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It's only November 6th and we woke up to more snow...again.  And tomorrow is supposed to be in the single digits.  It's looking like it's going to be a long winter.  

Gold makes everything more elegant.  And that goes even more any kind of greeting card.  

All three ornaments and the sentiment are done with the gold embossing powder.  I stamped one of each ornament and punched out using the ornament punches.  You can also use the Golden Glitz Delicata stamp pad if you are in a hurry.  It would be faster, but if given the chance, I do the embossing.  I just love the embossing look.

The two strips are pieces of the Goil Foil paper.  They bookend another piece of Very Vanilla.  It would have looked pretty silly having those two strips and nothing inbetween them.  

I've done a few cards last year with the same "theme".  That is, mostly Very Vanilla with an accent of gold.  It's a look that is very elegant and classic.  Patterned papers become outdated, given enough time, but a card like this will always be around.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 38742

Product List

 

Christmas Gleaming Cling Stamp Set (En)	Gleaming Ornaments Punch Pack	Christmas Gleaming Bundle (En)	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Gold Foil Sheets
Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder	Versamark Pad	Heat Tool (Us And Canada)	Paper Snips	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

 

 

So, here's the deal on this post.  I was working on it last night.  Double checked everything and it looked good.  I was scrolling down to click the POST button and somehow...POOOF.  It all went away.  Everything except the title.  I almost cried.  It was now 9:50 pm and definately didn't want to start again that late.  This isn't the first time it's happened to me either.  But, it still, when it happens, I get so incredibly frustrated.  

Now, moving on...again.  Let's hope the 2nd time around doesn't go POOOF .

I was so excited to receive the Buffalo Check Stamp Set in the mail the other day.  It was on the One-Day sale and I couldn't resist.  It's been on my Wish List and I finally broke down.

The main tip I would give with this stamp set is to definately use the Stamparatus. I stamped Memento Black onto Real Red.  It took 5-6 stamps before I got the look I liked.  The Stamparatus made it super easy to re-stamp.  I cut the paper 1 inch longer on the width so there was a place to place the magnet.  It worked great, having that extra space.

Because there was only one shot at getting the deer embossed perfectly, I used the Stamparatus again.  First, use the Embossing Buddy and wipe it around the center where the deer will be.   I stamped the deer in Versamark 3-4 times before I sprinkled the White Embossing Powder over.  It was worth stamping it several times to make sure you get a good stamped image.  But, I also learned the hard way the first time I tried.  The Memento Black wasn't fully dry when I stamped the deer.  The deer turned out ok, but there was residual embossing powder around the entire deer. Big Mistake.  Good thing it was only a trial.   

The "Season's Greetings" is from the Itty Bitty Christmas Stamp Set.  I also embossed it because at first I tried the White Craft Ink and didn't like that it wasn't white enough.  Don't be afraid to use those little stamps on the front of a card.  With all that is on this card front, a larger sentiment would be out of porportion.  

If I would do this card again, I would stamp the deer a little higher on the plaid.  It seems to be a little crowded on the bottom of the card.  

Well, the second time seems to have worked out.  Whew.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper 

tams# 38635

Product List

 

Buffalo Check Cling-Mount Stamp Set	Dashing Deer Cling-Mount Stamp Set	Itty Bitty Christmas Cling Stamp Set (En)	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Stamparatus	Embossing Buddy	White Stampin' Emboss Powder
Versamark Pad	Heat Tool (Us And Canada)	Black 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Glittered Organdy Ribbon	Classic Label Punch	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

 

 

My main goal today was to get caught up on the laundry.  I think I did about 6 loads.  Not a fun job, but definately necessary.  As you can tell by the 6 loads, I was a little behind.  Plus, this I didn'thave to go outside at all!!

I had to dig deep into my stamp stack for this set.  Varied Vases.  It has been a very long time since I used it last.  Time to bring it out into the limelight.

The inspiration for this card was the bow.  It has been sitting on my table for several weeks and didn't have the heart to throw it away.  Sad, I know.  Even though it's in the Holiday Catalog, it doesn't have to be Christmas only.  The added touches of gold in the card works perfect with the ribbon. 

The hardest part of the card was lining the color of the flowers up with the outline.  I chose Grapefruit grove, just for something different.  By using red, it would have look too Christmasy and I didn't want that in this card.  Plus, I got it right in the first stamp!  

Have a great weekend!

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 38594

Product List

 

Varied Vases Photopolymer Stamp Set	Vases Builder Punch	Gold Foil Sheets	Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Grapefruit Grove Classic Stampin' Pad	Golden Glitz Delicata Metallic Ink Pad	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals
Shaded Spruce/Gold 3/8" (1 Cm) Striped Ribbon	Mini Glue Dots	Stamparatus

 

 

Do you like Rae Drummond, the Pioneer Woman?  Some of her recipes are absolutely fabulous. I came across this recipe of hers and have made it several times.  My family also like it so that's an added bonus.  

I usually strugged with the side dishes.  Plain old potatoes and pasta just don't cut it.  I'm also not a huge fam of the baked potato, unless it's dripping with all the extras.  So the search for side dishes is an ongoing one.

Crash Hot Potatoes

• 12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt To Taste
• Black Pepper To Taste
• Rosemary (or Other Herbs Of Choice) To Taste
• Parmesan, Finely Grated

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.

Drizzle a sheet pan with olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the sheet pan, leaving plenty of room between each potato.

With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, then push the excess out of the masher back on top of the potatoes. Rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again, pushing out the excess. Drizzle the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.

Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.) Add grated Parmesan.

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sizzling.

 

Now, don't they look fabulous?  If they are cooked just right, they are just a little crispy on the bottom.  That's how we all like them.  What's nice is that you can change up the spices to whatever spices you like.  I've been been temmpted to add bacon bit on top!  

You can find the recipe here: https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/crash-hot-potatoes/

I just made these last week and had a few left over.  On Saturday, my husband scrambled up some eggs, added some cheese and mixed in the leftovers.  It actually looked pretty good.  What a great way to eat those leftovers!

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

  

It's starting already.  Snow that is.  We already had about 1-2 inches the other day , which has already melted.  But tonight we are supposed to get an additional 3-5 inches.  It's Halloween tomorrow, we aren't supposed to have snow yet!  I'm just hoping that it's not an omen for how the winter will be.

I'm taking a break from Christmas cards.  Back to the birthdays today.

Beauty & Joy stamp set was used in this card.  I love how the leaves look.  It's just a single color, Crushed Curry, but it really has some dimension to it.  Can you imagine it colored with multiple colors?  I'm thinking I'll have to try that this week.

Notice now the card was put together?  The dsp was put in the bottom right corner of the card, and the tree was in the top left of the dsp. Both of those off-sided each other and the tree is still in the middle of the card.  That part wasn't planned.  I'm kind of liking the way it turned out.  

The birthday sentiment was from Itty Bitty Birthday Stamp Set.  There's a saying for any kind of birthday you may need.  I went for a stamp that I haven't used yet.  It's all about trying new things.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 38524

Product List

 

Beauty & Joy Photopolymer Stamp Set	Itty Bitty Birthdays Cling Stamp Set	Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad	Terracotta Tile Classic Stampin’ Pad	5/8" (1.6 Cm) Burlap Ribbon	Tear & Tape Adhesive	Paper Snips

 

 

The house is all quiet again.  Megan left yesterday for school and Alyssa went back today, after I took her out for breakfast.  It's hard to say no to that.  We are supposed to get some snow tomorrow.  Isn't that depressing?  It's only October!  

I found  some time to get in my stamp room and create this card.  I dug out the Merry Christmas to All Stamp Set and Merry Christmas dies from last year.  Last year they were a favorite of mine and they still are.  

The trees from Perfectly Plaid are stamped in Night of Navy.  I needed a pop of color different from the Cherry Cobbler. My second choice was Pretty Peacock.  That would have been a little unexpected choice of color. 

One part of the card that bothers me are the dots from the die on "Merry".  I even had the die upside down in my die cut machine.  I heard if you layer a fabric softer sheet in between that will help my bothersome issue.  But, of course, I didn't have any so this is what I get.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Perfectly Plaid Photopolymer Stamp Set (En)	Pine Tree Punch	Perfectly Plaid Bundle (En)	Merry Christmas To All Photopolymer Stamp Set	Wrapped In Plaid 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper	Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Copper Foil Sheets	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad	Merry Christmas Dies	Stampin' Dimensionals

 

 

 

Here is some long awaited good news.  Starting November 1st, the paper trimmer will be available for everyone to order! 

I've heard from some of my fellow demos and they are liking it.  The trimmer has the extended base of  6 inches.  I love those large bases.  There is an arm that swing out so you can easily cut those 12 x 12 Designer Series Papers with no problem!

Here are some other details about the trimmer:

 

Item: 152392 | $25.00 usd/$34.00 cad

• 15-3/8 x 8 x 1/2” (39 x 20.3 x 1.3 cm)
• Includes 1 cutting blade and 1 scoring blade.
• Includes imperial and metric measurements.
• Ruler and grid protected by durable plastic cover.
• Point on cutting handle for precise measuring.
• Right-side grid for cutting thin strips.

Take a closer look at the trimmer.

Stampin' Up! has done a video about this new trimmer.  Check it out.

Now, for some news about the replacement blades:

• Cutting Blades Multipack will be available to purchase in January 2020.
  • Cutting Blades Multipack $12.00 usd/$16.25 cad
  • Each Cutting Blades Multipack unit contains four blades.

With Christmas coming, this would make a great Christmas Present for any crafter!!

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

  

 

 

 

Are you ready for the weekend?

I am!  Both girls came home last night so I'm a happy mom.  Still not used to them coming home on Thursday, so today felt like Saturday all day.  It didn't help that my husband took a day off of work too.  It felt like they were playing with my mind all day.  Do you ever get that feeling?  

I took a few minutes yesterday before everyone got home to make this card. 

As usual, gotta love the copper accents.  The ornament on the card is Pretty Peacock with the Copper Embossing Powder.  Gorgeous!!  At first I didn't think the copper would show up too much, but it sure does.   

I love how the ornament matches the one in the DSP paper.   Love how the matchy matchy just comes together so easily.  You don't even have to think about it.

Now, there isn't a sentiment on the front of the card.  I took advantage of the ribbon for that.  I purposely positioned the Merry Christmas on the ribbon right next to the ornament punch.  

But, the Very Vanilla on top was looking pretty plain.  I already had it adhered it down, and was afraid to stamp something that would ruin the  whole thing.  So, I stamped the three smaller ornaments and embossed them with the clear embossing powder.  It brought in some of the smaller ornaments from the DSP but didn't take away from the Pretty Peacock ornament.  Perfect!  And I got lucky and they all stamped and embossed just fine.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Christmas Gleaming Cling Stamp Set (En)	Gleaming Ornaments Punch Pack	Christmas Gleaming Bundle (En)	Brightly Gleaming Specialty Designer Series Paper	Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Versamark Pad	Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder	Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder	Heat Tool (Us And Canada)	Very Vanilla/Copper 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Classic Weave Ribbon	Stampin' Dimensionals