Stampin' With Michelle Pepper

On the sixth day of Christmas... Thought I'd better document on the blog what our Christmas card design was for 2014 so I don't embarrass myself sending a similar design next year, lol. I sent most of the cards out on the 19th Dec this year, one day earlier than last year. My goal is to have it in peep's letter box by 1 Dec so they can enjoy it and think of me (LOL) all of December. Next year maybe... Even though I have a small-ish list  (compared to some friends I know who sends out like 150 Christmas cards!) it is still large enough that a simple yet effective design is called for. It was a tough decision but in the end I have chosen to go with the Very Vanilla base because 1) last year's card was white on white, so this year's ought to be different and 2) it's easy to access white card stock in regular retail store, but a colour such as Very Vanilla is not so common, and somehow, seems higher end to me. The tree image is from the all dependable,

As we all know, trends come and go, and they return, much to the delight of some and not to others. Well, shaker cards and sequins have made a comeback it seems, so of course I have to make at least one this year :-) This card features the Endless Wishes stamp set - don't you love that you can bend photopolymer stamps to create a different look? Just for fun, I thought I'll do that to the "Christmas" part of the sentiment. Clear embossing the snowflakes also added interest to this card. (ps: I thought I had published this but I just found out tonight that it was flagged as draft. Have put it up anyway since technically it is still Christmas season...we're only on the 4th day of Christmas.)

Death is no respector of time or seasons :-( While many will enjoy the warmth and joy that is of the season of Christmas, unfortunately, many will be facing a Christmas without their lost loved ones. I don't think I am ever so aware of this as I am this year. I must be growing old, or just growing up. "Aunty Vera" lived to past the good ole age of 101. She will be remembered by me as the lovely kind lady who always made me and my boys feel so welcomed. And as an inspiration of maintaining youthfulness no matter how old you get.

Hosted my last 2014 Connect Through Stampin' Up! Craft evening last night - was so much fun. The reaction from the ladies when I presented this (Janine Tinklenberg inspired) card to them was priceless! "Wow!" "I am going to make this card tonight?" (as in, "you really think I am able to make this complicated looking card?") Yes, yes, YES! The ladies rose to the challenge and not only did they make their cards, they even put their own spin and design on it. So, I proudly present their work of art (except Irene's because I forgot to take a picture of hers before she left): Rachel's Block: Ana's Block: Margarita's Block: This is the side view of the side step card. Don't you think this Holiday Home stamp and die bundle (#137631) set is simply made for this kind of card? My classes resume again in January 2015: Friday 16th January, 2015 - 7.30pm $10 per person Saturday 17th January, 201

Click on the image above to shop from my online shop.  One of my top picks from this incredible Sale is the Under The Tree Specialty Designer Paper (p5, current Holiday Catalogue). Buy it here . These papers are cardstock weight kraft sheets with colour print on one side and white printed patterns on the other. Makes for nice sturdy gift boxes such as these: Aren't they just so adorable and functional for Christmas time? Besides, the patterns are quite neutral so they are suitable for both boys and girls. I don't think you can go wrong with this DSP.  Isn't it amazing that these boxes began life just like this: Under The Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper for $18.89 while stock lasts. 12 sheets of 12" x 12" cardstock weight.

These were quick to put together, thanks to Stampin' Up! Tiny Treat Boxes from the Holiday Catalogue. For just $14.50, I got 25 boxes all pre cut already so I just have to assemble together, no adhesive required. I already had a ton of red 1" circles cut out from another project I did with peeps several years ago (yup, I have kept them all these years, thinking I will put it to good use one day!). As it was pretty late at night on the 1 Dec when I put these together, I decided to just hand write the numbers in Chalkboard Pen. These boxes are all filled with 6 treats each for the 6 members of our family (sigh, little 3yr old gets them too, even though with my firstborn, he would not have been allowed sweet treats every day when he was 3 yrs old!) I think it is more exciting than the commercial advent chocolates because those are the same choccies each day. The kids get a surprise each day because the boxes are filled with different treats. The hard work is on my part,