Christmas Joy

Happy Monday!
Hope you are enjoying the summer and it's not too humid where you are!  We've been having a heat wave and the humidity has been horrible!  I don't remember when it was this bad.  Yesterday was better and I think it will improve slowly.  (I can't complain too much though, since I do hate the winter cold and snow!)

So, thinking about winter, I'd like to share with you a Christmas card I made and used in a class this past weekend.  I got the inspiration from Sue Wilson, the designer of the Joy die!  I saw the card she made with this die and I just fell in love with this color scheme; cream and gold is such an elegant look!  You can see Sue's creation HERE.

Sue Wilson's cards are actually beautiful pieces of art because she makes the cards quite large; usually 5X5 or 6X6.  My card is a regular A2 size card.  I didn't have a large nativity star die and so I went with the bells.  I also added micro-fine glitter to the edges and lots of stickles to the "snow" on the card.  I am really pleased with the way it turned out.

Now, Kittie Caracciolo is another talented designer and if you go to HER BLOG, you can see this die set used in the traditional red and green color scheme; very simple, yet also elegant.

This die was released in the winter of 2014, (and I finally used it! Yay!) I am happy to inform you that it is still available!  Please let me know if you want to reserve it for yourself!

Supplies used:
Dies:    Sue Wilson, Joy, Impression Obsession small Christmas charms, and small pine branches
Other:  Sizzix/Hero Arts "Snow" embossing folder, Micro fine glitter in Sahara, stickles

Thanks so much for stopping by,
       ~Anna

Modern Christmas Cards - One Design, Three Different Colors

Good Day Everyone!

First I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive and patient with me.  .My personal life schedule has changed and I have been working hard to get everything to fall into place, especially with the Creative Corner.  Again, thank you for being here and patiently waiting for my blog posts and the updates on The Creative Corner!  I truly appreciate it.

We had a wonderful Make and Take yesterday and I have to say everyone liked their unique and untraditional jade color Christmas card.  Here is what we made:

I just love these Hero Arts stamps and have had them for such a long.  I finally got around to create these cards.

As you know, I have been in love with the color teal over the summer and I wanted to use it here.  I used Brilliance Pearlescent Jade and it gives the card a very pretty shimmer.

So, yesterday, we had some really dedicated stampers for the Make & Take!!!  Unfortunately, we lost power for a short time, but Charlene and Jamie wanted to make their cards and so they worked in the dark!!!  Now, that's dedication!

The pictures really don't show how dark it got because of the flash from the camera.  But you can see that we had candles, a flashlight shining onto the work table and Gladys holding her iPhone with the flashlight app!  Thankfully, the outage was not for long and those who came later were able to work in light!

After everyone left, I decided to see how the beautiful stamps would look in different Brilliance colors.  Now,I don't know which one I like best - they all look great!  What do you think?

Supplies used:
Stamps:  Hero Arts, Winter Moon and Many Branches Tree
Dies:  Impression Obsession, Set of tiny birds and Small deer set
Ink:  Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Jade, Lavender, and Coral, Versacolor evergreen, Marvey  matchables violet, Memento rose bud
Glitter:  Micro fine glitter, deep purple, silver and ocean spray


Thanks so much for stopping by
             ~Anna

Just a Nice Simple Card with Glitter

Good Friday Morning!
I was inspired by a card I saw on Pinterest and decided that it would be prefect for a get well card.  I love that it is bright, simple and  very spring like.  And of course it is very sparkly!  Hopefully it will raise the spirits of the person who will be getting it.

The layout is simple and conducive to making a whole set of these if need be.  It would make a great gift! (It is never too early to think about Christmas gifts!)

Supplies used:
Dies:  Cheery Lynn Flower strip
Punch:  Punch Bunch tiny center
Stamps:  Hero Arts, feel better soon
Glitter:  Glitter Ritz, emerald

Enjoy your weekend!
And thanks for "stamping" by,
            ~Anna

Glittery Christmas Tag

Happy Wednesday!
Today, I want to share a Christmas tag I made with micro fine glitter and Dee's stacking tree dies. 

It is so simple, yet so sparkly and perfect to dress up any gift under the tree. 

I also want you to notice the small star on top of the tree........it's a new die cut from Dee.  What is great about it is that you get so many stars on the die plate, so that when you run it once through your machine, you have enough for lots of cards or tags!

Which brings me to the point that several of you have asked that I hold a Christmas tag class.  It is in the works!  I am working and designing several tags which you will make in that class and be ready to dress up your presents.  OR, you can take the design and expand it onto a card.  Keep a look out for the dates........I will post them this week.  Time is flying by, the air is getting cooler and we need to start our fall project now!  Keep in touch!

Thanks for "stamping" by,
            ~Anna

Make a Wish with Glittery Candles

Els. owner of Elizabeth Crafts has designed and released her new dies and I just got them in.  They are so much fun and here is a card I made for Maria's birthday.

The bow is actually from the "presents" die set, which is a set of different presents, similar to the candles.  This way you can make all different color boxes and layer them on the solid present, or in this case, a solid candle.

And using the glitter really makes this card sparkle!

Thanks for "stamping" by,
            ~Anna

Beautiful Chrysanthemum Die

I received the new Hero Arts "Chrysanthemum" die and had to try it out.  Here are two different looks from the one die.  I used micro fine glitter for both cards and it made it very sparkly.

I am working on another card for a third look.  It is always fun to create different looks from the same supplies.  

Stop by soon to see more new cards and new product from Hero Arts and Ecstasy Crafts.
Thanks and looking forward to seeing you soon!
                  ~Anna

Lavender Christmas Trees!

Yes, I said lavender and don't they just great; all sparkly and waiting to be attached to your gifts or hung on a tree?

Christmas tags do not always have to be traditional colors.  Try something different and have some fun!  We have lots of Elizabeth Crafts glitter available in all sorts of colors for you to try your hand at this!

Stop by and pick yours up today!
           ~Anna

Great Christmas Tags

Thought I'd get you into the Christmas mood with these great tags.  They were fun to make and will make your gift truly stand out!

Here, I used Stacy Stamps, Mini Poinsettia and attached it to the middle of a JustRite Christmas Ornament stamp. The poinsettia was colored with Copics and the ornaments were cut out using Spellbinders 2010 Heirloom Ornament dies.  To make it all sparkle, I used stickles!

For the next tag, I used JustRite, O Christmas Tree stamp set.  I also stamped the Holly Background with Hero Arts and then used the matching embossing folder to give it lots of dimension.  This is a wonderful set from Hero Arts and Sizzix!

I also saw somewhere that someone had used a part of a rosette and so I tried it here, using one of the smaller rosette's from Tim Holtz.  Also used lots of stickles and Elizabeth Crafts, Canadian Blue micro fine glitter for the finishing touches!

For the third tag, I used Dee's Candle die (from Elizabeth Crafts), the pine punch from Nellie Snellen and Spellbinders Large Ovals. 

Of course, stickles was added to the pine branches and the flame.  It's a simple design yet impressive.

Hope this gives you some ideas for the upcoming holidays and get you started on your projects.  Christmas will be here before you know it!

Thanks for stopping by,
       ~Anna

Beautiful Wedding Card using Outlines Stamp

I wanted to share with you this beautiful card that Ginny made some time ago.  It is still as stunning as when I saw it that day!

Ginny used the wonderful Outlines stamp and dressed it up with beautiful textured card stock, flowers, flat pearls, and glitter!  Isn't it simply gorgeous?

This is the stamp she used and presently there are still two of these in stock at the Creative Corner.  Pick it up now, because once they are gone, they will be gone for good!  (Outlines is no longer in business)

And this stamp is still in stock and would make another lovely wedding card!

Have a wonderful day
         and
   See you soon,
       ~Anna

Happy Engagement Card!

I have been bursting with news and now I can finally post it!!!  My daughter, Maria and her boyfriend Gary are now engaged!!!  I'm so happy for them.

About two weeks ago, Gary called me and asked for my blessing.  And of course I said yes.  "My goodness", I said, "I consider you my son already!"  

I then asked for some details and he told me that he was planning to pop the question when they would be vacationing at Myrtle Beach.  I asked about the ring and he explained that he got it already, all by himself.  He knew Maria wanted an emerald cut diamond; therefore he chose two smaller stones surrounding the main one.  I right away had to think of a card design.  I remembered that a long time ago I saved a sample of an engagement ring card from the internet, in the hopes that one day, I could make one for her!.......................And here is what I came up with.

 It would have been easier to create a round solitaire stone, but as usual, Maria likes to be different, and I had to improvise. 

Below you can see the different parts of the round solitaire ring.  I used Spellbinders Classic Circles Nestabilities to create the ring and then just cut some strips to the setting.  Lastly, I used the silver, Elizabeth Crafts micro fine glitter for the stone.  It really sparkles!

 

 I saved this before the days of Pinterest, so I don't know who originally posted this.  But this shows you how simple it is to create a ring!

Now, Shannon saw the card and suggested that you can use this design for someone's birthday and make the stone the color of the birth month.  She is thinking of using ruby glitter to make a nice ruby ring!  What a great idea!

Now the wedding plans can begin!.........I found this on Pinterest.............and I asked Maria if I should start making these?   You know me, I would need to decorate it.......maybe some hand made paper flowers for Mrs. Right and some golf clubs and tee flags for Mr. Right.  Don't you think it would be just perfect???????

Thanks so much for "stamping" by,
                ~Anna  

Beautiful Hummingbirds!

Today I wanted to show you the great pictures I was able to snap a few days ago!

First off, I have to tell you about this wonderful hummingbird feeder I got when I was in Belleville, Ontario.  It was from this great little shop called, A Place to Perch.  The owner was so knowledgeable and friendly and she told us about this simple red feeder.  Soni and I both bought one, as well as the nectar and a "waspinator".  The hummingbirds find this feeder easy to use and even like to perch on the little rail.  There also is a moat in the center to prevent ants from getting into the nectar.

Sure enough, hummingbirds came to my feeder within a day of me hanging it up!  I've had a different feeder years ago, but I haven't seen as many hummingbirds as I do now!  Birds come to this feeder all day long.  It is so exciting to see these little colorful birds fly over and take a drink.  It just puts a big smile on my face.

I then became determined to snap a picture of these beautiful birds.  It's not as simple as you may think.  These birds are so fast.  You have to be ready with your camera at a moments notice.  I would sit out on my deck, but no birds in sight.   But I didn't give up.  I was determined and was hoping that by the end of the season, I would have a picture or two.

Last week when I was out on my deck taking pictures of the "round wall hanging", I turned around when I heard the humming.  And since I already had my camera in hand, I was able to snap a few pictures!!!

Aren't these birds just gorgeous!!!

Now remember, the hummingbird is very popular and so is the hummingbird die that is from Elizabeth Crafts.  It is perfect for your summer projects like for example this beautiful card Els Van de Burgt made.

She used the hummingbird and fern dies, shimmer sheetz and micro fine glitter; all of which are presently in stock!  Stop by today to get your supplies.

Oh yes, as for the "waspinator", it works great.  It's a large grey bag that is supposed to look like a wasp's nest.  Wasps are very territorial and when they see this "nest", they turn away not wanting to trespass on what they think is already claimed ground.  So far, it is working.  I don't see any new nests being built and I have always had wasps building nests on my house siding.  Thank you Tina and Susan for your expertise!

 Thanks for "flying in"
         ~Anna

Another Glittered Butterfly!

Today I just wanted to show you another color combination for a glittered butterfly.  This time I used  bronze, orange and sahara micro fine glitter.  I really like how bold it came out.

 And below is a close up of the micro fine glitter.  It was really sparkling in the sunshine today!

For your chance to learn how to use this fabulous glitter, join us this Saturday.  Learn how to add more than one color to an image resulting in a truly unique piece.  Call today to reserve your seat!  It's going to be great!

Totally Glittered Butterfly!

Glitter, glitter and more glitter!!!  I just love the way it sparkles!!!  Only wish you can see it in the photograph just how MUCH it sparkles!

But join us on Saturday, June 16 and you will see for yourself !  Here's your chance to learn how to use the Elizabeth Crafts micro fine glitter.   You will also have a choice of colors for your butterfly; a purple/ lavender one or a bronze/gold butterfly.   Call today to reserve your seat!  You will not be disappointed.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!
            ~Anna

Egg Shaped Easter Card

Just in time for Easter, I completed an egg shaped Easter card using Cheery Lynn dies and Elizabeth Crafts micro fine glitter.

 The little bunny comes in the set of the egg nesting dies.  I added a little color with my Copics, stamped and cut out a Just Rite bow and even added a tiny cotton ball for his tail.

Here is a close up of the glitter.  I wish you could see how the card sparkles in the sunlight!

   ~Anna

A Few Highlights from The Collins Group Education & Trade Show

Barbara and I are back from Boston and another productive weekend.  We met up with friends, saw new ideas and got to play!  What more could we ask for?

Let's see, Impression Obsession came out with DIES and wonderful ideas on how to use them in card making.  Here's my favorite card I made with the beautiful door, windows, and fence.

The card came out so delicate and just screams "Spring". 

Els, owner of Elizabeth Crafts had so many samples for us and she too has a few dies available now.  This beautiful hummingbird was the talk of the show!

Just imagine how this sparkles with the glitter and the Shimmer Sheetz!  Just gorgeous!

Stay tuned for more postings as I unpack more samples and download more ideas for you!  I am also getting everything ready for you for Saturday!  Yes, this Saturday, March 31st will be a Show & Tell, where you will be able to see all of the goodies we brought back, up close and personal!  You know it's always better in real life!

See you soon,
    ~Anna

Thanksgiving Day Card & Matching Candle

It is always fun to use our craft to make more than just cards. This was true this past Saturday when everyone went home with a beautifully decorated candle as well as Thanksgiving Day cards.

Place the decorated candle in a clear plastic bag, tie a beautiful ribbon to close the top and you have a great hostess gift!  Think about a Christmas themed candle for more wonderful hand made gifts from your heart.  I know we all run out of ideas on what to get everyone.  Hand decorated scented candles are always appreciated and as you can see, they are not too difficult to make.

Hope you'll take some time to make some hand made gifts for the upcoming holidays.

Another Christmas Card

I have been wanting to make a Christmas card using the Marianne Creatables LR 0182 Christmas ornament die (the set comes with this ornament and the bell die) with the Marianne Creatables LR 0181 pine tree branch.  And this is what I came up with:

I kept it simple with just two colors for the card and glitter, of course!  Elizabeth Crafts micro fine glitter in Sahara makes the ornament really sparkle.  I highlighted the pine branch with stickles, embossed the shiny white card stock with the snowflakes embossing folder, added a greeting and ribbon and voila, I was done!

Hope you're getting in some craft time for your Christmas cards!

Happy Stamping,
Anna

The Perfect Layout

Recently, Soni came up with a wonderful layout and made this beautiful birthday card for Ginny.

 Soni used the Spellbinders Labels 12 to make the frame for the window.  She also used  the Cheery Lynn Victorian Romance Flourish die and the dots embossing folder by Crafts-too.  By using the 3-D Antique Roses and the pretty pale pink card stock, it truly gave it a vintage look.

Next, Ginny used the same layout for inspiration and came up with this stunning Wedding/Anniversary card!  For this card, Ginny used the Spellbinders Labels 16 for her window frame and the Marianne Creatable LR 0182 Bell die. Just like Soni, she also used the Cheery Lynn flourish to complete the card. 

The bells were die cut and adhered to cream card stock.  She then added cool highlights micro fine glitter to make the bells really sparkle!   As I mentioned before, these bells are great for Christmas and Weddings/Anniversaries.  And what about to "ring in the new year"?

These cards are truly beautiful and unfortunately the pictures do not do them justice. You really need to see these cards up close and personal!

Have a wonderful day,
Anna

Tutorial - Using Glitter and Peel Offs

Many of you have taken the "Fun with Glitter" class and learned the various techniques to use the Elizabeth Crafts Micro Fine Glitter.  You also have asked for a refresher, and so today I took some pictures as I was making a card.

Start off with a piece of card stock and your double sided Be Creative Adhesive.

Next, you carefully place your adhesive on your card stock.  (You don't want to touch it, as oils from your fingers with later prevent the glitter to adhere.)

Cut around the peel off design you would like to use.  And then take off the excess around the design.  You only want the peel off that you will be using.

Next, you need to transfer the WHOLE peel off with the transfer sheet.  Use your bone folder to transfer all of the parts of the peel off.  (If you want a refresher on transferring a peel off, see my video here)

Here is a picture of the peel off that is transferred onto the clear, transfer sheet.

Now, place the peel off onto the card stock that has the Be Creative Adhesive on it.  You will now transfer the peel off onto it.

Now that you have the peel off on the adhesive, you are ready to use your fine, pointy tweezers and pull of the sections you want to glitter.  Starting with the darkest color, (here I used Bronze) you will pour it onto your leaf.  Tap off the excess and don't forget to burnish it with your finger.

Here is a picture of the second color of glitter put down (orange) and again burnishing it with my finger.

Once you have all of the sections of the peel off filled in, you can cut out your image.  From there you use the images to create your card!  Your friends will be amazed on how it SPARKLES and wonder, "How did you do that!"

Stay tuned for more tutorials on how to use this wonderful glitter!

Thanks for stopping by,
Anna

Glittered Snowflake Card

Creating is the fun part of my job and as you can see from my posts, I've been busy making samples. Actually, last Saturday night I had so many ideas running through my head that I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep until 5AM! (I hate it when that happens.)  Thankfully, the week is progressing nicely now.

Today, I used the beautiful Marianne Creatables snowflake die and Elizabeth Crafts micro fine glitter in Canadian Blue and Cool Highlights to create this card.  I also embossed the white pearlized cardstock with snowflakes to made the background layer.  I finished it off with Swarovski crystals and silver peel offs.

It's quite simple, yet very sparkly and perfect for Christmas.

Have you started making your fall or Christmas cards?  Don't put it off..........all of the fall holidays are just around the corner! 

Have a wonderful day
and
Happy Stamping,
Anna