Create & Take: Christmas Jumper Day

Hi bloggers, we have a special Create & Take for you today as this was the card that was designed for Christmas Jumper Day using the wonderful die set from Elizabeth Crafts called Winter Sweater. We have the full list of products and instructions below plus a few extra photos from the day including everyone in their best Christmas Jumpers!

So let's get started....

Products Used:

Elizabeth Craft Design - Winter Sweater Die Set (1240)

Taylored Expressions Plaid Embossing Folder

Xcut Seasons' Greetings Die

My Mind's Eye Sugar Plum 12 x 12 Paper - Cheer

Bazzill Basics Paper - Kisses, Skylar, Fawn and Bark

Red Adhesive Gems

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of Kisses cardstock and Cheer cardstock to fit the card blank as shown.

2. From Skylar cardstock, die cut one jumper and two snowflakes.

3. Using the Plaid embossing folder, emboss the jumper through a die cutting machine.

4. Die cut one Season's Greetings from Kisses cardstock.

5. Using some Fawn and Bark cardstock, die cut the reindeer head and antlers.

6. Stick elements down using sticky 3D foam pads and glue.

7. Add red adhesive gems to reindeer, above the 'i' in Greetings and on snowflakes.

This was a fantastic design to celebrate Christmas Jumper Day and was perfect card for the day's festivities. Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and wore their best knit for the occasion. Check some of them out below:

When 12pm rolled around it was time to announce the winner of the Christmas Jumper competition and we had some wonderful entries, including;

But there could only be one winner who was Pauline Gold and her Christmas house jumper.

Congratulations Pauline!

Once again a big thank you to everyone who came and donated to a wonderful cause, so far we have raised £71 for Save the Children.

Thank you!

Create & Take: Elf Chaos

Hi bloggers, it's time for another Create & Take review and this week Caz has used the mischievous elves from Taylored Expressions Elf Grumplings Stamp and die set to create this wonderful card. So let's get started....

Products Used:

Taylored Expressions Elf Grumplings Stamp and Die Set

Marianne Craftables Card with a View Die Set CR1389

Marianne Craftables Wreath Die Set CR1387 

Marianne Christmas Ornaments Die Set CR1384

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Pumice Stone

Bazzill Basics Ivy Cardstock

Core'dinations Silvermist Cardstock

Core'dinations Red Flash Cardstock

Versafine Onyx Black Ink Pad

Watercolour Pencils

Large Sponge Dauber

Instructions:

1. Die cut elves from white cardstock and then use the co-ordinating elf stamps to stamp onto the die cut pieces. If you have a MISTI, you can use this to help line them up.

2. Colour the elves with watercolour pencils.

3. Die cut the window from white cardstock and then run through the machine again with a rubber mat to emboss the bricks. Die cut another window from white cardstock and then cut the window shape out around the edge.

4. Using the Pumice Stone ink pad and a large dauber, ink around the brick wall of the window.

5. Stick the cut out window on top.

6. Stick a piece of patterned paper behind the window to look like a curtain.

7. Place an elf behind the window peeking out.

8. Die cut the wreath and then cut into three pieces and position on the card.

9. Die cut some Christmas Ornaments from the glittered cardstock and decorate the wreath with these.

10. Add the second elf to the side of the window to finish.

Create & Take: Season's Greetings Robin

Hi bloggers, it's time for another Create & Take card and we have a beautiful Christmas card today featuring the Overjoyed Penny Black stamp which has been so popular we have now sold out in the shop but other similar robin stamps you may have will certainly do the trick!

So let's get started....

Products Used:

Penny Black Overjoyed Cling Stamp

Amy Design Christmas Greetings Die

Simple Stories Classic Christmas Tis the Season 12x12 Paper

Woodware watercolour cardstock

Bazzill Basics Bark 12x12 Paper

Core'dinations King's Crown Glitter Cardstock

Stickles Icicle Glitter Glue

Versafine Vintage Sepia Inkpad

Distress Ink Pads - Broken China and Festive Berries

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of Bark cardstock slightly smaller than the card blank and stick down.

2. Cut a piece of Tis the Season paper slightly smaller than the Bark cardstock and stick down.

3. Die cut one smaller frame from Bark cardstock and one smaller from watercolour card.

4. Die cut one Holly and Berry from red and green cardstock.

5. Stamp up the sentiment and robin image onto watercolour cardstock using Vintage Sepia ink pad.

6. Cut a strip of King's Crown glitter card and stick across the centre of the card.

7. Layer the watercolour cardstock on top of the other frame and stick onto the card.

8. Add the holly and berries to the side of the card.

9. Add Stickles to the snow on the image and leave to dry.

Create & Take: Snowy Wreath

Hi bloggers, it's that time of the week again to share last week's Create & Take. Today's card was designed by Caz using the adorable Penny Black Little Snowy stamp alongside the Marianne wreath die set.

So let's get started....

Products Used:

Penny Black Little Snowy Woodblock Stamp

Marianne Design Craftables Wreath Die Set

Marianne Design Creatables Mix & Match Bows Die Set

Bazzill Basics cardstock in Green, White, Red and Brown

Watercolour Pencils

Glitter Glue

My Mind's Eye Sugarplum Glittered Merry Cardstock

Core'dinations King's Crown Glitter Cardstock

Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink Pad

Instructions:

1. Stamp Little Snowy onto a die cut circle and colour with watercolour pencils. Edge the circle with Vintage Photo distress ink.

2. Die cut the wreath from white card and gold glitter card. Snip one of the wreaths and intertwine it with the other.

3. Die cut greenery and cones from green and brown card.

4. Cut a strip of Glittered Merry cardstock to fit the width of the card blank.

5. Stick down Snowy and the wreath and then add the greenery and cones around it.

6. Die cut the bow from red cardstock, snip the tails to put into position and add this to the bottom of the wreath.

7. Edge the rest of the card with Vintage Photo distress ink.

8. Add a bit of glitter glue to finish.

The Penny Black Snowy character has been so popular at Crafts U Love with Little Snowy being the only one left so make sure you buy yours today so you don't miss out!

Create & Take: Snowflake Diamond Box

Hi bloggers, today we are going to share with you last week's Create & Take which was a beautiful little favor box from the Sizzix range. Heidi used the Snowflake Diamond Box die set to create a wonderful gift box that can be hung on the tree or placed on the Christmas dinner table as a placeholder gift.

So let's get started....

Products Used:

Sizzix Lindsey Serata Snowflake Diamond Box Die Set

Marianne Petra's Poinsettia Die Set

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Petunia

Bazzill Basics Bling Cardstock - Diamond

Core'dinations Opulent Opal Glitter Cardstock

Pink Organza Ribbon

White Satin Ribbon

Pink Stickles Glitter Glue

Extra Tools Required: double sided tape, sharp scissors and wet glue.

Instructions:

1. Die cut four body pieces and selected elements from the card/glitter card.

2. Apply double sided tape to the long tabs of each body piece and stick two body pieces together.

One pair will become the bottom of the ornament and the other, the top.

3. Using scissors, remove all of the small tabs from what will become the bottom piece.

4. Apply double sided tape to all of the smaller tabs, to what will become the top piece of the ornament. 

5. Create the top and bottom pieces by sticking together the remaining long tabs to the corresponding opposite sides.

6. Stick the small hanger piece to the 'back'.

7. Thread white ribbon through and tie a knot.

8. Tie a small bow using pink organza ribbon and stick onto the box.

9. Stick down poinsettia pieces to the top of the box as shown above.

10. Stick the top part to the bottom, one tab at a time.

If you wish to use the box as a favor box, do not stick down the long tab and the two nearest smaller ones together. This allows the panel to open and close.

If you prefer to follow a picture tutorial please click here.

Create & Take: Christmas Cat

Hi bloggers, we have another Christmas Create & Take card to share with you this week, featuring the new Mini Envelope Die and Little Presents stamp set from CUT-IES.

So let's get started....

Products Used:

Penny Black Santa's Helper Stamp Set

CUT-IES Mini Envelope Die

CUT-IES Little Presents Stamp Set

Distress Ink Pad - Vintage Photo

Distress Ink Pad - Fired Brick

Versafine Onyx Black Ink Pad

Bazzill Basics Walnut Cream Cardstock

Bazzill Basics Kraft Cardstock

Karen Burniston Labels & Circles Die Set

Instructions:

1. Die cut a label (from the Labels & Circles die set) from Walnut Cream cardstock and stamp an image onto the shape using black ink. Colour the image with watercolour pencils and add some Vintage Photo distress ink around the edges.

2. Die cut a mini envelope from Kraft card and stamp brown snowflakes onto it.

3. Stamp wording onto a strip of cream card using black ink, stamp the heart with red ink and distress the edges with Vintage Photo distress ink.

4. Stamp border on the top of the card with Red Brick ink.

5. Stamp 2nd generation* image of snowflakes onto Walnut Cream card.

* 2nd generation stamping is a great way to get more out of your inks. To create a 2nd generation image, ink up your stamp and then stamp onto a piece of scrap paper before stamping on your project.

6. Cut a small strip of Walnut Cream card to create a little tag for the inside of the envelope and stamp with Santa wording. Add a glittered star either side to create something to grab hold of to remove the tag.

7. Start to assemble the card by following the image above. When sticking the bottom piece of striped cardstock make sure to leave an area clear of adhesive to create a pocket for the envelope to sit in.

This card is a great Christmas card and the mini envelope lets you include a little special message for the recipient to find and read.

Create & Take: Silver & Blue Holly Card

Hi bloggers, it's been a while since we have done a Create & Take review but now the launch of our fabulous new website has been and gone we are trying to get back to grips with updating our blog again. So we thank you for your patience recently and hope we can inspire you once again with our weekly makes!

So let's get started.....

Products Used:

Poppystamps Home for the Holidays Wreath Die Set

Poppystamps Swirled Peace Die Set

Taylored Expressions Holly Embossing Folder

Bazzill Basics Starmist Cardstock

Bazzill Basics Atlantic Cardstock

Core'dinations Silvermist Glitter Cardstock

Memento Summer Sky Ink Pad

Extra Tools: Trimmer/ Glue/ Die cutting machine and blending tool.

Instructions:

1. Start by die cutting one holly wreath from Silvermist glitter card and one Peace shape from Atlantic cardstock.

2. Cut a strip of Starmist card to fit the whole width of the card blank.

3. Cut another in Silvermist slightly smaller at each edge to leave a small border of the Starmist cardstock.

4. Cut a square of Atlantic card and a smaller square from Starmist.

5. Place the small Starmist square inside the Holly embossing folder and run through the die cutting machine.

6. Ink edges of card blank and Holly embossed square using the Summer Sky ink pad and blending tool.

7. Stick all items down onto the card blank as shown in photo above.

This is a really simple but effective card that is a quick make for those last minute Christmas cards.

Don't forget Create & Take is on every Friday at Crafts U Love between 10am and 12pm. No need to book as it is a drop in session. £3 per person which also includes a tea/coffee.

Create & Take: Christmas Kraft Tag Card

Hi bloggers, we have a festive card for you today from last week's Create & Take designed by Heidi. This card uses the beautiful Arched Fir Branch die from Tutti Design and also the Twas Tag stamp from Woodware.

So let's get started....

Products Used:

Tutti Design Arched Fir Branch Die 

Woodware Twas Tag Stamp

Woodware Santa Post Elements Stamp Set

Crealies CLNestXXL 41 Stitched Circle Die Set

Bazzill Basics Nautical Medium Cardstock

Bazzill Basics Starmist Cardstock

Maja Design Vintage Baby It's a Boy Cardstock

Memento Rich Cocoa Ink Pad

Kraft Cardstock

Queen & Co. Blue Bubble Embellishments

Circle Punches - 1", 1.5" and 1.75"

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of Nautical Medium card to measure 15.5cm x 12cm.

2. Cut a piece of Starmist card to measure 15cm x 11.5cm, stick together then adhere to card blank.

3. Cut a piece of Maja cardstock 14.5cm x 11cm and stick down.

4. Onto kraft card, stamp up large tag stamp, cut out and ink round the edges.

5. Die cut a stitched circle from kraft card. Stamp up word stamp all over the circle and ink edges.

6. Stick to the top of card and cut off excess.

7. Die cut a Tutti Arched Fir Branch, stick over half circle at the top of card using wet glue. Cut off any excess.

8. Stamp large wording stamp over bottom of Maja paper piece, then stick the large tag down.

9. Punch out in Nautical Medium one large circle, one medium circle from kraft card and then two smaller circles from kraft card.

10. Onto large kraft circle stamp Happy Christmas, then stamp two snowflakes onto the smaller kraft circles. Edge with ink.

11. Layer circles up as shown in picture using 3D foam pads.

12. Add blue bubbles to the centre of the snowflakes.

Create & Take: Merry Christmas Robin

Hi bloggers, today we are sharing a bit of Christmas inspiration with you from last week's Create & Take and for us crafters when it comes to Christmas, it's never too soon to start making cards!

This card uses a lovely new Stampendous cling stamp set called Winter Tweets.

So let's get started.....

Products Used:

Stampendous Cling Stamp Set - Winter Tweets (CRS5092)

Crealies Nest-Lies Oval Die Set No. 43(CLNestXXL43)

Find It Traditional Christmas  - Merry Christmas Die (YCD10057)

Bazzill Basics Paper in Kisses and Ivy

Maja Design Paper - Summertime (In the Garden) Smell the Roses

Maja Design Paper - Summertime (In the Garden) Is Always the Best

Memento Black Tuxedo ink pad

Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen

Watercolour Pencils and brush

Stampendous Fran-Tage Chunky White Embossing Enamel

Queen & Co. Iridescent Bubbles - Red

Instructions:

1. Cut two oblongs from the Ivy and Kisses cardstock. Kisses: 14.5cm x 10cm Ivy: 14cm x 9.5cm. Stick together and then adhere to the card blank.

2. Cut an oblong from the 'Smell the Roses' paper (stripes side): 13.5cm x 9cm and stick onto the card.

3. Die cut one large oval from the Kisses cardstock anf another oval from the 'Is always the best' paper (dots side) and stick together and then onto the card in the centre.

4. Die cut 'Merry Christmas' from the Ivy cardstock and adhere to the card.

5. On white card, stamp one robin and one holly image and colour using watercolour pencils and a water brush. Cut round each image.

6. Once cut out, sprinkle a small dusting of chunky white embossing powder over the bottom of the robin and on the ivy. Heat from underneath slowly until the powder melts. Leave to cool.

7. Place elements onto card and stick down. Use sticky pads behind the robin and ivy.

8. Add bubbles to top corners of the card.

9. Add clear Wink of Stella glitter to robin and holly images.

Christmas Jumper Day

Hi bloggers, Friday was a great day at the shop celebrating the annual Christmas Jumper Day for Text Santa. Everyone looked great in their Christmas attire and we want to thank everyone who turned up on the day to support it. So far we have raised £102.90 for three great charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Make a Wish and Save the Children.

Caz made a fantastic card for our customers to make at Create & Take that captured the spirit of the day. Read on to find out how to make it:-

Products Used:

Woodware Little Red Robin Stamp Set

Elizabeth Crafts Props 5 Die Set

Taylored Expressions Nordic Embossing Folder

Woodware Mini Heart Punch

Bazzill Basics Crimson 12 x 12 Cardstock

Bazzill Basics White Smoothie 12 x 12 Cardstock

Bazzill Basics Bark 12 x 12 Cardstock

White Ink Pad

Black Detail Pen

Black Versafine Ink Pad

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of white cardstock, Bark cardstock and patterned paper 3.75" x 3.75" and stamp the Robin on to all pieces.

2. Keep the white cardstock as it is. On the Bark cardstock, cut around the robin and then also cut the wing out. On the patterned piece cut around the main body of the robin, cutting across the neck to look like a jumper. Use detail pen to add a faux collar. 

3. Adhere the Bark robin onto the white robin but leave the wing to one side. Adhere the patterned cardstock on top of the bark, then glue the wing in place.

4. Colour the beak, holly and berries with pencils.

5. Cut a piece of Crimson cardstock 4.5" x 5.75" and emboss with the Nordic embossing folder.

6. Take a white ink pad and gently swipe across the embossed surface.

7. Assemble the card as shown and stamp the wording along the bottom of the card, adding a punched out heart inbetween.

We love this festive robin in his Christmas jumper and complimented the theme of the day beautifully.

Little Christmas Boxes

Hi bloggers, today we are going to share some more Christmas inspiration in the form of little gift boxes. Jo Wojcik designed these cute gift boxes that can be used to gift chocolates or small gifts with some unusual twists to wow your recipient.

Let's take a closer look.....

This beautiful little box has a tie at the side to open the box to reveal another box containing chocolates. This box displays the inside gift beautifully and you can even include your own message on the other side.

This twisted creation opens at both ends of the box, perfect for tiny little gifts to include as stocking fillers and definitely has that wow factor.

Jo used some papers from the Bo Bunny Whiteout paper collection and is available here.

Create & Take: Snowman Tag Card

Hi bloggers, it's been too long since our last Create & Take inspiration post so we are back on track this week to share with you some Christmas ideas and inspiration, starting with this lovely card using the new WRMK tag punch.

So let's get started.....

Products Used:

Poppystamps You Melt My Heart Stamp and Die Set

WRMK DIY Party Tag Punch

Xcut Corner Rounder

Memory Box Shimmering Snowflakes Die Set

Gold Glitter Card

Photoplay Holly 12 x 12 Cardstock

Photoplay Merry Christmas 12 x 12 Cardstock

Bazzill Basics Red Cardstock

Black Ink Pad

Pencils

Marianne Gold Golf Gem

Twine

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of Holly paper to measure 3-3/4" x 4-3/4" then cut approx. in half. Use the corner rounder on two of the edges of each piece of card as shown in the picture.

2. Cut Merry Christmas paper to measure 2" x 5" and use the WRMK tag punch on the end. Fold on the line and flip over the small tag and poke in to create the top of the tag. Tie some twine to the top of the tag.

3. Cut a piece of red cardstock to measure 1-1/2" x 3-3/4".

4. Stamp the snowman and earmuffs onto white cardstock and colour with pencils. Use the die set that matches to die cut around these stamped images.

5. Die cut a snowflake from gold glitter cardstock.

6. Assemble the card as shown and add a gold gem in the center of the snowflake to finish.

These DIY paper punches from WRMK are great for cards, parties and more. Make sure you check out the rest of the range here.

Create & Take: Merry Christmas Bird

Hi Bloggers, it's time to share another Create & Take card with you and this time we have used a Marianne Collectables die set. So let's get started......

Products Used:

Eline's Bird Marianne Collectables die set (COL1392)

Marianne Wood Clear Stamp

Marianne Ice Crystals Embossing Folder

Penny Black Believe Stamp Set

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Espresso

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Vintage Photo

Core'dinations Silvermist Glitter Card

Bazzill Basics 12 x 12 White Smoothie Cardstock

Bazzill Basics 12 x 12 Kraft Cardstock

Brown, Blue & Green Cardstock

Silver Stickles Glitter Glue

Silver Washi Tape

Instructions:

1. Die cut bird pieces from different coloured card and assemble as shown on the card. Swipe ink pads around the edge of the bird.

2. Die cut two stars from silvermist glitter card.

3. Cut a piece of white card 5" x 3" and emboss with Ice Crystal embossing folder.

4. Cut a piece of white card 2-1/2" x 1-5/8" and stamp some Christmas wording onto it. Swipe a little bit of Vintage Photo distress ink around the edge of the card.

5. Cut a piece of kraft card 5" x 2-1/4" and stamp the wood stamp onto it with brown ink.

6. Die cut the sprig from some green card.

7. Adhere the embossed white card and stamped kraft card to the front of the card base. Add some silver washi tape across the card and adhere the bird so that it looks like it is sitting on the washi tape.

8. Finish by adding the Christmas sentiment and stars to the card. Add a bit of silver glitter glue onto the bird and also on the top of the stars to make them look like hanging ornaments.

Create & Take: Christmas Pivot

We have another great Create & Take card for you this week using the Katie Label Accordian die from Karen Burniston. If you fancy making more than just your standard Christmas card, then read on for more details....

Products Used:

Karen Burniston Katie Label Accordian Die Set

Poppystamps Stitched Holly Border Die

Penny Black Deck the Halls Clear Stamp Set

Black Ink Pad

Watercolour Pencils

Red Glitter Glue

Crystal Glitter Glue

Photoplay Holly 12 x 12 Paper

Photplay Fa La La 12 x 12 Paper

Bazzill Basics Walnut Cream 12 x 12 Paper

Green Square Card Blank

Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions to use the accordian die to die cut the pivot card from green base card.

2. Die cut the holly border along the front edge of the card base.

3. Die cut two decoration label panels from Walnut Cream paper and stamp the Penny Black cat on one of the panels. Colour with watercolour pencils. Stamp a Christmas sentiment on the second panel. Adhere as shown.

4. Cut two decoration panels measuring 4cm x 13cm from both of the Photoplay papers. Adhere one on the front of the card and one on the inside of the card.

5. Finish by adding some red glitter glue to make holly berries; white lines to the middle of the holly leaves and finally a small bit of Crystal glitter glue to the cat's hat.

Create & Take: Merry & Bright Reindeer

Hi bloggers, today we are catching up on another Create & Take from a few week's ago featuring Poppystamps dies and stamps.

So let's get started.....

Products Used:

Poppystamps Merry & Bright Channel

Poppystamps Christmas Delights Stamp Set

Authentique Evergreen Holly/Old Time Cursive Writing 12 x 12 Paper

Black Ink

Watercolour Pencils

Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush

Circle Die Set

Mini Star Punch

Gold Mirri Card

Instructions:

1. Die cut the Merry & Bright channel from the front of the card blank and poke out any pieces that are stuck in the card once die cut.

2. Cut a piece of mirri card to measure 4cm x 15cm and adhere behind the Merry & Bright.

3. Cut a piece of Evergreen Holly paper to measure 7.5cm x 15cm and adhere to the top part of the card.

4. Stamp reindeer images and tree image onto white card and colour with watercolour pencils. Add a bit of clear wink of stella to the tree and the reindeer scarves.

5. Cut out the images with a circle die cut. and layer onto the card as shown.

6. Punch out a star from gold mirri card and adhere to the top of the tree.

This card is a great example of how to use the Poppystamps channel dies and come in a range of greetings including 'Let It Snow' and 'Peace on Earth'. Take a look at the Poppstamps die collection here.