I followed directions shared by Marisol Gutierrez to make this tea bag folded tree. After I had finished the card, I spied the frame leftover from cutting out the Top Note die for a different project. I added it to this card as it frames the tree perfectly. If you have used this technique to make a Christmas tree, email me a copy of the photo and I will be happy to share it here. If you would like to purchase the supplies needed for this card, visit my online store. It is always open!

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes (1153700)

Ink: Always Artichoke Classic Stamp Pad (105219)

Paper: Cherry Cobbler card stock (119685)
           Baja Breeze card stock (111352)
           Chocolate Chip card stock (102128)
           Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810)

Other: Top Note Bigz die (113463)
           Modern Label Extra-Large punch (119849)
           Circle Fire Rhinestone brad (109110)
           Petals a Plenty Embossing folder (116824)

Sometime this past couple of weeks, my stats counter tells me that I passed the 10,000 visitors mark! Wow! I know this isn't a big number for bloggers with larger groups of followers, but for me this is exciting. Here is a big THANK YOU to all who come to visit. Sign up to follow my blog in a reader and my posts will come directly to your inbox. This way you won't have to check my blog each day to keep from missing seeing my creations. Click on the link in the sidebars to sign up.

I created this simple card of Thanks on my computer using My Digital Studio. It took me just a very short time and I didn't have to clean up my mess on my stamping table to make space to stamp the card. I could go on and on about the benefits of owning My Digital Studio! Click here to place your order. You will be so happy you did!

As always, I appreciate your visit today. Do come again soon.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Sir Henry Cole (1818 – 1874) of England created the first commercial Christmas Card in 1843. He comissioned John Collcott Horsley to design the card. 2050 cards were produced and sold for a schilling a piece. Now it is a multi-billion dollar industry with 1.9 million cards sent each year. Here is a picture of the card John Horsley designed:

I created this Christmas card using My Digital Studio to send to soldiers overseas. I thought the wording fit better than Merry Christmas as their Christmas may be a far cry from being merry.

  Visit my online store to place your order for My Digital Studio. With this software, you have a virtual stamping studio in your computer. An added bonus is that you can purchase additional files which keep your digital stamping studio as current as Stampin' Up!'s most recent mini catalog!

Thanks for stopping by today. Do come to visit again soon!

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

It is not too late to order supplies to make your own Christmas and New Year cards. Visit my online store

While I was making the card welcoming our new great-grandchild yesterday, I made this birthday card for her sister who celebrated her 2nd birthday this month as well. I love this little whale since we see lots of whales here in SE Alaska. I used one of Stampin' Up!'s new colors, Pacific Point, on this card. Again, I used some of my retired Designer Series paper. Thanks for visiting today. Do come back to visit soon. Or….sign up to receive my blog posts directly to your email. The sign-up link is located to the right.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamps: Animal Stories (116716)
          On Your Birthday (111664)

Ink: Pacific Point Classic Stamp Pad (111837)

Paper: So Saffron card stock (105118)
       Retired Designer Seriec paper

Other: Scallop Trim Border punch (118402)
       Decorative Label punch (120907)
       Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119257)

I want to welcome our 7th great-grandchild, little Emery Faith Johnson! She was born November 5th and joins two sisters, Delilah and Madison. I am sending a blanket I knitted off to the happy family and made this card to send as well. The background paper is some retired paper I have in my stash….gotta use it up sometime! The stamp set Animal Stories by Stampin' Up! is still available. I think it is perfect for baby and small children's cards. Since we live in SE Alaska where we see lots of whales, I particularly like this set and its whale. If you would like to order this stamp set or other supplies, visit my online store. It is always open and your items are shipped directly to you.  Thanks for visiting today.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamp Sets: Animal Stories (116716)
           Short and Sweet (115060)

Inks: So Saffron Classic Stamp Pad (105213)
            Old Olive Classic Stamp Pad (102277)
            Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker

Paper: So Saffron card stock (105118)
             retired Designer Series Paper

Other: Scallop Oval Extra-Large punch (119856)
              Latte button (retired)

Did you know December is 'Write a Friend' month? No…well neither did I. However it is a good idea! So write or send a card to a friend this month. Ohhh….don't procrastinate! Do it this week! When you do, post a comment on this blog that you have completed the challenge. An independent source (my husband) will draw a name from those posting comments now through December 7th. What is your prize if your name is chosen? A set of 5 of the Christmas cards I have posted on this blog. So…get busy! Mail a card or letter and then post here that you have.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Today is the last day to take advantage of spectacularly low prices on selected Stampin' Up! products. Don't put off clicking on the image below and beginning your shopping now. Think great gifts for your stamping friends and yourself.

It is also the last day to start your own business for just  $87.50! You can begin 2011 by taking charge of how much you earn by owning your own paper crafting business. Click on the image for more information and then contact me for a sign-up password.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

I just had to try my hand at making one of those poinsettias from the French Foliage stamp set that Stampin' Up! introduced in the Holiday Mini Catalog. My long-time cyber friend Connie Babbert first shared this technique. Thanks, Connie! I am not excited about the band of pink across the middle as I have a hard time getting used to non-traditional colors for Christmas. However, I do like the total sum of the parts of this card. Thanks for coming by to visit today.

By the way, this is Cyber Monday and the last day of Stampin' Up!'s Spectacular savings. Don't put off clicking on this link to see what is on sale for up to 50% off! You will be so sorry if you miss this spectacular sale!

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamps: French Foliage (120845 w) (121166 c)
             Bells & Boughs (120831 w) (121142 c)

Card Stock: Regal Rose (105130)
             Always Artichoke (105119)

Inks: Rose Red Classic Ink Pad (101778)
             Always Artichoke (105219)

Other: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402)
             Basic Pearls (119247)

I really wanted to be in my stamp room creating a card to share with you but I spent yesterday and part of today creating the covers for our worship bulletins for advent.

The design I have used in the past did not work for our new pastor. I printed out one of the old ones and traced the outline of the two different size candles, then scanned them back into my computer. I uploaded the smaller one into My Digital Studio and copied and pasted it to have four candles. Then I used text frames to add the words.

Next I uploaded the flame into MDS and adjusted the size and put flames on each of the candles. I put on only one for the first Sunday in Advent and added a flame for each week.

I used the poinsettia stamp brush from Bells and Boughs to add greenery at the base of the candles. However, the candle lines showed through the poinsettia image. So I saved just the candles and opened the image in Adobe Photoshop Elements 3. There I could erase parts of the lines. I switched back and forth between PSE and MDS saving several versions of the candles until I got just the right amount erased. Once I got the image with four candles done, I had to go through the whole process again to add the Christ candle for Christmas Eve. It was a lot of fussing and some frustration but I am happy with the end results.

Now I have the bulletin covers all ready for Advent. Yay! Thanks for coming to visit today. Let me know you were here by leaving a comment. If you would like to play with My Digital Studio, hop on over to my online store. My Digital Studio is 50% off through Nov 30. You can't beat that deal!!!

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving yesterday. Having a grateful heart is one of the keys to a contented and happy life. Today I want you all to know how grateful I am that you take time to visit my blog. I am also grateful for all my customers and good friends who support me in my stamping business. Thank you all so much!
Blessings,
Sue

It's the day before Thanksgiving and my mind is whirling with all the preparations for tomorrow's dinner which I have put off until the last minute. However, I need to pause occasionally to appreciate all the things for which I am thankful. Perhaps you are like me. Perhaps you too need to take an occasional pause in the midst of your busy day to consider those blessings which we take for granted. Let's warm-up our gratitude today in preparation for Thanksgiving Day along with preparing our Thanksgiving feasts. Please take time to post a comment and share what you are thankful for this year.

Happy Holdiay Stamping,

Sue

Stampin’ Up! has gone bonkers! From Nov 22 – Nov 30, selected products are 50% off including My Digital Studio! Other selected product is 20%, 30%, and 40% off! What a great opportunity to purchase a gift for your stamping buddy or even for yourself. You have been very good this year, haven’t you? Click the image below to find out all the wonderful things that are on sale. Then either place your order right there while you are in my online store or email me with your order. You must get in on these great savings!

The sketch for the Stamping 411 challenge this weekend is an easy one. I used Deck the Halls Designer Paper, the Boughs and Bells stamp set, and Always Artichoke 1/2" seam binding to make my response to the sketch. It is the first time I have tried the ruffled ribbon tech using sticky tape to adhere it to the card. I think it turned out pretty well.

Thanks for visiting my blog today. Here….have a cup of coffee or a latte while you visit and please do leave a comment before you leave. I love knowing you visited.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue Erickson

Stamp set: Bells and Boughs (120831 wood) (121142 clear)

Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669)
         Always Artichoke (105219)
         Soft Suede (115657)

Paper: Cherry Cobbler card stock (119685)
           Crumb Cake card stock (121030)
           Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810)
           Whisper White card stock (100730)

Other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter (102023)
          Crystal Effects (101055)
          2-Way Glue Pen (100425)
          Sticky Strip (104294)
          Distressing tool (part of cutter kit 106958)
          Sponge Dauber (102892)
          Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding (121000)