Runs with Scissors
Hello, Penny Black friends. I am composing this edition of Runs with Scissors in a state of shock: how can this be December? The weather here in northern Alabama is more typical for October than December. As I write this, it is 70 degrees Fahrenheit and our outdoor Christmas decorations look a little foolish. The poor giant snowman looks very uncomfortable and is leaning a bit. It’s great weather for shopping and performing any neglected yard chores, but not so great for getting into the Christmas spirit.
However, I am happy to report our Christmas tree is up and decorated, the living room is proudly wearing its Christmas décor and even the kitchen table is sporting a holiday centerpiece. So far, so good.
This might be a good time to discuss Cooper’s narrative in the last issue of Runs with Scissors. How was I to know my little buddy would turn into “Crabby Cooper” and use the opportunity to vent his dissatisfaction with Daylight Savings Time and the weather? I was counting on him to spread sunshine and light and was horrified when I read his whiney post. We have discussed the power of positive thinking and future expectations when he is asked to pitch in. I hope a wagging tail means “I understand and agree” in canine language.
Speaking of being positive, it is time to finish those Christmas cards! I’ve made a few more samples of what can be done with the Welcome Winter 2018 and Christmas 2018 releases and I hope you see how versatile Penny Black stamps and dies can be.
A long time ago I struggled with the “mystery” of masking. More often than not, I would stamp the wrong image first and end up with some very weird results. I am so happy I finally “got it” and was able to make this card showing two of the three snowmen from the Skate all the Way stamp peeking from behind the Birches image. Allow me to feel a bit smug for a minute. I am sure I will be humbled the next time I try and do it wrong. I used a combination of a white ink pen and white Novu drops to create snow for the happy little skaters. If you choose to do this too, stamp the birch trees first and then mask them off and stamp the snowmen on top of the masking and exposed card stock. I then fussy cut the image in order to eliminate the partial stamping of the third snowman. Hope this is clear enough for you to try it! Don’t those little guys make you smile?
Finally I am using this beautiful dove from the Joy of Peace cling set. I stamped and heat embossed with silver embossing powder and fussy cut the dove. I stamped a branch image from the Season’s Marvel set with VersaMark onto the silver circle. It doesn’t show up on the photo, but in real life adds texture and interest to that background. There are so many options for using that big, bold and beautiful dove and it was such a joy to play with.
Even Teddy Bears have Christmas! I simply stamped the image from the Christmas Bunch set, colored the Teddy with Copics and after coloring Merry Christmas with Copics, I went over the letters with Novu drops. I struggled with how to make the background more interesting and decided red and green sequins would be just what this card needed. I have not used that Ribbon Stacker die nearly enough and was happy to include it in this card.
Turkey Fest 2.0
Thanksgiving in Minneapolis was a huge success. I admit to having concerns about making the trip and being able to fully enjoy the experience. There were a few nagging thoughts (for all of us) about Thanksgiving last year being when my MG symptoms flared. I am happy to report with a few minor adjustments, such as driving instead of walking to neighborhood stores and restaurants, I was able to do what everyone else did. I even navigated the airports; slowly but successfully.
My daughter is an amazing host. We were all treated to a hockey game (Minnesota won over Michigan State), a morning of bowling (Kathy defeated her brothers) and an amazing performance of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Children’s Theater of Minneapolis (Broadway quality). In between these events, we enjoyed the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, just as we had as a family when the kids were young. Again, Jack’s favorite part of Thanksgiving was the gravy.
The weather cooperated, giving us a mix of milder and very cold temps, but no snow or ice. Family members took turns spending time outside with Evelyn and Jack between events in order to make nap and bedtimes more welcomed.
I put everyone’s largest worry to rest when I successfully navigated the three flights of stairs to my daughter’s condo. Not just once, but multiple times. However, it was Kathy who lugged my almost 50 lb. suitcase up those stairs. Sadly, I never thought ahead to pack lighter. Next time, Kathy, I promise.
On our last evening together, the three siblings went out for a few hours for adult drinks and conversation. This Grandma happily spent time with Evelyn and Jack to make cookies and memories. How fun to watch them take all their blankets and make a sea of lava and a boat to escape. We watched “America’s Ninja Warriors” and played “Llaminoes” . Supper of chicken nuggets and mac and cheese was served, and finally, it was cookie baking time.
Evelyn and Jack are now 4 and 5 ½. I took this same photo last year, but some things are worth doing again. Here they are watching the cookies they put on the cookie sheets as they “grew” and browned in the oven. Last year I wasn’t so sure how long they would remain interested in frosting cookies, but they surprised me with the amount of time and effort they spent until every cookie was frosted and trimmed. This year they needed very little help and also stayed with the project until the end. Jack and Ev decided eating the cookies was not nearly as fun as decorating them, though.
As all good things must, our visit came to an end on Sunday as my two sons and two grandchildren piled into their car for the trip back to Milwaukee. Evelyn goes nowhere without her fleet of stuffed animals and each of them bring their treasured blankets and pillows. Their car was packed to the brim with the people I love and the things they love. This Grandma always sheds tears as she waves good-bye … her heart full, her spirit nurtured and full of confidence that we will make another visit happen, somehow.
Although we had good weather, a blizzard through the Midwest changed my travel plans and allowed me an extra day with my daughter. We put that time to good use, decorating her tree and living room; tidying her basement storage unit; and polishing silver candlesticks and other silver pieces for the holidays. We missed the rest of the family, but I treasure the time I had with Kathy.
The airline gave me no choice when it rescheduled my canceled flight so the last trouble I caused was my 4 am departure for the airport. It is difficult to sneak quietly down three flights of stairs with a 50 lb. suitcase, but my daughter managed. All I had to do was get into the toasty warm Uber car and enjoy the ride to the airport. I do hope I get invited again next year.
I have to admit this card could use a little less brown! Wish I had thought to use grays for the bird’s fence perch, but I am thankful for the holly leaves and berries to add color. I was not sure what color to use for the bird and then I noticed the stamp was called Robin’s Christmas … colors decided!! Again, Novu drops to create snow. I added a tag for the sentiment which broke up some of the brown. I don’t know why I am doing more time consuming cards the closer we get to Christmas. It’s what happens when you decide to make cards. I love this image and enjoyed the time spent coloring.
Look who showed up again! Snowy is sporting a bright and cheerful rainbow scarf and hat this time and is enjoying the Novu drop snow. Snowy isn’t hanging out here in Alabama where the temperature is 60 degrees right now. I have agreed to let him know when things get chilly here. I wonder if I will ever stop loving this snowman! He is just the right amount of cute and cuddly and makes me smile every time. I don’t even mind that he insists on being part of Runs with Scissors so often. There are so many ways (just ask me!) to use Snowy to make your Christmas cards. The die Frosty’s Snow makes it so easy to cut out your colored image.
Well, Cooper got grounded for his sassy post while I was gone. Silly dog, he doesn’t even realize he is grounded, just thinks this is a fun new place to snooze.
Cooper really wants to please and was quick to apologize for being so crabby. He wants to love and be loved! He is fortunate he is cute so I couldn’t stay annoyed with him for very long. He has promised to adjust his attitude and I have promised to adjust the amount of treats per blog post written. All is well.
From your comments, I learned Cooper is not the only one who “suffers” through the time changes. Thank you for understanding.
A bit of good news before I leave. My neurologist declared me “looking great” and doing well. I am responding well to treatment and can expect this next year to see me doing as well as I have this past year, once diagnosed. He complimented me on my compliance with his treatment plan and said that made a difference. We wished each other a Merry Christmas as I won’t be seeing him again until spring. Life is good.
Also in the good news department is the upcoming new release of stamps and dies. This release has some of the most ADORABLE images ever! Penny Black will be posting sneak peeks on the blog, on Facebook and on Instagram. I know you will fall in love with the images just as I have. They will be on sale beginning December 14th, just in time to add to your letter to Santa.
And now, the scissors are stowed and the studio is as I found it. Don’t forget to share your Christmas and other cards in the Penny Circle Flickr Gallery. Until next time, happy Penny Black stamping!
Shop for today’s featured Penny Black supplies
Card No. 1: 51-160 Wonder and Joy, 40-636 Birches, 40-656 Skate All the Way
Card No. 2: 51-422 Stitched Square and Circles, 30-514 Season’s Marvel, 30-453 Love and Peace, 40-643 Joy of Peace
Card No. 3: 51-409 Ribbon Stackers, 30-520 Christmas Bunch
Card No. 4: 51-027 Triple Banner, 30-307 Holiday Snippets, 40-647 Robin’s Christmas
Card No. 5: 2521K Snowy, 51-058 Joyous Wishes, 51-266 Frosty’s Snow, 51-435 Curved Stitch
GIMME 5 Videos and a Sneak Peek Collection
As promised, we’ve collected all of this week’s sneak peeks from Facebook and Instagram so you are sure not to miss a thing! We will be back next week with a closer look at this new collection, a party, and GIVEAWAYS!
Stay tuned for more info… next week we will be sharing additional details about this collection, including when you can add these new stamps and dies to your crafty stash.
And before you go, just in case you missed it, we gathered up Therese Calvird’s newest GIMME 5 videos for you. What great holiday crafting inspiration as you head into the weekend!
For her first video she creates five same but different cards that feature a fabulous “lining it up” design.
Watch directly on YouTube HERE.
SHOP for the products featured in the video above: 30-499 Hometown Christmas, 40-644 Dancing & Prancing, 40-649 Christmas Poinsettia, 30-261 Nature’s Friend, 30-436 Sweetest Moments, 51-474 Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out, 51-003 Chat Bubbles
And for her second video she’s crafting a very merry critter Christmas!
Watch directly on YouTube HERE.
SHOP for the products featured in the video above: 30-519 Arctic Friends, 30-497 Joyful Holiday, 30-520 Christmas Bunch, 30-509 Christmas Fun, 30-436 Sweetest Moments, 30-307 Holiday Snippets, 30-310 Believe, 30-317 Deck the Halls, 51-440 Elegant Stitching
One more thing… TGIF!
“Like” our page on Facebook for exclusive inspiration by Birgit Edblom!
Another sneak peek!
Join us this week here on our blog, Facebook page, and on Instagram as we share sneak peeks of our upcoming collection, Happy Heart Day.
Peekaboo… she loves you!
Don’t miss more sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram!
And don’t worry, if you aren’t on Facebook or Instagram, we will share ALL of the sneak peeks here on our blog on Friday. We certainly don’t want anyone to miss out!
Stay tuned for more info… next week we will be sharing additional details about this collection, including when you can add these new stamps and dies to your crafty stash.
Sneak Peek #3
Join us this week here on our blog, Facebook page, and on Instagram as we share sneak peeks of our upcoming collection, Happy Heart Day.
Coming soon… stamps and dies that will take your creativity to the moon and back!
Don’t miss more sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram!
And don’t worry, if you aren’t on Facebook or Instagram, we will share ALL of the sneak peeks here on our blog on Friday. We certainly don’t want anyone to miss out!
Stay tuned for more info… next week we will be sharing additional details about this collection, including when you can add these new stamps and dies to your crafty stash.
Sneak Peek Week Continues
Join us this week here on our blog, Facebook page, and on Instagram as we share sneak peeks of our upcoming collection, Happy Heart Day.
This sneak peek is simply CHARMing!
Don’t miss more sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram!
And don’t worry, if you aren’t on Facebook or Instagram, we will share ALL of the sneak peeks here on our blog on Friday. We certainly don’t want anyone to miss out!
Stay tuned for more info… next week we will be sharing additional details about this collection, including when you can add these new stamps and dies to your crafty stash.
And before you go, don’t miss this week’s card on our SIMPLICITY site…
Sneak Peek Week!
Join us this week here on our blog, Facebook page, and on Instagram as we share sneak peeks of our upcoming collection, Happy Heart Day.
We kick things off with a peek at this LOVEly critter!
Don’t miss more sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram!
And don’t worry, if you aren’t on Facebook or Instagram, we will share ALL of the sneak peeks here on our blog on Friday. We certainly don’t want anyone to miss out!
Stay tuned for more info… next week we will be sharing additional details about this collection, including when you can add these new stamps and dies to your crafty stash.
Keep it Simple: Holiday Cardmaking
New stamping? Or a seasoned crafty creative who loves the look of crisp designs and easy-to-master techniques? You are in the right place! Not only are Penny Black stamps and dies for advanced stampers and colorists, but there is something for everyone as today’s inspiration demonstrates how to “keep it simple.”
A couple of weeks ago we posted several 3 x 3 inch card designs by the talented Sherry Hester. (If you missed it, click HERE!)
Well, your enthusiastic response inspired us to share another similar card design which would be great for the holidays.
SHOP for the Penny Black products featured above: 51-465 Mitten Stocking, 51-372 Winter Branch, 30-257 Joy Filled, 25-008 Holly Medley
So if you haven’t finished (or started!) your holiday crafting yet, this card featuring Creative Dies cut from colored cardstock and a lightly stenciled background would be easy to mass-produce. It can accompany presents with the “to-from” on the inside, be used with a gift bag, or hold a gift card.
Design Details: Sponge Distress Oxide Peeled Paint through stencil onto Neenah Solar White cardstock (2.75” square), and ink edges. Die cut pine branch, winter branch and candy cane from colored cardstock. (Optional: Cut dies from white cardstock and color using inks and sponging techniques.) Assemble dies as shown at bottom left. Stamp sentiment with Versafine Onyx Black Ink. Mount onto folded 3 x 6 inch white cardstock with foam tape.
Shop for today’s featured Penny Black supplies
51-465 Mitten Stocking
51-372 Winter Branch
30-257 Joy Filled
25-008 Holly Medley
