Christmas in July

That really does seem a tad strange for a title doesn't it. At Stampin' Up though they have given us a teaser of things to come; there is a new stamp set available for demonstrators and anyone choosing to sign up in July. We're also eagerly anticipating the Autumn/Winter catalogue so that we can pre-order in August to create lots of gorgeous things for you prior to general release on 1st September.

I've chosen to use the Star of Light set that I'm so pleased has been carried over to the Annual catalogue this year. I love this set, apart from the obvious Xmas cards and goodies, I've used it to create fireworks and also a little magic - the flourish was perfect for my Harry Potter inspired cards!

Pool Party

Whisper White

 I cut the largest square in the Stitched Shape Framelit set in Whisper White. I then stamped my sentiment so I knew where to place my star die from the Star of Light set. This square was then mounted onto Pool Party and I cut a border using my Perfect Layers ruler. I know they aren't Stampin' Up, however there are some things I can't manage without and this is one of them, alongside my precision press for accurate stamping.

Using Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, I cut some stars, they really do sparkle. It's such a shame they don't show up too well . A quick tip; when die cutting Glimmer Paper, cut on the reverse.

These star die cuts were placed over the aperture using a mini dimensional with a rhinestone placed in the centre. This helps cover the fixing but I think adds a little more bling to such a simple card.

To make the box; 

Cut an 11" x 4⅝" piece of cardstock.
Score - on the long side at 3⅜", 4", 7 ⅜" and 8" 
and on the short side - ⅝" and 4"
Trim as shown in the photo.

The box before sticking. This time I chose to use velcro dots to close the flap which was shaped using an edgelits die.

 I also added a hint of white card behind the lid so that I could stick down my fancy star. Being a (sometimes) frugal crafter, I didn't want to use more of the Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper as most of it would be hidden but I did want that effect. Then I had an idea, Before sticking the Whisper White card down, I ran some glue along the edge and sprinkled with Dazzling Diamond Stampin' Glitter. The same result... You can also see a hint of the heat embossing on the front too.

I think I already know the recipient for this little box of cards; the colours will match her lounge perfectly!

The Best Is Yet To Come...

Hello, I was talking to a friend about where she gets her ideas from recently. We concluded that Pinterest can kickstart the process, as can everyday objects.

For me, with this card, inspiration struck while I was watching The 50 Greatest Harry Potter moments. The Sorting Hat scene came up from the first film and I just knew in an instant that I had to make a HP themed card. Quite handy really as my youngest daughter is HP mad...

I was really lucky that I had the Boo To You framelits, which has a witches hat amongst the dies, sadly now discontinued. I also bought the Star of Light bundle from this years Autum/Winter catalogue. The swirl and stars are perfect for creating the illusion of a little magic.

Early Espresso

Whisper White

After a little research, I watercoloured that hat using a combination of Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip and Soft Suede, building up the colour.

The flourish, stars and sentiment were stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with gold embossing powder, giving a reasonably subtle effect. To bring out the gold, I mounted the Early Espresso onto Gold Foil. The card was completed with a flourish to the inside and also on the envelope.

Star of Light at Coffee and Cards

Although I know I should, I haven't yet had opportunity to buy from the Autumn/Winter catalogue so when Susan of Craftyduckydoodah suggested we use Star of Light, I jumped at the chance. In fact we were lucky enough to use this set two weeks running and make completely different cards.

Sweet Sugarplum

Very Vanilla

The first week we used Sweet Sugarplum and Very Vanilla, possibly not really thought of as Christmas colours, but the results were gorgeous.

As usual I added a little bling - well you have to for Christmas! The smaller star was die cut from Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper. A Wink of Stella in clear alongside a few jewels completed the look.

As usual we decorated the inside of the card and the envelope. I think it gives a "finished" look each time. This set is on one of my wish lists - yes, I have more than one! List one is for must haves - the sets I just can't live without. Sets and/or bundles that I know I will go to for numerous occasions, regarless of whether they get discontinued. Star of Light (and Jar of Love) fall into this category. The next list is the wanted list - sets that I know will be used but may not have such versatility.

The swirly stars are perfect for backgrounds throughout the year. I've been eying them up for the next Harry Potter card I make for my youngest daughter but more about that later.

And so onto week two. This time we made a shaker card in Night of Navy and Whisper White. They look as if they are quite complicated to make but really are so easy....

Night of Navy

Whisper White

This time the star was cut using the plain die. The cutout was stamped and very carefully stuck onto the base card so it fitted the aperture. It's at this stage it helps to remember the acetate to hold the sequins in. It can be either glued or taped in place as long as there are no gaps for the sequins to escape, Stampin' Up now make foam adhesive strips which are a great depth and will mould around any shape.

Close up

Once again Wink of Stella added bling, this time to the swirls. Sorry it doesn't show up so well on the page. To make the shaker more interesting the star was stamped inside before adding sequins.

Is this where I admit there are actually more of the little stars on this card than I had intended? I'd just inked up the slightly larger of the 2 small stars when it fell put of my hand onto the paper, ink side down. Bit of an oops moment however by adding two more - one small and another larger, I think I've got away with it. And who knows, if I hadn't 'fessed up, no-one would be any the wiser.