I'm sitting in the middle of an enormous snowstorm (again) and we are expecting a second this weekend. No school for my freshman daughter, Caroline. Everything in Madison, WI, is at a halt . . . and I'm smiling. This is my favorite kind of day for stamping and "nesting." We are nearly guaranteed a White Christmas!
My marathon of stamp and accessory sneak peeks for you will begin later today, starting with a new hostess set from the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog (available Jan. 19). Echoes of Kindness. Love it.
I mentioned in a previous post that my family doesn't do a big holiday gift exchange. This year it's a simple book exchange to one family member (the book needs to be age and interest appropriate . . . extra points for humor). However, we are going nutso on a formal Christmas six-course dinner (this Sunday) at my sister's home. I was assigned placecards and dinner mints (plus potatoes and veggies for 17 hungry friends and relatives).
Knowing that the candlelit tables will be stunning with ivory and gold china, polished sterling silver, "real" napkins and more . . . I decided to combine my requirement for placecards and dinner mints.
My monogrammed embossed pillow boxes (approx. 2 1/8" x 3 3/4" when assembled) hold three Hershey's mints (dark, white and milk chocolate mini bars). TIP: It's a perfect fit when placed vertically! Very Vanilla card stock took a trip through my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine with the Pillow Box Bigz Die (18 times . . . I always plan for an extra). I'm amazed how quick and easy the process was.
I next randomly stamped the Scandinavian Season snowflake in VersaMark. Gold Embossing powder added a rich and raised finish. The Brushed Gold card stock band (which slides on and off to open) is 1 1/4" x 5.5". TIP: Have the ends meet at the front (use plenty of adhesive to glue ends together) and cover with a Curly Label Punch of matching Gold Brushed Card Stock. Hooray! No visible seams.
I added gold embossed monograms from Stampin' Up!'s Lovely Letters alphabet stamps to the punched labels. TIP: However, here's a cute design (also Lovely Letters with the holly stamp from Holiday Trinkets, 111650) that you can use if you want to do them all the same. Perfect for wedding or party favors. The labels are attached to the band with Stampin' Dimensionals.
STAY TUNED FOR SNEAK PEEKS FROM THE SPRING/SUMMER CATALOG LATER TODAY š
FINAL DAYS of the Stampin' Up'! Free Shipping Offer. Ends Dec. 23!
These really are spectacular Mary! They look like they were purchased at a boutique! These will look beautiful on a table! Can I make them without the Big Shot? Is there a turtorial for the pillowbox? Merry Christmas Mary! And a Happy, Healthy, ’09! Kim2
Hi Kim: Thank you for your sweet words. I hope to get a picture of the table to share (assuming it’s not too chaotic).
I use the Bigz Pillow Box die with my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine. It also works with the Cuttlebug Die-Cut Machine. You need a die-cut machine (there may be others that work but I don’t know much about the other manufacturers). I’m confident there are templates out there . . . however, I like fast and easy far too much and have become a die-hard die-cut girl. Hugs . . . . Mary
OMG – Mary – these are sooo elegant and gorgeous!!! Fabulous little gift idea!!!
What fabulous little candy holders. It looks so lush and festive embossed in gold like that.
Be glad you got the snow. I’m fearing for my ice covered trees right now.
Woo, these are pretty! Enjoy your cozy snowstorm! Love those!
My goodness – these are beautiful!! Bravo on your tradition – we are doing a no-gift Christmas this year. Actually, if you made it or already owned it, you can give it, but nothing purchased. Just games and a meal – it’s been the most stress free December I’ve ever had.
Honey child (That’s the kind of phrase you’ll have to learn) – when are you gonna move down here? 70 today!
Gorgeous, Mary!! That snowstorm made its way here – we have 9 inches already and it’s still coming down. My husband has already cleared out the driveway once and will be heading back out soon to do it all over again. All the while, I’m staying inside and stamping away! š So glad to see you’re using Scandinavian again – that table will look just stunning when all is set. Be sure to take pictures when it is set in its full glory.
P.S. we’re expecting a second storm this weekend too – while I love the snow, I sure would like a longer break in between storms. š
These are gorgeous. This would be great for wedding favors.
GORGEOUS!!!! These would make elegant party favors for any special occasion. What a clever, clever idea!
How elegant!
If only I could be snowed in. Unfortunately, there’s the expectation around here that we all work through it (and drive?!) Is it really in my best interest to drive in -30 Celcius? I think not! =)
But I’ll happily use up my day checking out your gorgeous creations!
These are so elegant – what a perfect treat for your guests! And for all of us too!
Wow, this is really elegant….besides the fact that I LOVE those little Hershey’s mints, I would love these no matter what was inside! I can honestly say I never really paid much attention to that alphabet….but now I think I need it, too!
LeAnne
This is stunning, Mary! I’m sure your family will love the elegance this will add. TFS! Have fun, Monica
I mean “can’t” go without!
Merry Christmas Mary! Snowed in down in Chicago too. I love it! Ordering last gifts online and then off to play in my craft room.
These are so beautiful. I can just picture them on an elegant table. Of course, you *had* to use Holiday Trinket set again! š It is on my list because of you. I never would have chosen it myself but now I can go without for next year.
They look absolutely wonderful, Mary! Another reminder that heat embossing and metallics are SO elegant!
Cindy
These turned out amazing!!! I love the embossing..they look so elegant!
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, sounds like you are going to have some yummy food!
Wow, these are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing and hope you have a terrific holiday!
Hugs,
Elizabeth
Very elegant Mary! Can you make me 15 for my Christmas dinner table? š
I wish I was snowed in at home!! No such luck for me today.
These are so beautiful. They picked the perfect person to assign on place cards and dinner mints.
Very elegant Mary…can I Come? š
Wow Mary…these are stunning! This will be our first year hosting Christmas Eve for my husband’s side of our family (don’t know where we’re going to put them all). I may just be tweaking your idea a bit for favors for each of them. Thanks for posting such great ideas. š