Let's Take a Closer Look at My Retreat Cards

I go through quite a process whenever I design cards that I'll use for a class or event.  I always want a variety in style and color, some pretty cards, some fun cards and cards that can be made within the time frame of the class ... without stress.  I want the class to be fun and relaxing and send people home with smiles on their faces - glad that they came.  Here's what I came up with for my Christmas Retreat.

The first 3 cards (above) are combing wonderful embossing folders, DSP, Stitched Felt pieces and shimmery snowflakes.

The Painted Harvest set is not just for Fall.  You can make a great wreath with it.  I daringly mixed plaid with stripes, when combining the plaid background and the striped ribbon.  I like it.

I love the bold black and white background of the card below.  The dies for the deer, greenery and 3  pines are wonderful.

I love the paper that looks like a starry sky.  I thought it was perfect for a winter scene.  I tried a circle, but the oval worked best.

We'll make 2 silver and 1 gold version of the design below.  There's a secret surprise that comes with this card, but only my Christmas Retreat guests will get to see it:)  I added a thin, black layer to this card and it really bumped up the 'wow' factor.  A black layer can add so much to a design.

I may show you a sneak peek at the totes I'm making for each class attendee.  They'll hold class kits and some cute little surprise gifts.  I still have to decide what we'll have for lunch that day.  My husband is pushing for Jimmy John's sandwiches and chips.  That's because he loves chips:)

A FUN REMINDER:
Those who attended the party (or ordered online) had the opportunity to earn the following ---
- Orders of $25. or more ...
  - a mini pizza box with surprises inside.
- Orders of $25. or more ...
  -a coupon for $10. off the fee for my Christmas Retreat.
- Orders of $50. or more ...
  - a mini pizza box with surprises inside.
  - a coupon for $10. off the fee for my Christmas Retreat.
  - a coupon for a free $15. class.
  - a token.
ALL WHO ORDERED ONLINE OR AT THE PARTY WILL RECEIVE A FUN COCOA PACKET GIFT IN WITH THEIR ORDER.
Like I said ... What a party!!! 

UP NEXT:
November Classes / Events:
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Party Winners / A Glittery White Snowflake Card

I had this idea in my head that I wanted to use our new snowflake embossing folder (Winter Wonder TIEF) and have a clean, white card ... but I wanted my snowflake to sparkle.  So... I got out my retired Iridescent Ice EP and went to town.  I embossed the snowflake on our Thick White CS, which, by the way, gave me a super impression.  Then, I gently covered the raised part of the snowflake with VersaMark Ink, covered it with my embossing powder, and heat embossed it.  It came gorgeous but, alas, I can't fully capture the beauty in a photo.

Whenever I create an all white or nearly white card, I like to add a layer to the card base.  It really bumps up the elegance of a card to have another layer.  For this one, I put it on with dimensionals.

This is a really big snowflake!  I love it!

So there is my beautiful all white card.  Keep scrolling and you'll find out my party winners.  I think everyone enjoys this game.  I know I enjoy reading the answers.

Party Winners:
Lana's favorite Fall stamp set from our Holiday Catalog ... Painted Harvest ... I LOVE this set!
- Dana
- Alicia
They both chose my favorite.

Lana's favorite Christmas stamp set from our Holiday Catalog ... well ......
     I could not choose just one.  I absolutely could not.  I gave credit to anyone who chose:
- Feeling of Christmas  -- No one chose this one.

- Night in Bethlehem  -- No one chose this one, either.

- Seasonal Chums -- Dana chose this one.

- Hearts Come Home -- Jessica chose this one.

Lana's favorite Holiday Accessory ... Would you believe I narrowed it down to SEVEN?
     That's the best I could do.
- Mini Pizza Boxes -- I made up a ton of these.  They are adorable.

- Year of Cheer DSP -- I used up multiple packages and then ordered more.

- Green Sprigs -- I've stuck them everywhere.  They're so cute!

- Seasonal Tags Framelits -- Dana chose this one.
- Trim Your Stocking Thinlits -- Alicia and Jessica chose this one.
- Bethlehem Edgelits -- I love these!  I will be making and sharing a lot more from this one.

- Hometown Greetings Edgelits -- I used these on many projects.  LOVE!

The number of cards on display in Lana's studio --- Cherie was closest.
The number of projects on display in Lana's studio -- Cherie was closest.
I must say there was a bit of sarcasm used in answering these!  What a hoot!!! 
The correct number of cards on display was 98!
The correct number of projects on display was 97!
I'll have to go for 100 next year:) 

Then, I had Toby Joe help me choose 3 door prize winners.  The pups tried, but Buster just wanted to shred them.  He loves to shred:)  The 3 lucky winners are:
- Mary
- Sy
- Elaine
I entered every name of those who attended and those who ordered online with the party Hostess Code. 
So, altogether, I have 12 party winners.  You will receive a prize (for each time your name appears) in with your order when it arrives.  If you ordered online, I will get it to you later.  I think it was a really fun party and look forward to seeing many of you at some of my next classes and events.

A FUN REMINDER:
Those who attended the party (or ordered online) had the opportunity to earn the following ---
- Orders of $25. or more ...
  - a mini pizza box with surprises inside.
- Orders of $25. or more ...
  -a coupon for $10. off the fee for my Christmas Retreat.
- Orders of $50. or more ...
  - a mini pizza box with surprises inside.
  - a coupon for $10. off the fee for my Christmas Retreat.
  - a coupon for a free $15. class.
  - a token.
ALL WHO ORDERED ONLINE OR AT THE PARTY WILL RECEIVE A FUN COCOA PACKET GIFT IN WITH THEIR ORDER.
Like I said ... What a party!!!

UP NEXT:

November Classes / Events:
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Sometimes You Just Have to Tweak a Little

My only problem with having tons of cards and projects on display in my studio is that I walk by them constantly and ... sometimes ... they just jump out at me that they need a little tweaking.  This is what happened with my medallions wreath.  I loved it, but felt like it needed just one more touch of ribbon on it.  I got out some Real Red ribbon and went to work.  Now, I love it even more.

Come back for my next post for sure.  I'll be announcing party winners from my Open House/Christmas Party.  I included all attendees and anyone who ordered from me online, using the Hostess Code. 

UP NEXT: 

November Classes / Events:
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.