I especially enjoy how the colored pencil shading brings depth and dimension to floral images, making the poinsettias feel more realistic and detailed.

Once all of the coloring was complete, I trimmed the panel to size and mounted it onto a black card base. The black cardstock provides a striking contrast against the kraft background and helps the colored images stand out even more. The combination of the vintage-inspired design, warm kraft cardstock, and richly colored poinsettias creates an elegant holiday card with a timeless feel.

Poinsettias

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Fall & Christmas Cards

We hope you will join us for all the creative fun during Fallidays! There are plenty of challenges, inspiration, and opportunities to share your creativity with fellow card makers. Be sure to visit Splitcoaststampers and play along with the challenges. You can find all the details HERE.

FF26snietjeA - Christmas pockets

For this challenge, I pulled out some festive Christmas wrapping paper from my stash. The paper is fairly thin, making it perfect for folding and layering, which worked beautifully for this Christmas Pockets project. It is always fun to find creative ways to use materials beyond their original purpose, and the colorful wrapping paper added plenty of holiday cheer to the finished design.

Following the challenge instructions, I created the pocket card base and folded each of the four individual envelopes. Once the envelopes were assembled, I decorated each one with a red punched snowflake. The bright red accents help tie the design together and add a festive touch to each pocket.

For the inserts, I started with red cardstock and then punched a snowflake from the white layer before adhering it on top. This allowed the red cardstock underneath to peek through the snowflake opening, creating a fun contrast and adding an extra decorative detail to the cards tucked inside the pockets.

To finish the project, I added a length of red and white baker's twine to tie the Christmas pocket closed. The twine not only serves as a practical closure but also adds a classic holiday touch that complements the colors and festive feel of the entire project. This was a fun challenge and a wonderful way to create a unique presentation for holiday greetings and small seasonal notes.

Christmas Pocket

FF26cjnalley - Feature leaves on faux silk background

Following the Faux Silk Tutorial found HERE, I began by stamping white tissue paper with a beautiful leaf image from DRS Designs. Using several fall-colored inks, I randomly stamped the leaves across the tissue paper to create a colorful autumn background. Once the stamping was complete, I crumpled the tissue paper to create the characteristic wrinkles that give the faux silk technique its distinctive texture. After carefully smoothing the paper back out, the rich colors and creases combined to create a lovely silk-like appearance.

The finished tissue paper was then adhered to a white cardstock panel, allowing the texture and stamped leaves to take center stage. To help highlight the warm fall colors, I added an orange mat behind the faux silk panel, followed by an additional white layer before attaching everything to an orange card base. The layers help frame the focal panel and draw attention to all the beautiful detail created with the faux silk technique.

To finish the card, I tucked a piece of orange grosgrain ribbon down the center of the design for additional texture and color. The thank you sentiment was stamped, punched out, and layered onto an orange punched mat before being popped up on dimensionals for added depth. As a final touch, I scattered a few gold gems around the card, adding just the right amount of sparkle and interest. The combination of rich autumn colors, textured faux silk, and elegant embellishments makes this a wonderful card for sharing a heartfelt note of thanks.

Thank You

FF26Dockside - Feature a seasonal animal; bats, draft horses, Christmas mice etc

For my featured animal card, I pulled out this wonderful Halloween image from Inkadinkado and stamped it on white cardstock. To help the image stand out, I added soft purple sponging around the edges, creating a subtle glow that complements the spooky theme while adding a touch of color and depth.

To frame the focal image, I die cut a black cardstock shape in the form of a coffin. The dramatic black frame works perfectly with the Halloween scene and helps draw the eye directly to the stamped image. For the card base, I started with purple cardstock, followed by a black mat layer. I then selected a piece of black and gray designer paper that was a perfect match for the image. The designer paper was cut into four strips and arranged with narrow black borders between each section, creating additional visual interest and texture across the background.

Once the card base was complete, I popped the focal image up on dimensionals to add depth and make it the center of attention. For a fun and unexpected twist, I turned this Halloween-themed card into a birthday card at my sister's request. The Happy Birthday sentiment was also accented with purple sponging around the edges, helping to tie it into the rest of the design. The combination of spooky Halloween elements and a celebratory birthday greeting makes this a unique card that is sure to bring a smile to any October birthday recipient.

Halloween Birthday

FF26sleepyinseattle - Woodwork

For this final challenge of the day for Fallidays, I started with a black cardstock base and built the design from there. A white cardstock layer helps brighten the card, while a piece of woodgrain designer paper from my growing "use it up" stash adds warmth and rustic charm. It is always satisfying to find the perfect paper for a project, and the wood pattern provided an ideal backdrop for the focal image.

For the centerpiece, I pulled out the beautiful Spellbinders Nordic Deer die set and die cut all of the layers from red, white, cream, and black cardstock. After assembling the various pieces, the deer really came to life with its layered details and striking contrast of colors. The rustic wood background pairs wonderfully with the Nordic-inspired design, giving the card a cozy holiday feel.

Because the antlers are quite delicate, I chose to adhere the deer directly to the woodgrain paper rather than popping it up. This provided additional stability while keeping all of the intricate details secure. To finish the card, I stamped a Merry Christmas sentiment and die cut it using a banner die. The banner was tucked just beneath the antlers in the upper corner, adding the perfect finishing touch without distracting from the handsome deer. The combination of rustic textures, layered die cuts, and a simple holiday greeting creates a classic Christmas card that is both elegant and festive.

Festive Deer

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Santa's Laundry

WT1126 - Laundry Day

For this card, I pulled out this really fun Northwoods image and stamped it on white cardstock, adding the Merry Christmas sentiment above it. I colored both the image and the sentiment with copics, bringing out all the sweet winter details.

Next, I trimmed the panel and layered it over a piece of Christmas designer paper that added a warm seasonal feel. To finish the card, I added several snowflakes, layering them to create texture and dimension that complement the cozy winter scene.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Santa's Laundry 

Several Christmas Cards

We hope you will join us for all the creative fun during Fallidays! There are plenty of challenges, inspiration, and opportunities to share your creativity with fellow card makers. Be sure to visit Splitcoaststampers and play along with the challenges. You can find all the details HERE.

FF26vikkijoA - Farm; Trucks, Tractors, Trailers (loaded with harvest), Wheelbarrows....

For this fun challenge, I pulled out a favorite truck die set from Spellbinders and die cut all the pieces needed to create the truck and its festive cargo. To make the most of my supplies, I used as many cardstock scraps as possible for the various layers and details. It is always satisfying to turn leftover pieces into a finished project, and the mix of colors helped bring this cheerful holiday scene to life.

For the background, I selected a vintage-inspired Christmas designer paper that incorporated many of the same colors used on the truck. This helped create a cohesive look while allowing the truck to remain the focal point of the design. The patterned paper was layered onto a light blue mat that mirrors the blue used on the truck, then adhered to a clean white card base for a crisp finished appearance.

To add extra dimension, both the truck and the Christmas sentiment were popped up on foam dimensionals. The added layers give the card more depth and help draw the eye to the focal elements. With its nostalgic holiday feel, festive colors, and playful design, this card captures the excitement of delivering special Christmas surprises throughout the season.

Ho Ho Ho

FF26annsforte3A - SNOW - Lets see snow on our Christmas cards

For this challenge, I reached for a beautiful piece of designer paper that makes creating quick and easy holiday cards a breeze. The festive design is striking enough to stand on its own, making it perfect for a simple layout while still delivering plenty of Christmas charm. I trimmed the paper to size and layered it onto red cardstock to help frame the design and emphasize the rich holiday colors.

The layered panel was then attached to a white card base, keeping the overall design bright and clean. The contrast of the white background allows the patterned paper to take center stage while the red matting adds a classic seasonal touch.

To finish the card, I popped up a bold red Merry Christmas sentiment using dimensionals for added depth and interest. A few scattered red pearls were the perfect final embellishment, adding a bit of shine and helping tie all the elements together. Sometimes the simplest designs make the biggest impact, and this card came together quickly while still feeling festive and elegant.

Carolers

FF26rubyheartedmom - Something Fancy--make an elegant holiday card with something fancy you purchased but never or rarely use

For this Something Fancy challenge, I created a festive card filled with special details and textures that give it an elegant holiday feel. My favorite part was using silver DMC floss to stitch this adorable Spellbinders die-cut design. I die cut all of the pieces needed for the scene and added stitching to several elements, including the candy and the reindeer's nose. The stitching adds wonderful texture and gives the card a handcrafted, fancy touch that makes it feel extra special.

To bring in a bit of holiday sparkle, I used red glitter foam for the J, Y, and berry accents. The shimmer from the glitter foam helps those elements stand out and adds another layer of interest to the design. Once the scene was assembled, I layered it onto festive red and white striped paper, which provides the perfect backdrop for the colorful die-cut elements.

The striped panel was then layered onto green and white designer paper, creating a cheerful combination of patterns and colors. Between the stitched details, sparkling accents, and multiple layers, this card has plenty of fancy holiday charm while still maintaining a fun and whimsical feel. The silver stitching catches the light beautifully, and the glittery accents add just the right amount of Christmas sparkle to complete the design.

Joy

FF26susanbri - Holly and/or mistletoe

For the last challenge of the day for Fallidays, we were asked to use holly and/or mistletoe on our projects. To create this card, I started with a unique piece from my stash. Several years ago, my sister gave me a decorative Christmas box to use in my cardmaking. Although the box had become quite worn over time, there were still some beautiful sections that could be repurposed. I was able to cut it down and give the artwork new life on a few different cards, making this project a fun way to recycle and preserve a special item.

I layered one of the decorative pieces from the box onto a white card base, creating an instant festive background. For the focal image, I stamped a wonderful holly-themed image from DRS Designs onto white cardstock and colored it with Copic markers. The bright colors really bring the image to life and coordinate beautifully with the vintage Christmas design from the box.

To add extra interest and dimension, I popped the colored image up on foam dimensionals before adhering it to the card front. The raised focal panel helps draw the eye to the holly image while adding depth to the overall design. I love how this card combines a recycled element with stamped and colored details, creating a festive holiday card filled with both charm and memories.

Season's Greetings

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Mother's Day

 

SC1135 - this week's sketch on splitcoaststampers.com

For this card, I was immediately drawn to the sketch because the bold trim on this designer paper fit the layout so perfectly. I trimmed the panel and added it to a purple card base, letting that strong border set the tone for the entire design.

Next, I die cut the center panels and layered them over the designer paper, then added the Happy Mother's Day sentiment, also die cut and placed neatly on the center panel. The clean lines of the sketch made a wonderful foundation for building the floral accents.

To finish the card, I pulled out my drawers of flowers and leaves, added shaping to each piece, and arranged them around the sentiment layer. A touch of Nuvo Drops added soft detail, and the pink bow at the bottom of the sentiment brought a sweet, polished final touch.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Mother's Day

Teachers Rule

 

CAS919 - World Teachers Day

For this card, I was delighted to see a school themed challenge because with three teachers in the family and a school bus driver, these designs are always useful and appreciated. I pulled out a fantastic retired Stampendous set and stamped three of the images on white cardstock, then trimmed the panel and added a bright yellow highlight layer to make the scene stand out.

While going through my tote of items to use up, I found an old ruler piece that fit the theme perfectly and added just the right touch of interest. I placed it on a black card base, then popped the stamped panel up on dimensionals to give the layout a bit more lift and presence.

To finish the card, I added a scattering of yellow gems for a cheerful pop of color.

Thank you for stopping by to see my card today. Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated. If you leave a note, a visit to your blog will follow.

Teachers Rule