Punch Character Cards

The first Punch Character card this week is an adorable Teddy Bear originally designed by Sophia Landry, a demo in Ontario. And the whole bear (with the exception of the eyes) is done with punches.

Here is what I used to make this card:
Punches:
1/4” circle - 2 x Pretty in Pink (Inner Ear)
1/2” circle - 3 x Creamy Caramel (Ears, Hand)
3/4” circle - 2 x Creamy Caramel (Feet) and  1 x Very Vanilla (Snout)
1 1/4” circle 1 x Creamy Caramel (Head)
Wide Oval 1 x Creamy Caramel (Body)
Small Oval 2 x Creamy Caramel (Arms)
Full Heart 1 x Pretty in Pink
Heart to Heart 1 x Medium Heart (Pattern)

Markers:
Chocolate Chip for Feet, Nose, Claws
Basic Black for Eyes, Eyelashes
Really Rust for Eyes

Paper:
Real Red Card Base (5 1/2 x 8 1/2 folded)
White Scalloped Oval cut with Big Shot
Patterned Oval cut with Big Shot

White Signo Gel Pen

If you would like to take this bear home with you, we'll just have to set up a class or workshop so you can!

Cheers
Carol

Happy New Year!!

Well, not according to the calendar. But ask any parent, child, or teacher, and it's a new year. Even me - I attended classes for 17 years, then I had children in school for another 25... I can't help myself - I have to start something new every September!

And there are so many new things this month from both Stampin' Up! and me, that I have to list them:

1. The Holiday Mini Catalogue is 'live'.
And it's full of gorgeous stuff. I'm in big trouble because there is so much that I simply HAVE TO HAVE! So you can look forward to classes using new sets and paper and die cuts. If you're as excited as me you can place an order any time by clicking on the "Order Stampin' Up! On-line" button here on my blog, by going to my SU website http://www.attherookery.stampinup.net/, by sending me an email carolmatthews@ns.sympatico.ca or by giving me a call 902-893-3885. Check #2 for even more exciting news!

2. Hostess Promotion
Host a workshop from September 1 to November 30 totaling $330 or more and choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalogue for only $14! That's right! Even the $48.95 Grateful Greetings Stamp Set, or the $57.95 Movers & Shapers Curly Label Die for the Big Shot.

*Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.

AND after My Digital Studio is released (October 1, 2009), this offer will become even sweeter:

Host a workshop of at least $525 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $106.95; promotional price: $53.47)!

Isn't that cool!

3. My classes are scheduled from September through December!
And you can check them out by clicking on the here or on the Classes icon in the column on the right.

4. I will be posting projects/challenges/cards/scrapbook pages on a regular basis starting tomorrow. That's regular as in 5 times a week!! Can you believe it....?!
I hope you'll enjoy this week's theme - Punch Characters for Cards.

5. And last but not least - visit the Staples store in Truro to see a display of my work.
Staples is honouring small businesses who deal with them by providing display space for a month - so I chose September, and now you all know why (Happy New Year!).

Here's hoping September is as exciting a month for all of you as it is for me!
Cheers
Carol

One of a Kind Christmas Wreath

I call this a one-of-a-kind because it's not a 'wreath stamp' but a combination of stamps stamped several times to make a wreath - clear as mud?!

Stamps sets used:
Autumn Days (#115452 $31.95 p. 92)
You can position the pine cone stamp so that it makes a perfect circle, and the red berries are also from this set.
Christmas Classics (#111566 $32.95 p. 33)
I used the holly from this set, although I would also suggest using the holly from Good Cheer (p. 34) or the small stamp from Gifts of Christmas (p. 37).

Inks used:
To give the wreath more fullness and substance I used Old Olive and a piece of stampin sponge to dab colour amongst the cones and a bit in the centre.
The cones were stamped with Close to Cocoa and coloured in with Creamy Caramel marker. I also coloured the pine needles with Old Olive, and stamped the holly leaves with the same. The berries were stamped in Real Red.

Cardstock used:
Whisper White, Soft Suede, and Old Olive on a Real Red card base.

Ribbon:
Very Vanilla Taffeta

Hope you like it!