Gratitude, Thank You & Thanksgiving Cards Archives

Festive Friday: Brusho Country Home

by Nicole Watt | Nov 16, 2018 | Gratitude, Thank You & Thanksgiving Cards | 0 comments

Are you ready for a real challenge?

We’ve got a good one for you over at Festive Friday where we’re celebrating 3D Day (it’s on December 3rd). That means we’re looking for 3D projects OR you can use the other option of a Single Layer project. Combine the two for an extra challenge!

I don’t know what we were thinking with this one. I know it was a big challenge for me as I don’t typically do either type of project. I just love embellishing too much to make a single layer card, and I don’t really have the occasion to do a 3D project. Yikes!

Looking for ideas – here’s a few:

Create some fun projects for your Holiday home from paper-chain garland to something more complex…
Try your hand at a pop-up, explosion, or box card.
Keep it minimal with a single layer card – embellishments and texture are your friend!

Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post to qualify for my monthly giveaway!

For the Festive Friday Challenge #FF0021). Featuring: Country Home stamp set, Brusho Crystal Colour. #nicolewatt #pmretreat #stampinup #thankful #thanks #watercolor

If you stopped by yesterday, this card won’t be too much of a surprise. I’ve been exploring Brusho Crystal Colour coupled with Masking Fluid to make these wonderful one-layer cards! For once, I’m content with this simple, flat design, because it’s anything but flat! The Brusho brings the background to life, and watercoloring instantly adds depth to any image if done properly. In the end, this single-layer design leaps off the page!

Today’s project can be completed in no time. Earn the PDF tutorial by playing at Festive Friday and earning Fest Points that you can redeem for tutorials and other great prizes!

Kick-start Your Creativity

Subscribe for for exclusive specials, updates and free tutorials & sketches

Subscribe!

Don't Forget about the GIVEAWAY!

Every month, I give away a sweet surprise to one lucky commenter. So, don't forget to leave a COMMENT on today's post to enter!

If you loved today's project, I'd love to know! The blogosphere can be a lonely place, so please don't lurk! Leave a quick word or two to tell me you were here!

The Latest...

SHOP NOW
FREEBIES!!! There's no catch - check out my Freebies Page for all sorts of downloadable resources to help take your crafting up a notch!
Need a Color Coordinator to inspire color choices for your projects? Get yours today! "I love this! I have a hard time getting color combos together and this takes all the guess work out so I can start creating right away! I think every stamper should have one thank you for this amazing product." - Sandra

Here's some other projects you'll like!

On the CASE: Happy Birthday Gorgeous

Festive Friday: Snowflake Sentiments

Are your holiday cards done yet?
We’re here to help over at Festive Friday where we’re celebrating Christmas (if you don’t know, it’s on December 25th).

On the CASE: Make a Difference

Get everything you need to make this design!

The supply list is right here! Just click a product to get started. The links I'm sharing are Affiliate Links, meaning that I will receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on and the inspiration flowing here at Pixel Maven's Retreat!

Product List

Country Home Photopolymer Stamp Set

[147678]

$21.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.75

Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[101910]

$9.00

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad

[101406]

$9.00

Stazon Cleaner

[109196]

$5.00

Heat Tool

[129053]

$30.00

Stampin' Spritzer

[126185]

$3.00

Aqua Painters

[103954]

$17.00

Watercolor Pencils

[141709]

$16.00

Brusho Crystal Colour

[144101]

$30.00

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Festive Friday: Wood and Dragonfly Dreams

by Nicole Watt | Nov 2, 2018 | Gratitude, Thank You & Thanksgiving Cards | 0 comments

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Fa la la la la, la la, la…. wait, what?

I seriously just saw my first Holiday commercial, complete with a stirring rendition of “Carol of the Bells”. Really? Don’t stores know that we have an amazing holiday still to come before December? Over at Festive Friday we know what’s up as we’re celebrating good ‘ol Thanksgiving. The USA celebrates this auspicious occasion on November 22nd this year. Sorry we missed you, Canada. Perhaps next year!

Of course, for us Americans, Thanksgiving can mean lots of things, but it usually means turkey, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and football. Oh, and maybe a nap or two! Of course, we’re all about choices over at the challenge, so the and/or option is just simply “Thank You”.

Looking for ideas – here’s a few:

Create something that will complement your holiday decor. Perhaps some papercrafted name tags, or a lovely centerpiece using fun holiday diecuts.
Whip up some fun invitations to your holiday get-together. Everyone might already know they’re invited, but getting some happy mail couldn’t be more fun this time of year!
Work ahead (gasp!) and make up some thank you cards to send to everyone who made Thanksgiving such an enjoyable day!

Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post to qualify for my monthly giveaway!

For the Festive Friday Challenge #FF0020). Featuring: Dragonfly Dreams stamp set, Wood Textures 6x6 DSP. #nicolewatt #pmretreat #stampinup #thankyou #thanks #woodgrain #useyourscraps

I wanted to pull out a little-used sentiment that had started to gather some dust, and combine it with some scraps I had from another project to create a quick and simple thank you card. I was very pleased with how quickly this one came together and can see making a few more with the rest of the scraps I have laying around. This is a great design to sketch out and keep for future use for sure!

Today’s project can be completed in just a few short steps. Earn the PDF tutorial by playing at Festive Friday and earning Fest Points that you can redeem for tutorials and other great prizes!

Kick-start Your Creativity

Subscribe for for exclusive specials, updates and free tutorials & sketches

Subscribe!

Don't Forget about the GIVEAWAY!

Every month, I give away a sweet surprise to one lucky commenter. So, don't forget to leave a COMMENT on today's post to enter!

If you loved today's project, I'd love to know! The blogosphere can be a lonely place, so please don't lurk! Leave a quick word or two to tell me you were here!

The Latest...

SHOP NOW
FREEBIES!!! There's no catch - check out my Freebies Page for all sorts of downloadable resources to help take your crafting up a notch!
Need a Color Coordinator to inspire color choices for your projects? Get yours today! "I love this! I have a hard time getting color combos together and this takes all the guess work out so I can start creating right away! I think every stamper should have one thank you for this amazing product." - Sandra

Here's some other projects you'll like!

On the CASE: Happy Birthday Gorgeous

Festive Friday: Snowflake Sentiments

Are your holiday cards done yet?
We’re here to help over at Festive Friday where we’re celebrating Christmas (if you don’t know, it’s on December 25th).

On the CASE: Make a Difference

Get everything you need to make this design!

The supply list is right here! Just click a product to get started. The links I'm sharing are Affiliate Links, meaning that I will receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on and the inspiration flowing here at Pixel Maven's Retreat!

Product List

Stamparatus

[146276]

$49.00

Clear Block D

[118485]

$8.50

Dragonfly Dreams Photopolymer Stamp Set

[142924]

$21.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.75

Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack

[144177]

$11.00

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[131197]

$8.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad

[147118]

$7.50

Gold Mini Sequin Trim

[144128]

$6.00

Very Vanilla 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Lace Trim

[141672]

$7.00

Linen Thread

[104199]

$5.00

← Previous Post Next Post →

On the CASE: A Big Thank You

by Nicole Watt | Oct 24, 2018 | Gratitude, Thank You & Thanksgiving Cards, On the CASE | 0 comments

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This is seriously the perfect thank you for anyone!

For today’s CASE, I dove back into the Annual Catalog to find the perfect all-purpose thank you design. And I found it in A Big Thank You. If you need a masculine thank you, follow today’s directions to a “T”. Or, change up the colors to create a design that’s just right for the recipient! If you have a Stamparatus, you’ll even get to try out a fun technique – the “step-down”.

For On the CASE with Ann & Nicole (October 2018 - A Big Thank You - 2018-19 Annual Catalog). Featuring, A Big Thank You stamp set, Thank You Thinlit die, Stamparatus. For more details including tips for CASE-ing this card , click through. #pmretreat #stampinup #thanks #CAS #thankyou #handstamped #masculine

Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post to qualify for my monthly giveaway!

Stamps and Paper and Inks … Oh, My!

Stamps: A Big Thank You Photopolymer Bundle [148404]
Paper: 8″ x 4 3/4″ Whisper White Thick Cardstock [140272], 4″ x 4 3/4″ – Crumb Cake Card Stock [120953], 3 3/4″ x 4 1/2″, and small scrap – Whisper White Card Stock [100730], 3″ x 3 1/2″ – Night Of Navy Card Stock [100867]
Inks: Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad [147107], Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin’ Pad [147104], Mango Melody Classic Stampin’ Pad [147093], Night Of Navy Classic Stampin’ Pad [147110]
Accessories: Twine Baker’s Whisper White [124262]
Other: Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets [144106], Precision Base Plate [139684], Big Shot [143263]

On the CASE Notes

(your step-by-step guide)

Score your card base at 4″. Fold and burnish the edge with a bone folder. Adhere the Crumb Cake panel to the base. Set aside.
Adhere the multipurpose adhesive sheet to the Night of Navy panel. Diecut the “Thank You” sentiment. Use the Precision Base Plate for best results.
Set up the lines image on the Stamparatus. Be sure to have the plate aligned to the right so you can “step-down” the notches.
Stamp in Pool Party first. Move the Stamparatus plate down one notch and stamp again. Repeat this for a total of four lines.
Clean the stamp and align it just below the first Pool Party line. Re-adhere to the Stamparatus plate and repeat the step-down process in Pear Pizzazz.
Repeat the step-down process one last time, this time with Mango Melody.

diecut
stamp Pool Party
stamp Pear Pizzazz
stamp Mango Melody

***Nit-picky details: I left my piece of cardstock slightly larger than the finished size so I could keep a magnet in place the whole time. After I was finished stamping, I cut it down to the proper size.

Adhere the finished panel to the card base.
Adhere the diecut sentiment to the card base.
Stamp out the rest of the sentiment on a scrap of Whisper White. Snip out the words.
Pop up the sentiment using a small piece of Foam Strips.
Add a Whisper White Baker’s Twine bow.

adhere
adhere some more
stamp & cut
pop it up
add some twine

How Hard Was It to Crack this CASE?

Difficulty Level: 2 out of 5 – There is a bit of technique to this card – it’s not just a stamp & stick! I was grateful that I have a Stamparatus, because it made quick work out of the striped background pattern. This “step-down” technique is definitely a fun one to try! I love that the colors in this card are totally interchangeable. You can use any color set you have on hand – not just the colors from the CASE. Go monochrome, bright, neutral or regal – any combo will work! The diecut and simple snipped sentiment really help to make the stamped background shine.

#SUontheCASE

We hope our projects today inspired you to try CASE-ing the catalog too! We’re “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest) and if we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

We’ll be On the CASE again in 2 weeks!

Kick-start Your Creativity

Subscribe for for exclusive specials, updates and free tutorials & sketches

Subscribe!

The Latest...

SHOP NOW
FREEBIES!!! There's no catch - check out my Freebies Page for all sorts of downloadable resources to help take your crafting up a notch!
Need a Color Coordinator to inspire color choices for your projects? Get yours today! "I love this! I have a hard time getting color combos together and this takes all the guess work out so I can start creating right away! I think every stamper should have one thank you for this amazing product." - Sandra

Get everything you need to make this design!

The supply list is right here! Just click a product to get started. The links I'm sharing are Affiliate Links, meaning that I will receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on and the inspiration flowing here at Pixel Maven's Retreat!

Product List

A Big Thank You Photopolymer Bundle

[148404]

$31.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.75

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[120953]

$8.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100867]

$8.50

Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

[147107]

$7.50

Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad

[147104]

$7.50

Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad

[147093]

$7.50

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

[147110]

$7.50

Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets

[144106]

$10.00

Big Shot

[143263]

$110.00

Precision Base Plate

[139684]

$25.00

Twine Baker's Whisper White

[124262]

$3.00

Here's some other projects you'll like!

On the CASE: Make a Difference

On the CASE: A Big Thank You

This is seriously the perfect thank you for anyone! For today’s CASE, I dove back into the Annual Catalog to find the perfect all-purpose thank you design. And I found it…

On the CASE: Country Home

Do you have the #1 on-trend stamp set from the Holiday Catalog? If you have the Country Home photopolymer set, you sure do! I’m really excited to share the coloring technique for today’s On the CASE.

← Previous Post Next Post →

On the CASE: Country Home

by Nicole Watt | Oct 10, 2018 | Gratitude, Thank You & Thanksgiving Cards, On the CASE | 0 comments

← Previous Post Next Post →

Do you have the #1 on-trend stamp set from the Holiday Catalog?

If you have the Country Home photopolymer set, you sure do! I’m really excited to share the coloring technique for today’s On the CASE. I’m sure it’s one of the samples that really got you hooked on this amazing stamp set and spectacular coordinating Suite products. I haven’t splurged much on purchases from the Holiday catalog. I just don’t have time to make a billion different holiday cards — but, this stamp set seemed like a real winner to me. I’m hoping to see it carry over into the Spring, and maybe even into the next Annual Catalog.

For On the CASE with Ann & Nicole (October 2018 - Country Home - 2018 Holiday Catalog). Featuring, Country Home stamp set. For more details including tips for CASE-ing this card , click through. #pmretreat #stampinup #christmas #CAS #cotton #country #handstamped #floral

Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post to qualify for my monthly giveaway!

Stamps and Paper and Inks … Oh, My!

Stamps: Country Home Photopolymer Stamp Set [147678]

Ink: Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad [101406], Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin’ Pad [147092], Watercolor Pencils [141709]

Paper: 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ – Whisper White Thick Cardstock [140272], 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ – Gray Granite Cardstock [146983], 4″ x 5 1/4″ – Country Lane Designer Series Paper [147804], 3 3/4″ x 4 3/4″ , 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ – Crumb Cake Card Stock [120953], 1″ x 4 1/2″ – Granny Apple Green Cardstock [146990], 5/8″ x 4 1/2″ – Whisper White Card Stock [100730]

Accessories: 3/16″ Braided Linen Trim [147808], Galvanized Clips [147806]

Tools: Blender Pens [102845], Stamparatus [146276]

On the CASE Notes

(your step-by-step guide)

Score your card base at 4 1/4″. Fold and burnish the edge with a bone folder. Set aside.
Stamp the sentiment in Blackberry Bliss on the 5/8″ strip of Whisper White.
Adhere sentiment to Granny Apple Green CS. Trim excess Whisper White. Leave a small overhang on the right side.
Attach Galvanized Clip to the left side of the sentiment. Adhere a twine bow using glue dots.
Adhere the strip of DSP to the bottom of the sentiment panel. Set aside.

Stamp
Adhere
Add embellishments
Final piece

Make a mark on the smaller Crumb Cake panel – 1 1/2″ from the bottom. Stamp the cotton image at the mark. Stamp a second image on the right side, just below the mark. If you used Staz-on, clean your stamp right away!
Color the cotton using a white watercolor pencil.
Color in the rest of the flowers and leaves with watercolor pencils.
Smooth out the colors (except the white) with a Blender Pen.

Stamp image
Color
Color some more
Blend

DIstress the colored panel using the edge of your paper snips.
Adhere the Gray Granite, Country Lane DSP and larger Crumb Cake layers to the card base.
Adhere the stamped Crumb Cake layer to the assembled card base.
Adhere sentiment panel to card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Distress
Assemble
Assemble some more
Finished!

How Hard Was It to Crack this CASE?

Difficulty Level: 2 out of 5 – There were a few different paper sizes that I had a bit of trouble deciphering, but I figured it out, and the measurements provided in the post are accurate (not necessarily my pictures…). So, I basically did the hard part for you! I really love the idea of using watercolor pencils and blender pens for this project as it’s a nice introduction to that kind of “watercoloring”. Since you’re not using the Blender Pen to blend, but to smooth out the pencil lines, it’s easy to get the hang of how a blender pen works, without ending up scrubbing the paper off into little pills. There’s the added bonus of white-on-crumb cake which is a stunning look no matter what, so, for the beginner stamper, this project is a huge boost to confidence. A “wow” look, with a “wow, that was easy!” feeling.

PS: After closer inspection, there is a swipe of the Light Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blend across the sentiment in the Stampin’ Up! sample. I did not do this step in my version. It’s totally optional…

#SUontheCASE

We hope our projects today inspired you to try CASE-ing the catalog too! We’re “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest) and if we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

We’ll be On the CASE again in 2 weeks!

Kick-start Your Creativity

Subscribe for for exclusive specials, updates and free tutorials & sketches

Subscribe!

The Latest...

SHOP NOW
FREEBIES!!! There's no catch - check out my Freebies Page for all sorts of downloadable resources to help take your crafting up a notch!
Need a Color Coordinator to inspire color choices for your projects? Get yours today! "I love this! I have a hard time getting color combos together and this takes all the guess work out so I can start creating right away! I think every stamper should have one thank you for this amazing product." - Sandra

Get everything you need to make this design!

The supply list is right here! Just click a product to get started. The links I'm sharing are Affiliate Links, meaning that I will receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on and the inspiration flowing here at Pixel Maven's Retreat!

Product List

Country Home Photopolymer Stamp Set

[147678]

$21.00

Stamparatus

[146276]

$49.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.75

Gray Granite 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146983]

$8.50

Country Lane 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[147804]

$11.00

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[120953]

$8.50

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

$8.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.75

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad

[101406]

$9.00

Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad

[147092]

$7.50

Watercolor Pencils

[141709]

$16.00

Blender Pens

[102845]

$12.00

3/16" (1 Cm) Braided Linen Trim

[147808]

$7.00

Galvanized Clips

[147806]

$6.00

Here's some other projects you'll like!

On the CASE: Make a Difference

On the CASE: A Big Thank You

This is seriously the perfect thank you for anyone! For today’s CASE, I dove back into the Annual Catalog to find the perfect all-purpose thank you design. And I found it…

On the CASE: Country Home

Do you have the #1 on-trend stamp set from the Holiday Catalog? If you have the Country Home photopolymer set, you sure do! I’m really excited to share the coloring technique for today’s On the CASE.

← Previous Post Next Post →

Festive Friday: Lift Me Up

by Nicole Watt | Sep 7, 2018 | Gratitude, Thank You & Thanksgiving Cards | 0 comments

← Previous Post Next Post →

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder!!

This week at Festive Friday we’re celebrating the 61st birthday of the United States Air Force (it’s on September 18th). We thought it would be fun to pair up the festivity with the option to include clouds in your designs. There’s lots of fun ways to incorporate a cloudy look, so be sure to check out the Design Team’s ideas!

Looking for ideas – here’s a few:

Go classic Blue & Yellow – typical Air Force colors.
Add in some airplanes – stamps, diecuts or patterned paper. They can be vintage (for a nice masculine look), or cartoonish (for the kiddos)
Incorporate some uplifting sentiments – like “you lift me up” or, “reach for the sky”. I think even that flying piggy from Stampin’ Up!’s “this little piggy” set would qualify – don’t you?
Add in clouds in any sort of way – embossed, watercolored, stamped, diecut, sponged…. there’s lots of ways to achieve a cloud effect!

Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post to qualify for my monthly giveaway!

For the Festive Friday Challenge #FF0016). Featuring: Lift Me Up stamp set and Pattern Party Decorative Masks #nicolewatt #pmretreat #stampinup #balloon #hotairballoon #airforce #thankyou #handstamped

My inspiration design features Air Force colors – blue & yellow – Blueberry Bushel and Daffodil Delight to be exact. I added in some clouds using the Pattern Party Decorative Masks and some embossing paste. It gives the design a lot of fun texture and is perfect for any thanks you might need to extend.

Today’s project can be completed in just a few short steps. Earn the PDF tutorial by playing at Festive Friday and earning Fest Points that you can redeem for tutorials and other great prizes!

Kick-start Your Creativity

Subscribe for for exclusive specials, updates and free tutorials & sketches

Subscribe!

Don't Forget about the GIVEAWAY!

Every month, I give away a sweet surprise to one lucky commenter. So, don't forget to leave a COMMENT on today's post to enter!

If you loved today's project, I'd love to know! The blogosphere can be a lonely place, so please don't lurk! Leave a quick word or two to tell me you were here!

The Latest...

SHOP NOW
FREEBIES!!! There's no catch - check out my Freebies Page for all sorts of downloadable resources to help take your crafting up a notch!
Need a Color Coordinator to inspire color choices for your projects? Get yours today! "I love this! I have a hard time getting color combos together and this takes all the guess work out so I can start creating right away! I think every stamper should have one thank you for this amazing product." - Sandra

Here's some other projects you'll like!

On the CASE: Happy Birthday Gorgeous

Festive Friday: Snowflake Sentiments

Are your holiday cards done yet?
We’re here to help over at Festive Friday where we’re celebrating Christmas (if you don’t know, it’s on December 25th).

On the CASE: Make a Difference

Get everything you need to make this design!

The supply list is right here! Just click a product to get started. The links I'm sharing are Affiliate Links, meaning that I will receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on and the inspiration flowing here at Pixel Maven's Retreat!

Product List

Lift Me Up Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[142896]

$21.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.75