American Crafts Studio Blog

Christmas Cards by Carina Lindholm

Congrats to the winner of the Kringle and co line, chel:

And congrats to the winners of the spot in the 12.12.12 class, Carol W. and wendy:

Finishing up Christmas Cards week is Carina Lindholm with a pair of cards.

MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Carina Lindholm

Supplies: Fountain (71510) - Cardstock, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Coal Mine Paper (35853) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Kringle and Co Value Ribbon Pack (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Dimensional Dots (61709) - This to That

MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Carina Lindholm

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Woodshop Paper ( 35865) - Kringle and Co, Peppermint Parlor Paper (35863) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Kringle and Co Value Ribbon Pack (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Black (61018) - Memory Marker

Tomorrow is the first day of December which means we'll be revealing another new gallery chock-full of inspiration for the season!

Christmas Cards by Becky Williams

This pair of festive and cute Christmas cards was made by Becky Williams:

MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Becky Williams

Supplies: Kraft (41464) - Cardstock, Merry Mail Room Paper (35858) - Kringle and Co, Christmas (89430) - Ribbon, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits, 3-Dimensional Foam Tabs (61710) - This to That

HAPPY HOLIDAYS CARD by Becky Williams

Supplies: Chestnut (71048) - Cardstock, Sleigh Shop Paper (35859) - Kringle and Co, Woodshop Paper (35865) - Kringle and Co, Merry Mail Room (35858) - Kringle and Co, Snowflake Factory Paper (35864) - Kringle and Co, Hollymint Accent & Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Christmas (89430) - Ribbon, Sugarflake Banner Phrase Stickers (42278) - Remarks, Fox Gold (53414) - Thickers, 3-Dimensional Foam Tabs (61710) - This to That

The giveaway for the entire Kringle and Co line ends tomorrow morning so make sure you've visited this past Monday's intro to the theme of the week post for your chance to win big!

12/12/12 is Just 2 Weeks Away + a Giveaway and Discount Code

It only happens once every 100 years: the date 12/12/12. How will you remember it? Join Stacy Julian from Big Picture Classes and Amy Tan from American Crafts to make it a day to remember. On Wednesday, December 12, Stacy Julian, Amy Tan, and 24 other scrapbookers will join together on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii to complete a scrapbook album that commemorates life, right now, in 2012, plus bonus projects using Amy Tangerine products from American Crafts. But you don’t need to travel to Hawaii to celebrate with them!

Hundreds of scrapbookers, from Minneapolis to Madrid will come together online for the 12/12/12 at Home portion of the event. For 12 straight hours beginning at 2 pm EST, you’ll enjoy live, streaming video instruction direct from Big Picture Classes’ Hawaiian classroom. Each hour will bring you 12 minutes of streaming instruction followed by 48 minutes to carry out what you've learned, plus continuous access to your fellow participants via our exclusive message board and gallery. At the end of the day, you'll have a completed a personalized Sn@p mini album packed full of your favorite memories from 2012.

Register in advance for the online portion of the event for just $20.12 It’s limited to the first 12,000,000 people to complete checkout (in other words, it's unlimited!) But, you’ll want to register now so you can get all the information you need to prepare for the event. There are photos to select and print, journaling prompts to complete, and of course, a supply list full of items to purchase so you can create your album as you follow along with Stacy. More information including registration is available at Big Picture Classes.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Big Picture wants to give you a special $5 off discount (bringing the at home portion to just $15.12) with the promo code: amy12

GIVEAWAY: Up for grabs are 2 spots for the at home portion! Leave a comment by Friday, November 30th at 6:00am and 2 winners will selected and announced shortly after. If you've already registered, a credit will be given or you can gift the spot to a friend. There are 2 spots being given away on Amy Tan's blog as well.

Mahalo!

Christmas Cards Guest Designer: Courtney Kelley

Our Christmas Cards Guest Designer is the fabulously talented card maker, Courtney Kelley!

Short bio: My name is Courtney Kelley and card making has been my go-to hobby for the past 9 years. I spend most of my evenings in one of three places - in my craft room working on cards or scrapbooking, in my sewing room learning how to quilt, or finishing up a cross stitch project while watching a bit of TV.

How did you get started cardmaking? Way back in 2000 I inherited a bunch of photos. I wanted to record some of the memories that went with them, and living in Utah at the time, making a scrapbook seemed like the logical project choice. Four years later, and four years of grad school behind me, I decided it was a good time to reacquaint myself with a hobby or two - so I picked up a paper crafting magazine and began my card making adventure.

What is your favorite American Crafts product? Just about everything by Amy Tangerine - especially the 6x6 paper pads and stamp sets!

GINGERBREAD MAN CARD by Courtney Kelley

Dress up large stickers with markers, small stickers, and fussy cut designs.

Supplies: Chocolate (71047) - Cardstock, Candy Cane Forest Paper (35854) - Kringle and Co, Knittery Paper (35868) - Kringle and Co, Border, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Mini Matte Puffy Stickers (42275) - Remarks, Slick Writer (62016) - Marker

HAPPY HOLIDAYS CARD by Courtney Kelley

Patterned paper with large images can be fussy cut to create card embellishments.

Supplies: Leaf (71052) - Cardstock, Candy Cane Forest Paper (35854) - Kringle and Co, Dimensional Stickers (42278) - Remarks, Kringle and Co Value Ribbon Pack (89430 - Premium Ribbon

JOY CARD by Courtney Kelley

Combine leftover stickers from different packages to create colorful sentiments.

Supplies: Black (71082) - Cardstock, Puffy Stickers (42276) - Remarks, Border, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Jingle Crimson (53439) - Thickers, Jingle Moss (53440) - Thickers

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Courtney Kelley

Don’t be afraid to trim large embellishments and stickers to fit on a card front.

Supplies: Vanilla (71041) - Cardstock, Border, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Die Cut Shapes (85611) - Bits

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG BU THE CHIMNEY WITH CARE... CARD by Courtney Kelley

To create the ribbon die cut tree, adhere strips of ribbon to a piece of lightweight paper before die cutting.

Supplies: Elf Quarters Paper (35861) - Kringle adn Co, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Peppermint Parlor Paper (35863) - Kringle and Co, Woodshop Paper (35865) - Kringle and Co, Border, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Mini Matte Puffy Stickers (42275) - Remarks, Jingle Silver (53441) - Thickers, Kringle and Co Value Ribbon Pack (89430) - Premium Ribbon

Visit Courtney's blog and Pinterest boards to see more of her fabulous creations and what inspires her!

Christmas Cards by Jill Cornell

These spectacular Christmas cards were made by Jill Cornell:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS CARD by Jill Cornell

Supplies: Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Beard Barber Shop Paper (35847) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Wreath Factory Paper (35852) - Kringle and Co, Reindeer Runway Paper (35857) - Kringle and Co, Peppermint Parlor Paper (35863) - Kringle and Co, Wood Shop Paper (35865) - Kringle and Co, Snowtoes (42275) - Remarks, Iceplum (42276) - Remarks, Sugar Flake (42278) - Remarks, Jingle Crimson (53439) - Thickers, Kringle and Co Printed Ribbon Value Pack (89430) - Premium Ribbon

A SEASON TO CELEBRATE CARD by Jill Cornell

Jill recommends, "Use dots (punctuation) from Thickers to highlight parts of die cuts or stickers."

Supplies: Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Wood Shop Paper (35865) - Kringle and Co, Iceplum (42276) - Remarks, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits, Jingle White (53438) - Thickers, Kringle and Co Printed Ribbon Value Pack (89430) - Premium Ribbon

Christmas Cards Week!

We want to give you plenty of time to make your own Christmas cards to send out before the hustle and bustle of the holidays so we're giving you an entire week of Christmas card inspiration! Diana Waite and Corrie Jones each have some cards to start off the fun:

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Diana Waite

Supplies: Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) -  Kringle and Co, Lighting Department Paper (35855) -  Kringle and Co, Snowtoes (42275) - Remarks, Mini Brads Earth Tones (85380) - Elements, Mistlebow (59167) - Stamps, Holiberry (85611) - Bits, Christmas Ribbon Spools (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Christmas Glitter Ribbon Spools (89431) - Premium Ribbon

HAPPY HOLIDAYS CARD by Diana Waite

Even though I live in a place where it doesn't snow, I think of it every time Christmas comes around. I loved adding embellishments with snowflakes on it to this card.

Supplies: Knittery Paper (35868) - Kringle and Co, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Kraft (71464) - Cardstock, Sugarflake (42278) - Remarks, Ivy Frost (42277) - Remarks, Ice Plum (42276) - Remarks, Holiberry (85611) - Bits

CHRISTMAS CARDS by Corrie Jones

Supplies: Caramel (71045) - Cardstock, Fountain (71510) - Cardstock, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) - Kringle and Co, Reindeer Runway Paper (35857) - Kringle and Co, Sugarflake (42275) - Remarks, Snowtoes (42275) - Remarks, Hollymint (42274) - Remarks, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits

To jump start your Christmas card making, we're giving away the entire Kringle and Co line to one person! Leave a comment on this post by Friday November 30th letting us know if you plan to make your Christmas cards and we'll randomly select one winner and announce them with Friday's post. Good luck!

December Daily Album with Allison Waken - Part 2

Hi everyone! I'm back again today with my December Album organization. For me to be successful with this project I need to have everything on hand and ready to go. Since I'm doing a spread a day I'd like to finish one spread a day. This seems do-able until you get into the craziness of the holidays. Having everything on hand and ready helps speed up the process!

I have my supplies on a tray with cigar boxes and ceramic containers for dividers. Some things to make sure you have with your supplies are adhesive, scissors, stapler, trimmers, and ink.

I am using some divided pages in my album so I cut some patterned paper into 4x6 and 3x4 pieces so they are ready to go.

Supplies: Merry Mail Room Paper (35858) - Kringle and Co, Reindeer Training Paper (35853) - Kringle and Co, Peppermint Parlor Paper (35863) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Coal Mine Paper (35856) - Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) - Kringle and Co, Woodshop Paper (35865) - Kringle and Co, Lighting Department Paper, (35855) - Kringle and Co, Autumn Stickers (42296) - Remarks, Sugarflake Dimensional Stickers (42278) - Remarks, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits, Iceplum Dimensional Stickers (42276) - Remarks, Snowtoes Matte Puffy Stickers (42275) - Remarks, Nippynose Decorative Tags (85610) - Bits, Hollymint Accent and Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Mistlebow (59167) - Acrylic Stamps, Kringle and Co Printed Ribbon (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

Next week I'll share how I will prepare some pages ahead of time and how I plan to print/prepare my photos! Are you ready to start December?

Kringle and Co Projects by Monika Głód and Leslie Ashe

Congrats to the randomly drawn winner of the Kringle and Co line, Sandi Pressley:

Wrapping (get it, wrapping? :) up Kringle and Co week is Monika Głód with a special video tutorial creating a December Daily along with a pair of Christmas cards, and Leslie Ashe with a layout and card!

25 DAYS OF DECEMBER by Monika Głód

Supplies: Merry Mail Room Paper (35855) - Kringle and Co, Poinsettia Greenhouse Paper (35850) - Kringle and Co, Beard Barber Shop Paper (35847) - Kringle and Co, Knittery Paper (35868) - Kringle and Co, Red Suit Tailor Paper (35849) - Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) - Kringle and Co, Gift Wrapping Room Paper (35860) - Kringle and Co, Coal Mine Paper (36856) - Kringle and Co, Pinetree Nursery Paper (35851) - Kringle and Co, Kringle and Co Printed Ribbon Value 24 Pack (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Snowtones Matte Puffy Accents (42275) - Remark, Hollymint Accents & Phrases Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Iceplum Dimensional Stickers (42267) - Remarks, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits, Jingle Crimson (53439) - Thickers, Jingle Moss (53440) - Thickers, Jingle Silver (53441) - Thickers, Jingle White (53438) - Thickers, Kringle Black (53434) - Thickers, Kringle Fountain (53437) - Thickers, Kringle Pine (53436) - Thickers, Kringle Crimson (53435) - Thickers, Fox Gold (53414) - Thickers, 5th & Frolic Letter Stickers (42267) - Remarks

SANTA BABY by Leslie Ashe

Supplies: Black (71082) – Cardstock, Crimson (71029) – Cardstock, Santa’s Executive Office Paper (35867) – Kringle and Co, Reindeer Training Paper (35853) – Kringle and Co, Merry Mailroom Paper (35858) – Kringle and Co, Elf Quarters Paper (35861) – Kringle and Co, Shipping Department Paper (35862) – Kringle and Co, Candy Cane Forest Paper (35854) – Kringle and Co, Red Suit Tailor Paper (35849) – Kringle and Co, Sleigh Shop Paper (35859) – Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) – Kringle and Co, Snow Toes (42275) - Remarks, Hollymint (42274) – Remarks, Sugar Flake (42278) – Remarks, Black Kringle (53434) – Thickers, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes(85611) – Bits, Kringle and Co Assorted Ribbon (89430) – Premium Ribbon

MY GOOD SIDE by Leslie Ashe

"It was hard to not use every single sheet of Kringle and Co paper for this layout of my cutie pies. They’re at that age where they think they have good and bad sides when it comes to photos. I had to scrap this holiday moment that to anyone looks perfect, but to me taking the picture, I’m dying on the inside because inside those smiles I’m hearing..."is this my good side?""

Supplies: Kraft (71464) – Cardstock, Coal Mine Paper (35856) – Kringle and Co, Peppermint Parlor Paper (35863) – Kringle and Co, Merry Mailroom Paper (35858) – Kringle and Co, Snowflake Factory Paper (35864) – Kringle and Co, Lighting Department Paper (35855) – Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) – Kringle and Co, Kringle and Co Assorted Ribbon (89430) – Premium Ribbon, Autumn (42296) – Remarks, Snow Toes (42275) – Remarks, Hollymint (42274) – Remarks, Silver Jingle (53441) – Thickers, Crimson Kringle (53435) – Thickers, .03 Black Pen (62311) – Precision Pen

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kringle and Co Cards by Patricia Roebuck

Patricia Roebuck made four seasonally exceptional cards!

A SEASON TO CELEBRATE CARD by Patricia Roebuck

Supplies: Crimson (71029) - Cardstock, Reindeer Runway Paper (35857) - Kringle and Co, Red Suit Tailor Paper (35849) - Kringle and Co, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Snowtoes Matte Puffy Accents (42275) - Remarks, Hollymint Accent and Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Sugarflake Dimensional Stickers (42278) - Remarks, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Adhesive Dispenser (AM617-11) - This to That

MERRY & BRIGHT CARD by Patricia Roebuck

Supplies: Vanilla (71041) - Cardstock, Red Suit Tailor Paper (35849) - Kringle and Co, Coal Mine Paper (35856) - Kringle and Co, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits, Hollymint Accent and Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Christmas Ribbon Spools (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Ivyfrost Fabric Stickers (42277) - Remarks, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Adhesive Dispenser (AM617-11) - This to That

MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Patricia Roebuck

Supplies: Geyser (AM710-469) - Cardstock, Crimson (71029) - Cardstock, Reindeer Runway Paper (35857) - Kringle and Co, Red Suit Tailor Paper (35849) - Kringle and Co, Beard Barber Shop Paper (35847) - Kringle and Co, Hollymint Accent and Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Christmas Ribbon Spools (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Holiberry Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85611) - Bits, Iceplum Dimensional Stickers  (42276) - Remarks, Embossing Powder White (27124) - Zing!, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Adhesive Dispenser (AM617-11) - This to That

MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD by Patricia Roebuck

Supplies: Pine (71057) - Cardstock, Moss (71054) - Cardstock, Reindeer Runway Paper (35857) - Kringle and Co, Beard Barber Shop Paper (35847) - Kringle and Co, Die Cut Cardstock Shapes Holiberry (85611) - Bits, Snowtoes Matte Puffy Accents (42275) - Remarks, Hollymint Accent and Phrase Stickers (42274) - Remarks, Sugarflake Dimensional Stickers (42278) - Remarks, Mistelbow Acrylic Stamps (59167) - Clear Stamps, Christmas Ribbon Spools (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Chestnut (62612) - Stamp Marker, Embossing Powder White (27124) - Zing!, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Adhesive Dispenser (AM617-11) - This to That

The giveaway on Monday's post is almost closed - make sure you've scrolled down and entered a chance to win the Kringle and Co line!

Kringle and Co Guest Designer: Tina Walker

I'm elated to introduce the Kringle and Co Guest Designer: Tina Walker!

Short bio: Hi! My name is Tina Walker and I am completely obsessed with this art, just like you. :) I am a working mom, working outside the home. My children are grown, so much of my crafty inspiration comes from my two French bulldogs, Moose & Flikka. They are getting quite the reputation in the scrapbook world. :) I live in sunny (and sometimes snowy) Salt Lake City, UT, but am a Mid West girl at heart. (I'm originally from Ohio). I created by first scrapbook over 15 years ago, but my latest obsession with scrapbooking started about three years ago and I haven't stopped since. I often get asked what my scrapbook style is. I would define it as a 'scrapbook chameleon'. I like to try new techniques and styles, so I often mix it up. Scrapbooking also allows me to share my other obsession, photography. They go hand-in-hand with each other. My phone (with a camera) is always with me and I take a picture almost every day.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I started scrapbooking over 15 years ago when I saw a 'sound scrapbook' on QVC. (Yes, I have spend my share of TV hours watching hosts sell you stuff!). I thought the sound scrapbook was pretty cool, so I ordered one. It was at the time of my parents 40th wedding anniversary, so I thought it would be a nice way to share highlights of their younger days and marriage. The rest they say 'is history'. :)

What is your favorite American Crafts product? Thickers, Thickers, and more Thickers. I can't get enough.

1ST CHRISTMAS A.M. by Tina Walker

I’m a sucker for vintage photos. I really love to scan/print them for use on new layouts. This photo is me, age 11 months, during my first Christmas. This photo paired with the bright, fun colors of Kringle and Co really makes the photo stand out.

Supplies: Merry Mail Room Paper (35858) - Kringle and Co, Sweet's Bakery Paper (35848) - Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) - Kringle and Co, Beard Barber Shop Paper (35847) - Kringle and Co, Jingle Glitter (53439) - Thickers, Snowtoes (42275) - Remarks, Sugarflake (42278) - Remarks

A FESTIVE CELEBRATION CARD by Tina Walker

The Kringle and Co die cut collection is amazing! I love the traditional colors of the collection and the fun, festive designs. For this card, I wanted to use plain kraft paper, but I didn’t have any in my stash, so I used the backside of one of the kraft patterned papers (what a perfect way to stretch your product!). I embossed it for a subtle effect and then layered several die cuts and stickers on the card, attaching them with twine and brads.

Supplies: Snowflake Factory Paper (35864) - Kringle and Co, Fabric Stickers (42277) - Remarks, Holliberry (85611) - Bits, Kringle and Co Ribbon (89430) - Premium Ribbon, Hollymint (42274) - Remarks, Pearl Brads (85324) - Elemets, Mini Jewel Brads (85211) - Elements

22 by Tina Walker

Christmas collections aren’t just for Christmas projects. By using Kringle and Co patterned paper in small amounts, the holiday theme is not visible. I punched several sized circles and layered them on top of each other, clustering them around my two photos. Also, by using black cardstock for the background, the photos really stand out.

Supplies: Accounting Paper (35869) - Kringle and Co, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Wreath Factory Paper (35852) - Kringle and Co, Kringle and Co Ribbon (89430) - Premium Ribbon

MERRY CHRISTMAS FRAME by Tina Walker

I love creating fast and easy home décor items. Using stickers (backed with cardstock) and die cuts, I created this home décor piece super quick! I added a piece of patterned paper where the photo would normally go in the frame. I placed a smaller sticker tree over a large tree die cut, using foam squares for dimension, directly on the glass. I then added several packages, popped at different heights for more dimension. I finished the frame with a sticker sentiment and date, placed directly on the frame, added some twine, and viola! Done.

Supplies: Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Snowflake Factory Paper (35864) - Kringle and Co, Hollyming Border (42274) - Remarks, Snowtoes (42275) - Bits, Kringle and Co Ribbon (89430) - Premium Ribbon; Frame: IKEA

OVER THE RIVER by Tina Walker

Here is another vintage photo, this one of my Grandmother’s house, circa 1960. I kept the layout fairly simple, layering several pieces of patterned paper behind the photos and adhering several sticker embellishments around the photos. In addition, I fussy cut several poinsettias and placed them in a visual triangle across my page. My favorite element on my layout is the large title, using a lyric from a popular holiday song.

Supplies: Santa's Executive Office Paper (35867) - Kringle and Co, Woodshop Paper (35865) - Kringle and Co, Kringle Garden Paper (35846) - Kringle and Co, Accounting Paper (35869) - Kringle and C., Sleigh Shop Paper (35859) - Kringle and Co, Merry Mail Room Paper (35858) - Kringle and Co, Snowtoes (42275) - Remarks, Sugarflake (42278) - Remarks, Nippynose Decorative Tags (85610) - Bits, Kringle and Co Ribbon (89430) - Premium Ribbon

Stop by Tina's blog and visit her Pinterest boards to check out more of her fabulous creations!