Merry, Merry Christmas!

Hey there crafters!  I'm making a mad dash to finish my Christmas cards and I think I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!  While some of my cards won't make it to their destinations in time for Christmas, they'll be out the door before then and I'm happy about that!  Heck, it's kinda fun when I receive a card in the mail after all is said and done!  

I created this card using some Cranberry Bliss ink on my Gel Press and then I rubbed a bit of water on top of it with my finger.  Since it is an oily ink, the water and oil didn't really want to get along but I pushed them to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER".  Once they were "blended", I used a tissue to blot some of the really juicy areas so that my cardstock wouldn't get too oversaturated.  I layed the cardstock onto the Gel Press and rubbed it a bit then lifted it off to reveal the fun textured surface.  I opted not to add any stamped impressions this time because I wanted to apply the "texture" using my sewing machine.  

I machine stitched some meandering lines onto the cardstock then applied some Silver Sparkle scalloped washi tape and a thin scrap of Candy Apple Red cardstock.  I stamped the alpha letters (to spell Merry) using the Outline Bet stamp set and Black Licorice ink then fussy cut them using my Pro Shears.  While this stamp set does have an available coordinating die set, I tend to love my cuts a little closer to the line.  I opted NOT to use the diecuts this time so I could get pretty crisp and close to the stamp line.   I love these little scissors for super fine and precise fussy cutting.  After they were cut out, I used Sparkle Silk to paint over the letters for some shimmer and shine.  I also flicked a bit onto the cardstock panel.  

Assembling the festive "swag" and adding snowflakes was next.  I threaded a wooden heart button onto some Natural Thread and then draped it across the page.  I adhered the button to the Snow Blooms Snowflake diecut (colored with Liquid Color on the Gel Press) on the right with a foam square.  The red/white bakers twine was tied off in a bow (around the foam square) and draped in the same manner.

To finish the card off, I assembled the "Merry" sentiment and added some styrofoam snowballs and a few punches of silver cardstock, added some pearls and mounted the whole panel onto a Kiwi Slice piece of Cardstock.

Such a fun card and I'm one more card to the finish line!  WOOP WOOP!

'tis the season...For SNOWPEOPLE!

Another one bites the...snowflake!  WOOP!  Another Christmas card FINISHED!  I stamped and colored this adorable snowpeople set (Snowmen Days) using Black Licorice Ink and Color Splash Watercolor Pencils.  

After stamping and coloring the background, I mounted it onto Candy Apple cardstock then colored and cut out the snowpeople, I fussy cut with my Pro Shears then doodled a snow scene to match the snowpeople.  I attached some Sweet Berry Gingham ribbon and some Natural Thread to the stamped panel I applied a bit of watercolor to the snow scene then cut it out so that I could assemble it onto the cardfront.  Once assembled, I tucked the snowpeople behind one of the snowpiles.  

The panel was then mounted onto a card base and that was that!  Finished!  

Simply Sweet Snowman Greetings...

Hey there, I'm back with another Coffee Loving creation and this time, I'm adding a little doodle to the mix!

Happy day 3 of the Winter Coffee Lovers Hop!  How have you been keeping up?  I'm working through the hop posts commenting away and have been trying my hardest to avoid recaptcha black hole!  I have avoided it thus far but am keeping a slow pace so I probably will get soooo behind as usual!

As the snow fell today (we barely got a ground covering), I was all excited and decided to add some snowmen to my coffee loving creation.  I'm quite bummed that it didn't amount to much and hope we'll have boatloads when we go back to school ha ha ha.

I used the fun new snowman set called Snowmen Days and then doodled a little mug to hang on the card.  I paired the snowman images up with some festive pine/pinecone paper from the Through The Year Prints collecton too.  Love the pattern and love the rich color.

I added some red sparkle tape and some twine to jazz things up a bit since I just can't seem to hold back and make a CAS card. LOL.  I stamped the snowman and colored him with my FSJ watercolor Color Splash pencils.  Yes, the mug is doodled...a mix I love to do every now and then.  

Cardstock selections include:  Cranberry Bliss, Green Olive, Kiwi Slice

Like the sketch?  Give this one a try and you just might win a special treat at the end of the month!  Just add your creation to the inlinkz below and you'll be in the running for the sweet prize!

An InLinkz Link-up

Santa's Coffee Break..

Yahoo!!!  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  It's WINTER, CHRISTMAS and the WINTER COFFEE LOVERS HOP!  Woop woop!  I'm excited to be playing along again and I've got a fun project each and every day!  The DT has been cranking out some fabulous creations to inspire and invite YOU to join the fun!  

Join us throughout the week as we hop, hop, hop and share our awesome Winter creations.  Just make sure that they include the coffee, tea or hot cocoa theme and you're good to go!  As always, we've got a TON of fabulous Super Sponsors providing some amazing prizes.  Also, we'll have some Flash Prize Sponsors who will also be providing prizes that will be given away in a flash!

For my first card creation, I chose to share a little mixed media card I've dubbed "Santa's Coffee Break".  I included a little Santa Claus wax seal into my card design.  

Santa is always a child at heart so I've added a little doodled smiley face to his favorite cup.  Of course, Santa loves Peppermint any way he can have it so that yummy steam smells minty fresh!  

Check out the little snowballs!  I added a pile-o-snow to the canvas just by gluing them down with my Journey Glaze.  This glaze can hold down anything!!!  A closer look at the canvas might show a few sneaky Ho-ho-ho's here and there.  I wrote them in pencil on the canvas before I brushed some Whip Cream (mixed with a little blue watercolor pencil) paint over the canvas.  I didn't want the sentiment to be overpowering, so there's just a hint of "Ho".  

I wonder if you can notice the stitching under the watercolored snowflake?  If not, check it out.  I used some black twine and just xxx a little santa stitching.  Of course, I had to add a little sparkly and peppermint striped washi to the mix!  

Thanks for stopping by!  All products featured in this card are available in my Fun Stampers Journey Shop.   I've provided links to help make shopping easier!  Oh and the 12 Days of Christmas sale is going on RIGHT NOW!  Flat Rate Shipping of $5.00 is offered for your shopping experience.  So have fun and shop 'till you drop!  

Stamps:  Le Cafe Stamp Set

Dies:  Snow Blooms Die Set

Cardstock/Canvas:  Whip Cream Cardstock, Pool Play Cardstock, Canvas Sheets

Inks:  Black Licorice True Fusion Ink, Whip Cream Acrylic Paint, Journey Color Splash Watercolor Pencils

Embellishments: Candy Apple Journey Tape, Black Journey Twine, Fashion Gold Pearls

Non FSJ:  Gold Thread, Styrofoam snowballs, Santa Claus Wax Seal, Gold Wax, Black Micron Pen

Pumpkin Kisses...

Hello there Coffee Loving stampers!  It's Kerry here and I'm back with another yummy Sip and Share.  This week I'm sharing a card inspired by my travels to West Virginia last weekend.  The scenic drive along the Appalachians was absolutely breathtaking.  I took the colors of the foliage as inspiration and started crafting... 

I selected a Fun Stampers Journey Limited Run seasonal stamp set called Pumpkin Kisses because of the fall theme and how it reminds of my favorite pumpkin flavored treats...including pumpkin coffee.  Since I prefer to drink coffee without sugar or sweetener, I like to make my own pumpkin spice coffee by adding a variety of pumpkin spices to my fresh ground coffee beans.  As the beans are ground and used, the aroma is just fabulous.  This aroma is right up there with my next favorite pine scent that fills my home at Christmas.  This time of year is my most favorite, indeed!

I stamped the background images onto deep orange (Tangerine Fusion) cardstock using Black Licorice and Pumpkin Bread ink.  I then applied some Brushed Gold PanPastel over the images to create a shimmery effect.  After that, I stamped a few flowers using Clear Pigment Embossing Ink and sprinkled some Gold Embossing Powder over that. Thankfully, It stuck to most of my ink and I was able to heatset it so it would be permanent.  I love that some areas (the non-embossing ink) left a lightly embossed area while the clear embossing ink areas left a crisp more solid gold effect.  

I stamped the sentiment onto Butter Cream cardstock with Black Licorice ink then rubbed the PanPastel over that to soften p the image.  After that, I popped it up on the stamped panel and added some hand-dyed ribbon (I rubbed the Pumpkin Bread ink over the Pumpkin Patch plaid ribbon to give it a richer color).
Adding a double bow with a coffee bean accent to the corner of the sentiment panel finished this panel off.  I mounted it onto some Butter Cream Cardstock then attached it to a Kraft card base.  Poof...Voila...it's done and ready to send to a friend who loves Pumpkin Spice as much as I do!

Check out the card sketch inspired by my card!  I'd love to see you play along with this challenge this week!  If you do, please add your card to our inlinkz below and if posting on Instagram, include the hashtag #clcsipandshare so we can check your card out!

An InLinkz Link-up

Sunday Sip...Hello Sunshine!

Hello there coffee lovers!  It's Kerry here and I'm back with another installment of my Sunday Sip!  This week I'm sharing a deeeelish fall card perfect for the hop!  Are you enjoying the hop?  It's been amazing so far and I can't wait to see how much the gallery grows! 

This card was inspired by the beautiful sunflower stamp set in the September Bloom Box from Fun Stampers Journey.  This set is perfect for fall cards and it pairs quite well with the Le Cafe stamp set too! I used several fall colors to create a gorgeous sunflower background: Cranberry Bliss, Citrus Cooler, Dark Roast and Pumpkin Bread. I also used Black Licorice ink for the sentiment.  I chose to add a hint of the sunflower image onto the coffee mug to give it a coordinating look.  Just coloring it up with my watercolor pencils and adding a bit of Journey Glaze made it the perfect addition to this fall card.

A little bling and some Journey Silks splattered here and there and the background was complete!  Notice the diecut?  That's actually a die from a former kit called Decorative Doily.  I love that the die can be used without the doily stamp.  Makes it more versatile!  :) 

Thanks so much for popping by today!  Hope you enjoy the rest of your day and that the RECAPTCHA doesn't annoy the heck out of you while hopping through the Coffee Lovers Fall Blog Hop!

Love this layout?  Join the fun and play along with it in the hop!  There might* be a special treat for someone who plays along with this sketch!  Just post your creation to the inlinkz (and to the Fall Coffee Lovers Hop link-up).

An InLinkz Link-up

August Newsletter ready for delivery!

Hello Journey Friends!  My August Newsletter is up and READY.  Please contact me to receive yours via email!  Choc FULL of fabulous inspiration and information you DON'T want to miss!  

Mermaid Kisses: Subscriber PERK #4

I look forward to receiving my Bloom Box Kit each month.  I love the projects provided in the kit and REALLY love creating new projects from the stamp set.  Did you know that my Bloom Box subscribers receive four additional kitted card projects from me each month?  Yes!  That's right!  I create four additional kitted card projects and full color instruction guides to help S-T-R-E-T-C-H their kits to the limits!  It's a fun way to build a nice collection or just learn new techniques.  

Today I'm sharing the photos from the fourth and final Mermaid Kisses Bloom Box Subscribers PERKS card. This is one of the cards I created especially for my subscriber PERK kits.  Yes, that's right, they get four EXTRA kitted projects and tutorials from me each month of their six month commitment! (Note: Monthly a la carte subscribers do not qualify for this PERK).  I notice there are just a few STAMP AND DIE BUNDLES left in the FSJ store so if you want this set, get it today! Once it's gone, it's gone!  

I decided to take a little detour with this card creation.  I wanted to create a bit more traditional Nautical/Navy themed card so I kept the color scheme dark and denim.  Just imagine this as a seafarers tattoo...Adding in a bit of check ribbon helped soften it up too.

The diecut form was a treat.  I love this decorative die and I think it worked well with this design.  

Thanks for stopping by to see my Subscribers PERKS collection for July!  I'll be back at the end of August to show you the PERKS for the kit below.  I like to keep them a secret to viewers, but to subscribers, you'll receive your PERKS soon!

PS...The August Bloom Box is LIVE.  Check out the FUN Pop Art Bloom Box!  I can't wait to play with that!  Remember, order or subscribe early...before it's gone for good!  Limited Edition means LIMITED!  When it's gone, it's gone!

Mermaid Kisses: Subscribers Perk #3

I look forward to receiving my Bloom Box Kit each month.  I love the projects provided in the kit and REALLY love creating new projects from the stamp set.  Did you know that my Bloom Box subscribers receive four additional kitted card projects from me each month?  Yes!  That's right!  I create four additional kitted card projects and full color instruction guides to help S-T-R-E-T-C-H their kits to the limits!  It's a fun way to build a nice collection or just learn new techniques.  

Today I'm sharing the photos from the third Mermaid Kisses Bloom Box Subscribers PERKS card. This is one of the cards I created especially for my subscriber PERK kits.  Yes, that's right, they get four EXTRA kitted projects and tutorials from me each month of their six month commitment! (Note: Monthly a la carte subscribers do not qualify for this PERK).  I notice there are just a few STAMP AND DIE BUNDLES left in the FSJ store so if you want this set, get it today!  Once it's gone, it's gone!  

I wanted a little peek-a-boo effect for the mermaid so I stamped and colored off the page as well as on the tag.

Notice her scales...She swims really fast so they fly everywhere!  

Finishing her off included some fun sequin trim and some bling on the tag.  

Stop by tomorrow to see the third card in the Subscribers PERKS collection!  I know you'll love it!

PS...The August Bloom Box is LIVE.  Check out the FUN Pop Art Bloom Box!  I can't wait to play with that!  Remember, order or subscribe early...before it's gone for good!  Limited Edition means LIMITED!  When it's gone, it's gone!

Mermaid Kisses: Subscribers PERK #2

I look forward to receiving my Bloom Box Kit each month.  I love the projects provided in the kit and REALLY love creating new projects from the stamp set.  Did you know that my Bloom Box subscribers receive four additional kitted card projects from me each month?  Yes!  That's right!  I create four additional kitted card projects and full color instruction guides to help S-T-R-E-T-C-H their kits to the limits!  It's a fun way to build a nice collection or just learn new techniques.  

Today I'm sharing the photos from the second Mermaid Kisses Bloom Box Subscribers PERKS card. This is one of the cards I created especially for my subscriber PERK kits.  Yes, that's right, they get four EXTRA kitted projects and tutorials from me each month of their six month commitment! (Note: Monthly a la carte subscribers do not qualify for this PERK).  I notice there are just a few STAMP AND DIE BUNDLES left in the FSJ store so if you want this set, get it today!  Once it's gone, it's gone!  

Adding a fun diecut to frame the cute mermaid image was a must for this card!

She's catching starfish, you know!

Even the kelp in her hair is gorgeous!  Take a peek at the little water droplets on the background paper too.  LOVE IT!  

Stop by tomorrow to see the third card in the Subscribers PERKS collection!  I know you'll love it!
PS...The August Bloom Box is LIVE.  Check out the FUN Pop Art Bloom Box!  I can't wait to play with that!  Remember, order or subscribe early...before it's gone for good!  Limited Edition means LIMITED!  When it's gone, it's gone!

Mermaid Kisses...Subscribers PERK #1

I look forward to receiving my Bloom Box Kit each month.  I love the projects provided in the kit and REALLY love creating new projects from the stamp set.  Did you know that my Bloom Box subscribers receive four additional kitted card projects from me each month?  Yes!  That's right!  I create four additional kitted card projects and full color instruction guides to help S-T-R-E-T-C-H their kits to the limits!  It's a fun way to build a nice collection or just learn new techniques.  

Today I'll begin sharing the photos from the Mermaid Kisses Bloom Box Subscribers PERKS.  These are the cards I created especially for my subscriber PERK kits.  Yes, that's right, they get four EXTRA kitted projects and tutorials from me each month of their six month commitment!  (Note: Monthly a la carte subscribers do not qualify for this PERK).  I notice there are just a few STAMP AND DIE BUNDLES left in the FSJ store so if you want this set, get it today!  Once it's gone, it's gone!  

I love the watery background achieved on this card.  

Just the right amount of sparkle added to her scales to make them shine in the sunlight.  

The little starfish in the set are fun embellishments on the card!

And of course, adding some thread and/or fibers is a MUST on any of my cards!

Stop by tomorrow to see the second card in my Subscribers PERKS collection!  I know you'll love it!
PS...The August Bloom Box is LIVE.  Check out the FUN Pop Art Bloom Box!  I can't wait to play with that!  Remember, order or subscribe early...before it's gone for good!  Limited Edition means LIMITED!  When it's gone, it's gone!