The Night Before Christmas - Honouring our Soldiers

T'was the night before Christmas, He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house, Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney,With presents to give,
And to see just who, In this home did live.

I looked all about, A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures, Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought, Came through my mind.

For this house was different, It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor, In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured, A Canadian soldier.

Was this the hero, Of whom I'd just read?,
Curled up on a poncho, The floor for a bed?

I realized the families, That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers, Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate, A bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom, Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder, How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, In a land far from home.

The very thought brought A tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees, And started to cry.

The soldier awakened, And I heard a rough voice,
'Santa, don't cry. This life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, My country, my corps.'

The soldier rolled over, And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,So silent and still,
And we both shivered, From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave, On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor, So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,With a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure.'

One look at my watch, And I knew he was right,
'Merry Christmas my friend, And to all a good night.'

This poem was written by a peace keeping soldier stationed
overseas. The following is his request, I think it is reasonable.

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit
is due to our Canadian service men and women for our being able to
celebrate these Festivities.

Christmas ornaments

This week's class is to make 3 different Christmas ornaments - two of which are pictured below.

The pictures don't do them justice.  They are absolutely fabulous in real life - and they're not fully decorated.
After the class I'll explain how they are made.

My Digital Studio deal

If you've been the least bit interested in ordering yourself a copy of Stampin' UP's digital crafting product My Digital Studio ---you can NOT turn down this deal!

The software along is priced at $106.95.  But, when you order the Digital + Starter Kit , it only costs you 55 cents more -- and you get FREE Shipping and Handling and NO TAX, and all kinds of additional Stampin' Up products at the same time!!!

You would also receive:
.Three complete stamp sets (including a clear mount set and clear mount block)
.Assortment of card stock
.Four Classic ink Stampin' Pads
.Two Stampin' Write markers
.A spool of ribbon
.Designer buttons
.A Decor Elements piece with the applicator
.SNAIL adhesive, Stampin dimensionals & Mini Glue Dots
.Stampin' Scrub and Mist cleaner
.Box of Idea Book & Catalogue
.Business Forms and tools.

When you're ready, go online here using the password CANADA to place your actual kit order.

If you do not  want to order the kit online and want to use the mail service, let me know ASAP so that I can get the paper work out to you.  Again, this special only lasts until the end of November!!

Thanks - another challenge 95

When I said I was in need of Thank You cards I wasn't kidding.  This card, again made for Challenge 95, is relatively simple, but I really like it.  Let me know what you think.

Stamps: Awash with Flowers, Watercolor Trio
Inks: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, corner rounder punch, hearts edge punch, Chantilly lace crochet trim, mat pack, dimensionals

Christmas cards from Nov. 10 class

Here are the other 3 cards from my Christmas card class last night.  Everyone seemed to have a good time even though we were a bit crowded.  Next year I may have to find other accommodations for the Christmas card class. I deliberately kept the cards simple so they could be reproduceable easily.  Plus I was cognizant of the time factor.  The class was only 2 hours in duration.
I set up the classroom differently this time.  I set up stations - 1 card per station - 2 people per station.  Students rotated through the stations so were able to work at their own pace. I may do this more often.

Stamp: Snow Swirled
Paper Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz
Ink: Versa Mark
Accessories: Texture plates, gold embossing powder, crochet trim

Stamp: A Cute Christmas, A Merry Christmas
Paper: Marina Mist
Ink: Black Stazon, SU markers (red, black) Real Red
Accessories: Northern Flurries embossing folder.  Bleach (in an aqua brush) was applied to the raised areas and to the snowman and snow underneath his feet), round scallop punch, dimensionals, red satin ribbon,

 Stamps; Serene Snowflakes, A Merry Christmas
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Brushed Silver
Ink: Versa Mark
Accessories: Scallop border punch, pearls, silver embossing powder

Card for Class Nov. 8

Dasher - my favourite stamp for 2 years in a row.  This is one of 4  Christmas cards that will made this coming Wednesday. The class is full.  But if you wish to take this class, and if there is enough interest, I can offer it again on Nov. 15. E-mail me at mvanderform@g-mail.com or phone me 705-741-2955
I'll put the ingredient list after the class
Just a reminder that in the next class Nov. 21 we will be making 2 different Christmas ornaments.  Be sure to register early as the class is already filling up
Next week I will also post the class schedule for Jan - May.

Polished Stone Technique - more background samples

The class last night was all about re-inkers - using them to make backgrounds, and using them to paint an image on tiles.  A good time was had by all. No 2 backgrounds were the same despite using the same colors of re-inkers.
As promised here are some more background samples using the Polished Stone Technique:

The sample on the left was made using Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard and a gold metallic.- on the right Baja Breeze, Soft Sky and metallic

Left:  Bali Breeze, Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy, and gold smooch
Right:  Tempting turquoise, Rich Razzelberry, and gold metallic
Bottom:  Basic Gray and Silver



Aren't these samples great?  We made a mess - be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing and extra paper on the table.- but we had fun.
Some of the students stamped with Black Stazon on their samples, others embossed their images in either silver or gold.

 Top Left:  Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Gold Metallic
Top Right: Pear Pizzaz, Old Olive, Wild Wasabi, gold metallic
Bottom Left: Rich Razzelberry, Pearl Metallic
Bottom Right: Peach Parfait, More Mustard, Gold Metallic

Cards for Oct. 24 class

The class this week is all about re-inkers - how to use them to create stunning backgrounds and how to use them on tiles.  This is just one example of a background that will be created.  Stay tuned for Thursday, when I  will post some other backgrounds make using the Stone Polished technique.

Christmas Tree Punch Art Tag Set

One must item for the Christmas season is tags.  These are made using the two die tag die and the Big Shot and the round scallop punch.  So easy and so much fun.  I made a kit to hold the 12 tags with a piece of card stock and a zip lock bag. Included in the package in a separate plastic bag are precut 1/8" ribbons for the top of the tag.  Cute isn't it?
 This is another item for my craft table.
Paper:    Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Designer Series Paper (retired), So Saffron (for the star)
Ink: Craft Whisper White to sponge scallop edges
Accessories: 1/8" ribbons (precut), silver glass glitter, star punch, scallop round punch, bravo burgundy ribbon, ziplock bag, sticky strip.

Here is one of the tags from the kit.

Gift Card Holders

I'm getting ready for some Christmas craft shows.  One of the items I am making for the craft table in a gift card holder, pictured here.  My goal is to make 10 of them by Nov. 6 (the date of the show)
Here are the dimensions of the project:

. Creamy Caramel - 4x 11 scored at 2 3/4, 4, 5 1/4, 8 1/4
. Designer Paper - 4 x 2 3/4
. Punches:  Scallop edge punch, ornament punch, work window
.Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Tags Til Christmas
.Accessories:  Pearls, ribbon, glitter (optional)

This is the inside of the gift card holder.  I made a blank one using the dimensions of a real gift card - just to make sure I had make the opening for the card big enough.

Cards made in class Oct. 24

One of the cards we made was a Remembrance Day card.  We all agreed that it was important to remember those overseas as well as the veterans at home.  Not one of us had been to a class where Remembrance Day cards had been made.
This card is  my own design.
It uses no stamp set, but the message is clear: serve, honour, strength, courage, strong and pround.
The buttons on the ribbon are antique buttons from my collections.  They were faux stitched using a sliver of cardstock.
Paper: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very vanilla, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Ink: Early Espresso.  All edges of card and vanilla card stock were sponged with this ink to give the card a vintage look. 
Markers & a white gel pen were used to write the words

This birthday card featured Stampin up Punches, and showed a different way to attach ribbon to a card.
Stamp: Sincere Sentiments
Paper: Rose Red, Certain Celery, So Saffron, Retired designer paper, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Rose Red
Accessories: 5 Petal punch, Boho blossom punch 1/2" round punch, crimper (for leaves), scallop border edge punch, scallop oval punch


Everyone also got a chance to practice their brayering technique before doing on their Halloween card.

Witching you a Happy Halloween

This is one of my Halloween cards to sell at the market. 
Stamp: Frog's Whiskers
Paper: Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Light plum, dark plum, whisper white
Ink: Memento, Copic markers

Hope you enjoy the card. 

Paper Making Kits

Papermint Pattie is selling kits to make your own paper.  Get in touch with her at papermintpattie@gmail.com 
to purchase a kit.  Start making your own paper today.

The Clearance Rack - Save up to 80%

As you know, the clearance rack  has been operational for over a year now, it is a great place to discover discontinued Stampin' Up! merchandise for fantastic prices. Now, from October 5-18, they are adding over two hundred more discontinued items -- some at up to 80 percent off -- to help us make room in the Distribution Center for new products!

Things to know about the Clearance Rack Blitz:

• Orders for Clearance Rack items can be placed through the Online Store Click here • Qualifying orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards. • While the Blitz last from October 5-18, some items, depending on availability, may be made available in the Clearance Rack in the future. • All discontinued items are available only while supplies last. • All sales of discontinued items are final.

Come see all the items These are all discontinued items and are only available in the Online Store!

Other cards from Sept. 29 class

A Thank you card, using Wild Wasabi card stock, Woodland Park Designer paper, Very Vanilla, and the stamp set Elizabeth.  The scallop trim border punch in one corner, and pearls in the other completed the card.

Thanksgiving card using the French Foliage and Grateful Greeting stamps.  Colours used:  cherry cobbler, chocolate chip, crumb cake.  A knot of 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon completed the card.

Happy Thanksgiving

Stamp: PSX gourds, Teeny Tiny wishes
Paper: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Autumn Spice designer paper, Only Orange
Inks: Memento, Early Espresso.  The image was colored with copic markers
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Red Stickles glitter, word label punch, modern label punch

Believe

I received a free stamp from Class Act Stamps just for being a blog follower and made a card using that stamp to participate in this month's contest on their blog

Stamp: Ladybug (from class act), Sentiment PSX
Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Red crimped, Basic black
Ink: Memento black ink, copic markers, distressed ink
Accessories: spellbinders shapes, blue satin ribbon (from SU), buttons (with faux stitching), mini glue dots, elegant lines embossing folder (from SU), Designer label punch. 1/8" taffeta ribbon (marina mist from SU), dazzling diamonds

If ladybugs can wear a hat and shoes, and carry a purse, one can believe most anything - thus my sentiment

Card making Class Oct. 13

On Wed. Oct. 13, we will be making the following cards. in cardmaking class.
1.  Birthday  - technique - card with different fold
2.  Halloween - technique - brayering - use of embossing folders
3.  Remembrance - technique - making and smooching buttons
As before, please sign up early as space is limited.  Register, at the latest, by the Sunday before the class so that I can get the kits together.

Here is the Halloween card using the stamp set Haunted House.

Craftin' Caro: A special "EAT CHOCOLATE" offer!

Craftin' Caro: A special "EAT CHOCOLATE" offer!

Card making classes - schedule

Classes start Wednesday Sept. 29 so I thought I'd write a quick note providing you with the information you need to register.So mark these dates on your calendar - and REGISTER EARLY

Where: 750 Lock St. Peterborough (Lansdown St. and Lock - by the Memorial Center)

When: Starting Sept. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. Space is limited so be sure to R.S.V.P me as soon as you can.  If there is enough interest I can put on a duplicate class on alternate Wednesdays Starting Oct. 6 - same time. 
Schedule:   Sept. 29       Baby, Thank you, Thanksgiving
                   Oct. 13         Halloween, Remembrance, Birthday
                   Oct. 27         Alcohol inks - on cards and tiles
                   Nov 10         Christmas - 4 cards
                   Nov 24         Christmas ornaments
                   Dec 8            Holiday gift tags
 Cost:         $20.00 per person.  The class is free if you place a minimum order of $20.00 order from the Stampin' Up catalogue(before taxes and shipping).

Check my blog weekly for changes in class schedule and picture of one card that will be made in class

E-mail or phone me regarding attendance by the Sunday prior to the class so that I can get the appropriate kits prepared.
Phone:  705-741-2955 Leave a message if I cannot answer the phone
E-mail:  mvanderform@gmail.com

What to bring to classes:
Please bring a kit containing the following:  scissors (one for paper and one for ribbon), glue (liquid and stick), pop ups, bone folder, portable cutter, double sided tape, ruler, pencil, pen

Here is a picture of the baby card that will be made the first class

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

This is from Crafting Caro's blog:   http://www.craftincaro.ca/2010/08/more-from-our-monthly-team-gathering.htm

At our "Canadians, INK!" Team Gathering on Saturday, we were lucky enough to have Maria show us a really cool project she does using those "paper snakes" we demonstrators get in our orders all the time.

You know what those are, they're the crazy long massive packing paper lengths that they use to help keep our orders from rattling around in those boxes quite so much.

Anyhow, when she gets a new order, she flattens the paper out and irons out some of the wrinkles, and she uses them to cover or make book projects, like the one you see here.

She can distress the covers with ink to highlight the cool textures -- isn't that neat? Reduce, Re-use, Recycle... way to go, Maria!

If you don't recognize where the bison and quotation stamps come from, they're from a new set in the 2010 Stampin' Up! Catalogue called "In Wilderness".

Best Wishes - a card made with Hand made paper

This card I cased from Page 208 of the current Idea Book and Catalogue, but I used hand made paper rather than card stock.
Paper: Pink Pirouette, hand made paper (red, mauve)
Accessories:  1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 5/8" victoria crochet trim, antique button. 1/4" old olive grosgrain ribbon, Flower folds die and the Big Shot.

Making your own paper

A number of people have asked me how I made my own paper.  Here is a brief explanation.

Supplies Needed:
.Wooden mold with blue screen, black screen and hard white screen
.Blender
.Waste paper (e.g. envelopes, remnants of card stock, photocopy paper)
.water tub or dishpan
.cookie sheet or tray with shallow sides
.couching paper or orange felts (terms are interchangeable)
.sponge
.roller

Hints:
You can use any paper that can be torn by hand
A business size envelope will make one sheet.  You can add a small piece of tissue paper for colour.
Other things to add:
.dried flowers
.coffee grounds
.tea leaves
.wild flowers
.spices
.potpourri
.sparkles
.fluff
.etc

1.  Place box with blue screen and white rack, which has been velcroed in place in a tub of water.  Have water come to within about an inch or two of the top of the tub.
2.  Select paper.  It should measure about 1: longer and 1: wider than the mold.  Tear it into pieces and put in it blender with 2 cups of water
3.  Blend for 20-30 seconds (on liquify setting)
4.  Pour pulp into box and spread with fingers to make even.
5.  Lift box out of the water slowly and evenly.  Let it drain
6.  Place mold on cookie sheet or tray with edges to contain water
7.  Undo velcro straps and remove screen, pulp and white rack from the box
8.  Place black screen on top of pulp
9.  Press sponge on black screen to absorb water and wring out sponge.  Continue until water is gone.
10.  Remove black screen
11.  Put an orange felt on top of new paper
12. Use dowel or rolling pin and roll it over orange felt pressing hard to remove extra moisture and flatten paper
13.  Turn blue screen, paper, and orange felt over so the orange felt is on the bottom
14.  Peel blue screen from paper.
15.  Place a dry orange felt over the new piece of paper and roll again, pressing hard
16.  Peel off the orange felt and flip paper over into a dry town on a flat surface
17.  Remove remaining orange felt.
18.  Air dry for several hours.
19.  After air drying, stack papers between orange felt and press  between a stack of books or magazines.

20.  Alternately, the sheets can be ironed on high heat.  Than  stack them and press for complete flatness.

If any one is interested in making your own paper, Pappermint Patty is selling the kits.  Get in touch with her at:papermintpattie@gmail.com

ORSA - July Swap - water

I received 3 wonderful cards in the mail on Friday from the July SOT M.  This month's theme was water, and I'm always intrigued by how people interpret that theme and come up with a card.  All 3 cards I received had a boat as an image, but  after that they were truly unique.
This card was done by Jean Bircham.  I love the way she did the sky.

Julia did an Iris Folded sailboat.  This is one of my favourite techniques and seeing this card reminds me that I haven't made a card using this technique for quite some time.  Love the little birds in the corner.

Yellow and blue - such bright colours.  This sailboat was done by Julia.  T he sails were stamped twice and then superimposed on each other. Some glitter on the water and the boat is sailing on a sparkling windy day.

This is the card I submitted for swapping.  This distressing technique is a favourite of mine.  The image is a Stampscape stamp.

Another passion - Making my own paper

Gail U taught me how to make paper last weekend and I've been busy making paper ever since.  I've been trying hard not to get obsessed in this process as I have a tendency to do that, but I do make some paper every day. 

Above you'll see some paper I have made.
I'm still very much a novice, but I'm having fun and starting to make some projects.

Here is a box I made using the Bitty Box and Envelope die.  The tissue paper flower on top was made using the Big Flower punch the same tissue paper which provided the basis for the new paper and the leaf is from the Big Bird punch.
 Glitter and real dried flowers (purchased) have been added to this paper, but I am going to incorporate my own flowers. So  I have started drying the flowers from my garden using a flower press.  Already I have a batch to use.  I've dried geraniums, petunias, verbena, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, clematis, and the leaves from cosmos, ferns,  yarrow, and summer phlox (blue, red, and white) Stay tuned for paper made from these.
I've made a card, but will post it later.

Stamp:  Loving Daisy, Impressions Obsessions
Paper: Pear Pizzaz, Whisper White, hand made paper
Ink:  Wild Wisabi, Memento, Copic markers to color main image
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, polka dot and vintage wall paper embossing folders, rhinestones, sheer ribbon, word window punch, modern label punch

Stampin UP Workshop

I've been doing some training with Stampin' Up and part of this training is to book a workshop.  I made the decision to have the workshop at my home in Peterborough on August 15, from 1 until 4.  If anyone from this area would like to attend the workshop please contact me via emai\;  mariavanderform@yahoo.com
In this workshop I will be featuring the latest Stampin Up products and of course making cards - stamping, colouring and using the Big Shot

Post it Note Holders

These are some post it note holders I made to sell at my craft fairs.  A brief tutorial will follow the pictures.

Materials:
.One piece of cardstock 4 by 7:
.Three pieces of cardstock 3 3/4 by 3"
.Three pieces of patterned paper 2 3/4 by 3 1/2"
.One piece of card stock 1/4 by 1 "
.Two 5" lengths  of ribbon'
.One small pencil
.Post it notes
.Sticky strip
.Bone folder
.Pencils
.Stamps or other embellishments for decorating.

Method:
1.  Score the 4 by 7: cardstock across the wide side 3 1/4" from either end.
2.  Fold the cardstock along the score lines to create a 1/2: spine in the center
3.  Mat all 2 3/4 by 3 1/2: pieces of patterned paper by adhering to the 3 by 3 3/4" card stock pieces.
4.  Adhere one of the matted pieces onto the outside front of the holder
5.  Center 2 pieces of ribbon inside the holder and adhere with sticky strip
6.  Adhere the other two pieces of layered cardstock over the center panels to cover the ribbon ends.
7.  Remove backing from the post-it note stack and adhere to the bottom right side of the holder.
8. Take the 1/4 by 1" piece of cardstock and wrap it around the small pencil to create a loop.
9.  Adhere ends together
10. Adhere to cardstock loop at the base of  the holder
11. Close the top, and tie the ribbon
12.  Decorate the top - I have used pieces of jewellry .

For a more complete tutorial visit this location

Time for Fishing - Frog's Whiskers Sketch Challenge

This is cottage country and fishing is a popular activity.  Most of the cards I have made related to cottage and fishing have been sold out, so when I saw the sketch challenge on Frog's Whisker's I decided to make a  card related to fishing.  You can find the link here 
 Stamp: Fishing Bunny from Frog's Whiskers Ink. Sentiment: Lacey Designs
 Ink: The image was stamped with basic black ink on Whisper White card stock and coloured with chalks and a blender pen.  A sticker embellishment was added under the water (i.e. the bait) so hopefully the bunny will catch something.
 The edges were inked with Marina Mist ink from Stampin Up (SU).
Paper: The basic card, the matting for the image and the designer paper is Marina Mist.  All were inked with Marina Mist
The next layer to the card is Naturals White by SU.  It was embossed with the polka dot embossing folder by SU and lightly inked with Marina Mist ink.  The edges were also inked.
Designers papers are unknown.
Accessories:  Hemp Twine helps to give the card that cottage feel. Polka Dot embossing folder from SU, word window and modern label punch from SU, Stampin Dimensionals

Tea with Diane Armstrong

Diane Armstrong had a stop over in Peterborough, so decided to visit with ORSA members there.  Jane and I invited her and her daughter-in-law Chrissy to tea in my garden.  Following are some pictures of that beautiful day.  The weather couldn't have cooperated more.
Present were:  Jane Watson, Helen Howard, Diane Armstrong, Chrissy Armstrong, and Maria Vanderform

We all had a good time, all of us feeling that we had received a gift by spending time together.
This picture shows Maria, Diane, Helen and Chrissy having tea and desert on my deck in my garden.

Helen now took this picture, so you can see Jane Watson (whom everyone knows as Pokeywatson)

Diane and Helen.  Jane had made a card for Diane and she was busy looking at it.  What a wonderful time we had.  You can see the relaxed look on everyone's faces.

Helen and Chrissy, with my profile.  That's my clematis plant in the background.









The day ended with a shopping trip to Crop Circles, a scrapbooking store owned by Helen and Ted Howard. Diane had a hay day.     Helen was a gracious hostess in the store, displaying everyone's art work, and generally making us all feel at home.  The day ended with lunch at Tim Horton's.
It couldn't have been a more perfect day.

Stampfest

Stampfest was wonderful.  It was also a lot of work, and I was understandably tired by the end of the day.
 I met so many wonderful people - ORSA members, other SU demonstrators, and the general public.  Evelyne Moran worked hard to make this Stampfest a success, and I would like to thank her for the hard work she obviously put into this event.
Once I get some pictures I will post them.

 Gail Uebelacker and myself leaning over my booth at Stampfest

Gail at her booth.  Known as Peppermint Patty, she was making hand made paper.

Helen Howard at her booth.  She did so many make and takes she did not get a chance to shop.  Great make and takes though.

Evelyne Moran doing her make and takes.  She was so absorbed in what she was doing Jane (who was taking the pictures) couldn't get her to lift her head.

This is me at my booth - with a weird expression on my face.  It looks like I want to kiss someone - to which Jane replied "Maybe you thought it was a kissing booth!"

Lynne Ross, Lora Sinkler, and myself having a good joke.  Wish I could remember what it was.








Lora and her friend at her booth.

My card display