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Here are two more Christmas cards I received.  Aren't they both gorgeous?  In reality, the picture doesn't do them any justice. 

  

The top card is from my upline, Lyssa.  The gold just shimmers and gives an elegant feel to the card.  She didn't just stamp the words in gold ink, but used gold embossing powder instead.  I didn't get this stamp set, and this card makes me regret not buying it. My loss. 

The Bottom card is from my friend, Cheryl.  She really gave her Big Shot a workout making these cards.  Shall we try to count the times she used it:  Embossing folder, cut the trees and then emboss, deer, 2 circles, Merry Christmas and the pine boughs. I count at least 9 times, maybe more because of the trees.    Everything is layered together in a way that it all works perfectly and doesn't look too crowded.  

That's all for tonight.  It's going to be a mother/daughter coffee date tomorrow morning.  My friend and her daughter are joining us.  We always have a good time getting together.

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

I'm so glad that tomorrow is Friday and I don't have to work.  My husband always take vacation time around Christmas so by now he's getting antsy and coming up with projects for "us" to do.  Problem is, I'm very busy at work so I don't want to do projects.  So, he was already warned that Friday is my day and I'm hoping to spend time in my stamping room.  

This was a record breaking year for Christmas cookies.  I only made 6 kinds.  Never had I made so few, but we don't need all those cookies.  So, this has me thinking what to make for Christmas dessert since I usually bring cookies.  I came up with a Yule Log.  Never had I ever made a rolled cake so I thought this would be a challange.  First...what kind?  No peppermint, gingerbread, pumpkin, or chocolate cakes.  And no jimmies or sprinkles.  Fine.  White yule log cake it is.

Now the recipe had me nervous.  Only 1/3 cup cake flour.  Only that much flour?  So I looked on other recipe on Pinterest and they also called for that small anount of flour so I went with it.  Since I didn't have cake flour, I looked for a substitute.  It was using corn starch.  I added 1 Tablespoon in a 1/2 cup measuring cup and added flour.  Then whisked it for several minutes and measured out my 1/3 cup.  

This is the website from where I got the recipe.  atreatsaffair.com/christimas-vanilla-roll-cake-recipe/  The recipe is very detailed so follow it carefully.  There are a lot of eggs.  When I took the cake out of the oven, all I smelled was cooked eggs.  Boy, did that have me nervous.  But it looked good. 

Next was rolling the cake. It's best to do when just out of the oven to avoid cracks.  I was very  nervous for this part.  But I did it and no cracks at all.  My daughter was waiting to video me with an epic fail and sorry to say I disappointed her.  She was thinking cake balls.

Instead of frosting the outside, I chose to do a chocolate ganache.  There are lots of recipes, but it's basically  heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Heat the cream to just before boiling.  Add the chocolate chips and some vanilla and stir until melted.  You can add coffee granules and Kahula, but I opted not to.  I let it cool a bit before I could "frost" my cake.  

It turned out pretty good.  Everyone really liked it and was impressed.  I would definately try it again next year.  I apologize my picture isn't the greatest.  I forgot to take a picture before we left out house, so I quick took one before it was cut.  If you compare my picture too the one on atreatsaffair.com they look completely different.  Theirs looks way more professional, but hey, I gave something new a try.  It turned out and I would definately try it again.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

I hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday.  For us, Christmas morning is opening presents and having a brunch.  In the afternoon we go to my husband's parents for Christmas with his family.  With all the craziness of working retail in December, I'm glad that our day is more relaxing.  

Now, I have not had any time to get in my stamp room to create anything new.  I was lucky that I got my Christmas cards done and out in the nick of time.  What is even sadder, is that I have an order sitting in my room full of pre-order items from the new Occasions Catalog and SAB and I barely had time to look at them.  It's in my room just waiting for me to come and play.  I already told my husband on Friday, since I don't work, I'm taking the day for myself.  In other words, I'm in my stamp room cleaning and playing with my new stamps and also some Stampin' Blends.  Yes, I finally purchased some and I haven't even taken them out of the plastic yet.  

Since I haven't had time to create anything new, I'm showing some cards that we have received for Christmas.  These are from Sara and Penni.  I think the Christmas tree is from the retired set, Gorgeous Grunge.  I was so very sad to see that stamp set retire.  The star on top is from the Real Red Glimmer paper and it beautiful in person.    Now, the gingerbread man is so adorable and edible. Just looking at that card makes we want to have a cup of hot chocolate and eat Christmas cookies.  

 

Let it Snow.  That is definately not happening in Wisconsin.  It won't be a White Christmas this year.  

Every year I like to do some gift tags for club.  Usually we do 5 different tags and make 4 of each one.  My club decided they needed more Christmas cards so we didn't do as many this year.  But, this is one we did.  You can't see it, but under the dsp,  the To / From is stamped on the Old Olive.  It is from the same stamp set which was great.  

The top is punched with the Tag Topper Scallop Punch with the Striped Ribbon threaded through it.  It's finished with the Basic Black Bakers Twine wrapped around it several times and tied ina bow.  It's a simple design that can be easily duplicated over and over.  

Is everyone ready for Christmas?  Only 2 more days to go.  Tonight my husband and myself had a marathon wrapping night.  We got it done in a couple hours and another thing is checked off the to-do list.

Click on the picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

 

 

Only one more work day before Christmas.  Yay!  I actually thought it would have been busier today, but I'm not complaining.  It's hard being at work thinking I have a ton of things to do at home.  Who doesn't know that feeling? 

Tomorrow is catch up day. No work!  We are finally making the cut-out cookies, among other things.  The cookie dough has been made and in the refrigerator for over a week now, just haven't had the time to cut and bake them.  Actually have to plan on several hours to do those.  Now this is a first time in a very long time I'm not making a triple batch.  These are my family's favorite, but I'm cutting back this year.  Only making a double batch.  I'm afraid if I do a single batch they will be gone Christmas eve.  

Normally, my goal is to get the hardest, most time consuming cookie done Thanksgiving weekend.  For me, that's cutout cookies.  Guess that puts me a few weeks behind schedule.  Oops.  

Need a math lesson for your children?  Back in grade school, I made my daughter do the math measurements from a single batch to a triple batch.  She didn't like it, but considering it was cutout cookies, it was worth the math lesson.  Now on my recipe card it lists the single batch measurements and also the triple batch.  She didn't want to do that again.  

Cutout Sugar Cookies

Single batch                                                               Triple batch

2/3 cup Butter flavored Crisco                               2 cups

3/4 cup sugar                                                             2 cups

1 T and 1 t milk                                                          3T and 3t

1 egg                                                                             3

1 t Vanilla                                                                    3t 

2 cups flour                                                                 6 cups

1 1/2 t baking powder                                               4 1/2 t

1/4 t salt                                                                       3/4 t

Combine Crisco ( I just use butter) sugar, milk, and vanilla.  Beat until blended.  Add egg.

Add flour, baking powder and salt.  Cover and chill several hours.

Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness.  Cut out with cookie cutters.  Place onto ungreased sheets.  Bake 375 for 7-9 minutes.

Frosting

Beat 2/3 c butter till smooth.  Add 2c powdered sugar.  Add 1/4 cup milk and 1t vanilla.  Add additional 6 cups powdered sugar and 2-4 t milk until you have spreading consistency.  Scoop into individual bowls and add food coloring to your preference.  

Now, this frosting makes enough for the triple batch without having a huge amount leftover.  For a single batch, definately cut this in half.  Or, if you are like my family, have on hand graham crackers to dip into the frosting.  Their preference is Scooby Doo Snacks.  Sadly, I can't find them in the regular boxes much any more.  The individual snack size bags just don't work for my family.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Happy Hump Day.  It's taking everything I have to get through this week at work.  I work only 2 more days before Christmas.  After Christmas is another story, a different kind of stress.  I'll worry about that the 26th.

Isn't this box just adorable?  My friend, Cheryl,  made it for a gift for her card club and made one for me too!  She used the clear acetate boxes we sell.  I gave her props to tie a bow with this Striped Ribbon.  There is wire around both edges so it's stiff when trying to tie it.  I tried once to make a bow and said that's enough.  Just knots for me. 

I made something smiliar for a hostess gift and forgot to take a picture.  The tealights fit perfectly and she picked great colors.  Love the gold glitter one.  I'm almost afraid to burn it.   Some other ideas to put inside would be bath salts, facial masks or maybe a small mani/pedi kit.  Of course, you could put 3-4 homemade cards and envelopes inside.  Dress up the box and you have a great gift.  Gift wrap not necessary.  

My other gifts I'll post at a later date.  So far this is the only one I have taken a picture of.

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper  

 

 

Happy Monday to everyone!  This is going to be a very quick post before I'm off to work.  Stampin' Up has updated their Clearance Rack. Yahoo!  I had to go check it out for myself.  More framrlits, ribbon, embellishments, you name it. 

Now remember, if there is something that you can't live without, grab it now.  Once things are sold out, they are gone forever.  I'm looking at some of the combo cardstock packs.  They are really cheap and if you need just a few sheets of the colors, they are perfect.    

Oh, there are a bunch of embossing folders too. Some are perfect for Valentine's day and and that's coming up pretty quickly. 

This girl has to finish getting for work since it starts in 1/2 hour.   But, when I get home, my other daughter will be home from college!  That is something to look forward too.

Until next time, Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper   

Merry Christmas to my club members.  Every year I like to do a little something to show my appreciation for supporting my business.  I decorated these mini pizza boxes.  Look closely.  Each of the boxes themselves are completely different, but yet similar in color theme.  The ribbon, green sprig and ornament are used on every one. 

I just love the little ornament.  You could easily decorate a Christmas tree with them.  The shape is all a little different than what you normally see.  So many ornaments are a plain round ball so I love having them a their own shape.  

Another thing to notice is that not a single stamp was used.  I was going to use the Labels to Love, but after trying one, they looked too big with the green sprig and ornament.  The belly bands slide right off the back side.  Inside there was Dove Chocolates.  Can't go wrong with those!

Here is a better angle so you can see the box sides.  Can't leave those bare.  

 

One good feature is that these boxes are food safe!  Wouldn't you love to give (or even get) Christmas cookies in one of these decorated boxes? Or soon enough, Valentine's Day is coming up.  They would also fit 3 x 3 cards inside perfectly.  I'm thinking about doing that for my club.  They would make great gifts or just to use yourself. The uses for these boxes are endless.  I was really excited to see them on the Carryover List.  This means you can order them through May 31, 2018.  

Click on the first picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper