Christmas Card

NND OCTOBER Release Day 2 – Holiday Home + Christmas Cactus

| marialrussell

It is Day 2 of the October reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  I hope you were able to check out yesterday’s reveal.  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through ’til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

For today’s reveals, we are showcasing the Holiday Home Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies with the Christmas Cactus Stamp Set and Dies.

When I first saw this Holiday Home Stamp Set, I immediately thought of this design in my head. I knew wanted to create a storybook scene to capture this magical Christmas evening. I paired it up with the Snow Globe Scenes stamp set.

I started by creating the background panel by ink-blending the background with distress oxide inks on some Bristol Smooth white card stock. I sprayed it with water and picked up the excess with paper towel.

Next, I stamped the images from the Holiday Home Stamp Set and Snow Globe Scenes on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored the images in with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  I used the coordinating die to die-cut them all out.

To create the snowbanks, I die-cut some Neenah solar white card stock using the Land Border Dies and the Sea Border Dies. I colored the edges with my alcohol markers in blue and used the blender to soften the edges.

Having all of the components on hand, I started to assemble the card. The background panel was adhered on some A2-size white notecard. I foam-mounted the first snowbank for added dimension and added the second one with liquid glue. I adhered the colored images on the card panel with either foam or liquid adhesive.

I stamped the sentiment on the foreground with Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored the letters with the same markers I used to color the images, for a more cohesive look. I finished my card design by adding Stickles to the “snowy” trees and the hats.

The next card is Clean & Simple. I stamped the images a few times on some Bristol smooth white card stock with Versafine ink in Onyx Black. I colored the images in with Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers.

I adhered the colored panel on some A2-size white notecard.

I finished the card design by stamping the sentiment on some black card stock with Versamark ink. I sprinkled some white embossing powder to this and heat-set with my heating tool. I fussy-cut the sentiment and adhered on the card with liquid glue.

Would you like to win the “Holiday Home” or the “Christmas Cactus”  Stamp Set?  We will choose ONE lucky winner for each stamp set!

Here’s how to win: Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)!  The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday, October 14th at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, October 15th. 

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Tina Herbeck

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Maria Russell (you are here)

Farhana Sarker

Tatiana Trafimovich

Samantha VanArnhem

Amanda Wilcox

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CC Designs October Release – CUTE PENGUINS

| marialrussell

HELLO and welcome to the October Reveal Day by CC Designs. The Design Team is so excited to share with you a few projects that we created showcasing the CUTE PENGUINS Stamp Set and coordinating dies.

I started by stamping the images from the Cute Penguins stamp set on some Neenah solar white card stock with Memento Tuxedo black ink. I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and used the coordinating dies to die-cut them all out.

Next, I used a die from my collection to create a box card and also die-cut the birch trees to create my winter scene. I assembled them quickly with liquid glue.

I finished my design by stamping the sentiment on the pattern paper strip and adhered on the card using my tape runner. I added the red bow to the middle of the birch tree for that extra cuteness.

The CC Designs Creative Team has some amazing inspiration for you, using the products featured here today. Please don’t forget to visit CC Designs’ Instagram account to see more inspiration from the team.

The supplies I used are listed and linked below. Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

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Two Foiled Cards – LDRS Creative & ThermOWeb Collaboration Week

| marialrussell
Hello everyone, it’s Maria here on the blog with you and it’s my turn to share my projects using products from LDRS Creative & ThermOWeb!  I was so inspired that I created two projects!  There is a giveaway on our Instagram hop so head on over to my instagram account  (Maria Russell Instagram Page) to participate and win some prizes from both companies.
For my first card below, I am showcasing the adorable Prepare for Santa – Winnie stamp set along with Christmas Wishes Sentiment Stack, Wave Ribbon Stack Coordinating die and  TOW/Brutus Monroe Foil Transfer in Red Static and Designer Toner Sheets in Peppermint Twist.
To make my first card, I stamped my image on some Neenah solar white card stock using Raven Hybrid ink and colored my images in with alcohol markers.  I used my precision snips to fussy-cut the image and adhered this piece on some pre-cut oval card stock packs in white and black.
Next, I cut some TOW/Brutus Monroe Foil Transfer in Red Static just big enough to cover the Designer Toner Sheet in Peppermint Twist and ran this through my laminating machine. I adhered this on some black card base and added my focal image on the card.
I finished my design by adding the sentiment that was stamped and embossed using Watermark Embossing Pad, White Embossing Powder and the Christmas Wishes Sentiment Stack, and die-cut using the Wave Ribbon Stack Coordinating die.  I also used some white gel pen and drew dots on the foil and my focal image, and some Stickles for added texture and interest.  Here’s a little close-up:
I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and die-cut using the Panda Play die set.  I adhered the beautiful starry background from the Haunted Halloween 6×6 paper pack on some A2-size black card base.
Next, I cut some TOW DecoFoil Clear Toner Sheet in Starry Night and TOW/Brutus Monroe Foil Transfer Sheet in Gold Staticthe measuring 4 1/4 by 5 1/2, and ran this through my laminating machine.  I adhered this piece on top of the patterned paper with some liquid glue.
Since this is a night-time scene, I die-cut the grass using the In the Grass border die set on some black card stock and adhered on the card using the Scotch ATG Adhesive.  I used the same tape runner to adhere the Panda and the moon.
I finished my design by adhering the MISS You sentiment that was die-cut using the Miss You die set and some gold glitter card stock and adhered the red enamel heart on the back of the Panda for added texture and interest.  Here’s another look:
I had so much fun creating these cards using products from both companies!   Come back this week to check out more inspiration from the design team.  The supplies I use are listed and linked below.  Thanks so much for stopping by and have an amazing day!
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Not A Creature Was Stirring…..

| marialrussell

Hello Newton’s Nook fans! I’m back today to share with you this cute “cheesy” Christmas card, showcasing the Naughty & Mice stamp set and coordinating dies, along with the Banner Trio die set,  Pines & Holly die set and Circle Frames die set.

To make my card, I die-cut an A2 size panel of some yellow card stock and used one of the circle die from the Circle Frames die set to die-cut a few holes.  I wanted this piece to look like “cheese”.  I inked up this panel with some Fossilized Amber distress oxide ink to create some shadows for added texture.  I foam-mounted this piece on an A-2 size card base for added dimension and my scissors to cut-off the excess.

Next, I stamped the mice on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored them in my alcohol markers.  I used the coordinating dies to cut them out.  I die-cut the pine boughs using the Pines & Holly die set and adhered on the card with liquid glue.

I added the mice with foam adhesive and finished my design by adding the sentiment strip that was die-cut using the Banner Trio die set.  Easy Peasy!  Here’s another look:

I hope you like my card today.  The supplies I use are listed and linked below.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have an amazing day!

———SUPPLIES———–



NND October Release Day 4 – Holiday Post and Christmas Roundabout

| marialrussell

It is the last day of the reveals by Newton’s Nook Designs.  I hope you were able to check out the last three days of the reveal.  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

For Day 4, we are showcasing with the Holiday Post stamp set and coordinating dies with the Christmas Roundabout stamp set that coordinates with the Circle Frames die set and the Banner Trio die set.

To make my first project, I started by stamping the images on some Neenah solar white card stock and colored them in with alcohol markers.  I used the coordinating dies to die-cut them out.

The background was ink-blended with Faded Jeans, Black Soot, Seedless Preserves, Victorian Velvet, Antique Linen.  For added texture, I sprayed it with some water and picked up the excess with my paper towel.  

I die-cut the trees from the Forest Scene Builder die set, the snowbanks with the Land Border and Sky Borders die set and adhered onto the colored panel.

My adhered the focal image onto the card and finished my design by adding the sentiment, die-cut using the Holiday Greetings die set on some glittered card stock.  I finished my design by adding the snow using my white Posca paint pen.

For my next project, I stamped the images on some Neenah solar white and colored them in with alcohol markers.  I used the Circle Frames die to die-cut the image.

To ground the focal image, I added some red circle frame with some liquid glue.  Next step was to create the shaker well, that I die-cut using a die from my collection.  I used some snowflake sprinkles as my shaker element.

I finished my design by adding the sentiment, die-cut using the Banner Trio die set.

Would you like to win the “Holiday Post”  Stamp Set or the “Christmas Roundabout”  Stamp Set? We will choose ONE lucky winner for each stamp set!

Here’s how to win: Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday October 22nd at 9pm EST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, October 23rd.

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Ellen Haxelmans

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Zsofia Molnar

Maria Russell (you are here)

Andrea Shell

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amy Tsuruta

Amanda Wilcox

——-SUPPLIES——



It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas with Spectrum Noir Water-Reactive Inks

| marialrussell

Hello Spectrum Noir fans!   Maria Russell here with you today from the Spectrum Noir tutorial design team.  I am up on the blog sharing this cute Gnome Christmas card, showcasing some SN Harmony Water-Reactive Inks to create my winter background and SN Classique Markers.

 

For my focal image, stencil and die-cuts, I am showcasing the Simon Says Stamp Gnome die, Petite Snow Stencil by Newton’s Nook Designs, Forest Scene Builder Die set and stitched border die.

 

To begin, I die-cut the Gnome with some SN Ultra white Premium Card stock and colored card stock.  I colored the nose with SN TriBlend Markers in Fair Skin Blend and the beard with SN Classique Markers in BG1 and BG2.  I adhered the pieces together with some liquid glue.

 

On an A2-size piece of Bristol Smooth white card stock, I ink-blended my background using some Harmony Water Reactive Inks in Straw Bale.  I the light pink colorwith the SN Water Reactive Ink in Pink Tulip.

 

 

To create a nice gradation of colors, I added the Fuchsia and kept blending back and forth between the colors.

 

I sprayed the ink-blended background with some water and dabbed it with some paper towel to dry.

 

 

To create my snow, I used Newton’s Nook Petite Snow stencil with Deco Foil Metallix Gel in Pearl White.

 

I didn’t add the gel at the bottom of the card since this will be covered by another die-cut.

I die-cut the trees using the Forest Builder die set by Newton’s Nook Designs and the snow hill using Lawn Fawn’s Stitched border die on some white card stock.

 

 

I adhered the trees and the snow hill with some liquid adhesive.

 

I stamped my sentiment with some Finesse Alcohol Proof Dye Ink in Black Noir.

 

Before adhering my focal image to  the card, I added some crystal lacquer to the Gnome’s beanie for added texture and dimension.

 

I foam-mounted the Gnome on my card.  Here’s what it looks like:

 

 

I think this card turned out really cute and festive!  Even though it seemed like it takes forever to put it together, it really is such a simple card to make.  Isn’t he super adorable?  I love the winter background using the Harmony Water Reactive inks against the white trees and snow hill.

 

Here’s a closer look:

 

 

I hope you like my Christmas card today.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.  Thank you for stopping by and happy stamping!

 

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Easy Christmas Cards with Therm-O-Web

| marialrussell

I am super excited to share today’s post because I am guest-designing for Therm-O-Web!   I was approached by the beautiful Julia Sandvoss and she had sent me some awesome Therm-O-Web (“TOW”) products to try.  Let me just say…. WOW!  I am completely blown away by these products!  Stay tuned in the next few weeks as I will have some process videos of some of the products that I got to play with, including my new favorite, the Deco Foil Metallix Gel.

 

Before I proceed with my projects, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Julia Sandvoss and Therm-O-Web for sending me all the wonderful products that I got to play with today , and will be using in the next few weeks!  You guys are amazing and I love your products!

 

For my projects, I am showcasing the Deco Foil Metallix Gel in White Pearl, Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet in Blue Sky, the Brutus Monroe for TOW Designer Toner Sheets in Peppermint, Brutus Monroe for TOW Foil transfer Sheet in Red Static, Pixie Spray and the Deco Foil Stencil Pal.  The stamps I am showcasing are Newton’s Nook Designs Cup of Cocoa stamp set and coordinating dies with the Santa Paws Newton stamp set and coordinating dies.

 

Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how I made my first card:

 

  • Stamp the images on Neenah solar white card stock and color them in with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  Die-cut the images using the coordinating dies and Die cut an A2 size piece of some blue card stock.

 

 

  • Use some Pixie Spray to spray the back of the stencil so that it doesn’t shift while you’re working on your project.  This pixie spray is a must-have for any stamper!).  I don’t think I can live without this anymore.  It makes stenciling so much easier.

 

 

  • Use a palette knife to apply some Deco Foil Metallix Gel on the Stencil Pal.

 

 

  • By doing so, the gel will be applied to your project smoothly; and you will be able to put the excess gel back in the pot.
  • Apply the gel on your project.

 

  • This is what it looks like when you take the stencil off.  The Stencil Pal applied an even coating on my project!  This is also the first time I used the Deco Foil Metallix Gel in White Pearl.  I am so impress with the creamy and soft consistency of the gel.  I will be buying more for sure!

 

 

 

  • Die-cut the rest of the elements needed to assemble the card.  Stamp the sentiment on the banner strip using some Lawn Fawn Lobster ink.

 

Here’s my first card:

 

 

I wish you can see this card in person.  The Deco Foil Metallix Gel in White Pearl is so shiny and I really love the added texture and dimension it gave my card.  This card is also going to be shared as my entry to the Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop.  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

For my second card, I am showcasing the amazing Deco Foil Transfer Sheet in Red Static and the Brutus Monroe Designer Toner Sheet in Peppermint.

 

  • Stamp the images on some Neenah solar white card stock.  Color the images in with Alcohol markers and die-cut using the coordinating dies.
  • Cut an A2 size piece of the designer toner sheet.  I also cut the Deco Foil Transfer Sheet in Red Static, just slightly bigger than the toner sheet.

 

 

 

  • Insert the pieces together inside your transfer sheet and run it through your laminator.
  • Here’s what it looks like when you remove the foil.  I just LOVE seeing this process:

 

 

  • Die-cut the rest of the elements needed for the card.  I used the new Flock Transfer Sheet in Blue Sky.  These new flock transfer sheets are a must-have for any paper crafter.  You can easily die-cut it, stamp on it, use adhesive sheets to transfer the flock to your card stock, or you can emboss it.  Wow!  they are truly amazing!

 

 

  • Assemble the card.
  • Finish the design by stamping the sentiment directly onto the flock transfer sheet.

 

Here’s my second card:

 

I absolutely LOVE the added texture of the Deco Foil Flock Transfer sheet!  Here’s a closer look:

 

 

As mentioned earlier, please stay tuned for some process videos of Therm-O-Web projects that I will be sharing in the next few weeks on my YoUTube channel and on this blog.  I hope you like my projects today.  The supplies I used are listed and linked below.   I hope you have a wonderful day and happy crafting!

 

———-SUPPLIES———–



Stretch Your Stamp Sets & Create a Holiday Card with the Hedgehog Hollow

| marialrussell

Hello, The Hedgehog Hollow fans!  I am back today with my second project as a guest-designer this month.  I wanted to show you guys that you can stretch your stamp sets for any occasion, even if they are not meant for the holidays.   I have always wanted to to try my pearl watercolors on black card stock so this is what I am doing today.  I really LOVE how this card turned out!

For my project today, I am showcasing the Feather Background and Peacock stamp set, that is part of the September HH box and some pearl watercolors.  Here’s how I made my card:

1. I prepped my black card stock by using my powder bag.  This will help get rid of static and make sure that the embossing powder wouldn’t be all over the card.

2. Using my MISTI, I put my black card stock inside and held it with the magnets.  I carefully positioned the stamps where I wanted them to be.  I closed the lid of my MISTI, then opened it back so I can use my Versamark ink to stamp the image.  I flipped the card stock and stamped the images on the other side.

 

3. I sprinkled clear embossing powder on the card.

 

4.  I used my Wagner heating tool to heat-set the embossing powder.

 

5.  I “carefully” colored the stamped images using my pearl watercolor in Bronze.  I made sure that I didn’t use a lot of water since this black card stock is not meant for water coloring.

 

6. Once it dries, apply a second coat to make the colors stand out.  Here’s what it looks like after the second coat dried.  Isn’t it beautiful?

 

7.  I used a micro-fiber cloth to get rid of the powder that was on the black card stock.

 

8.  I used my pearl watercolor again in “gold” to put some splatters of color on my background. I also die-cut the “Season’s Greetings” sentiment with some gold card stock and adhered it onto my card.  Here’s what it looks like:

 

To finish my design and add more texture, I used some bronze gems and adhered it onto the card.  Here’s a closer look:

I hope have given you some inspiration to stretch your stamps.  I’d love to see your projects using the September stamp sets; please tag me on instagram @rprmlr77.  Thank you for stopping by and happy stamping!

Newton’s Nook Designs Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

| marialrussell

This is my second blog post for today.  I am up on the Newton’s Nook Designs blog with this Christmas card, showcasing the Festive Flamingos stamp set, Land Border Dies and the Pines and Holly Die Set.   I wanted to give you a little preview of what’s to come this month on Newton’s Nook.  You will absolutely love the new stamp sets coming out next week.  Please stay tuned.

 

I started out by stamping my images on Neenah Solar White card stock and colored the images in with my Comic markers.  I fuzzy-cut the images with my precision cut scissors. I also die-cut the other elements that I needed for the card.    This is a fairly simple card but I love how it turned out.  Here it is:

 

NNDFlamingo

 

I hope you like the card.  Have a wonderful day!