Cut 'n Paste

Hang in There

Hi there! As I start another year on the Ellen Hutson, LLC Design Team, I'm pleased to share that they've built a page where you can learn more about my thoughts about creativity and some of my favorite products. Click here to check it out!

As I can't post without a photo, here's the card and supply list that is posted on the feature.

SUPPLY LIST:
Stamps: All Inside, by Ellen Hutson. Encouraging Greetings by Pretty Pink Posh.
Dies: Rectangle Peek-a-boo Window by My Favorite things
Inks: Potting Soil archival ink by Ranger, Pumice Stone by Ranger.
Marker: Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Picked Raspberry and Brushed Corduroy Distress markers by Ranger
Cardstock: Solar White by Neenah, Pale Rose by Bazzill
Patterned paper: Emerson Lane by Heidi Swapp
Other:  MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards), Aqua Flow brushes by Tonic, kitchen twine

January Essentials by Ellen Release!

Today is release day for the January Essentials by Ellen release and I have a few cards I whipped up using the new trio of Starry dies to share with you!

First we have two Winter themed cards using the new Star Trail (left) and Circle of Stars (right) Dies, which I combined with other fab Ellen Hutson stamps.

SUPPLY LIST:

Stamps, or Stamp & Die Combos: Conductor of Light Stamp | Die | Combo set by Ellen Hutson, Bear Ware 2 by Ellen Hutson, Warm Fuzzies by Ellen Hutson
Dies: Star Trail and Circle of Stars by Ellen Hutson
Inks: Versamark Ink by Tsukineko, Warm Sunshine by Altenew.
Marker: Mustard Seed Distress Marker by Ranger
Embossing Powder: White by Ranger
Cardstock: Solar White by Neenah, Licorice by Bazzill
Other:  Heat embossing tool, MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards), Ink blender tool by Ranger.

Next, I used the brand new Starry Night Die Set to make this sweet wintery themed card.

SUPPLY LIST:

Stamps: All Inside, High Five both by Ellen Hutson.
Dies: Starry Night Die Set  by Ellen Hutson
Inks: Potting Soil archival ink by Ranger, Warm Sunshine by Altenew.
Marker: Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo Distress markers by Ranger
Embellishments: Snow Flurries Mix, Clear Droplets both by Ellen Hutson
Cardstock: Solar White, Desert Storm by Neenah
Patterned paper: Patio Party by Pebbles
Other:  Heat embossing tool, MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards), Aqua Flow brushes by Tonic, kitchen twine

This trio of dies are great additions to my background arsenal, and I'm sure you'll love them too! Enjoy!

Peace on Earth - a watercolor Christmas tag

Tis the season! There are just a few days left until Christmas and it's time to start wrapping gifts. This cute little tag will grace a plain kraft gift bag to add a bit of color and cheer. 

SUPPLY LIST:
Stamps:Christmas Candles by Reverse Confetti Clear Stamps
Dies: Tag'd by The Stamp Market Dies
Patterned paper:  Pick me Up 6x6 paper pad by Pink Paislee
Cardstock: Watercolor paper by Ranger, kraft cardstock
Distress Markers to watercolor with: Victorian Velvet, Tattered Rose, bundled sage, peeled paint, scattered straw, spiced marmalade
Ink: Potting Soil Archival ink by Ranger
Other: sewing machine with white thread, string

Merry Christmas Watercolor Stamping Card

Are you feeling ready for the holidays? I've been in Thailand for the past three weeks, and just returned home, so I'm trying to get my Christmas prep crossed off my list in short order... However, I am under the weather, so we'll see how ambitious I am. More than likely I'll be content with getting some holiday baking knocked out and the tree will stay with little white twinkle lights as opposed to completely decorated. But, we shall see.

One of the things that always makes holiday prep much less stressful around here is that I usually knock out my Christmas card making rather early - usually in the Fall, so that is already crossed of my to-do list - yay! 

Here's one of my favorite Christmas cards I made this year. It's simple, but the colors, oh the colors, speak to my shabby chic loving heart. Technique wise it was rather simple to make as well (sweet!). It uses one of my favorite techniques, watercolor stamping, to stamp the ball ornament and sprig onto watercolor paper. The technique is very easy. Simply color directly onto the stamp with waterbased ink markers (I used Distress Markers), then holding a water mister about 6-8 inches away from the stamp, lightly mist the stamp surface and immediately stamp onto watercolor paper. This will blend the inks wonderfully and give you the beautiful watercolor effect as seen on my card! 

I wanted to add the greeting using a very classic font, and so the typewriter like greeting from "Beart Ware 2" set by Essentials by Ellen was my pick. To finish the card, a small strip of patterned paper was glued down the left edge of the card.

Here's wishing you a great week, and that your holiday crafting is almost finished so that you enjoy a restful holiday.

HERE'S THE SUPPLY LIST:
Stamps: "Xmas Sprig" by Penny Black and "Bear Ware 2" by Essentials by Ellen
Inks: Midnight by Catherine Pooler
Patterned paper: Pick me Up by by Pink Paislee
Cardstock: Ranger Watercolor paper
Distress Markers to watercolor with: Tattered Rose, Victorian Velvet, Peeled Paint, Bundled Sage, Walnut Stain
Other: MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards), Water Mist bottle Ranger or Hero Arts

High Five - December Ellen Hutson relase

Hi Friends! Today is the Release day for the December Essentials by Ellen release and I'm excited to share my projects with you. I was given the "High FIves" stamp and coordinating die set to work with, and I immediately thought a simple design, with lots of white space, would be really eye catching. So I quickly made the first card, and liked it so much that I immediately made a second, using a different color scheme and greeting.

So first, here's what the "High Five" stamp and die sets look like:

Cute, right?!

Both tags follow the exact same formula. First, cut a piece of white cardstock in half 8.5" x 4.25", then fold the halves to make two greeting cards. Using red and turquoise cardstock, use the conversation bubble die cut and cut two conversation bubbles. Then, Stamp the greeting on each bubble using embossing or Versamark ink and, using white embossing powder, heat emboss the greeting. Place the bubble where you think you'll want it, but don't glue in place yet. This is so that you can line up where you want to stamp the trio of hearts. Then, using a stamp positioner, stamp the hearts below the conversation bubble. The final step is to use low profile foam adhesive to glue the conversation bubble to the card front. And there you go, easy peasy!

SUPPLY LIST:

Stamp & Die Combo: High Fives Stamp and Die by Ellen Hutson
Inks: Versamark Ink by Tsukineko, Mountain Mist and Ruby Red both by Altenew
Embossing Powder: White by Ranger
Cardstock: Solar White by Neenah, Peppermint and Robin's Egg both by Bazzill
Other: 3D Foam adhesive, Heat embossing tool, MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards)

Thanks for joining me today - and if you are curious about the rest of the release, here it is - Those letterboard sets are so awesome, right?!

Ellen Hutson 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2018 - Day #1

The 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist Hosted by Ellen Hutson, LLC has become a tradition in the stamping/paper crafting world and it is always a joy to be asked to take part in this celebration again and share a tag with you. Today, my partner in creating is Jennifer McGuire and our challenge was to create a tag using alcohol inks and featuring Hero Arts stamps.

I decided I would use the alcohol inks to make the pink background for my tag. I took two different Copic alcohol ink reinkers, and squeezing a little bit onto a Ranger Alcohol ink applicator, I smooshed the ink into glossy cardstock. By applying only a little bit of alcohol ink at a time onto the ink applicator, you get a bit of a 'dry brush' application whereby you can sort of see the strokes of the applicator on the paper. If, conversely, you apply a lot of ink at a time onto the applicator then dab it onto the cardstock, you would get a much smoother finish. I enjoyed playing around with this technique as it sort of gives a bit of a plaster like look to the background! 

After inking, I used a die cut to cut my glossy cardstock into a tag shape, and from there decorated my tag. As a patterned paper addict, I couldn't resist adding a strip of patterned paper along the bottom of the tag and I then stamped the greeting with black ink into the center of the strip.

The beautiful white reindeer was stamped with Veramark ink onto kraft cardstock, then heat embossed with white embossing powder and cut with his coordinating die cut. I cut a flower from a vintage flower posy that's been kicking around in my craft cabinet for several years, and glued it onto his neck to add a bit of shabby chic elegance to him. To mount him onto the card front, I used dimensional adhesive (pop dots).

Sewing plays a part on so many of my craft projects and this tag is no different, I added a line of straight stitches to the top, and a zig zag stitch to the bottom, of the patterned paper section.

Finally, I mounted the whole thing onto a large kraft tag from the Ranger Distress Assorted Tag packet. This seemed to give nice contrast to the pink, and allows a place, at the bottom of the kraft tag, to add "to/from", or little message, to the recipient.

SUPPLY LIST:
Stamp & Die Combo: Wonder and Magic of Christmas Stamp and Die Combo by Hero Arts
Inks: Versamark Ink by Tsukineko, Midnight by Catherine Pooler
Die: Tag'd by The Stamp Market
Embossing Powder: White by Ranger
Patterned paper: Gotta Have Gingham by Lawn Fawn
Cardstock: Solar White by Neenah, large Kraft tag by Ranger, Glossy White Cardstock by Ranger,
Copic Markers: RV13 marker, RV13 refill, RV11 marker, RV11 refill
Other: Ranger Distress Tag Assortment, 3D Foam adhesive, Alcohol ink felt by Ranger, Alcohol ink applicator by Ranger, Heat embossing tool, MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards), small vintage flower, sewing machine with white thread, kitchen string.

If you haven't already seen Jennifer's version of today's Feminine Tags of Christmas challenge, please click on over to check it out.

As I close out today's post, my generous friend Ellen Hutson is offering some lovely PRIZES during this "12 Tags of Christmas" event and you have TWO chances of winning.

1) Ellen Hutson will be giving away a $25 gift certificate to one randomly selected commenter on each day day of the giveaway, chosen from all the comments on the Ellen Hutson blog and both tag makers - meaning Jennifer and I today. The more comments you leave, the greater your odds of winning, so be sure to leave a comment here, on Jennifer's post, and on today's Ellen Hutson blog for three chances to win!

2) Ellen Hutson will be giving away a $150 gift certificate to one randomly selected participant in the 12 Tags Challenge. All the info for this giveaway is on the EH blog here: https://blog.ellenhutson.com/?p=1352

Happy Birthday Ellen Hutson! So happy to call you friend

In addition to yesterday's blog post celebrating Ellen Hutson's 12th birthday, Carly, who leads the EH creative team, also organized a surprise Instagram hop for Ellen and it was a pleasure to participate. If you want to check out the hop - and the other AWESOME contributions to it - please visit my Instagram (@carolynpeeler) and check out today's post. My contribution today was this card that is right up my soft, shabby chic alley! 

I combined two awesome stamp sets - in fact the text is from the same set that I featured yesterday, "So Matcha" - and the beautiful leafy wreath is from the "Otterware" set. I love how so many of the Essentials by Ellen sets do mix and match so well together. It gives lots of versatility to the end user!

HERE'S THE SUPPLY LIST:
Stamps: "So Matcha" and "Otterware", both by Essentials by Ellen
Dies: A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX Set 1 by My Favorite Things 
Inks: Midnight by Catherine Pooler
Patterned paper: Gotta have Gingham 6x6 pad by Lawn Fawn
Cardstock: Ranger Watercolor paper
Distress Markers to watercolor with: Peeled Paint, Evergreen Bough, Bundled Sage
Other: Watercolor brushes, Ranger Craft Sheet, MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards), 3D foam mounting squares, small old buttons

 

Thanks for your visit!

Celebrating Ellen Hutson's 12th Birthday!

Happy 12th Anniversary to Ellen Hutson, the woman behind the Ellen Hutson, llc paper crafting store. In today's ever changing landscape of commerce and the crafting industry, that's something to be immensely proud of. 

As I was writing this post, I tried to remember when I first met Ellen, and I honestly can't remember. But certainly, it was early into my paper crafting days when I was working professionally in the industry and she was a customer of my employer. I remember looking forward to her visits to our trade show booth as she could always be counted on for a good hug and a HUGE smile. Although she was our customer, she also became a personal friend and so it was that when I was laid off, I reached out to her first and was thankful that she extended an invitation for me to join her team. She certainly didn't have to do that, and I appreciated her generosity. I've been a part of her team for the past four years and her loyalty and support is something that I treasure.

As a part of this birthday celebration her creative team is posting cards featuring our favorite Essentials by Ellen set to celebrate this milestone. For mine I chose to use the Essentials by Ellen "So Matcha" set designed by Julie Ebersole, which is probably my favorite stamp set that Ellen released this year. The little Japanese girls in that set just SLAY me. I chose a very simple, uncomplicated background which allows my little girl to really stand out and be the star of the card. Oh, and that wonky background stamp with the starry background? I LOVE that it's the perfect size for the wee girl!

Happy 12th birthday Ellen Hutson. Here's wishing you many more!

SUPPLY LIST:

Stamps: So Matcha by Essentials by Ellen, Good Fortune by Essentials by Ellen, Wonky Backdrops by Essentials by Ellen 
Die: So Matcha by Essentials by Ellen, A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX Set 1 by My Favorite Things
Copic Markers: RV11, RV13, E21, E40, 0 
Black ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Neenah Solar White
Patterned paper: Pick me Up 6x6 paper pad by Pink Paislee
Other: MISTI Stamp positioner (large or small, either will work for cards)

And, during this anniversary week, there is a fantastic sale going on at the Ellen Hutson website! Check it out!

And, as a further bonus, make a purchase of $75+ or $150+ today and you'll receive a free bonus gift!

The magic of Christmas

Are you in the holiday spirit yet? I have been battling the flu lately and yesterday playing Christmas music all day was a huge mood lift. There's something about listening to the songs I sang along to as a child that just elevates the spirit!

Last month I was sent the kind invitation to celebrate the launch of Fun Stamper's Journey Products joining the Spellbinders website, which means now you can load up on products from both of these creative companies in one place! I must admit, I'd heard of Fun Stamper's Journey, but never purchased/used any of their products before. I was offered the choice of any set from their holiday mini-catalog and immediately chose their Nutcracker set as I have indelible memories of my parents taking me to the Toronto ballet to see The Nutcracker several times as a young child. 

Once I received the set, I was thrilled. The stamps are crisp red rubber and make beautiful impressions. As I experimented with the set, I quickly decided that I wanted to watercolor this cute guy and make a card that had a masculine color theme. I used the Distress inks as my watercolor medium and chose a striking navy paper from the "Pick me Up" paper pap by Pink Paislee as the background that the Nutcracker is placed upon. I think it really sets off the soft red of his uniform.

Before I sign off, if you haven't entered the workshop giveaway on yesterday's post, CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Here's a link to the supplies - please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

SUPPLY LIST:
Stamps: Nutcracker Suite by Fun Stamper's Journey
Dies: Nutcracker Suite by Fun Stamper's Journey
Patterned paper: Pick Me Up 6x6 pad by Pink Paislee
Inks: Ranger Archival in Jet Black,
 Distress inks in the following colors: Brushed corduroy, Pumice Stone, Gathered Twigs, Evergreen bough, worn lipstick, festive berries
Cardstock: Ranger Watercolor paper, Neenah Solar White, scraps of red and kraft paper
Button embellishments: Holiday Mix and Match by Fun Stamper's Journey
Other: page from an old ledger, Paintbrushes to watercolor with

Christmas workshop giveaway!

Hi friends, I met the talented Julie Ebersole many, many years ago, when we both taught at a Scrabooking/Paper Craft event here in the Vancouver area. If my memory serves me, she was representing Amuse Stamps, and I was leading workshops for my employer at the time, Melissa Frances. In the ensuing years our paths continued to cross at trade shows and the odd event, and it's such a treat now, as a part of the Ellen Hutson Creative Team, to be provided many of the stamps she designs, which are produced under Ellen Hutson's "Essentials by Ellen" brand, to use on my cards and projects. In addition to awesome stamp designs, Julie produces free videos for Ellen Hutson's youtube channel and also teaches online workshops through her own website.

Today it's my honor to share Julie's creativity with you and give away one spot for her "Making Merry" Holiday card class to one person. To be entered, please leave a comment on this blog post. Giveaway ends Nov 16 and will be announced on the 17th. Good Luck!

UPDATE: GIVEAWAY CLOSED, WINNER CHOSEN, GABRIELA SEMINARIO, please look for an email from me in your inbox!