Happy New Year!!!

 It's time to say goodbye to 2020 -- and I'm sure we all are anxious to do that.  Here's hoping 2021 will bring the Covid virus under control so we can all get back to normal. 

I have a New Year's card for you today -- made with the Karen Burniston Circle Tag Book dies and the Wine Charms.  I cut the outside panels three times (twice in the blue and once in white).  After stamping the fireworks on the white panel in several different colors, I glued it to one of the blue panels before assembling the outside of my card.

I added the "Cheers" die cut, and the stamped champagne glasses to the front, along with the small circle and flower around the hole.

I cut the two inside panels using a heavy patterned paper in a coordinating color and, following Karen's video instructions (which I watch almost every time I make a pop-up card) I constructed the inside of my card.

I cut the wine charms and added them to the layered circles.  The "Happy New Year" was created on my label maker.  I constructed the circles prior to adding them to the card.  I find it easier to do it that way.  Then I added the rest of the small pieces and tied the ribbons on the ends.

Here's wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!  Thanks for stopping by my blog and hope you will continue to do so in the future.

Merry Christmas

 Christmas is in two days, so this will be my final Christmas card for the year.  

I was curious to see if I could put the tree from the Karen Burniston Christmas Tree Pop Stand die set into the Woven Basket.  I didn't know if it would be top heavy -- but it is not!  After making the double Woven Basket, decorating it with one of the KB Border Blends and the stocking from the new Holiday Charms, I cut the pieces for the Christmas tree. I glued the two trunks to either side of one of the cross pieces of the Woven Basket and then decorated it.  I added some gifts from the Birthday Charms and the Sleigh Pop-Up sets.

And, as you can see from this photo, it will still lie flat if I decide to mail it.

CCEE2050 - The Glow of Christmas

 Lynn brings the last CCEE Stampers challenge of 2020, which has been a bleak and dark time for us all.  For this final challenge of the year, Lynn asked that our cards reflect a seasonal light of hope and promise for a brighter new year.  It could be represented by a candle, the lights on a Christmas tree, the Star of Bethlehem, or any other light that comes to mind.

The first time I saw this lantern die from Honey Bee Stamps, I was hooked and knew I had to have it.  I just think it is so pretty, and it was perfect for today's challenge.  I'm hoping the glow of the candle will brighten the day. 

Actually, I made this card to hold a gift card.  Because of Covid-19, I probably won't be seeing most of my family this Christmas; so I decided everyone will be getting a gift card -- inside a hand-made gift card holder.  This one is for my son's mother-in-law, who has become a good friend of mine.

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog for some more Glow of Christmas creations.

Slimline Waterfall Card

 Karen Burniston made a neat card a couple of weeks ago, and I was inspired to try to make a similar one -- a slimline waterfall card, using the Karen Burniston Frame Pull Pop-Up.

Because the waterfall is attached with several staples (which obviously have to be covered) and not wanting to give the card more bulk than necessary, this is a postcard rather than one that opens.  After attaching the waterfall, the card base is glued shut -- thus creating the postcard.

I used several images from the Heartfelt Creations Festive Holly Collection paper pad, framed with the new Slim Frames.

I added some pieces cut from the new Pattern Plate - Holly throughout the waterfall.

Here's a little video showing how the waterfall works.

The back of the card has a strip of patterned paper and a Christmas message.

Karen has such great ideas for card-making using her marvelous pop-up dies.  I so enjoy using them.

CCEE2049 Wrap It Up!

 Lynn is the hostess for the final two CCEE Stampers challenges this year.  She said, "If you are like me, you are probably ready for the year of 2020 to be wrapped up tight with a bow tied securely around it.  Let's be done with it!  For this challenge make use of the Christmas wrapping paper of your choice as part of your holiday design.  Grab up some paper scraps from your gift-wrapping adventures and join us in this week's challenge."

Actually, this paper is from last year.  Because I will probably not see my extended family for Christmas, everyone is getting a gift card from me -- no wrapping paper this year!  I included the strip of Christmas paper left from the roll so you can see that my card really comes from wrapping paper.  The simple sentiment is from a great My Favorite Things set called Bitty Holiday Wishes.

Be sure to check out the CCEE Stampers blog for some more creativity from scraps!

Karen Burniston Designer Challenge - Mini Pop-Ups

 The Karen Burniston Designer Challenge for December is to use the new Mini Pop-Up dies on a card of any theme.  Inasmuch as Christmas is right around the corner, it is almost a given that many of the cards for this challenge will be Christmas cards.  Mine is no exception.

I used the Sleigh Pop-Up on the front, pulled along by two reindeer from Christmas Animals.  The string of lights are from the new Holiday House.

When you open the card, you will find Santa and Mrs. Claus getting ready for Christmas.  I love the new Mini Pop-Up dies -- easy to use and the result is lots of fun.

Here is a close-up so you can see how the Mini Pop-Up work.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I hope I have provided some inspiration for you.

Scor-Pal "More Than One Score" - Christmas Center Step Card

 For the final "More Than One Score" challenge from Scor-Pal, I have created a center-step card using a new stamp set and die from Honey Bee Stamps.

The team will be taking January off, so I hope to see you again for February's challenge.

CCEE2048 - Tie One on Day

 Kelly finishes up her month as hostess for the CCEE Stampers with an interesting challenge.  She told us that today is Tie One on Day and asked us to create a card using something that's tied -- apron strings, shoelaces, bow tie, ribbons in the hair, etc.

I've got another slimline card this week.  I used a bow (although it's a die-cut bow) tying on some Christmas jingle bells from Creek Bank Creations.  The big Merry Christmas sentiment is from Karen Burniston.

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog to see how the rest of the team met today's challenge.

Christmas Gift Card Holders

 I am pretty sure that I won't be seeing my family in person at Christmas this year.  So I decided that everyone will be getting gift cards this year, but I wanted to make them a little special.  I love using the Karen Burniston pop-up dies to make unique gift card holders.  I've got several to show you today.

The first card is for my son, who is big into cosplay.  He is currently in the process of making himself a Mandalorian costume.  I've got a cute stamp set from The Sassy Club, which was perfect for him.  Using the Karen Burniston Parcel Pop-Up and Flap & Closure set, I made this gift card holder for him.

The next one I made was for my grandson, who is BIG into Batman.  I used the Rockin' Rectangle die, a Mama Elephant cityscape die, My Favorite Things street die, and a stamped image from Kindred Stamps' Justice is Served stamp set.  I like the Rockin' Rectangle with an acetate front, so you can get a hint to the inside.

Instead of the "batsignal" in the sky, I've got Santa and his reindeer up there.

My third gift card holder, for my grandson's wife, is made with the Fancy Label Accordion die and the new Fancy Winter Frames, along with the Gift Card Holder die.  I had to improvise to make the Gift Card Holder diecut fit the inside of the Accordion.  It's not perfect, but it works.

I added the sentiment from Word Set 3 - Holiday and a poinsettia from Honey Bee Stamps to finish off the other two panels.

I will eventually be making 10 gift card holders; but, if I make one or two at a time, it shouldn't take me long to get all 10 completed.

CCEE2047 - Sunflowers

 Kelly continues as hostess for the CCEE Stampers this week, telling us that the flower of the day is Sunflower and asking that we make a card of thankfulness/gratitude and include a sunflower on our card.  

I recently bought this cool die from Creek Bank Creations.  It's called the Angel Side Circle, and I wanted to try a technique that I've seen before but never did it myself -- wreath building.  Julie Creek showed how to make a sunflower using one of their stamp sets.  I think it sort of looks like a sunflower.

Just to make sure that I had a "real" sunflower on my card, I stamped one on the inside.

Be sure to check out the CCEE Stampers blog for some more sunflowers and gratitude.

CCEE2046 - Dear Santa Letter Week

Christmas is right around the corner, and children will be writing their letters to Santa Claus soon.  Kelly informed the CCEE Stampers that the second week in November is Dear Santa Letter Week.  She wanted us to create a card showcasing a letter to Santa.

I'm not sure if you're on Santa's naughty list or his nice list, but he's holding somebody's long letter in his hand here.  He's also got some help from Mrs. Claus and one of his elves, all from a cute Pink and Main stamp set.

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog for some more letters to Santa.

Snowflakes and Ornaments

 I've been playing around with the new Karen Burniston release.  The card I have today uses two of the new sets (Pattern Plate - Snowflakes and Holiday Charms) as well as one of the word sets (Word Set 3 - Holiday). 

I like using the Pattern Plates on 5 x 6 1/2" cards because it allows a border around the 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" die-cut.  The shimmer white cardstock I used for the snowflakes is mounted on some light blue copy paper, and then  I cut the dark blue border using some Spellbinders A2 dies.    I just got that yummy blue Christmas paper that I used on the Christmas balls.  After constructing that panel, I mounted it on the white card base with foam tape, adding some sequins over the holes in three of the snowflakes.

This is not necessarily a Christmas card, so I just added the words "Winter Greetings" from Karen Burniston's Word Set 3 - Holiday.

CCEE2045 - Men Make Dinner Day

 Kelly starts her month as hostess for the CCEE Stampers with a great challenge.  Did you know that the first Thursday in November is National Men Make Dinner Day?  I sure didn't!  She asked us to create a card men (or critters) showing off their cooking skills.  My neighbor Mark loves to cook, and he recently had a birthday.  I made this card for him.

The front has Riley the Moose showing off his cooking skills, and the inside has many items you might find your guy cooking.

The inside was made using the Karen Burniston Photo Collage Pop-Up die -- a really fun pop-up die!  The items on the panels are a mix of her Fast Food Charms and some free clip art.

BTW, Mark loved the card!  Check out the CCEE Stampers blog for more men making dinner.

Karen Burniston Designer Challenge - Autumn Slimline

It's time again for the Karen Burniston Designer Challenge, which this month is "Autumn Slimline."  I was so happy when I received the dies in the new Karen Burniston release -- there were several slimline dies in the mix!   The card I have today uses the Long Rectangles - Crosshatch, as well as the Mini Pops Pop-Up dies.

I love warm colors, particularly orange, and they lend themselves so well to autumn/Thanksgiving cards, which is what I have today.  I added a few other KB dies on this card -- the squirrel from Woodland Animals, the leaves from Autumn Elements, and several words from Word Set 7 - Autumn.

I used most of the Mini Pop-Ups on the inside, along with several images from the Autumn Elements set.  I can see where these small pop-up elements are going to be used lots of times in the future.

If you're a slimline card lover, stay tuned because I will be having several more cards made with this and the other slimline dies in this release.

          

"More Than One Score - Packaging

 This month's Scor-Pal "More Than One Score" challenge theme is "packaging."  I learned how to make this fold-over box many years ago and thought it would be fun to revisit it again.  I created a tutorial for the Scor-Pal website, and you can find it here.  The one I made today is for Christmas, using several different papers from a paper pad I bought at Hobby Lobby last year.

The inside is a 4" x 4" x 3" box, which can hold a small gift.

I hope you like my box and decide to try it yourself.

C4C559 - Non-orange Pumpkins

Rebecca Ednie finishes up her month as hostess for the Crazy4Challenges blog by telling us that she loves decorating her home in the fall with pumpkins of unusual colors.  Hers are purple, ivory, and gold.  For this week, she asked us to make a card or other project using pumpkins or gourds in any colors EXCEPT yellow or orange.

This was a fun challenge.  My pumpkins or purple, cream, and teal.  The front of the card is heavyweight acetate, allowing the pumpkins take center stage.

I used the Karen Burniston Rockin' Rectangle to make my card.  So, when you open the card, the colorful pumpkins pop out at you.

See what colors the rest of the team chose for their pumpkins by visiting the Crazy4Challenges blog.

CCEE2044 Black Cat Awareness Month

Frances ends October's CCEE Stampers challenges by telling us that October is Black Cat Awareness Month.  I guess with Halloween at the end of the month, it was almost mandatory!  I have a friend who is a lover of cats.  I made this card for her and have already mailed it to her.  

Check out the CCEE Stampers blog for some more cat cards.

Karen Burniston Blog Hop - Winter Release

Welcome to our Karen Burniston Products - KB Riley LLC October 2020 Release Blog Hop. The Design Team have come together with Karen today for a fun blog hop to celebrate the release of 10 new dies. Sneak peeks of the new release started last week, and orders will start shipping the first week in November.

This release includes:

• A new interactive die set - Mini Pops Pop-ups
• Add-on die set for the Surprise Ball Pop-up and Bitty Ball Pop-up die sets - Animal Add-on 3 (creates a Penguin; Deer and Moose)
• 3 Slimline Sized Die Sets - Crosshatch Long Rectangles; Long Nature Edges and Slim Frames
• 2 New Pattern Plate - Snowflakes; Holly
• A new charm sets - Holiday Charms
• New frames to work with Fancy Frames Accordion - Fancy Winter Frames
• Stand Alone Die Set - Holiday House

Pre-orders are available now on the website. Shipping of pre-orders starts the first week of November in the order received.

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the release Karen Burniston and each of the Karen Burniston - KB Riley LLC Design Team members will be giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to some lucky person who comments on our blog posts, so make sure you join the hop and comment on everyone's blog post. Winners will be randomly chosen from ALL of the blog hop comments received on our blog posts by Monday, November 2nd 2020. Lots of chances to win some goodies, so just leave a comment on this post or any other blog hop posts to enter!

I actually have two cards for your today.  In case you weren't aware, I am obsessed with Slimline cards.  And I was so happy when I saw that included in this release were several Slimline dies.  I created this Sympathy card using the Crosshatch Long Rectangles, along with a word phrase from an earlier release.

The flowers and leaves are from the Flower Pot Pop-Up and/or the Flowers and Bees set.  It looks like my card has many layers, but in reality there are only two.  I created that inner section by cutting a "frame" by using the second set of slimline layers to cut just the frame and then colored it with a Copic marker to match the color I added to the outside of the card base.

My second card is a fun one!  This release includes another Animal Add-On set -- this one makes a penguin, a reindeer, and a moose.  My favorite moose is Riley, so he's on the front.   Also on the front is the new Pattern Plate - Holly (cut in half and mounted to each side of the gatefold).

And the fun happens when you take off that belly band see what pops up.

The ornaments on the sides of the base and the candy cane he's holding come from the new Holiday Charms, and the "Merry Chrismoose" was created using my label maker.

Remember to comment on each of the stops along our Blog Hop for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate.  Here is the list:

Karen Burniston Frances Byrne Lois Bak (that's me) Karen Aicken (next stop) Fran Sabad Sandy Diller Kelly Booth

Karen Burniston Sneak Peek - Day 6

 Today's sneak peek at the Winter Release of Karen Burniston's dies also uses the Pop 'n Swap.  The front of my card has a simple layout using the new Holiday Charms, one of the Border Blends, Word Set 3 - Holiday, and some pretty designer paper.  

 I really liked the hack Karen did to make the Pop 'n Swap into a Pop 'n Pop, which is what I did for the inside of my card.  One of the fun dies included in the Holiday Charms is some coal -- so Naughty or Nice was a no-brainer.  Naughty little children receive coal in their stocking, whereas nice little children get toys and candy.  Using some brick designer paper, I made a "fireplace mantle" on which to hang my stockings.  The words were made with a label maker.

The final die in the Holiday Charms set is a snowflake, which fits nicely inside the Christmas ball.

C4C558 - Copper

Rebecca Ednie, hostess for the October Crazy4Challenges blog, said that one of her favorite colors to use in the fall is copper.  She asked us to create a card using copper accents; maybe some copper embossing, mirror cardstock, metal embellishments like paperclips, brads, sequins, eyelets or gems.

My card includes copper-colored cardstock and sequins.   I have a neighbor who loves cards made with fall leaves.  She will probably wind up being the recipient of this card.

See how the rest of the team handled this challenge by visiting the Crazy4Challenges blog.

Karen Burniston Sneak Peeks - Day 5

 Sneak Peek Week is always fun!  Karen Burniston's dies are so well designed that it's pretty easy to create something.  Today I combined one of her new Winter Release dies (the Long Rectangles - Crosshatch) with an old die (the Christmas Tree Pop Stand.  Also on the front of my card are the Long Nature's Edges and a couple of trees from the Winter Charms.  My sentiment was created with a label maker.

The slimline size allows multiple pop-up trees on the inside.  I added some blue and gold pearls for the decorations on my trees and added a gold star to the top of the center one.  I did have to place it a bit lower than normal because of 4" measurement on the depth of the card.

I placed the Crosshatch Oval in the corner for a signature.