What do Christmas, a reindeer, surfing & a mermaid have in common?

The answer is my Holideer Surfer digi stamp! Here are a few creations made using printed and handcolored images of this beachy themed Christmas digital stamp...

An oversized card

(handcolored with markers and blender pen/layored on embossed CS)

A cheery standard greeting card

(handcolored with markers/color blocking with patterned paper substituted

and a decorative border strip added to uneven fold)

A fun gift certificate/special note or gift card holder

(I used metallic gel pens on this one!)

Want to know one huge plus of working with digital stamps?

You can have it at exactly the right size needed...all you have to do is scale it and print it, then combine it with a custom verse you set up on your computer. Now that brings holiday cheer to crafting!

Class Kit Projects for CHA Summer 2010

I won’t be at the Summer CHA show, but I created some project samples for a Class Kit offered by Glue Arts, Cosmo Cricket and Core’dinations to store owners. I created some pocket note pads and gift card holders using the fabulous products and adhesives from these manufacturers. Be sure to email me if you want a complete supply list. I just adore Cosmo’s DeLovely collection’s yummy colors...vibrant jewel tones mixed with some summer brights...and the chipboard designs are so adorable. You will want this collection, trust me! Pairing them with Core'dinations textured cardstocks was very fun, especially using sanding blocks to add some distressing to bring out the texture and patterns. I have a template for the gift card envelope and measurements for the holder, which can be used with Glue Arts’ Glue Glider™ Pro and repositionable adhesive to create your own post it note pad or paired with high tac adhesive and patterned cardstock to create a custom gift card holder for gift giving. Here are some pictures. Leave me a comment and your email if you would like to receive the template/instructions.

Here are individual photos of the projects. I used gold cording with buttons and adhesive squares as closures for the holders. I also used Glue Arts new Raise N’s to give dimensionality to some of the chipboard layered elements. You can even cover a standard pen with some adhesive lines and cardstock to create a matching pen and notepad set. These tiny size holders can be glued to the inside of a standard greeting card or tucked neatly into a putse or backpack for school or shopping.

Day 19 - Surfin’ Snowman Gift Card Holder

What can I say, when you find a good idea, use it in as many different ways as you can. Here is yet another spin on the pull-up gift card holder, only this one folds to a single panel, with a pull-up area for a message or gift card. Folded dimensions are 2-1/4" x 4-14". Flat dimensions are 5" x 4-1/4" scored at 2-1/4" and 4-1/2" with a half inch wrap around seal. Inside panel is 2-1/8" x 4-1/2". For this gift card holder, I wanted something fun and Florida style...bright and sunny!!! I chose Real Red, Green Galore, Whisper White and So Saffron Cardstock. I edged the scallop circle “sun” in Only Orange and the hand colored surfer snowman in  Real Red ink. Blender pens and markers were used to hand color. I added touches of glitz by dotting 2-way glue over the finished art and sprinkling with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The ribbon is 1/4" red grosgrain and the stamp set is called Shellebrate, perfectly adorable for us coastal inhabitants. Have fun dressing up your gift card giving with this fun project!

Day 20 - All I Want for Christmas (Pull Up Card!)

If you enjoyed yesterday’s post, then you are really in for a treat today! This multi-panel card has a hidden, pull-up panel that is a perfect place to attach a special message with a gift card on the back panel. You can make (2) of these from a standard 8-1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock cut 4-1/4" x 8-1/2", folded in 2-1/4" increments. The last panel of the accordian fold is tucked back around and secured to the 3rd panel using a scored 1" x 4-1/4" strip of patterned paper. To hold this closed, I used a ribbon with a tied bow.

Here is a view of the 3 panels opened up, showing all but the pull-up message!

Close up view of panels 2 & 3...TO FIND A PERFECT TREE AND.... FOR MY LIGHTS TO STAY LIT! {he he he} That panel was inspired by my DH who obviously pissed off the goddess of lights at some point in his life. He has been doomed ever since and the lights do not make his holidays very happy! Sorry Dear! I know you lovingly do it for my sake, and we can only pray that whatever lights you put up will stay lit and problem-free in 2008!

Here is the hidden, pull-up panel. Since this isn't a close-up, the message reads...AND TO GIVE YOU THIS PRESENT! (This is where I would attach the gift card on the back side with temporary adhesive.

This shows the back view of the closed card/gift holder. I used the Mr. Twigster set along with the snowflake from the Snow Swirled set. Other supplies: Glue Arts adhesives, white and brown 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Frosty Day Designer Series Papers, Bashful Blue ink, Basic Brown Ink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Bashful Blue Cardstock, Stampin’ Write markers & blender pens, 1/8" hole punch and tab punch, all from Stampin’ Up!®. I will also post in my Stampin’ Up Gallery an alternate version of this card concept using different phrases on the panels. Be sure to check both of my galleries for newly posted card, gift & decor ideas.