It's been a little over a year now, since I've discovered my creative side through stamping and card making.  Although I loved the craft, I doubted my abilities and that my cards were "mail-worthy" and as a result, I sent not one...really...NOT one single Holiday card last year.  If you know anything about me at all, you'd know that typically after Thanksgiving, my first card goes in the mail. Fast forward one year, to today, and I'm starting my Holiday Greeting cards because I absolutely will not miss sending cards this year.  Plus, I've gotten much better and my cards are definitely "mail-worthy".  But Christmas is over five months away you say!  Yes, absolutely true!  But time flies when you think you have plenty of it. (That's a good one...think I'll keep it :) )  So here are a couple of designs that I absolutely love. Swirly Snow, A retired Stampin' Up! Set Wondrous Wreath Stamp and Die Set Item:135047 Item:  135851 

Amaaaazzzzinnng!  I'm sitting at my craft work space, taking this card I recent made from NOW to WOW by adding die-cut phrase.  Card...Now version  I'm sitting there painstakingly attempting to add adhesive to the lettering and getting frustrated while doing so then it dawned on me...you bought this thing for a reason, what better time to break it out! Caron...WOW Version Well I did...and I now I can't go back applying adhesive to detailed die cuts the "normal" way.  It has to be done with this totally incredible tool. As a 1st time user of the Xyron, I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say.  Easy to use--check; not a very messy process--check; increase in efficiency---check.   Here's a quick YouTube video on how to use it. I'm thinking that I may get another one that can accommodate larger and wider images...but for now, the Xyron is one of my new favorite adhesive tools. Happy Stampin!

Besides my birthday and Thanksgiving, Christmas is my absolutely favorite holiday!  Yes, indeedy it is! Last year I started my card making journey and did you know, I didn't make not even one Christmas card?  Not a one--how horrible for a card maker.  I won't bore you with all the reasons (no, not excuses) why I didn't make and/or send any, but let's just say that I had competing craft interests--I was making jewelry pieces (my usual holiday gifts).  This year, so that I don't fall into the proverbial time trap--AGAIN--I'm starting to make Christmas (cards) in July! The first card is made using a Masking and Sponging technique.  I saw this card on a YouTube video by Tami White - also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and CAS it...not everything but mostly the technique. Measurements: Card base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (Old Olive) Whisper White Layer:  4 1/4" x 3 1/2" (used to stamp your image) Silver Glimmer Paper:  4 1/2" x 3 3/