It's Twins!

Good morning! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was quite busy finishing up some customer orders and attending a business event. I left the event feeling inspired and excited to continue to grow my business!

One of the orders I'm sending out this week contains a custom card I was asked to create for a set of twins (gender not known) with a special message inside. Take a look:

I pulled out the Something for Baby stamp set for the adorable images and stamped a onesie in Pistachio Pudding and the other in So Saffron. They were cut out using the Baby's First Framelits and then glued on top of the hanger images that I stamped in Smokey Slate.

The banner along the top was easily created with some scraps of DSP and the Banner Punch. The sentiment is from a retired set and was also punched with the same punch, but elongated.

The tiny bow is from the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies that I'm happy to have picked up when they were on the Weekly Deals a few weeks ago. If you don't know what those deals are, they run Tuesday to Monday every week and you can get product at 25% off retail! Definitely something to keep in mind to help with your crafting addiction hobby. ;)

On the inside, a custom sentiment created with the awesome Alphabet Rotary Stamp. You can create any text you want with that awesome tool!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Colour Challenge for Sunday Stamps!

Welcome to another week at Sunday Stamps! This week we've got a colour challenge - Cherry Cobbler (red), Daffodil Delight (yellow), Pumpkin Pie (orange) & Tempting Turquoise (blue)... neutrals are also always welcome, should you choose.

This one was tough for me! Not just the colour combo, but also because I was challenging myself not to make a Fall or Thanksgiving card (these colours were screaming me to do so!).

A while back I did many posts around buttons, and today I went back to them again. I knew I still had some of these colours in there. I added some jewels to them (because who doesn't love bling?!) and placed them on top of some punched butterflies.

After stamping the butterflies on the base layer, I embossed it with the Honeycomb TIEF for some added interest. After all was glued, I felt like it needed something else. I remembered seeing a project with baker's twine and I thought that would be a nice touch. Turns out I was right!

Hope you'll be able to play along with us. I know you the colour scheme may be tough, but I hope you'll challenge yourself. That's what this is all about anyway, right?! Don't forget to check out the other DT Member Blogs and link up before October 31st!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph


RECIPE:
Paper: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight & Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Kinda Eclectic
Tools: Big Shot, Honeycomb TIEF, Bitty Butterfly & Butterfly Punches
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Buttons, Jewels
Challenge: Sunday Stamps

It's All About Gold at Sunday Stamps!

Welcome to another challenge over at Sunday Stamps... and another post from me after about two weeks. :) What can I say, life has been busy! This time around we've got a colour challenge - Blackberry Bliss (so yummy!), Rich Razzleberry, Garden Green & Gold.

I needed some wedding cards, so I thought this colour combo would be perfect. The picture doesn't do this card justice. The gold foil really looks like a gold bar in real life and as if the gold foil wasn't glam enough, I used gold for the card base and sentiment, lots of embossing, gold-threaded ribbon & gold-wrapped baker's twine. :) Since I didn't want to add too much green, I only used a hint of it to peek out from behind the sentiment.

Hope you'll be able to play along with us. You have until Friday, October 3rd. We love to see your creations and don't forget to check out the other DT member blogs to see what they came up with!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph


RECIPE:
Paper: Gold Specialty, Gold Foil, Rich Razzleberry, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Garden Green
Ink: Gold
Stamps: Label Love
Tools: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper TIEF (retired), Decorative Dots TIEF, Snowburst TIEF (retired), Perfect Polka Dots TIEF, Artisan Label Punch, Fun Flowers Bigz Die (retired)
Accessories: Gold Baker's Twine, Gold Ribbon
Challenge: Sunday Stamps

Drive's Me Crazy!

For all you crafters out there, doesn't it drive you crazy when you see something that's mass-produced that costs more than what you could probably make it for? For example, greeting cards. I have to laugh almost every time someone gives me a card because they almost always apologize to me (!) that it's not one of mine, it's not as beautiful, it's not...

Paper: Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Whisper White
Ink: VersaMark, Melon Mambo
Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes, Patterned Occasions (SAB 2013)
Tools: Big Shot, Cloudy Day TIEF, Ornament Framelits, Heat Tool,
Embossing Powder: Pool Party & Pewter
Accessories: Jewels, Baker's Twine

I'm shocked sometimes what people pay for cards! Yes, I always turn a card over to look. :) I recently received one for my birthday that was $7.99 +tax! It was nice, but it got me thinking about taking cards like that and recreating them Hofkissed style. Hence, the card I'm showing you today.

The card I received had a hot air balloon carrying a cupcake, so that's what I wanted to do too. I didn't have a hot air balloon, so I used the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and coordinating Framelits. It was meant to be! I heat embossed with Pool Party on Pool Party card stock for a tone-on-tone look. The small cupcake from the SAB 2013 set worked perfectly and instead of drawing the ropes on for the balloon, I used Baker's Twine.

I'm really happy with how it came out. I've toyed with the idea of adding more. Thought about adding strips of silver glimmer paper or zig zags in Crushed Curry. Perhaps I will, but I'm also loving the single punch of colour!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

We've Got Colour @ Sunday Stamps!

Boy did this colour combo challenge me this week! Black, Fuchsia & Red. Not a combo I would normally do. I got the chance to see some of the other DT member creations as they were posting them and all I wanted to do was CASE those. ha. Didn't think that was allowed... but the other team members ROCKED this combo! Here's what I eventually came up with:

Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, WW, Brights DSP Stack (retired)
Ink: Real Red
Stamps: Petite Pairs
Tools: Big Shot, Windows Framelits, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Cloudy Day TIEF
Accessories: Baker's Twine, Jewels

I don't know why this colour combo was so difficult for me. Someone probably put it in my head years ago that red & pink clashed... and my hands just didn't want to put the two colours together. :) Anyway, I finally figured something out and I think it works!

I hope this colour combo inspires you and don't forget to check out the rest of the Design Team over at Sunday Stamps because like I said, they rocked this one!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Button Ornaments #2

I somewhat CASEd the idea from a card I created last year (found here). Really, the only thing that is the same is the use of buttons.

Paper: Smoky Slate, Basic Grey, Whisper White
Ink: Gumball Green, Old Olive, Basic Grey
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Watercolour Winter (Retired)
Accessories: Glimmer Brads, Silver/Gold Flowers (non SU!), Buttons (various), Baker's Twine

OK, I really went over the top with this one, I know. But those flowers have been sitting on my shelf for years and I thought I should finally do something with them! Although it's over the top, I do like how it turned out. Certainly lots of different textures on this card...

What do you think?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Christmas in July Series - Post 2

Sorry for the delayed post today... dealing with house hunt craziness! If you missed my post yesterday (the first one in this series), you can find it here.

Today's card uses the hostess set, Simply Sketched. I fell in love with this set the moment I saw it! It's not a Christmas set. I comes with three images and three greetings, but none of them Christmas. I thought the branch could be used for Christmas with the right colouring. Check it out:

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Stamps: Simply Sketched Hostess, Wacky Wishes (retired Hostess)
Tools: Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty TIEF, Labels Framelits, Decorative Label Punch
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Vintage Faceted Buttons, Baker's Twine

I stamped the image on watercolour paper, coloured with a Blender Pen and then added Dazzling Details to the red berries. I fussy cut these by the way. :) The sentiment is from an old hostess set (Wacky Wishes) but you can easily swap this out with something else.

I added a little texture with an embossing folder & Core'dinations card stock and some of the fab Glimmer Paper.

Check back tomorrow for another card in this series.

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Black, White & Yellow... Over at Sunday Stamps

Happy Sunday! Sunday is quickly becoming my favourite day of the week because it's always a new challenge over at Sunday Stamps and not only do I get to create, but I'm inspired every week by all the entries too!

Paper: Whisper White, Vellum
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Stamps: Everything Eleanor, Sincere Salutations (retired)
Tools: Heat Tool, 1-1/4" Scallop Circle
Accessories: Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Baker's Twine
Note Cards & Envelopes
Technique: Heat Embossing

I did something a bit different this week - I created a set of note cards instead of just a single card. Pretty easy to do when SU! sells Whisper White note cards with envelopes! I wanted to keep things pretty simple, so I just stamped a collage of stamps from the set Everything Eleanor.

I originally wanted to emboss the sentiment in white, but I discovered that what I thought was my white embossing powder was actually clear and I didn't have anymore white! Bummer! But I think the silver works well also.

The envelope is simply a piece of vellum that's scored and held together with some ribbon. Easy peasy!

What do you think?

Hope this inspires you to play along with us this week. I just love Kathya's colour choices this week!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

It's A Scrap Yard Series - Post #5

I'm having so much fun making these cards from my scraps I may just have to continue after today (my plan was to do 5 posts)... today's card features scraps of course, but also a couple of new products and a some sneak peeks!

Paper: Whisper White, Island Indigo, 11-12 In Color Paper Stack,
Elegant Soiree DSP (retired)
Ink: Island Indigo
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (retired Hostess)
Tools: Big Shot, Honeycomb TIEF (NEW!), Distressing Tool (NEW!),
Butterfly Punch
Accessories: Tangerine Tango Ribbon (SAB Preview!),
Tangerine Tango Button (SAB Preview!), Baker's Twine

I had strips of the DSP that I just cut to the width of the Butterfly Punch, punched the butterflies and then lined it all up again when I glued them to my Whisper White piece. Next, I ran the whole piece through my Big Shot using the NEW Honeycomb TIEF. I love this new folder!! I left a section at the bottom for the sentiment and divided the sections with some of the Tangerine Tango ribbon & coordinating button you can earn for FREE starting January 22nd... Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration kick off!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Pretty Butterflies

I love butterflies... they're just so free and whimsical. I gravitated to them once again for this week's challenge over at Sunday Stamps. Melissa has a great sketch for us this week and I hope you'll play along with us!

Paper: Patio Party DSP, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper
Ink: Midnight Muse, Baja Breeze, Primerose Petals, Summer Starfruit
Stamps: Papillon Potpourri
Tools: Paper Piercing Pack, Mat & Piercer, Boho Blossom Punch, Aqua Painter
Accessories: Button, Whisper White Baker's Twine
Techniques: Watercolouring, Paper Piercing

I'm starting a series tomorrow on my Blog about scraps... and the DSP and watercolour paper I used happened to be in my "scrap" pile. When I saw the tiny butterflies in the Patio Party DSP, I knew I wanted to pair it with the Papillon Potpourri stamp set. I also hadn't used my Aqua Painter in a while, and thought to give that a try also.

I pulled all my colours right from the DSP and after colouring sections on my watercolour paper, I stamped one of the butterfly images, full strength, in each colour. I cut the strip into a banner and then opted to use some Baker's Twine, a flower punch and a button to keep with the softness of the card.

I didn't want to add much more, but thought a few pierced holes in the bottom right corner were in order. :)

Now check out what the rest of the team has done to help inspire you and play along with us. We always look forward to seeing what you create!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

100 "Likes"!

 
My Facebook page reached 100 "likes" this morning... so I'm having a draw! If you don't "like" Hofkissed on Facebook yet, what are you waiting for?! Especially since there will be a draw today for Hofkissed Christmas merchandise (all handcrafted paper goods!).

www.facebook.com/hofkissed

Aside from that, I'll also share a project with you... perhaps one that will be given to the winner of my draw this afternoon (among other things)! Some adorable gift tags:

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Gumball Green, Black
Stamps: No Peeking
Tools: Big Shot, Two Tags Bigz Die, Scallop Punch
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Baker's Twine, Jewels

Don't you just love these little characters?! They're from the No Peeking set. I coloured directly on the stamps with my Stampin' Write Markers and then punched them out with my Scallop Punch. I did the same for the sentiment (minus the punch). The tag was created with one of the two you get when you roll the Two Tags Bigz Die through the Big Shot. The scallop fits perfectly with it.

To finish off, I added some Baker's Twine and a few jewels for some bling.

Don't forget to get on over to Facebook to "like" my page (if you haven't already) and then comment on my post there about my draw for a second entry today by 2 p.m. EST.

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Folded Tree Tags

I made so many of my mini folded trees (see the tutorial here) that I was sick of making cards with them... so here are some tags!

Paper: Jolly Holiday, Be of Good Cheer, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Stamps: Merry Messages
Tools: Merry Minis Punch Pack (star)
Accessories: Baker's Twine

I created the tag in MDS because I wanted to make multiples of them and it was a quick and simple way for me to measure and cut them all out. Instead of a tag hole at the top, I used the star from the Merry Minis Punch Pack which is also the star at the top of my tree. I added a "snow bank" at the bottom with ripped paper and a simple sentiment from the retired set, Merry Messages. There is plenty of space to write on the back.

What do you think?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Mr. & Mrs. Snowman

Today I have a couple of cute tags to show you. I have seen many like this floating around the net, so I can't credit just one person with the idea. For my tags though, I used the stamp set Stylin' Snowfolk and that I have not seen yet. :)

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Black, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride, Pool Party
Tools: Big Shot, Two Tags Bigz Die, Modern Label Punch, Curly Label Punch
Accessories: Basic Grey Ribbon, Primrose Petals Satin Stitched Ribbon, Baker's Twine

The base is a tag using the Two Tags Bigz Die. For the "Mr.", I made his hat using 1/2 the Curly Label Punch and the Modern Label Punch. All the stamping is using the Stylin' Snowfolk stamp set. Perhaps I was inspired by Movember, which is why I gave my "Mr." a stash... to finish off, I added a ribbon scarf to each.

I made this cute couple into a pair of hanging tags. Perfect for holiday gifts!

What do you think?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

No Peeking!

I just love the little characters from the No Peeking stamp set! Today I created a card with the cute penguin...

Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Gumball Green, Black, Peach Parfait
Stamps: No Peeking
Tools: Punches - Scallop Circle, Decorative Label, Scallop Oval
Accessories: Early Espresso Baker's Twine

To go with the "no peeking" sentiment, I made my card look like a brown package tied up with string. I punched a peek through window for my penguin, which I coloured using Stampin' Write Markers so that I could get multiple colours on one stamp. I used the same technique for the sentiment.

Pretty simple, but so darn cute...

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

It's a Colour Challenge!

This week at Sunday Stamps, we've got a colour challenge for you - it's all about Fall, ya'll! How perfect this was for me because I needed to make some Thanksgiving cards for a client to send to her US friends who will be celebrating in a couple of weeks.

Paper: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, WW, VV
Ink: More Mustard
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Tools: Big Shot, Square Lattice TIEF, Modern Label Punch, Word Window
Accessories: Half Back Pearls (retired), Baker's Twine

I hope you can play along with us this week... don't forget that every time you enter a challenge this month, you will be entered in a draw for a chance to win one of two $25 Stampin' Up! gift certificates!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Boo!

Happy Halloween!! I'm back today with a short post about some Halloween fun. I finally got my computer back (needed a new hard drive!), luckily everything was backed up.

I made some treat bags for the little toddler munchkins that will be coming through the neighbourhood tonight. I had fun making them. The other kiddies will just get a mix of candies and chocolates. I wouldn't dare do up packages for everyone... we have well over 200 kids come through on Halloween. The candy alone puts us in the poor house! haha

Paper: Googly Ghouls Kit
Ink: Black, Summer Starfruit, Pumpkin Pie
Stamps: Googly Ghouls
Accessories: Baker's Twine, Summer Starfruit Satin Stitched Ribbon, Googly Eyes, Tags

Every year, as a family, we also carve our pumpkins. My little one really enjoys gutting it and then my hubby and I carve them. He usually does two and I concentrate on my own. I'm happy with mine this year, but it's certainly not my best. I really had to force myself to carve it last night... this prego mama has no energy!

Anyway, hope you have a wonderful and safe Halloween! I'll be back with another post tomorrow.

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Ornament Keepsakes

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm sharing an ornament we made at our monthly meeting this month, designed by my upline Leena. The ornament is easy to make when you use the Ornament Keepsakes stamps with the Holiday Ornaments Framelits! Hey, if you like this, you might as well take advantage of the Promo this month. Check out the details here, but this offer will end October 31st!

Paper: Whisper White, Silver Glimmer
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes
Tools: Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Snow Flurry Bigz Die
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Jewels, Brights Button, Whisper White Ribbon

The Framelits make this ornament really easy to make; however, if you don't own a Big Shot you could just as easily cut them out with scissors. To make the ornament, you need 15 ornaments cut out (fold each in half and glue 3 together). Once all are glued, glue them with hot glue to a sturdy surface... we used a 2-1/2" circle punched from Glimmer Paper (then the back is pretty too).

We then used a dab more hot glue and glued the biggest snowflake. The rest was layered with Dimensionals. To finish off, we added some jewels for extra bling.

If you'd like to make these, or want to place an order for the October Promo, contact me!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Santa Tags

Today I have a super cute Christmas tag to share with you. They are Santa heads and the beard opens up for you to write your little message!

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Blush Blossom (retired)
Ink: Black Stampin' Write Marker
Tools: Punches: Scallop Border, 2" Circle (non SU!), 1-3/4" Circle, 3/4" Circle
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

How cute are these?! This is pretty much a total CASE from ones I found on Pinterest. The link led me to an Etsy page and the creator was Deanna Fioresi. The small changes I made to hers are adding the Baker's Twine for it to be a hanging tag, a larger scallop for the beard and the sparkles on the hat (that are really hard to see in the pictures).

To start off, I punched the following: 1 - 2" scallop circle (using a non SU! punch) in Whisper White, 1 - 1-3/4" circle in Blush Blossom, 1 - 3/4" circle in Whisper White. I punched a long strip using the Scallop Border Punch and just cut it as needed. The hat is a 1-3/4" x 3" rectangle, cut at a diagonal.

Next, I assembled the pieces together. I opted to trim the beard around the head because I thought it looked cleaner. I added some eyes and to add some sparkle, I used Dazzling Details on the pom pom and scallop parts of the hat. I squirted a small amount and moved it around with my finger to get the desired look.

Since I wanted these to be hanging tags, I added some Baker's Twine and the tag was complete! I will be selling these in sets of 4 at an upcoming Craft Show I'm doing in November. If you're interested in purchasing some, let me know!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Button Ornaments

This card is a total CASE from one I found on Pinterest. Unfortunately, it wasn't linked the the creator of it, but just the website. I really wish people would pin correctly so that I can give the proper credit! :( It also happened to be a website that one needs access to. I do belong to the site, but will not spend what could be an hour or more and 100's or pages to find it.

Anyway, enough of a rant... here's my card:

Paper: Crumb Cake
Ink: Early Espresso, White
Stamps: Joyous Celebrations, Open Sleigh
Tools: Corner Rounder
Accessories: Buttons, Baker's Twine

The original card used many more buttons (smaller ones) and appeared to be actually sewn to the card with thread. I opted for larger more Christmas-y ones and Baker's Twine. I really love how it turned out.

I drew on some lines with my Stampin' Write Marker in Early Espresso and added a bow in the same colour from the stamp set Joyous Celebrations. I chose buttons that were pretty flat on one side so that they were easy to adhere with glue dots.

The sentiment is from the stamp set Open Sleigh and to finish things off, I used some white ink around the edges after I rounded the corners.

What do you think?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Old and New

Boy has time gone by fast! A few days ago I posted some cards I made using Simply Scrappin' kits and accents. I challenged myself and others to try creating some too! Today I'm showing you some cards I made with the retired Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' kit. To bring some new elements in, I used the new Joyous Celebrations stamp set.

Paper: Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede
Ink: Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi
Stamps: Joyous Celebrations
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Buttons, Dazzling Diamonds

As you can see, three very different cards, but all from the same line of products! I just love the possibilities. With a Simply Scrappin' kit, you can make up to 30+ cards depending on how you use the product.

What do you think?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph