Monday, November 30, 2015

Stampin' Up! Snow Place - Winter Wonderland

Hi Stampin' Friends!!

This week I will be sharing the four cards I created for my Snow Friends Online Stamp Class. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed creating them. The Snow Place stamp set is so fun to use. It's almost like Christmas paper dolls!!

Here is my first card:



Stamps; Snow Place
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red
Markers: Real Red, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter Paper
Accessories: Snow Friends Framelits, Perfect Pines Framelits, Woodland EF, Striped Red Ribbon, Dazzling Details, Rhinestone Jewels, Frosted Sequins (retired)

Kit includes:


1 - Basic Black card base
1 - Whisper White embossed card front
3 - Whisper White pieces: 1 = stamping, 1 = snow, and 1 = inside
1 - Dazzling Diamonds Glitter tree
1 - Striped Red ribbon
4 - Snowflake sequins
4 - Rhinestone jewels

Instructions:

Attach the Whisper White embossed card front to the Basic Black card base.
Stamp the large snowman and the small snowman and the top hat using Basic Black ink.
Stamp the buttons onto the large snowman using Real Red ink.
Stamp the bow tie with Real Red ink.
Stamp the holly and berries using Garden Green and Real Red markers.
Cut out all of your pieces using your Snow Friends Framelits.
Tear two strips of cardstock using one of the Whisper White sheets, to use as snow.
Layer them onto your card front using glue to attach them.
Stamp the "Let It Snow" sentiment on the right bottom corner using Basic Black ink.
If you have Dazzling Details (glitter glue) add it to the top of your "snow banks". Let dry.
Glue your Dazzling Diamonds tree onto your card front.
Attach the large snowman to the left of the tree using Dimensionals. Also attach his top hat and holly and berries using Dimensionals.
Attach the small snowman in front of the tree using Dimensionals. Add his bow tie using Dimensionals.
Place the Rhinestone jewels to the centers of the Snowflake sequins.
Attach sequins to the card front using Dimensionals.
Tie the ribbon.

DONE!!

If you like this card, why don't you join my December Online Stamp Class...

Here are the details:



Order the Reason for the Season Bundle (which includes the Reason for the Season stamp set and coordinating Festive Flower Builder Punch) #140847 on page 31 of the Holiday catalog using the Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3 before December 4th and I will mail you a FREE card kit with 4 unique, beautiful cards to create with your new stamp set and punch!!

It so easy!!

1. Go to my website: Krystal's Cards
2. Order the Reason for the Season Bundle #140847
3. Use Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3
4. Stampin' Up! delivers your order to your house
5. I mail you an adorable card kit
6. You create cute cards!!!

Remember...
Today is the LAST DAY of the ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!

Many items are up to 50% off!!



This is the biggest SALE of the year offered by Stampin' Up!
Don't miss out!! Place your order ASAP since many of the items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Don't forget to do a little Christmas shopping for all the crafty friends on your list. And of course A LOT of shopping for yourself. ;)

Be sure to visit my online store TODAY to place your order!!


And don't forget to order all your favorite products from the Holiday Catalog. Many of them will be gone soon!!



Thanks for stopping by!
Now go STAMP SOMETHING!!
Krystal

Sunday, November 29, 2015

From My Heart - FMH04 - Sweet Nectar Society

Hi Friends!!!

Welcome to Sundays at my blog where I share a little bit "from my heart" and hope to inspire you to encourage others this week. And this week I have a challenge for ALL of you. Stamper or not.

Romans 12:8-10
"If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful. Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like members of your family. Be the best at showing each other honor."

At our church back in Tulare, there is a sweet, young momma who felt called to start a ministry that takes professional photos of ill children. Her little act of obedience has turned into a wonderful organization called SWEET NECTAR SOCIETY. And her contagious love for sick children (that she refers to as "sweeties") has gone beyond just taking pictures of them. She also provides food and meals for the children's families while they are at the hospital. (Please take a minute to visit their website and see the amazing good they are doing in the lives of these beautiful children and their families.)

She leads with passion, cheerfully shows mercy, shows honor, and loves BIG. She is the ultimate encourager.

Last week on Facebook, Brittany posted that the Sweet Nectar Society is in need of hundreds of handmade Christmas cards to include in their Christmas meal bags. Well of course I jumped on that right away!! So I've been busy the last couple of days getting some cards together to send. The sweeties could use your help too. 

Here are the details:



So this is my challenge to you... Gather up some supplies. Set aside a little time. Grab some friends and family member and make some Christmas cards to help brighten the day of a child who will be in the hospital on Christmas.

Here is one of the cards I made:


Stamps: Snow Place
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red
Paper: Whisper White, various retired DSP
Accessories: Snow Friends Framelits, Perfect Pines Framelits, retired ribbon

I wanted to send "kid-friendly" cards that were fun and colorful. I searched through all of my cards and found a few more that would work. Here are some of the cards I'm going to send:


My son Trent made the "plaid" cards with the three Christmas trees on the front. I have a few more cards to add and hopefully I'll be able to send 30 cards. If I can find any more time, I will gladly make some more. I love a good reason to have to stamp. :)

I also wanted to send a card along to Brittany and her volunteers and encourage them on the awesome thing they are doing by sharing the light of Jesus all over Valley Children's Hospital. And to also tell her what an inspiration she is to so many.


Stamp: Garden in Bloom
Ink: Hello Honey, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Hello Honey, Vellum
Accessories: Large Polka Dots EF, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Burlap Ribbon, Linen Thread

I had wanted to use a hummingbird stamp because that is the Sweet Nectar Society logo, but apparently I don't have one. So I figured a bee and a flower would be close. 

Thanks for sharing your Sunday with me!
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Krystal

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Scripture Saturday - Bible Journaling - Psalm 118v14

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Psalm 118:14
"The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."


Stamps: Sheltering Tree, Layered Letters Alphabet, Sophisticated Serifs, Back to Basics Alphabet, Rotary Alphabet Stamp
Ink: Cucumber Crush, Daffodil Delight, Watermelon Wonder, Chocolate Chip, Bermuda Bay

I had such a hard time choosing a verse this week. There were so many great ones to choose from!!! I'm loving the Thanksgiving 30 Day Scripture Writing Plan. I can't wait to see December's!!

I chose this verse because I've been studying Revelation at BSF this year and last week we studied about worshiping God. Many of the verses we read talked about singing praise to Him. I love how in this verse it says the Lord is my song. He is my praise. He is deserves all of my worship. And when I thinking of singing, I think of birds. That is why I stamped the little red bird up in the tree.

I stamped all my words and images and then sponged some Bermuda Bay ink around it all to add some "sky". Then I thought it looked kind of plain so I added some washi tape. It still seemed like it needed something else so I stamped a "cloud" up in the corner. BIG mistake. I should have left well enough alone. So I just covered it up with more washi tape. :)

I did take one "before" photo...

Even if this page has a "mistake", I still enjoyed making it and am glad that I now have this verse tucked in my heart. It's amazing how memorization is just a natural outcome of spending extra time considering the words of verse.

Thanks for stopping by!!
Have a blessed day!!
Krystal

Friday, November 27, 2015

Stampin' Up! Black Friday Peace

Hey Stampin' Friends!!

Are you out shopping on this craziest shopping day of the year? Or are you like me, hunkered down at home doing a little online shopping? In my younger days... ;) I used to brave the crowds and get the deals. Now I plan in advance to NOT leave my house for the entire of the weekend. Hopefully I won't even have to go to the grocery store.

I prefer PEACE during my holidays. 


Stamps: Reason for the Season
Ink: Mossy Meadow, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black
Paper: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Merry Moments DSP, retired black DSP
Accessories: Circle Framelits. Sahara Sand Lace Trim

I thought this card was PERFECT for Black Friday. :) The little bit of online shopping I did this morning was of course with Stampin' Up!

They are having a HUGE Online Extravaganza SALE!!!!!

Many items are up to 50% off!!
Some exclusive sale items are available TODAY ONLY!!!


This is the biggest SALE of the year offered by Stampin' Up!
Don't miss out!! Place your order ASAP since many of the items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Don't forget to do a little Christmas shopping for all the crafty friends on your list. And of course A LOT if shopping for yourself. ;)

Be sure to visit my online store TODAY to place your order!!


And while you are saving money, why don't you join my December Online Stamp Class...

Here are the details:


Order the Reason for the Season Bundle (which includes the Reason for the Season stamp set and coordinating Festive Flower Builder Punch) #140847 on page 31 of the Holiday catalog using the Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3 before December 4th and I will mail you a FREE card kit with 4 unique, beautiful cards to create with your new stamp set and punch!!

It so easy!!

1. Go to my website: Krystal's Cards
2. Order the Reason for the Season Bundle #140847
3. Use Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3
4. Stampin' Up! delivers your order to your house
5. I mail you an adorable card kit
6. You create cute cards!!!

And don't forget to get all your favorite products from the Holiday Catalog. Many of them will be gone soon!!



Happy Stamping!!
And Happy Shopping too!!
Krystal

Monday, November 23, 2015

Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza!!

Hey Stampin' Friends!!

THIS WEEK ONLY... Stampin' Up! is having a HUGE Online Extravaganza SALE!!!!!

Many items are up to 50% off!!
Some exclusive sale items are available TODAY ONLY!!!


This is the biggest SALE of the year offered by Stampin' Up!
Don't miss out!! Place your order ASAP since many of the items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Don't forget to do a little Christmas shopping for all the crafty friends on your list.

Be sure to visit my online store TODAY to place your order!!


And while you are saving money, why don't you join my December Online Stamp Class...

Here are the details:


Order the Reason for the Season Bundle (which includes the Reason for the Season stamp set and coordinating Festive Flower Builder Punch) #140847 on page 31 of the Holiday catalog using the Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3 before December 4th and I will mail you a FREE card kit with 4 unique, beautiful cards to create with your new stamp set and punch!!

It so easy!!

1. Go to my website: Krystal's Cards
2. Order the Reason for the Season Bundle #140847
3. Use Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3
4. Stampin' Up! delivers your order to your house
5. I mail you an adorable card kit
6. You create cute cards!!!

Happy Stamping!!
And Happy Shopping too!!
Krystal

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Scripture Saturday - Bible Journaling - Psalm 147v4

Hi Stamping Freinds!!

I created another Bible Journaling page this week. I went outside my box with this one. It didn't turn out how I had hoped, but I learned a lot along the way.

Psalm 147:4 "He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." 



Stamps: Epic Alphabet, Back To Basics Alphabet, Sophisticated Serifs, Perpetual Birthday Calendar, Perfect Pennants, Rotary Alphabet Stamp
Ink: Night of Navy, Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Silver Metallic, White Craft Ink
Paper: Silver Glimmer
Accessories: Star Punch, Mini Treat Bag Framelit, Star Stencil

Here is a pic of the supplies:


I looked for starry sky images online and really liked the ones that went from dark blues to purples. That is how I chose my ink colors.

First, I simple inked up a sponge with the color and swiped it across the page going from dark blue to a bright purple.

Next, I used my Star Stencil and White Craft ink to sponge on the stars.

After the stars dried, I stamped on my words using Night of Navy ink. The small words I wrote freehand using a Pilot G-2 10 black ink pen. 

Then I used silver metallic ink to add a few more stars. These did not have the "wow" effect I was hoping for so I punch two different sizes of stars using Silver Glimmer cardstock and attached them with Glue Dots. This helped give it some of the sparkle I was looking for.

Finally, I added the scripture reference using the Rotary Alphabet stamp.

I wish I would have eliminated the bigger silver star in the center where I stamped the word "and". The Night of Navy ink does not show up well on top of the Silver Metallic ink. Also, the word "and" is too small and kind of gets lost on the page. I later changed the "and" to a larger ampersand, which I like, but the silver star totally ruins it.


Oh well. Live and learn. I tried using a marker to darken the parts that are on top of the silver, but it still doesn't show up well.

What I really need to be doing is practicing my handwriting. It needs some major sprucing up.

The best part of this whole process is I memorized another Bible verse!!! I just love that!! I can use my creativity and bring God glory at the same time. 

And I love this verse. If God knows each star by name, how much more does he not know and love us who were created in His image? So awesome to serve such an all-knowing, all-powerful God. Makes me feel loved and cared for. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!!
God bless!
Krystal

Monday, November 16, 2015

Stampin' Up! Reason for the Season Dec. 2015 Online Stamp Class

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Sorry for not posting yesterday. I just cannot handle having bad pictures posted on my blog. Last week was torture for me. I had such cute cards to share and the pictures were just awful!! So until I get the camera situation figured out, I won't be blogging as much. But I'm hoping to rectify that situation very soon!!! :)

Until then...

Here are the details for my final 2015 Online Stamp Class:



Order the Reason for the Season Bundle (which includes the Reason for the Season stamp set and coordinating Festive Flower Builder Punch) on page 31 of the Holiday catalog using the Hostess Code: 7CEFETE3 before December 4th and I will mail you a FREE card kit with 4 unique, beautiful cards to create with your new stamp set and punch!!

And if you order this week only, you can also take advantage of the awesome STAMP SALE going on RIGHT NOW!!




How fabulous is that?! It's the perfect time for you to do a little Christmas shopping for your crafty friends and for also for YOU!!! What's Your Type has been on my wish list since I started Bible journaling. Now I can order it and get an extra 20% off!!!

Be sure to visit my website today to place your order!!!

Also today, Stampin' Up! announced the Holiday catalog products that will be retiring.


Visit my website to see which products will not be returning:



Thanks for stopping by!
Now go STAMP SOMETHING!!
Krystal

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Scripture Saturday - Bible Journaling - Psalm 136v1

Hi Stamping Friends!!

At the beginning of this month, a girlfriend texted me a Thanksgiving 30 day Scripture writing plan. She asked if I wanted to do something like this and I said OF COURSE!! I love this kind of thing. Well I decided to take it a step further and I thought I would try my hand at Bible Journaling.

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever."



Stamps: Another Thank You, Sophisticated Serifs, Watercolor Words, For All Things, You're So Sweet, Kinda Eclectic, Alphabet Rotary Stamp
Ink: Island Indigo, Old Olive, Hello Honey, Cajun Craze
Accessories: Washi Tape

I'm really enjoying combining my love for God's Word with my joy of stamping. And since I am a visual learner, I really think this is going to help me memorize these Bible verses so much more!!

I love the promise that God's love endures forever. No matter what circumstances come my way, I can always depend on God loving me in and through it. I love the theme of Psalm 136: The never-ending story of God's love. The chapter reads like a responsive reading. The leader states an act that God has done for His people, the Israelites and the people respond with: "His love endures forever." It is so good to remember all the amazing things God has done in our lives.

Here are all the stamps I used:



My color inspiration came from The ColourQ challenge blog: cQc316


Some of these colors are retired, so I had to change it up a bit. But it's pretty close.

Here is my first attempt at Bible Journaling:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."


Stamps: Layered Letters Alphabet, For All Things, Alphabet Rotary Stamp
Ink: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Old Olive, Cajun Craze
Accessories: Washi Tape, non-SU letter stickers

I'm a newbie at this and it is so very different than creating a card or a scrapbook page. With cardmaking, it's all about the textures for me. But this has more to do with typography and it is FLAT. YIKES!! I just need to remind myself that it's not really the end product that matters, it's the process of digging into God's Word and finding all the truth he has for me. Then using the creativity he has put in me to express my thanksgiving to HIm.

The Thanksgiving 30 day Scripture writing plan from Sweet Blessings is awesome!! 


You can find the pdf and print it out at Sweet Blessings blog. It's really quite simple. Each day just right down the Scripture passages. It only takes about 10 minutes. At the end of the week I pick one verse that I really like and then I journal it. I hope she has one for December too.

I have a board on my Pinterest page called Art-Bible-Prayer Journal that has all kinds of different ideas. I'm still trying to find my style, but I think it will lean towards clean and classic yet fun and colorful. ANd of course it will be all about Stampin' Up! (even if some of it may be retired)

Here is a little tip on how I get my letter stamps straight...

First I lay out my letters on my grid paper, face down like they are going to be when I stamp them.



Then I place the clear block onto the top of the letters.


Now my word is ready to ink and stamp. 

Of course now I want to purchase ALL the alphabet and word stamps in the Stampin' Up! catalog. I also want to dig into storage and find all my retired alphabet stamps. But neither is going to happen anytime soon, so I guess I'm just going to have to get creative. Maybe I will try using some retired letter dies that I have.

I'm hoping to keep Saturdays as my Bible Journal blog day. I hope you will come back and join me again!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Be blessed and be a blessing!!
Krystal

Friday, November 13, 2015

Stampin' Up! Peaceful Pines - Christmas Spirit

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Today I have my final Peaceful Pines card. I had fun using this stamp set this week. I just wish I was able to take better pictures!!! I'm kind of afraid to bring my camera into the shop because I have a feeling they are going to tell me it's better just to get a new one. Maybe I can ask for one for Christmas. :)



Stamps: Peaceful Pines
Ink: Mossy Meadow
Paper: Real Red, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Merry Moments DSP
Accessories: Perfect Pines Framelits, Large Polka Dots EF, Enamel Dots, Red Cotton Ribbon 

I saw this fun sketch on the Global Design Project blog: GDP010


There are some really talented SU! demos on the design team. You should go check it out!!

Thanks for spending the week with me. I hope you enjoyed the Peaceful Pines stamp set.

Remember, today is THE LAST DAY to participate in my Snow Friends Online Stamp Class.

Here are all the details:



Purchase the Snow Friends Bundle #140844 on page 33 of the Handmade for the Holidays catalog (Do NOT buy them separately. You save 15% when you purchase the bundle.) from my Stampin' Up! website using Hostess Code: WESZYAJU by FRIDAY, November 13th and I will mail you a FREE card kit which will include all the supplies to create four fun cards featuring the Snow Place stamp set and matching Snow Friends Framelits. 

It so easy!!

1. Go to my website: Krystal's Cards
2. Order the Snow Friends Bundle #140844
3. Use Hostess Code: WESZYAJU
4. Stampin' Up! delivers your order to your house
5. I mail you an adorable card kit
6. You create cute cards!!!

How fun is that?! You get to have your own stamp class without leaving your home!!!

Already have the Snow Friends Bundle but are interested in receiving the Snow Friends card kit? Then just place any $45 order on my website using Hostess Code: WESZYAJU and I will mail you the card kit. Just make sure and let me know.

If you have any questions, please email me.

Thanks for stopping by!
Hope to see you again soon.
Now go STAMP SOMETHING!!!
Krystal

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Stampin' Up! Peaceful Pines - Playful Season

Hey Stamping Friends!!

Can I just admit something here a minute. I DISLIKE SHAKER CARDS!! Every time I try to make one, they just give me fits!!! This one included.


Stamps: Peaceful Pines
Ink: Cucumber Crush, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Watermelon Wonder
Paper: Cucumber Crush, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Cherry On Top DSP
Accessories: Perfect Pines Framelits, Circle Framelits, Banner Triple Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Cucumber Dotted Lace Trim, Dimensionals, Window Sheet

First off... I want a new camera!! 

It's bad enough when a card gives you fits, but then you can't even take a decent picture of it!! Can you tell I'm slightly frustrated by all of this? :)

So shaker cards. They always sound fun and look fun and are fun to send. But they are NOT fun to make. They are really not all that complicated to make. 
First... create a frame and glue a piece of Window Sheet to it. (TIP: Do NOT use any type of liquid glue for this. Glue Dots work so much better.) I made my frame by placing two Circle Framelits inside of each other and running it through the Big Shot. Very easy.
Next... Cut Dimensionals and place around the back of your frame.
Then... Place whatever elements you want to shake: glitter, sequins, etc. onto your background. I cut out some ornaments from the Peaceful Pines stamp set. I wanted to make it look like the ornaments had fallen off of the tree.
Finally... Attach your frame onto your background.

Pretty simple right? But what always seems to happen with me is my shaker elements stick to the sides of the Dimensionals and then instead of shaking, they just sort of hang there and don't move. And then I start banging the card around and the edges get bent and my frame comes loose and then... and THEN!!! Well you know the feeling... AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!! 

Maybe there is some shaker card secret that I don't know about. If that's the case, fill me in. I'd like to be excited about making more of these.

I went outside my traditional Christmas box and went with some fun and playful colors. The sketch come from the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge: MOJO423


The circle element is what inspired me to make a shaker card. It might be awhile before I'm inspired to do that again. ;)

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to join my Snow Friends stamp class!!!

Here are all the details:



Purchase the Snow Friends Bundle #140844 on page 33 of the Handmade for the Holidays catalog (Do NOT buy them separately. You save 15% when you purchase the bundle.) from my Stampin' Up! website using Hostess Code: WESZYAJU by FRIDAY, November 13th and I will mail you a FREE card kit which will include all the supplies to create four fun cards featuring the Snow Place stamp set and matching Snow Friends Framelits. 

It so easy!!

1. Go to my website: Krystal's Cards
2. Order the Snow Friends Bundle #140844
3. Use Hostess Code: WESZYAJU
4. Stampin' Up! delivers your order to your house
5. I mail you an adorable card kit
6. You create cute cards!!!

How fun is that?! You get to have your own stamp class without leaving your home!!!

Already have the Snow Friends Bundle but are interested in receiving the Snow Friends card kit? Then just place any $45 order on my website using Hostess Code: WESZYAJU and I will mail you the card kit. Just make sure and let me know.

If you have any questions, please email me.

Thanks for stopping by!
Hope to see you again soon.
Now go STAMP SOMETHING!!!
Krystal