Thursday, July 14, 2011

Sparkle N Sprinkle "Sparkling Wintry Sensations” Blog Hop

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle "Sparkling Wintry Sensations” blog hop!  If you hopped here by way of Linda’s inspiring blog, then you're in the right spot.  If you'd like to start from the beginning and learn how to become eligible for SIX great prizes, get all of the details by returning to the Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog here.

It has been extremely hot around here so thinking about winter and Christmas was very refreshing.  I am notorious for making my Christmas cards last minute, but after seeing all the wonderful images used by the designers and their “sensational” cards, I know you will be inspired to start right now.  Get a refill on that hot chocolate and enjoy the rest of this hop.


I love to use a variety of color palettes for my Christmas cards and for my first card I decided to use black and red.  Not the usual Christmas colors.  I used Sparkle N Sprinkles’ Joy Ornament and Poinsettia Ornament, embossing with Midnight Madness Embossing Powder.  I cut them out using the coordinating Spellbinders’ Heirloom Ornaments dies.

I used two different sentiment stamps, Rejoice in the center of the Poinsettia Ornament and Good Will & Happiness. 


Detailed directions for this card can be found on the Sparkle N Sprinkle website here.


My second card is a tri-fold card.  I used the stamps Joy Ornament and Striped Ornament, and, once again, I cut them out with the Spellbinders’ Heirloom Ornament dies.  I used Silver, White, and Sparkle embossing powders and Impulsive Purple Glitter on the ornaments.

The Striped Ornament is created using Clear Embossable Acetate.


 On the inside of the card I used the Joy of Christmas sentiment.  Go here to learn how to make this card.

All of the ornament images and sentiments can be purchased separately or together in Stamp Set 418 - Nesties Ornaments.  If you want to include the coordinating Spellbinders dies check out the 418 Combo.   Check back at the SNS blog for a super special on SNS Winter Holiday stamps.

Maybe I am one of “The Five” with a secondary prize, so don't forget to leave a comment to become eligible for the Grand Prize and one of the 5 secondary prizes.  Now hop on over to Barbara’s for more sparkling sensations.

E. Marie



These cards are entered in the following challenge:
Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Anyhthing Goes
Craft Us Crazy Wednesday Challenge #12 - Chistmas In July and/or Distressed Vintage
Delightful Sketches Weekly Challenge - Fancy Folded Cards
Ellephantastic Challenge #27 - Celebrations
Moving Along With The Times Challenge #107 - Favorite Things (Embossing, Punches, Spellbinder Dies, Pearls, Ribbon)
Stamp and Create July Challenge - Ribbons and Bows

63 comments:

Karin said...

I LOVE those embossed ornaments! So beautiful! Your fab bow tying skills leave me speechless too :)

Donna Ellis said...

OOOOOOOOO! How beeee-u-teeee-ful! Ingenius use of the poinsettias on the ornament caps! (why didn't I think of that? LOL). Very rich looking in the black, white and red. The details of your tri-fold card are amazing, down to the ornament border. It's a great idea of "nestling" the smaller ornament under the larger! Your tutorial has been placed in the SNS Tips & Techniques section, as well! Love the deep, luxurious hues in the tri-fold card, as well as the crisp classiness of the formal B&W card!

Auntie Em said...

Your cards are both so beautiful! I love the black and red, so elegant and stylish. The purple ornaments are so sparkly and shiny! The embossable acetate looks amazing.
Thank you for sharing! :)

Judy Rozema said...

Wow, Marie, these are so beautiful! I don't have that set or the Nesties, and I love seeing what you have done with them. Lovely, all!

Sandra H said...

This is so beautiful nice to do something different, the embossable acetate looks fantastic really stands out! Sandra H

creativearts said...

Wow! These cards are so beautiful and sparkly! Love your tutorials and the embossable acetate look! Everything is fantastic!

Sandy (Cheesy) said...

Beautiful! Love the trifold, especially the center idea with the cut out. No the front colors are fab. Okay I love all of it. Will be casing the layout for sure. And the first black and red is simply elegant. Thanks

Susan said...

You did a superb job on the embossing and the black and red card is terrific. Thanks for the new and different ideas.

Linda said...

Love your cards Marie! The first one is elegant and the second card is wonderful! Great instructions. That is top on my list to try.

Barbara Bruder said...

Marie, your ornament cards are beautiful. The red & black is a great surprise but quite stunning. I may have to make a few cards with this color combination for Christmas. Great Tri-fold card, too.

Julie- justwritedesigns said...

These are beautiful, Marie! Love the sparkly ornaments and terrific layouts. Wonderful cards!

Anonymous said...

Marie - your cards are beautiful and elegant. I especially love the red - white & black card!
Brenda

Kim said...

Your cards are very unique and beautiful. I love the different colors, layouts and creativity you use. Great work!

Anonymous said...

Another black card, I love it!
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Two very unique cards Marie! I'm liking this black and red thing! I guess Santa knew what he was doing! Your tri-fold card is amazing, love the colors in that one too. Shona

Julie Z said...

These are both great cards Marie - don't know which one I like best! Love the unique placement of the ornaments on the first one & the colors. Love everything about the trifold - perfect in every way. Just beautiful!

Karen Howard said...

My favorite is the ornament card. I love the background and the beautiful ribbon that you used to create this card.

Peg Klitch said...

Hey Marie, that Midnight Madness embossing powder is beautiful on your black and red card. I learned something new from you...the embossable acetate. Where have I been?! Thanks for sharing your ideas. Peg K.

donna/Dan Levine said...

I can't wait to try to create a tri-fold. Love the idea! Thank you for sharing.

Dawn said...

Your tri-fold card is amazing. There is so much detail.

Helen said...

Your cards are neat. It seems that black is in season this year. Your card with the glittery black and red are striking and impressive. Your tri-fold card is very neat. I liked the end result when one opens the card. Must try this out. Thank you!

chipielolo said...

Gatefolds are my all time favorite, so thank you for posting one here! I am going to check out your directions, because I really like the way you make it close with the ornament. Nice technique, beautiful card... Thank you for sharing!

Pat said...

Love your tri-fold card. Your use of color combinations not typical of Christmas is inspiring.

Dianne Potter said...

Loved the drama of the first card. And, I especially enjoyed the gate-fold card with the layered ornaments of the gates echoed by the ornament inside. Thank you.

Lois said...

Well done. Red ribbon on black are a rich combination on a card.

Char said...

Love both your cards. They are just beautiful. Great black and red ornament card. Very original and just enjoyable cards.

Patti said...

OMGosh ~ those ornaments are gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Red and black are almost shocking for Christmas cards, but your card does look elegant. The trifold card is also an inspiration to make different cards this year.
Jan Hobbs

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your ornament cards are stunning. I love the combination of the black, white and red for a holiday card. I would never have tried that but it really works. And, the other one is gorgeous as well. Both are full of holiday spirit.

Unknown said...

Love that first card with its dark ornaments. So Striking. Thanks for the inspiration today

JOAN PETTY said...

Love your cards Marie. The tri fold is particually stunning. Thanks for sharing.

April said...

These ornaments are so pretty! I love your non traditional colors. The tri-fold card is wonderful. great job, Marie!

Hugs, April

Vidette said...

You make want to use large amounts of embossing powder. Your cards are great.

Anita Braddock said...

Beautiful Love all your cards. love the colors and you do such a great job. Love the poinsettia. the tri-fold card is my favorit. thanks for sharing keep up the great job. thanks for the chance to win.
abbraddock@msn.com

Dee in N.H. said...

Love your cards! I'm a last minute kind of girl too so you are way ahead of me! LOL!

Sharon Hannifin said...

Loved all your cards! I am now in the mood to "do Christmas" for sure. I will be going back to your instructions alot.

Kelly said...

Wow-to both cards! But my favorite is the second-absolutely beautiful! I love the idea of overlapping ornaments on both flaps of the tri-fold. Gives me oodles of ideas for other uses as well!

Lynne Platt said...

I really like the tri-fold card. The colors, sparkle, blending of elements is just beautiful. Thank you for showing a different side of a Christmas Card.

NWFlamingo said...

From colors to design you've done a wonderful job!

Shannon White said...

Oooh... These are all So Pretty Pretty! Love the sparkles and Gorgeous Bows! So smart of you to be starting your Holiday cards now. 8-)

Hugs
Shannon

nancynelson1667@optonline.net said...

Like your tri-fold card, very bold.

Anonymous said...

The trifold card is my favorite. Beautiful design! Can't wait to make this card myself. Thank you! Linda Beyer

slbela59 said...

Love the cards. thanks for sharing.

cosie said...

So many gorgeous cards and so much inspiration and these are no exception... Beautiful

NanaConnie said...

Love that red and black combo! The ribbon and the bow are fantastic. Delightful touch adding the flowers, too. Scrumptious!

Cindy Haffner said...

All so STUNNING!!~

Bridget said...

Wow another black Christmas card. I love the idea of the black. It certainly makes a beautiful card.

Carol N said...

The embossable acetate looks like fun to use. And I love your cards, especially the black & red. Maybe its a new color trend, black & red for Christmas.

jeannette stecik said...

LOVE red and black! It is so pretty. Thank you for sharing.

Joni said...

Love the cards.The black card really stands out. I also really love the trifold card.

Anonymous said...

your color combination is fascinating great job

Sandy rustydoc1@yahoo.com

Cheryl said...

Gorgeous cards!


--Cheryl--
Stop by my blog to check out my blog candy!

Kathy Vogel said...

I most particularly like your trifold card with the silver sparkle embossing powder & the impulsive purple glitter. I also really like the decorative Christmas paper that you used in the background.

Mitzi said...

A set I definitely need for this Christmas season!...I love the red, black & white color combo....and the borders in the 2nd card are cool! Thanks!

Beth said...

While I really like your first card, the second one says, "Wow"! Your color choices of EP and GL are gorgeous ~ they really compliment the silver edges of the ornaments.

Candy Meyers said...

Oh, I love your cards. They are very creative and have inspired me. Thanks loads for sharing them with us.
Candy Meyers

Mary Strauser said...

Thanks for sharing your cards. Your embossing is verygood and love all the glitter you use.
Love the tri fold

Jill said...

What a lovely Christmas card! Thanks for joining in at Ellephantastic this month. Jill

Rosalien Zwackhalen said...

What a beautiful Christmas cards, I love the ornaments you used. :)) Fabulous!
Thanks for joining DC.

Hugs, Rosalien

DesignerDiva said...

Super Christmas card I love your texture and the professional finish to the inside

Thanks for sharing your lovely card and your favourites with us at MAWTT this week and good luck with the challenge

Hugs Laurie x

Lisa Jane said...

Gorgeous card - love the bauble theme
Thanks for joining us at MAWTT this week for our favourites challenge
Lisa x

Lori said...

Such pretty Christmas in July cards - so glad you linked up at Craft Us Crazy!

Helen Laurence said...

Thank you for joining our celebrations challenge with your lovely creation.
Don't forget you have just under 2 weeks left to join in our blog hop if you haven't already!! Also make sure you enter the candy twice for joining in the challenge.
Good luck hugs Helen x