In the Pines bundle

Hey Friends!

How's your week going so far? It's snowy and cold here in Montana so mustering up some holiday spirit isn't too hard! I would guess there are a lot of tree lovers out there so I decided to feature the "In the Pines" bundle today. I remember thinking "I already have lots of tree stamps and dies, why would I need more?" Fair question. There are a couple of responses...A) Yeah but I don't have this bundle, b) You can never have enough trees, C) Trees? What trees? I'm looking at a forest, or D) Hmmmm, I do love a good pine tree.  I hope you can identify with one of those haha!

I played with this set back in August and recently dug it out again to have some more fun. Here are some ideas I came up with in no time flat!

My first card was an experiment that worked!  The above die that was used on these trees normally cuts out all the branch definition. I wanted to see if I could let the die make the impressions but not cut so I tweaked how I layered the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine. I used the standard base platform #2, one clear acrylic plate, my die and foil paper and then the solid gray plate on top of that. I DID NOT use the cutting plate that normally you need to cut dies. My overall goal was to make my sandwich thinner so the die would emboss rather than cut. IT WORKED! It was so fun to try and I was really happy with the results. I hope you noticed the Winter Snow embossing folder in the background. I used Shimmery White card stock for this card for extra sparkle!

This card features some great two-step stamping, once for the tree outline and trunk and another for the greenery, filling in the tree. I was pleased to remember I had some pine cone Designer Series Paper in the Poinsettia Place pack and loved using a bit of that at the top. Are you wondering about my tree toppers? Those are the brass page corners that are part of the "World of Good" suite - perfect accessory!

I wanted to make a card that wasn't necessarily Christmas so I grabbed some DSP from the Trimming the Town suite and then the cabin stamp from the Rustic Retreat stamp set. I had to fussy cut it after I colored it but that was actually pretty easy. I think this would be a perfect card for a nature-loving friend!

This card features more of the tree dies and the two-step stamping. It's fun to experiment a little. I cut my trees out of Shaded Spruce and then used an Early Espresso Stampin'Write marker to color the trunks. This card has a Christmas color theme but really could be for any occasion. 

I loved this bundle so much I'm offering it as a special class opportunity. Here are the details I recently sent out in an email:

IN THE PINES BUNDLE 

For the entire month of November, if you order the "In The Pines" bundle ( pg 43, #155182 of the Aug-Dec Mini Catalog) and the "Winter Snow" embossing folder (pg 37, #153577), I will send you all the paper and embellishments you need to complete 6 cards, two each of three different designs FOR FREE!  You will also receive via email a PDF tutorial of instructions and a link to a YouTube video tutorial. I have attached pictures of the three cards you will be making. If you are local, you can come and pick up your card supplies at my house. Additional supplies you will need to provide and hopefully have include ink pads of green and brown shades , adhesives, acrylic blocks for mounting stamps and a Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine or similar for die cutting and embossing. Please use Hostess Code:   G376FXBC

Note, for this class, you will be making cards one, two and four. Let me know if you have any questions! I'd love some of you to give it a try and incorporate these lovely trees into your crafting collection. 

In case you want to see it in action, via the magic of video, here you go!

I'm in the process of transitioning to a more online business model as opposed to face-to-face classes for the time being. I'd love to connect with you via social media and can be found on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Look for Big Sky Stampin' and/or Sarah Cade and you'll find me! You can also contact me with any questions. While I love the relationships and connections fostered in person, we are in a difficult time to accomplish that safely. Please let me know you are out there! I'd love to hear from you and we can chat over a virtual cup of coffee or diet soda!

Thanks for stopping by! It's a privilege to share my projects and I'm grateful you're here!

Happy Stampin',

Sarah