Libby Fens, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Libby Fens offering original and creative paper crafting projects. I host monthly Card Buffets, specialty classes and weekly inspiration for card making.

Christmas Pines

Panda Party Brings Joy

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Welcome stampers! Glad you stopped by! Sharing a cute card designed for Create with Connie and Mary today. It’s Thursday –  we have a new challenge –

So, this is a really cool sketch! Aren’t they all??

I knew immediately I wanted to use a new Sale-a-Bration set, Party Pandas, but I also wanted to create with Christmas items before they retire.

Well, why not combine both?

libbystamps, stampin up, Watercolor Christmas Project Kit

Isn’t this A D O R A B L E ?????

I thought so!!!! I stamped the pandas (and, YES, I fussy cut them) and I stamped the word joy (and, fussy cut that too). I placed them on a strip of plaid.

Notice my favorite shiny product?? Yep – the foil envelope liners for the strip behind the plaid and the letter ‘string’. Did I mention, I just love this over the top shine!?!? As I have said – use your stuff!  

This is a fun, joyful, happy card! It’s those Pandas I tell you!

The other designers at Create with Connie and Mary created some nice cards too! Check them out on our blog! Want to try the sketch for yourself? You can link it up on our Facebook page! We’d love to see your creations!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Party Pandas, Hand Lettered Alphabet, Christmas Pines (tiny sentiment)
  • Card Stock – Old Olive, Whisper White
  • Ink – Black Memento
  • DSP – Christmas Around the World
  • Other – Watercolor Christmas Project Kit
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Before I forget, did you know we have a Christmas Card tutorial? Check out our Create with Connie and Mary November Session. Tutorials make planning holiday cards a snap! Try us out!

Here is a snippet at the November projects –

These are the sets used –

  • Christmas Quilt Bundle
  • Hearts Come Home Bundle
  • Christmas Sweaters Stamp Set
  • Santa’s Suit Bundle
  • Smitten Mitten Bundle

The mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials :

  • Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring at least three stamp sets
  • Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts
  • All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips
  • All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online
  • Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

Check out CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY for more details!

Create with Connie And Mary Saturday Blog Hop – Christmas in July

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Happy, happy, HAPPY Saturday!! It’s my birthday! Which is sort of like Christmas in July for me. Hubs and kids always treat me soo well!

And, it’s time to blog hop with Create with Connie and Mary!

I pointed out my birthday is like Christmas in July because Christmas is also the theme of the blog hop today!

Of course, I have no new Christmas items to show off, so I went with one of my favorite, current, stamp sets, Christmas Pines. I also used this stunning color combo again, Soft Sky, Cherry Cobbler, and Tranquil Tide. I used it on Friday as well. I just can’t get enough of it!

See how well these colors work together –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Eastern Palace Specialty DSP, CCMC, Christmas

This card has lots of dimension too! It gives it a real elegant touch!

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Eastern Palace Specialty DSP, CCMC, ChristmasIn my stash, I found this super soft retired Soft Sky baker’s twine. Sure glad I kept it!

Check out the other takes on our Christmas in July from the other Design Team members – I’m going to go celebrate my day today! 

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Christmas Pines
  • Framelits – Stitched Shapes Framelits
  • Card Stock – Soft Sky, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Silver Foil Sheets
  • Ink – Cherry Cobbler
  • DSP – Eastern Palace Specialty
  • Other – Soft Sky Soft Baker’s Twine (retired)
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Just letting you know, I’m on the Create with Connie and Mary Design Team as well. I create one of the tutorials for them! The fabulous JULY session is still available! And, before we know it, the August session will be available! They are worth a looking into.

This JULY, we are featuring –

  • Crafting Forever
  • Pocketful of Sunshine Bundle
  • Delightful Daisy Bundle
  • Wood Words Bundle
  • Happy Birthday Gorgeous Bundle (I designed this one!!!!)

Our mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials:
  • Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring three stamp sets
  • Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts
  • All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips
  • All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online
  • Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY

Christmas Noel

· 2 Comments

Merry Christmas everyone! Happy December 25th!

Whatever you celebrate, if anything, thanks for stopping by!

This will be quick as I am spending time with family and friends today.

These were the other cards that I mailed out for Christmas this year –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Layering Ovals Framelits, Many Manly Occasions, Silver Glimmer Paper, Christmas Card

Isn’t is just beautiful?

And, look at the inside –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Layering Ovals Framelits, Many Manly Occasions, Silver Glimmer Paper, Christmas Card

Just as gorgeous! These pictures do not do it just at all!

Once again, Paper Pumpkin to the rescue for helping me create almost 40 of these with minimal work!!

Enough of that – have a wonderful Sunday. However you celebrate it. With whomever you celebrate it with!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Christmas Blessings on Christmas Eve

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Happy Christmas Eve. I hope the holidays are everything you wish for and more.

This is not always an easy time of the year for everyone.

This is a short post for part of the cards I made to send out this year –

libbystamps, stampin up, Wonderful Winterland, Christmas Pines, Paper Pumpkin, November 2016 Paper Pumpkin

These mainly went out to friends and my stampin’ buddies! Although, it was very hard to decide who got what!

Thank you, Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription kits and refill kits!!!!

I love this elegant card! So much dimension! I added the card to a full card base for the WOW factor here.

Happy thought to all during this holiday season!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Simple Joys of Green for Christmas

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It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve posted for try Stampin on Tuesday. Although we have a new challenge every week, the design teams participate every other week.

This is my week. Here is the great sketch to inspire us –

Challenge #301. Theme : Twinkle, Twinkle

I really, really liked this sketch!

I went with this idea –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Botanical Builder Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, This Christmas DSP, TSOT#301, Christmas

I love traditional red and green for Christmas, but……..green and black – too pretty as well!

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Botanical Builder Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, This Christmas DSP, TSOT#301, Christmas

And, for my twinkle, twinkle? Sparkly glimmer paper counts too, doesn’t it?

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Botanical Builder Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, This Christmas DSP, TSOT#301, Christmas

This card is just simply – F U N !!! I love it! It will be a quick one to replicate for the holidays too.

Please join our challenge either on our blog, or our Facebook page. You might want to see what the other designers have created too!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Trees for Christmas for WWC

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I’m in a mad crazy creating frenzy getting ready for all these upcoming classes!

Who knows, maybe this card for Watercooler Wednesday might make the Card Buffet this weekend!

We have Deborah’s challenge that just started today –

14657407_10210271219672283_8691561361130227714_n

Wonderful, traditional Christmas colors!

In no time I created this –

libbystamps, stampin up, WWC93, Totally Trees, Christmas Pines, Christmas Card

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this stamp set!

libbystamps, stampin up, WWC93, Totally Trees, Christmas Pines, Christmas Card

I started with the simple tree in the center and just went from there! I could not stop at just one tree. And before you know it, the panel was filled!

libbystamps, stampin up, WWC93, Totally Trees, Christmas Pines, Christmas Card

I thought the greeting was a nice repeated accent along the side. A freshly inked up pad really helped to create this bold look! The finishing touch was the ribbon just below as if it were tied around the tree.

So these are great colors to create with, right? You know you will make something using them, right? So do it now and link up to Watercooler Wednesday and join our challenge this week! And, check out what the design team members created too!

Before you go, did you leave a comment? Comments are so nice to read!

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Totally Trees, Christmas Pines (it’s on sale right now!!!!!)
  • Card Stock – Real Red, Whisper White
  • Ink – Tuxedo Black Memento, Old Olive, Soft Suede
Happy Stampin’
Libby

 

November Blogging Friends Blog Hop

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Hello November!!!! Hope you Halloween was fun, festive and safe!

Welcome to another Blogging Friends Blog Hop!

Our theme this month is the stamp set, Lovely as a Tree! You know it, a classic that’s been around Stampin Up forever!

Blogging Friends Icon

Here is my first card –

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Pines, Layering Ovals Framelits, BFBH

I decided to mix way old (Lovely as a Tree) with way new (colors and stamp set) and go with a Christmas card.

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Pines, Layering Ovals Framelits, BFBH

I love these colors together too! I’m a true red and green gal when it comes to decor and personal style, but I love expanding the Christmas color pallet and trying new combinations. This. I. Love.

Of course, when you hear the name, Lovely as a Tree, the image in this card is what come to mind. I’m most certain –

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Pines, Real red 3/4 Stitched Edge Ribbon, BFBH

It’s the classic image!

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Pines, Real red 3/4 Stitched Edge Ribbon, BFBH

I just had to create something using it. I once again mixed way old and way new using the same stamp set. The addition of the glimmer paper and ribbon is very elegant.

As I put these two clean stamps away, I noticed a tiny leaf stamp in the box. Sure enough, it’s part of the set too. I just had to use it because I can’t say I really have ever seen it used before!

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Acorny Thank You, Layering Ovals Framelits, Copper Foil, Copper Metallic Thread, BFBH

Mixed with the Copper Foil – a WINNER!

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Acorny Thank You, Layering Ovals Framelits, Copper Foil, Copper Metallic Thread, BFBH

The Copper Metallic Thread helped too! This turned out to be a very fall-like card. But, oh so lovely!

libbystamps, stampin up, Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Pines, Acorny Thanks You, BFBH

I hope you enjoyed my spread of Lovely as a Tree cards! Please leave some happy reading! Bloggers love to read comments!

Head on over to Anne Power to see what she has done with this stamp set!

Continue on Blog Hop Icon

Happy Stampin’
Libby
First Card Supplies
Second Card Supplies

Supply List

Third Card Supplies
You can check the others on the hop here –

‘Tis the Season to Cozy Up to Christmas

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No, not really. In fact NOT AT ALL.

However, Christmas cards are fun to create. And, it’s never too early to get your ideas and supplies together and get them done and out-of-the-way!

I had my monthly Card Buffet this past weekend. It was a great turn out and all the projects were very much enjoyed.

However, one of the cards featured didn’t quite work out as designed. I get new stuff in and create with it and I don’t test the tools/dies out past that – just for the one card, made twice. Well………one of the dies didn’t work out using it a third time. Or fourth,  or fifth…..you get the point. It was awful! And, frustrating to say the least. But, it happens. better here in a class than at home as a customer.

I salvaged the supplies. I took what was left and used them for swaps that were way over due! I did do a little redesign too.

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, swaps

Yes, they are very similar to this card. That was the one on my Card Buffet, all very vanilla and Copper Foil.

But, being so frustrated, I went in a slightly different color direction. See –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, swaps

The colors are stunning, they scream ‘traditional Christmas’ to me.

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, swaps

This Cable Knit Folder is absolutely gorgeous and great for non-Christmas cards too.

Just remember to mist with water and alcohol to soften the fibers before embossing it. It can tear it if not.

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, swaps

The tiny bow from the original card is what was giving us such grief. However, this one which was even thinner – I had no problem cutting and releasing from the die at all! Did all seven cuts in minutes!

I’d love to read your thoughts on this card!

Seeing it here, it just might make my annual Christmas Card Class!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Black on White Hosted Challenge, WWC

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It’s Wednesday! That time of the week!

Guess what? I’m host for the challenge this week over at Water Cooler Wednesday!

I decided to go with this fun number –

13907113_10209565941160761_8066249566156608674_n

That’s right. Black on white. Simply stamping means just that, create a card with simple stamping. No die cuts, punches, extra layers, or added embellishments.

And, that’s just what I did with this card –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Black on White, Christmas, WWC90

It’s simply elegant, isn’t it?

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Black on White, Christmas, WWC90

I love it!

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Black on White, Christmas, WWC90

I didn’t add any additional layers either. Although I could have. I loved the way it looked just like this.

So, what you think? Great inspiration for Black on White? I’d love to read what you think.

Then head over to Water Cooler Wednesday and see how the others created with the sketch. And join my challenge this week! I’d love for you to play along with us!

Simple Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Christmas Pines
  • Card Stock – Whisper White
  • Ink – Tuxedo Memento Black
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Christmas Sparkle for TSOT

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It’s been two week since my last Try Stampin’ or not on Tuesday post! Time flies!

But it’s time for another challenge! Here is next sketch to create from –

Challenge #293

Optional Technique : A Touch of Fabric

I really loved this layout. It took me no time at all to come up with this –

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate, Gold Foil Sheets, TSOT293, Try Stampin' on Tuesday

Simply stunning, right? I love it!

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate, Gold Foil Sheets, TSOT293, Try Stampin' on Tuesday

It follows the sketch to a T!

libbystamps, stampin up, Christmas Pines, Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate, Gold Foil Sheets, TSOT293, Try Stampin' on Tuesday

These clear acetate sheets are sort of overlooked I believe. I had them out because I was designing for another card. They were THE perfect starting point for this holiday card. Of course, no fabric. That’s ok though.

So. What do you think? You like it? I’d love to read you comments.

I suggest heading over to Try Stampin’ or not on Tuesday and see just whats going on over there. Besides terrific card ideas, we have games and prizes too. You can find us on Facebook as well.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Sweet Simple Joy, CCMC428

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What an exciting week it’s been!

The excitement just continues today with Create with Connie and Mary! Of course, it’s another challenge!

ccmc428

What great colors to work with this week!

I played with different options using the colors before deciding on this –

libbystamps, stampin up, Pines Thinlits, Festive EF, Christmas Pines, Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Wonderful Wreath Framelits, Triple Banner Punch, CCMC428, Christmas

I love how this sweet Christmas card turned out!

libbystamps, stampin up, Pines Thinlits, Festive EF, Christmas Pines, Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Wonderful Wreath Framelits, Triple Banner Punch, CCMC428, Christmas

Once I decided on the elements I was going to use, I then added a few tweaks.

First, the additional wreath element using the Swirly Scribbles Thinlits. Pearls added just the right amount of something the wreath needed.

Embossing the flagged banner behind the wreath gave it a little interest being behind the wreath.

libbystamps, stampin up, Pines Thinlits, Festive EF, Christmas Pines, Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Wonderful Wreath Framelits, Triple Banner Punch, CCMC428, Christmas

The sentiment in Sweet Sugarplum tied in the bow.

It’s just a sweet card!

The others on the Create with Connie and Mary design team came up with some really pretty cards too. Check them out and come play with us!

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Christmas Pines
  • Dies – Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Wonderful Wreath Framelits, Pretty Pines Thinlits
  • Card Stock – Whisper White, Pool Party, Pear Pizzaz
  • Punches – Triple Banner
  • Ink – Sweet Sugar Plum
  • Other – Festive EF, Pearl Basic Jewels,
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Christmas Blessings for WWC

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It’s Wednesday again. And you know what that means…….

WWC logo

A Watercooler Wednesday challenge of course!

This week we have a great color challenge from Penny –

14330134_10209884620047534_2757531655655613061_n

Some beautiful colors too!

I don’t think I did them the justice they deserved with my card –

libbystamps, stampin up, WWC89, Pine Bough EF, Christmas Pines, Pretty Pines Thinlits

What do you think?

It’s very clean and simple. I used all the colors but white.

libbystamps, stampin up, WWC89, Pine Bough EF, Christmas Pines, Pretty Pines Thinlits

Hard to tell in my pictures, but the pinecones are Silver Foil and the embossing is silver too!

libbystamps, stampin up, WWC89, Pine Bough EF, Christmas Pines, Pretty Pines Thinlits

My ribbon is retired but it just tied everything in so well! Ha-ha, pun intended!

I’d love to read your thoughts on my card. Then, you can head over to Watercooler Wednesday and see what the other designers created using the same colors! And, then, you can play along too!

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Christmas Pines
  • Dies – Pretty Pines Thinlits
  • Card Stock – Soft Sky, Tip Top Taupe
  • Ink – Versmark
  • Big Shot – Pine Bough EF
  • Other – Silver Foil, Silver Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Tip Top Taupe 1″ Dotted Lace Trim
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Cozy Season of Joy for CCMC427

· 12 Comments

That’s right! It’s time for a Create with Connie and Mary sketch. Happens every Thursday!

Here is the sketch we are challenged with this week –

ccmc427

And , since our temperatures have gone from a sweltering 98 degrees to a brisk 85 degrees, it’s time to pull out the sweaters!!!

Well, I pulled out my Cable Knit Dynamic Embossing Folder that is! I created this cozy little number –

libbystamps, stampin up, CCMC, Create with Connie and Mary, Pretty Pines Thinlits, Christmas Pines, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, Copper Foil

How about this? Cozy right?

And, quite fitting for the temperature drop you’d say?

libbystamps, stampin up, CCMC, Create with Connie and Mary, Pretty Pines Thinlits, Christmas Pines, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, Copper Foil

I knew immediately when I saw this sketch just what I was going to do with it. I really loved the idea of the angled piece of sweater with the new Copper Foil.

I played with several different adornments for the focal area. Ultimately, I decided on a button and bow!

libbystamps, stampin up, CCMC, Create with Connie and Mary, Pretty Pines Thinlits, Christmas Pines, Cable Knit Dynamic EF, Copper Foil

I know. According to the sketch, I should have had the sentiment on the sweater – it just didn’t look right. It’s stunning here off to the side.

I love this card so much that it might make the Card Buffet later on in the month! Don’t you think it’d be great for a class?

TIP – when using this dynamic folder (it’s very hard and really thick) spray/spritz a little water onto your card stock or paper before you emboss it. It will soften the paper fibers a bit to make it malleable to take on the intricate details of the folder. Let it dry before you adhere it to your project. I forgot to do that this time and my card stock is a little rough-looking. 

I’ve had a chance to have a sneak peek at the other designers take on this sketch! You should see them for yourself at Create with Connie and Mary. I hope we inspire you enough to play along with us!

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Christmas Pines
  • Dies – Pretty Pines Thinlits
  • Punches – 1 1/4″ Circle, 1″ Circle
  • Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Basic Black
  • Ink – Tuxedo Black Memento (just freshly re-inked!!)
  • Big Shot – Cable Knit Dynamic EF
  • Other – Copper Foil
Happy Stampin’
Libby

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