The Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas - December 2021

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the December 2021 edition of The Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas with Debra of Meticulosity, Lisa of Life of a BZScrapper, and myself!  

And, Merry Christmas if you celebrate the holiday.  This is the last Crafty Elf post for 2021 and, because this edition falls on Christmas, I decided to make a few New Year's cards to share with everyone.  

I'm curious - do you send out cards for the New Year?

Links to everyone's projects and social media are at the end of this post.

Idea No. 1

If you need a quick card, have a printer, and don't mind using digi stamps, this idea might be perfect for you. During Black Friday, I bought some "label sentiment" digi stamps from Lily of the Valley on Etsy to use on cards.  THIS set has "Merry Christmas" in several different languages and makes a really quick card.

• I printed the sheet of label sentiments.  Then I trimmed each label I wanted to use, leaving a small white border.  
• I made a top folding A2 card from white cardstock to which I adhered a piece of Christmas decorative paper.  I went with a Nordic/European-looking paper design since most of the sentiments are from countries in Europe.
• I adhered each of the sentiments to a piece of red cardstock, trimmed them again, and then adhered them to the card front. 
• I adhered "Merry Christmas" to the inside and a few red enamel dots to the front.
   

Idea No. 2

I made this slimline card using THIS 2022 digi stamp I bought from Line Art Lover on Etsy.  I know it can only be used now but, for $2, it's a great deal.

• I started by importing the image into Pages and printing it out on white cardstock. 
• Then I die cut it using the largest stitched rectangle slimline die from Pink Fresh Studio.
• Then I colored it in using my Ultra Fine Tip BIC Intensity markers.  
• Lastly, I made a top folding slimline card base to which I adhered a piece of Silver Mirri cardstock.  Then I adhered my colored piece to a piece of black cardstock, leaving just a thin border, and then I adhered it to the card front.
  

Idea No. 3

This is a super simple card for the New Year.  If you've been papercrafting for as long as I have been, you probably own this Champagne Glasses embossing folder by Darice.  If you do, you can make this card in 5 minutes!

• I made an A2 card base to which I adhered a piece of black cardstock that had been die cut with a stitched rectangle die. 
• I cut a piece of white cardstock and die-cut it with another stitched rectangle die, one step down.
• Then I embossed the glasses using the Champagne Glasses embossing folder.
• I adhered a "Happy New Year" sentiment that I had in my stash and which I wrapped around the white cardstock.
• Then I adhered the glasses to a piece of black fun foam and then to the card front.
• Lastly, I adhered a crystal on each glass. 

Idea No. 4

For this New Year card, I used the Clink stamp set and the Clink die from Your Next Stamp.  This is a set that I grab often.  Not just for a New Year card but also for weddings, anniversaries, or any event that needs to be celebrated.  This is a great set to add to your collection. 

I also used purples on this card because I wanted something other than black and white. 

• I made a top-folding A2 card to which I adhered a piece of decorative paper (it's got very light dots on the paper that are not showing up in the photo).    
• I used a stitched rectangle die to die-cut a piece of white cardstock and then I stamped the image of the two champagne glasses and the sentiment "Celebrate" on the front.
• I adhered this to a piece of purple cardstock, then to a piece of fun foam, and then to the card front.  
• I stamped the image again and then die-cut it using the matching die.
• I colored the champagne using a V0000 Rose Quartz Copic marker, the glass using Moonstone Yellow BIC marker and Polynesian Purple BIC marker on the ribbon.
• Next, I applied glossy accents to the top of the glasses, Lavender Stickles to the sparklers, and small crystals around the sparklers and one inside each glass.  
• Once it was all dry, I adhered it to the card front using foam squares. 
• Lastly, I stamped "Happy New Year" on the inside of the card using a stamp in my stash.  

There you go...my last 4 ideas for 2021!  

Please remember to visit the other Crafty Elves' social media pages below.  They also have amazing card ideas for the holiday season.  It's never too early to start making some.  Just click on their links to go right to their creations! 

Debra's Blog Post - Meticulosity

Debra's IG Page - djdavison814

Lisa's Blog Post - Life of a BZscrapper

Lisa's IG Page - bzscrapper

My IG Page - worldofmichaeltrent

My Facebook Page - World Of Michael Trent

My YouTube Page - World of Michael Trent

If you celebrate, I hope you have an amazing Christmas.  If you are Jewish, I hope you enjoy your Chinese food tonight.  

Until next year...hugs from Brasil!

~Michael

3D Embossed Star of David / Hanukkah Card

 

Hello everyone and Happy Hanukkah to those that celebrate it.  Or to those that have Jewish friends or family and are taking part in the festivities.  I know it's kinda late to be making this card but I had to get it out of my head.  And, you can always make it for next year.  But, there are also 7 more days to the holiday too. 

This is such a quick and easy card to make with only a few things needed.  The embossing folder, silver, and white cardstock, and the die. 

I am using the Illusion Triangles 3D embossing folder from Altenew to make this card.  The first time I saw the folder the first thing I noticed was a Star of David in the design.  Now, I don't know if it was made this way on purpose but that's how the idea for this card came about.

• I started by making a top-folding A2 card from white cardstock to which I adhered a piece of Silver Mirri Cardstock (Anthony's Paper Craft).
• Then I cut another piece of white cardstock using a stitched rectangle die and then I embossed it with the Illusions Triangle 3D embossing folder.
• I cut another piece of the Silver Mirri Cardstock and embossed just the star from the folder, which I then fussy cut.

• Next, I die cut the Happy Hanukkah Script die (Pretty Pink Posh) using another piece of the Silver Mirri Cardstock.  

• I adhered the embossed white cardstock to the card front.  
• Then the silver Star of David using foam tape.
• Then the words Happy and Hanukkah under the star. 

Done!  Told ya, super fast and easy to make.  I love love love how this embossing folder works with the Mirri cardstock.  Amazing!  

I'd love to know what you think of this idea.  Let me know by leaving me a comment below.  And, if you are celebrating...Happy Hanukkah!

Until next time...

Hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

The Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas - November 2021

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the November 2021 edition of The Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas. AKA - the Thanksgiving Edition.  One month until Christmas!  I cannot believe how fast this year flew by.  But, I say that every year.  

Debra of Meticulosity, Lisa of Life of a BZScrapper, and I have been busy again all month making new ideas to share with you guys.  This month I even made an ATC Coin/Ornament.  

Links to everyone's projects and social media are at the end of this post.

Now, on to my cards!

Card No. 1

This card started out as a card for another day but I changed my mind.  You cannot make Christmas cards without having an ugly sweater card. 

• I started by buying an Ugly Sweater digital stamp set from Le Petite Market on Etsy.   How can you go wrong for $2?
• I printed two out.  I colored one in full and the other I only colored the wreath.  I fussy cut one full image and just the wreath on the other.  
• I made a top folding A2 card from white cardstock to which I adhered a piece of decorative paper.
• Then I stamped my sentiment and then adhered the full sweater and then I adhered the wreath with foam tape.  
• Lastly, I adhered some crystals to the sweater and wreath. 

Card No. 2  

I kinda cheated making these cards because I didn't use any rubber stamps.  But, these cards are perfect for people to make if they are not stampers or just want to get into cardmaking.   I used the Christmas Salutations 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park.  Every page has different sentiments to use for a card front and the back has a decorative paper design.

• I started by making 2 top folding A2 cards out of white cardstock and adhering a piece of decorative paper to the front.
• Next, I adhered a strip across the card using another decorative paper. 
• Then I cut two of the sentiments from the paper pad, layered them on a piece of red cardstock, and then adhered them to the card front.
• Lastly, I adhered some small crystals to the "Merry" in the first card, and around the sentiment in the 2nd card.

Card No. 3

I love...I mean, LOVE, pigs. I have a collection of pig-themed rubber stamps and when I saw this Happy Holiday Pigs digital stamp set from Vera Lane Studio on Etsy, I had to have it! 

• Using white cardstock, I made a top folding A2 card to which I adhered a piece of decorative Christmas paper. 
• Using Pages I imported the two pig images and added my own sentiment, replacing "Happy Holidays" with "Happy Hogidays".  Pigidays didn't sound right.  LOL  
• I printed it and die cut it using a stitched rectangle die.  Then I colored in the images.
• I layered this on a piece of red cardstock and then adhered it to the card front. 
• Lastly, some stickles on the images to give some shimmer.

Card No. 4

Card number 4 is actually an ATC coin.  An ATC coin is a piece of art within a 2.5" circle.  Like a rectangle ATC but round and smaller.  This one I turned into an ornament so it could be hung on the tree or from some garland too.

• Using Pages, I imported one of the images from the Tree Gal and Countdown digital stamp set from Vera Lane Studio on Etsy.  
• I printed it and cut it using a 2.5" circle die.  I also printed the sentiment on a piece of white cardstock.
• Using the same die, I cut a piece of fun foam and a piece of decorative Christmas paper (for the back).
• I colored in the image, adhered it to the fun foam and then I adhered the decorative paper on the back.
• Working slowly, I adhered a piece of tinsel around the coin.  
• I cut the words out individually and adhered them to the card front.
• Lastly, some Glossy Accents on the center of the wings, the ornament, and her eye.  And some Stickles around the wings.

Another 4 cards for 2021 are done!  

Please remember to visit the other Crafty Elves' social media pages.  We each have a blog and Instagram and we would love it if you would follow us there too.  They also have amazing card ideas for the holiday season and it's never too early to start making some.  Just click on their links to go right to their creations! 

Debra's Blog Post - Meticulosity

Debra's IG Page - djdavison814

Lisa's Blog Post - Life of a BZscrapper

Lisa's IG Page - bzscrapper

My IG Page - worldofmichaeltrent

My Facebook Page - World Of Michael Trent

My YouTube Page - World of Michael Trent

If you celebrate, I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving.  I do miss the food, the chill in the air, and the parade.  Until next month...hugs from Brasil!

~Michael

The Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas - October 2021

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the October 2021 edition of The Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas. Two months until Christmas!  That means two months until my birthday too.  Have you made any cards yet?  Debra of Meticulosity, Lisa of Life of a BZScrapper, and I have been busy this month making new card ideas to share with you guys.  

And, this month we have a very special Guest Crafty Elf joining us - Terri Burson of Waving My Wand.

Links to all the Crafty Elves' projects and social media links are at the end of this post.

For even more fun, the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers group is having their Falling for the Holidays cardmakers hop.  Check it out for some awesome holiday cardmaking ideas.  You can even link up a card of your own like I am.  There are even prizes! 

Now, on to my cards!

Card No. 1

I loved making this card and I'm calling this an "Abstract Christmas Slimline Tile Card".  I used Tile Set 1, from Anthony's Paper Craft.  The set has three (3)  1" square stamps and you can use any of them to make this card.

• I made my card base out of white cardstock - 3 5/8" x 8 5/8".  Then I used a stitched rectangle die to cut a piece of red cardstock, which I adhered to the card front.  
• I used a smaller stitched rectangle die to cut a piece of white cardstock, 3" x 8".
• Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig stamp positioner and one of the stamps from Tile Set 1, I stamped the images, one at a time, until I got the abstract design I wanted.
• Then I colored in the designs using my BIC Intensity Ultra Fine Tip markers.  
• I stamped "Merry Christmas" from Christmas Sentiments 2 from Anthony's Paper Craft.
• I layered this onto a piece of gold mirror cardstock and then onto the card front. 

Card No. 2

I found these two stamps in my stash that I bought YEARS AGO at The Ink Pad in NYC.  And I am happy to report that they are both still being made!  How cool is that?

• I started by making a top folding A2 card base using red cardstock.
• I cut a piece of white cardstock with a stitched rectangle die - 4" x 5.25".
• Using brown ink, I stamped the Elegant Holly Sprig from 100 Proof Press and then I colored in the image using Key Lime and Tiki Hut Tan BIC Intensity Ultra Fine Tip markers.  
• Then I stamped the Peace Bird, from Rubber Soul, so it looked like it was sitting on the holly branch.
• Next, I stamped "Merry Christmas" on the front and adhered the white cardstock to the red cardstock base.
• Lastly, I applied some red Stickles to where the berries are and a piece of white cardstock to the inside to write a short note.

Card No. 3

This card...took me a few times to get it right for you guys but this is what I am here for.  To work out the kinks.  All of the dies/stamps used for this card are from Impression Obsession (IO Stamps) and are linked below.

• I started by making a top folding A2 card base from white cardstock to which I adhered a piece of decorative red/Christmas paper.

Then I hit a snag...I wanted the fireplace to look like it was against a wall...with some flooring...and I looked thru my stash but nothing was working.  Then I remembered that I bought these digital collage papers of interiors/theater backgrounds. I used one of them as the background.  

• Next, I printed one of the background interiors and die cut it using a stitched rectangle die.
• Using the Fireplace die, I cut and adhered all the pieces I needed.  I used white, brown, black, and yellow/orange cardstock.  For the inside of the fireplace, I measured and cut a piece of light gray cardstock.  
• For the presents on the left side of the fireplace and the fir plant in a basket on the right side of the fireplace, I used Riding Pretty (retired).  I stamped the basket on the bike and then fussy cut it.  Then I stamped the fir plant and the presents, die cut them and colored them in.  Then I adhered to them to the card front.
• For the clock, I used It's About Time (retired).  I stamped one of the clocks, cut it out with a 1" punch.  Then I applied Glossy Accents to the front.  When dry, I adhered it to a piece of brown cardstock and then to the card front. 
• To finish off the card, I adhered 3 of the stockings from the Little B Mini Holiday Stockings that I had in my stash. 

Card No. 4

Nothing makes me happier than a sheep and the sentiment "Fleece Navidad".  So when I saw this Fleece Navidad Digi Stamp from Sublidoodle on Etsy (my new fav store), I had to have it.  This card was super fast and easy to make.  

• I started by making my slimline card base of white cardstock, 3.75" x 8.75", on which I adhered a piece of decorative Christmas paper.
• Next, I cut a piece of red cardstock using a stitched rectangle die and adhered it to the card front.
• Using Pages, I sized the Fleece Navidad Digi Stamp to fit on a piece of white cardstock, 3 5/8" x 8 3/8".
• Simple coloring of the star, hats, candy cane, and present with some Ultra Fine Tip BIC Intensity Markers - Rambunctious Red, Forest Green, and Moonstone Yellow.  And Pink Beryl Copic (R0000) on the faces and ears. Then I adhered it to the red cardstock. 
• Lastly, some Icicle Stickles on the Santa hats and along the bottom so it looks like they are standing in some snow.  Strange, but the Stickles turned gold in places.  Must have been an interaction with the printer ink but I am okay with it.

Done!  

Another month under my belt.  4 new Christmas cards for my stash this year.  Do you have a favorite?

Please remember to visit the other Crafty Elves as well as Terri, our Guest Crafty Elf. Each of them has even more amazing card ideas for the holiday season and it's never too early to start making some.  Just click on their links to go right to their creations! 

Terri's Blog Post - Waving My Wand

Terri's IG Page - Waving My Wand

Debra's Blog Post - Meticulosity

Debra's IG Page - djdavison814

Lisa's Blog Post - Life of a BZscrapper

Lisa's IG Page - bzscrapper

My IG Page - worldofmichaeltrent

My YouTube Page - World of Michael Trent

Until next time...hugs from Brasil!

~Michael

International Coffee Day - Brasil Edition

 

Hello everyone!  Did you know that today is the "unofficial" holiday to celebrate one of the most popular beverages in the world?  Coffee.  Yes, today is International Coffee Day.

I was asked to represent Brasil, along with other International coffee lovers, as part of an international group of coffee-loving card-makers, and we're all over on the Coffee Loving Cardmakers blog.  

Did you know that  -

• coffee was initially used for religious ceremonies and rituals.
• Sultan Murad IV of the Ottoman Empire hated coffee so much that he made coffee drinking an offense punishable by death. 
• King Charles II, fearing plots hatched over cups of coffee, ordered all coffee houses shut.  

All true.  You can read more about International Coffee Day by clicking HERE. 

For my card...I wanted the card to look Brasilian...maybe with the flag or the colors on the cup?  I found a stencil of the Brasilian flag in my stash and I decided to use it.

Here is the Brasilian flag so you can see how this all came together.  The flag consists of a green rectangle, a yellow rhombus, a blue circle, a white stripe and starts, and the national motto in green - "Ordem e Progresso", which means order and progress.

Using white cardstock, I die-cut the largest of the Cozy Mugs (Memory Box/retired/but still available from Frantic Stamper at this time).  I cut the mugs 4 times and then adhered them together.  I wanted a nice heavy duty cup.  

For the flag, I used the Brasilian flag stencil to trace and cut the rectangle, rhombus, and the circle using papers from Sweet Nectar (K&Company).  

I used Versamark ink and white embossing powder for the stars in the blue piece.

I adhered the pieces together to form the flag, then I die cut it using the largest cup die and adhered it to the front of the cup. 

I found a floral bouquet digi stamp from DakhaShop on Etsy.  Bought it, printed it, die-cut it with a stitched rectangle die, and then colored it using BIC Intensity markers.  

I adhered the stitched rectangle to a piece of fun foam and them to the card front. Then the Brasilian coffee cup and Stickles (Ranger) to the flowers.

 

Then...because I never know when to stop...I found a really old die of a parrot from Bosskut.  Older than Noah's Ark!  We have a lot of parrots here so I cut the pieces needed and put it together.  Then I adhered it to the left side of the cup.

And, lastly, a sentiment.  I typed up "what's brewing?", printed it, and added it to the card front. 

Done!  I am so in love with this card.  I love how all the colors scream Brasil and was very happy to represent my new country for this blog post.  

Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Please let me know what you think of the card.  Don't forget to check out the other card-makers over on the Coffee Loving Cardmakers blog.  There are some great prizes to be won from Funky Fossil Designs, Gracielle Design, Jane's Doodles, Rachel Vass Designs, and from the Coffee Loving Papercrafters Blog.  

Until next time, hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

Less Is More Challenge - Hexagons - Birthday Card

 

Hello everyone.  Today I want to share a quick card I made for a photographer friend who has a birthday coming up.  Since the paper I decided to use has hexagons as part of the design, I knew it would be perfect for the current card challenge on the Less Is More Challenge Blog since the recipe is ... hexagons.   

I started with a top-folding A2 card base of white cardstock.  Then I die-cut a 3.75" x 5" stitched rectangle die from the Stitched Rectangle Set 1 Dies from Pink & Main.

I pulled out some balloon dies I have and decided to use the Balloon Die Set from Top Dog Dies.  I know it's retired but there are so many companies with balloon dies that, if you wanted to case or copy this card, you have lots of options.

I die cut the largest balloon die using one of the designs from the 24/Seven paper pad by Simple Stories.  The sheet has hexagons all over it and one of them has a camera image.  Perfect.

I adhered the camera to the stitched white piece.  Then I tied a string to the balloon and adhered it to the back.  

Then a sentiment from my stash.

Lastly, I adhered it to the card front on an angle.  Done!

Done!  Super easy and super fast to make.  Hope you guys like it too.  Thanks for stopping by the blog today!  

Until next time, hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

National Coffee Week - Slimline Card - Anthony's Paper Craft

 

Hello everyone.  So it seems there is a lot going on this week related to coffee.  Wednesday, September 29th is National Coffee Day - a celebration of all things coffee in the USA and Canada.  

And then, on Friday, October 1st, is International Coffee Day.  Phew!  

To read all about National Coffee Day and to see 57 deals, discounts, and freebies related to coffee...check out THIS link.  

I wanted to make a quick card and other than waiting for the glossy accents to dry on the cups, this card is very quick to make.

I started by making a 3 5/8" x 8 5/8" slimline card base using Kraft cardstock.   

Then, I die-cut another piece of the Kraft cardstock using the largest stitched die from the Slim Stitched Rectangle Die Set from Pink Fresh Studio.  

Next, I randomly stamped 3 of the cups from the Coffee 2 set from Anthony's Paper Craft with Coffee Archival Ink all over the stitched Kraft piece.   

Using the smaller stitched rectangle die from the same Slim Stitched Rectangle Die Set from Pink Fresh Studio, I die-cut a piece of white cardstock.  I stamped the cup and saucer image using Coffee Archival ink starting in the center and then working out to each side.  Then I stamped each of the flourishes from the Flourishes 1 set from Anthony's Paper Craft.  I loved how these flourish images represent the steam coming off a hot cup of Joe! 

To finish off the card...

I layered this piece on a piece of dark brown cardstock leaving a very small border.  

Then I colored in each of the cups.

I made my sentiment, printed it, die cut it using a stitched banner die and layering it on a piece of dark brown cardstock, which I adhered to the upper right corner.

I adhered this to the card front.  

Lastly, I used Glossy Accents on each of the cups and set the card aside to fully dry.  Using the Glossy Accents gives a ceramic look to each of the cups.

I'd love to know what you think of this idea and card.  Hope you have a great week everyone.  Thanks for stopping by today and, until next time, hugs from Brasil.

~Michael