Christmas Cookie Exchange and Fun Reindeer Treats

Last year, you may remember that I participated in my friend Deb's amazing cookie exchange. However, this year, her exchange was so popular that I didn't have time to make all the cookies that it required. So sad to have missed it. But, as it turned out another friend asked me to participate in her exchange and I really didn't think I could squeeze it in. Well, it ended up that I only had to make 7 dozen cookies, so I managed to get them done at the very last minute. Whew. So, I thought I would share again this year, what I made.

These are called Neiman Marcus cookies. They are a combination of oatmeal, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Of course I had to make a cute package to put them in.

Since I love the Candy Cane Season stamp set and punch, I thought it would be perfect for these sweet treats. I also used large cellophane bags which I had from my Stampin' Up retired stash.

I thought the tag turned out pretty cute. The colors are poppy parade and garden green and I attached it with a cute gold clip.

The cookie exchange was a huge success and my friend Missy did a fabulous job as hostess. She's so fun and creative. Thanks for inviting me to participate, Missy!

Well, speaking of Missy... she later posted some adorable reindeer bark on her facebook page and knowing that my friend Megan was going to make bark for her finance's secretaries at work, I showed her Missy's cute reindeer bark. Well, needless to say, Megan whipped some of the cute bark up with the help of her mom and I helped her make the same cute tags for her bark.

Here she is in her darling polka dotted apron and her first tray of peppermint bark.

Add some chocolate reindeer and it becomes the cutest bark you've ever seen!

She packaged it up in these cute bags.

I think her fiance's office will be full of smiles when they receive this yummy and thoughful treat!

Speaking of crafting... We had craft night at my house the night before and made more of the clothespin wreaths that I posted about last week. Megans mom, Tracy, gave her the wreath she made at my house that night. Isn't it so pretty?

Lori and Bj also made awesome wreaths that night. As usual I got caught up in all the fun we were having and forgot to take group pictures while we were making them, so I asked them to send me pictures of their wreaths.

Lori's wreath:

Bj's wreath:

I made a Valentine clothespin wreath but I'm not quite finished with it. I'll post it after Christmas. Its made with the new Valentine designer paper and its so pretty. Here's a link to how I made my wreaths: click here

Lots of baking and crafting still going on here, trying to finish up for next week. Hope you are enjoying all the fun preparations during this special holiday season.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Until the next time...

Keep on Stampin' and Come back again soon!

 

 

Product List

Candy Cane Season Photopolymer Bundle [149927] $31.50	Candy Cane Season Photopolymer Stamp Set [147692] $17.00	Candy Cane Builder Punch [148011] $18.00	Starburst Punch [143717] $18.00
Gold Library Clips [144130] $6.00	Poppy Parade 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Textured Weave Ribbon [147813] $7.50	Garden Green & White Baker's Twine [147814] $4.00	6" X 17" (15.2 X 43.2 Cm) Gusseted Cellophane Bags [142001] $9.00

Christmas Cards and Treats

The Nothing Sweeter stamp set and dies were a surprise favorite for me. I didn't really think much about the stamp set until I actually used it. Now, I just think its the cutest set ever.

Here's a cute balmy blue and gray granite card that we made in Card Class.

I used both the cardstock and the inks in the same balmy blue and gray granite colors. The dies were used to cut out the tree, the snowflake and make the little "stitching" scallops and tree outline. 

I popped the snowflake on with a mini dimensional and added a pearl. The striped paper is from the soft subtles paper pack.

I also made these Christmas Tree treats from the same set. 

The colors are cherry cobbler and mossy meadow. 

I used the 2" x 8" Cellophane bags and a piece of Silver or Gold foil sheets inside that was cut at 2 x 5 and scored at 1/4" down each side. I was able to slide the hershey nuggets into the cellophane bag easily.

The emboss folder behind the tree is the Basket Weave embossing folder and the heart is from the Stitched Labels Framelits dies. I wrapped the nuggets in the Festive Farmhouse designer paper cut 1" x 3" and secured it with tear tape.

Aren't they so cute? This set is retiring at the end of the month, so get it before its gone for good!

Two fun and simple projects, ready for Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Until the next time...

Keep on Stampin and Come back again soon!

Product List

Nothing Sweeter Photopolymer Stamp Set [147773] $21.00	Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [146966] $11.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146982] $8.50	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $7.50
Gray Granite 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146983] $8.50	Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad [147118] $7.50	Pearl Basic Jewels [144219] $5.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $4.00	2" X 8" (5.1 X 20.3 Cm) Cellophane Bags [141703] $3.50
Stitched Labels Framelits Dies [146828] $33.00	Basket Weave Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [146841] $9.00	Festive Farmhouse 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [147820] $11.00	Gold Foil Sheets [132622] $4.00	Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119685] $8.50
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $8.50	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $7.50	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.75	Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] $7.00

Treat Box from Mrs. Santa

I loved making these darling treat boxes for my team this year. I used the Stampin Up Acetate Card boxes and simply cut them in half (while they were flat) at 3" with my paper trimmer. These remind me of the old cassette tape boxes, way back in the day.

I used the Signs of Santa stamp set and dies. The dies are sold out but the stamp set is still available until the end of the month (at least for now)

I measured the box to get the size to cut the poppy parade cardstock. The box is 41/2" x 41/2" then I scored at 3" and 3 1/2" so that it slide into the box and had a little flap. 

I also used some garden green cardstock embossed with the Maps Etc. emboss folder. The circles were cut with the Layering Circle Framelits dies.

Aren't they just so cute? I used velcro to hold the flap closed. Do you want to see what I put inside?

Found these Christmas Kit Kats that fit perfectly inside. I also stuffed some metallic pearls and peppermint candy inside for my team members.

I made lots to hand out as small gifts to friends and family as well. These are great for gift cards and lottery tickets too!

I will definitely be making these again for other holidays and occasions. They are so much fun to make and look so darn cute!

Hope you'll give this cute idea a try.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until the next time...

Keep on Stampin and Come back again soon!

 

Product List

Signs Of Santa Photopolymer Bundle [149967] $47.50	Signs Of Santa Photopolymer Stamp Set [147690] $21.00	Santa's Workshop 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [147809] $14.00	Maps Etc. Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [146822] $9.00
Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] $5.00	Acetate Card Boxes [144628] $7.00	Stampin' Trimmer [126889] $30.00
Poppy Parade 8-1/2" x 11"" Card Stock" [119793] $8.50	Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102584] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00

Valentine and a Christmas Card in "lights"

I'm sharing a sweet valentine card that we made at Card Class recently. Its made with the "Making Everyday Bright" stamp set and Christmas Bulb punch.

I used the new petal pink cardstock as well as Stampin' Blends markers in petal pink, flirty flamingo and lovely lipstick. I colored the bulbs in with the lighter of the petal pink and flirty flamingo and shaded with the darker of each color. The tiny hearts are colored with the lovely lipstick Stampin' Blends.

I punched out the petal pink bulb with the Christmas Bulb builder punch and popped it up with a mini dimensional.

Here, you can see that I added the light rays in blushing bride ink, under the bulbs.

A sweet and simple sentiment is stamped inside.

I love the simplicity of this card and the short and sweet message for Valentines day.

This set will retire soon, so if you like it, get it before the end of December!

I also made a similar card at one of my classes, using the "Making Christmas Bright" stamp set (which coordinates with the Making Everyday Bright stamp set, above) and the Christmas Bulb punch. This set can be bundled with the punch for a 10% discount. This is a bright and cheery Christmas card.

The background is stamped with the Buffalo Plaid background stamp in call me clover ink, onto call me clover cardstock. The card is granny apple green. The bulbs are stamped in lovely lipstick and mango melody inks.

I really enjoyed designing and stamping these fun cards. One, soft and sweet the other bright and bold. Both adorable!

Both sets and the punch will retire soon. Get yours soon, if you don't have it already!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Until the next time...

Keep on Stampin' and Come back again soon!

Product List

Making Christmas Bright Photopolymer Bundle [149947] $35.00	Making Christmas Bright Photopolymer Stamp Set [148046] $21.00	Christmas Bulb Builder Punch [148013] $18.00
Making Every Day Bright Photopolymer Stamp Set [148813] $16.00	Buffalo Check Wood-Mount Stamp Set [147797] $20.00	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101910] $9.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [147100] $7.50
Petal Pink Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [147272] $9.00	Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [147278] $9.00	Lovely Lipstick Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [147281] $9.00
Itty Bitty Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set [146667] $36.00	Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146990] $8.50	Call Me Clover 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146969] $8.50
Call Me Clover Stampin' Pad [147139] $7.50	Mango Melody 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146989] $8.50	Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad [147093] $7.50
Lovely Lipstick Classic Stampin' Pad [147140] $7.50	Lovely Lipstick 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146970] $8.50	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $4.00

Beautiful Baubles

I so much enjoy creating with this set. So many possibilites with all the different stamps and dies in this Beautiful Baubles bundle.

I went with the merry merlot and copper color theme for this card. This was the bonus card at my recent Card Class.

I used very vanilla cardstock to stamp on to give it a softer glow.

The copper embossing powder and copper foil paper give this card that extra shine.

How about that gorgeous new Merry Merlot/Copper ribbon? Lovvvveee it!

A peek inside...

These colors together are truly magnificient!

I'm glad you visited today.

Until the next time...

Keep on Stampin' and Come back again soon!

Product List

Beautiful Baubles Photopolymer Bundle [149920] $43.00	Beautiful Baubles Photopolymer Stamp Set [147765] $17.00	Detailed Baubles Thinlits Dies [147924] $31.00	Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Reversible Ribbon [147818] $7.50	Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder [141636] $5.00
Copper Foil Sheets [142020] $4.00	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101650] $9.75	Merry Merlot 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146979] $8.50	Merry Merlot Classic Stampin' Pad [147112] $7.50	Versamark Pad [102283] $9.00
Embossing Buddy [103083] $6.00	Heat Tool [129053] $30.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $4.00	Big Shot [143263] $110.00

Stampin Up Alaskan Cruise- Victoria- Part 5 & More Stampin' Display Boards

 So, this is our last port of call on our Stampin' Up Alaskan Cruise. Victoria, British Columbia was such a beautiful city to explore.

We had booked a bus tour that took us around the city and to various neighborhoods around Victoria. We ended with a double, double at Tim Hortons. Then, back down to the city to explore a little more.

Victoria is the capitol of British Columbia and located on Vancouver Island in Canada.

Victoria is very much a lovely city to retire to, much like Naples, Florida in the US. The temperature never goes below freezing or above the 70's. Which means that it rarely ever snows here. Go figure! However, they were having unusually hot weather while we were there- in the high 80's. The tour guide told us that no one has air conditioning, as its not needed. The month of July was really rough on them, because the temps were so high.

A couple charming neighborhood houses on our way up to the scenice overlook.

Quite a few celebrities have homes here. We did see a few hockey players homes while on the tour. Our tour guide mentioned that it would be difficult to find a home here under 1 million dollars.

Scenic overlook. Looking down on the city of Victoria. We were told that Victoria is a very expensive place to have a home. I can see why. Everywhere we went, everything was beautifully manicured and clean and especially gorgeous, being that its right on the water.

There's our ship in the distance!

Next stop, Tim Hortons. I have always wanted to go here. I know we have Tim Hortons in several US cities, but none that are anywhere near me. So, I was excited to go. My friend Lynsay, who is Canadian, tipped me off on what to order. She said to definitely get a "double double" which is just coffee with double cream and sugar. I always drink my coffee black, but wanted to do as the Canadians do- so I went for it. Its so very Canadian! I even won a prize on the bus for knowing what a "double double" was. Thanks for the tip Lynsay!

Oh, and of course lets not forget the yummy, timbits, which are the left over donut holes from the donuts. So good!

So, back down to the city we go. This is passing through Victoria's China Town. Its the second oldest China Town in North America, San Franciso's China Town being the oldest.

We were dropped off in front of the stunning Empress Hotel in Victoria which is situated on the waterfront.

This is the beautiful tea room inside the hotel. The last time I was in Victoria we had the Royal Afternoon Tea here. It was divine to say the least.

The amazing chandelier.

Victoria is known as the Garden City and prides itself on its glorious flowers, trees and gardens all over the city. 

 Of course we had to get fish n chips, shrimp and lobster rolls for lunch. The seafood is so fresh and so good.

We ordered this bacon wrapped shrimp on forks, just because it looked cool. Glad we did because it was delish!

There was a lovely street market, horse and carriages everywhere and houseboats docked all around the waters edge.

The houseboats stay docked all year, because the water never freezes.

They were all so cute and colorful.

Had to pose with a Canadian Mountie Moose while in Canada....

So, we decided to take a Water Taxi ride around the bay. It was pretty cool. We even saw a few float planes land on the water.

Our cute little water taxi.

Here comes a float plane...

In for a splash landing.

We did a little more shopping and ended on Fishermans Wharf where Maci endulged in some sushi.

 We have one more stop, and that's Seattle! We had a fabulous time there as well. More about that later.

For now, I'll share some of the display boards using sets from the New Holiday Catalog. Enjoy!

Beautiful Candy Cane punch displays by Amy Combs

Thanks for checking out my blog today.

Until the next time...

Keep on Stampin' and Come back again soon!