Red Friday and Small Business Saturday

Today is Small Business Saturday, when we are encouraged to shop local, small businesses.  I shopped at a LSS only a few miles from my house.  I want to like that store - I really do.  They have a good selection, the prices are competitive with on line sources.  I had a friend shop with me once.  She didn't like it either, even without me telling her how I felt about the place.  I go in a few times a year, hoping to feel welcome, or at least not unwelcome.  Maybe next time.

I did buy a great Spellbinders Cascading Hearts die.  I saw how Sharon used a background die on her card on the OWH Red Friday blog hop, and wanted to try one for myself.

For my first try, I die cut the white, backed with with black, and mounted onto a red card base.  Corners rounded with my 1/4" We R Memory Keepers chompers.  Sentiment heat embossed.  I like it, but it just didn't have a wow factor for me.  A die that pretty should be on a card with a wow factor!  On to round 2...

 I layered the white die cut onto mirror paper, then onto a red base.  I added a Cuttlebug die cut sentiment.  The picture does not show how fabulous the second card is!  I will be making more of these for OWH during their winter card lull, as it could be used for Valentine's Day or just a general love card.   Your thoughts?

OWH Red Friday Blog Hop

Operation Write Home is sponsoring a blog hop today, and I was particularly inspired by Paula's post. 

Here are my versions:

Papers from 7 Gypsies, Sizzix Music Notes texture plate.  

I like them both, for different reasons.  Which do you like better, and why? 

OWH Sketch 242

This sketch is from a few weeks ago, I am just a bit behind...

Not a favorite, but forced me to create outside of my box!!

OWH Sketch Challenge #243

The sketch and my version:

Darice Thin Lines embossing folder on wood look layer, We R Memory Keepers washi tape (tape is the same as the house in the center), DP from American Crafts Ready Set Go 6 x 6 pad, TPC Studios sentiment. 

SOS #178: Thankful

This week's theme is Thankful. With the US Thanksgiving right around the corner, we are challenged to make a Thank You or grateful project, or make something based on the Thanksgiving theme.

Another embossed paper and Inka Gold card.  A few people have asked me to post more information about the technique.  Check out the Poly Clay Play blog HERE.  A tiny bit goes a long way.  If you choose to buy, the smallest sizes will be plenty for paper projects, and the towers are the least expensive way to go.  Not affiliated in any way, just enabling!!  The sentiment is heat embossed in copper.  Ribbon and paper are from SU!

OWH Mid-Month Throwdown - Winter Love You

The mid-month throwdown is to create a love card with a winter theme.  Here is mine:

The DCWV Winter Stack background paper is purple snowflakes, embossed with a snowflake embossing folder.  The sentiment is a sticker from Doodlebug Designs.  Hearts from  Marvy punch. 

Only one more week to play along with the November Words2ScrapBy.blogspot.com challenge - Gratitude!  

Shopping Our Stash #177 - NOT Ready for Christmas

This week's title says it all: I am NOT ready for Christmas. Is anyone else getting bombarded with EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE ads already? Sooooo not ready for Christmas this early in November.

This week's challenge is to use a holiday stamp set to make a non-holiday card or project. Since I need yet another sympathy card, I decided to go into that direction.

Silver heat embossing on the lighthouse and Peace.  The holiday stamp is Peace, part of a Peace on Earth stamp.  Layered on silver mirrored paper and mounted on black card base.  Happy accident, since this is not exactly what I was going for, but it works. 

One more week to play along with the Words2ScrapBy.blogspot.com November challenge - Gratitude!

Shopping Our Stash #176 - Leaf Me Alone!

This week's title is Leaf Me Alone! (alternate name: Un-Be-LEAF-able!) to use leaves on a project.

Here is mine:

Falling Leaves embossing folder, swirls embossing plate.  Sizzix and Spellbinder dies.  Leaf heat embossed.  I used Inka Gold metal gloss paint in copper, gold, and bronze.  It is a very thick paste, applied with the marshmallow style sponges.  It's pretty amazing stuff!!

Our November Words 2 Scrap By challenge is open through November 21. If you have a chance, we'd love for you to play along!!

November Challenge:
Nov. 1 - Nov. 21

OWH ODBD November Challenge - Hearts

Since the Valentine's Day card deadline come right after Christmas, it is good to get a head start on all of the needed "Love" cards.  Our Daily Bread Designs has challenged us to made a card with at least one heart.  If you visit my blog regularly, you know I believe that how a card feels can be as important as how it looks.   Here is my effort:

Swiss Dots and Scrolls embossing folders, Sizzix die cut heart popped up, white Neena paper, stash satin ribbon and jewels on a dark red card base. 

Be sure to join the Words2ScrapBy.blogspot.com November Gratitude challenge: 

You cannot do a kindness too soon because

you never know how soon it will be too late.

W2SB November Challenge - Gratitude & Kindness

This month's challenge over at Words 2 Scrap By is Gratitude & Kindness.  We believe that gratitude and kindness can and should be expressed all year long - not just at teh American Thanksgiving.  Our inspiration wods are:

You cannot do a kindness too soon because

you never know how soon it will be too late.

The past few years have been a little harder for me than others.  My family suffered a great disappointment.  I  lost my mother (my only parent) and a job I loved.  Through everything, the verse paraphrased in this card brought me peace.  

I believe that there are always things for which we should be grateful.  Images from SU Lovely as a Tree image, SU ribbon, vellum sticker from my incredible Marti stash.