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Commenting on this post is welcome but does not enter you into the contest. This contest is sponsored directly by Spellbinders Paper Arts. Please read the post to find directions for entering the contest. If you have any questions, please e-mail ContestQuestions@spellbinders.us.
Edited to Add: Thanks to everyone who entered the Spellbinders’ 5th Anniversary Party to win my Die Template release. You can no longer enter to win my release. Please check out the links below to enter the contest on other blogs.
Check the Spellbinders Blog for the announcement of Daily Winners. Grand prize winner will be announced on January 30th
One of the soaring highlights in blogland last year was the huge release of new Spellbinders dies. I scheduled time every night to check in with each blogger that was making a reveal of a new Spellbinders die and absolutely swooned when I saw the fabulous dies that were slated to be released. Spellbinders is celebrating their 5 year anniversary and the celebration will be another huge unveiling of new dies. There is an opportunity for you to win, and win big! I am pleased to be able to share details of the amazing Spellbinders Blog Frenzy!
Here’s what you will want to know: These dies can only be seen on Spellbinders Designer blogs and there will be 16 days chocked full of sneak peeks. Today there will be a drawing for the die template I am showing you plus all the sets that have been revealed since the beginning of the Spellbinders Blog Frenzy on January 5, 2009. The prizes are progressive, each day an additional die is added to the daily giveaway list for a grand total of 16 dies on the 16th day of reveals. You will want to take care and read my entire post carefully, from beginning to end, to make sure your entry is correct, ensuring your eligibility to win.
Now if you have just landed here and haven’t followed the Blog Frenzy from the beginning, let me get you oriented. Debbie Olsen of Thinking Inking kicked off the festivities on January 5, 2009. You can jump back to Debbie’s blog to see the entire schedule including those that have come before me. Here is the schedule of the remaining sneak peeks of Spellbinder new releases. You still have until 11:59 pm CST, January 10th to register for the prize drawing from yesterday on Heidi Blankenship’s blog at www.embellished-dreams.blogspot.com.
Blog Schedule
Jan. 11 Jennifer Ellefson
http://createdfrompaper.blogspot.com/
Jan. 12 Sharon Harnist
http://paperfections.typepad.com/
Jan. 13 Jeni Calkins
http://studiojeni.blogspot.com/
Jan. 14 Wendy Weixler
http://wickedlywonderfulcreations.blogspot.com/
Jan. 15 Beth Pingry
http://bethping.blogspot.com/
Jan. 16 Keri Lee Sereika
http://pinklemonade.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Jan. 17 Sally Lynn MacDonald
http://inkyheart.typepad.com
Jan. 18 Donya Schroeder
http://donyas.typepad.com/puckish/
Jan. 19 Linda Duke
http://lindaduke.typepad.com/lindas_works_of_heart/
Jan. 20 Trudee Sauer
http://trudee.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SPELLBINDERS BLOG at www.SpellbindersPaperArts.com/blog
Without further ado, I am so pleased to be able to reveal die cut templates that absolutely had me doing a little happy dance! The awe-inspiring Spellbinders has done it again – I present to you two new die template sets. 
LG Octagons, SKU #S4-185 and LG Scalloped Octagons, SKU #S4-187. MSRP – $24.99 each
The octagon is such a complex shape full of possibilities. I knew it would be one of my favorites because it’s a shape that I encountered often in both origami and quilting – areas that always lend inspiration to my stamping. The LG Octagons come in a set of 7 nested dies that are symmetrical in a circular shape with eight flat sides. The largest die measures 4" x 4" while the smallest measures 3/4" x 3/4". The SKU # of the LG Octagons is S4-185 and the MSRP is $24.99. The LG Scalloped Octagons come in a set of 6 nested dies that are symmetrical in a circular shape with four scallops on each of the eight sides. The last scallop on each side is the first scallop of the next side. Each scalloped octagon, regardless of size, has 24 scallops. The largest die measures 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" while the smallest measures 1" x 1". The SKU # of the LG Scalloped Octagons is S4-187 and the MSRP is $24.99.
I have two projects to share with you today. On the first project, I’ll share with you how I made it and on the second, a video tutorial will be forthcoming. When I received my dies, I was intrigued by both shapes together and that led me to the inspiration for this “Give Thanks” card. The straight edges of the LG Octagons crisply illuminate the feminine scallops of the LG Scalloped Octagons; the two shapes mesh very well.
My Many Thanks card is a large card measuring 7 ¾" high by 5 ½" wide and is designed to be sent using a 6" x 9" catalog envelope. We’ll make this card by building up from the bottom.
Step by Step
1. Score in half, a piece of cardstock measuring 15 ½" high by 5 ½" wide.
Tip – if you do not have paper larger than 12" you can still make a larger card by seaming the pieces. Cut one piece at 10" x 5 ½", score one at 7 3/4". Cut the other piece at 7 ¾" x 5 ½". Allow the flap to overlap and adhere with the seam showing on the inside, back of the card. Cover this with design paper on the inside of your card.
2. Smudge the edges of the paper with distress ink – I used brushed corduroy.
3. Cut a solid piece of cardstock to measure 7" high x 5" wide.
4. Cut a patterned piece of paper to measure 6 7/8" x 4 7/8". Smudge the edges with distress ink and glue the design paper on top. Attach to base with pop dots.
5. Cut a small strip of paper 5 ¼" wide by 2" and punch with a border punch. Trim down to a 1" height and attach along the top edge of your card. Smudge with distress ink and add pearls for embellishment. Attach with pop dots.
6. Cut/emboss the first layer of medallion using the 4 ½" x 4 ½" LG Scalloped Octagon and the 2 ½" x 2 ½" LG Octagon at the same time.
7. Cut/emboss the second layer of the medallion using 4" x 4" LG Octagon and the 3" x 3" LG Octagon at the same time. Smudge with distress ink.
8. Cut/emboss the inside layer of the medallion using the 1 7/8" x 1 7/8" LG Octagon.
9. Stamp your sentiment then assemble the medallion with pop dots, taking care to thread a 5” piece of ribbon through the top layer of the medallion, securing it with a button.
Card Recipe:
Stamps: The Paper Company Studio
Paper: Base – The Paper Company, Blonde Columns, Design Paper – The Paper Loft: Grandma’s House, Bazzill – Capers
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink – Peeled Paint, Ranger Distress Ink – Brushed Corduroy
Tools: Spellbinders Wizard Die Cutter, Spellbinders LG Octagons S4-185, Spellbinders LG Scalloped Octagons S4-187, Martha Stewart Cornice Edge Punch,
Accessories: Michaels Pearls, JBH Button, Offray Grosgrain Ribbon, Hobby Lobby Cream Satin Ribbon, Pop Dots
My second project is a card and gift box ensemble. You know I love medallions and I have been dying to create one using Spellbinders products. This one is easily put together and because you can use any size LG Scalloped Octagon, S4-187, it will span many different box and card sizes. The birthday card is 7" x 5" and the medallion measures 3 1/4" x 3 1/4"; the gift box measures 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 4 1/4".
Although I mentioned using the Wizard in my card recipe, I wanted to make sure you know it’s very simple to use Spellbinders die templates with other popular die cut machines currently on the market. Instructions and sandwich recipes come with new die cuts and that information is readily available on the Spellbinders website. In fact, if you are a visual person like I am, there are three wonderful videos by Spellbinders that show how easy it is to get fabulous results using their universal dies.
Check them out on their website at www.SpellbindersPaperArts.com/videos
Now, for all the details on the BIG CONTEST!
Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration
Sneak Peek Party Drawing Information
Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each of the 16 Spellbinders Sneak Peek Blog reveals as stated in the “Rules”. This name will be drawn to receive the die being revealed and any other dies listed as a part of said blog give-away. These entries must follow all rules stated below to be valid for the drawing.
Entrants visiting all 16 Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peeks Blog reveals and correctly entering their information into the 16 separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a full set of all 28 NEW RELEASE dies debuting at the Winter Craft and Hobby Association Show in Anaheim, California, on January 25-28, 2009!
Rules
Any participant wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek die give away must adhere to all of the following rules:
1. Participant must click on the provided link on Reveal blog to enter each individual drawing on sneak peeks between January 5 and January 20, 2009.
2. Participant must type in the subject line the name of the die being revealed.
3. Participant must send their entry for this blog before 12:00 midnight Central Standard Time on January 11, 2009.
4. Participant is only allowed to enter each of the 16 Spellbinders sneak peek blog give away drawings one time per sneak peek. Participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for grand prize entry, no exceptions. Please consider whether you will have access to the same e-mail address from January 5th through the 20th and plan accordingly.
5. Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for drawings.
Any participant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peek Grand Prize drawing, must enter the drawing from all of the 16 blog reveals and follow all the above rules.
Please note:
*Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.
*Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.
*Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communications
other than to contact the winner.
*If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage SpellbindersPaperArts.com and sign up SpellbindersPaperArts.com for their newsletter.
If you have questions about the contest, e-mail ContestQuestions@spellbinders.us.
It was such a pleasure to share my sneak peek with you and I hope you make plans to visit each blogger for the remaining days of this fantastic Blog Frenzy! In the meantime if you have any questions about release information or rules please visit Spellbinders Paper Arts
Oh, Becca, your card is just so beautiful! I could look at it a long time! I am so glad you are in the Dirty Dozen, because more people will see your beautiful creations and be inspired!
How wonderful that your son and daughter can be together and share this next part of their lives! I am happy for you, and for them!!
Beautiful card! Love the Rose paper you used, so very pretty! That is great your children are sharing a home together…and that they are so close to you! Now that gives ypu another room to fill with “nesties” and all the other goodies…see I am always thinking postive…LOL!
Just gorgeous, I love the distressed look on this and I can’t wait to get those new labels, so far they are my favorites.
I love this card it is so beautiful!! My daughter is 10 and she is my only child as well and I dread the day when she leaves home. :( *sigh… but anyways on a bright not very beautiful card!
My complements to you – that you’ve raised siblings that enjoy each other (still) and are willing to share a household. That’s a tough thing to do these days! To all of the mom’s out there – ‘job well done’.
And I just admire and drool at every card you make!! Do you sell your items on Etsy or sites of that nature? You should! The things you do with ribbon, embellishments, and layout… I just stare, and stare and stare at your cards. They are absolutely beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you so much for sharing your works of art with us.
WOW!!! I am so totally in awe of your work and can stare at your cards for ever. My daughter who is only 10 and right next to me loves it also so you are truly an inspiration to both of us. For your son, you could not have asked for a better situation for the two of them. That is wonderful and such an accomplishment for them to be out on their own. You should be very proud!!
Hey Becca! Wonderful card! Love it! Thats neat that your 2 kids can live together! My oldest 2 are out and this is how I got my stamp room!! tee hee! It is nice when they are all back home for dinner on occasions, my dh loves that! Jane :)
This card is gorgeous!! I think everything you do is beautiful. God has really given you a talent to produce beautiful works of paper art. I have a bird that left the nest and went away to college and then dropped out and moved back to the nest. Then he moved out again and then moved back into the nest. I think it is about his 4th time to move back. I’m afraid he is here to stay. Not really, he will as soon as he can make enough to move out. Right now his pay is sparatic and not very much. He is helping out a friend of ours from our church start up a business and is willing to take whatever Andy can pay him. He has other benefits other than money like a car that Andy lets him drive and a positive influence from Andy.
An amazingly beautiful card Becca, it’s absolutely perfect for the occasion. I feel your pain, my son (first born) left last August for college, only he flew much further than this mom wanted. He’s in Nashville and I miss him painfully. I’m racking up the air miles . . . LOL . . . a few trips to Nashville in the Fall and I’m seeing a few trips there this Spring. I still have Daniel home, he’ll be here another two and a half years, as you can guess, I’m hoarding that time with him.
Gorgeous card. Of course, all your work is “Amazing”. TFS. I know how you feel about the youngest leaving home. Even though it has been a number of years, I still remember the feeling when our youngest daughter moved out on her own. Such a sweet ending to your story though. It is nice to have them close by.
Very pretty. I am so hooked on your blog. I think everything you make has such a touch of elegance. You have so much talent. Thanks for sharing your work and inspiring me every day.
OO-aah
So very nice. It is quietly beautiful and will touch so many hearts when they see it.
Best wishes to your “birds”. We have one back living with us. After leaving college ,he worked all sorts of jobs and saved up money to return to college. He is back in school, got his associate degree and is working to complete his bachelors degree in accounting on top of holding down a job. It’s great having him here. He helps with the mowing,and more important during this time of the year-snow duties!
Hugs from Michigan
This is just a glorious card! You put so many special details into it. That’s great that your kids get along and want to share a residence.
Your cards are just beautiful! You are so very talented. I’m so glad I found your blog. You inspire my creativity! Thank you!!!
Becca, I am so in awe of all your creations. I so look forward to your blog everyday. You are very inspiring both in your family life and your creativity life. What a blessing that both of your children are sharing a house together. I have to say that I miss both of my children terribly. One is married and lives in Dallas and the other is in the National Guard and lives in Oregon soon to be deployed to Iraq.
Beautiful card and story!
Your card is just amazing! What a talented lady you are…. So along with the theme of flying away…now you are an empty nester? :)
Shawn K.
Marvelous- love all the extra touches and that beautiful ribbon. Love the vintage look. Welcome to the empty-nesters! Diane/Lost in the 60’s/Planted in Joy
This is such a beautiful card – as always I am so inspired by you! Our children do need to fly and it is wonderful that we understand this – all the while we hold our breath and pray hard! debb
Ahhh, what a bitter sweet time. I’m sure that your home feels empty, but it must be so exciting to see your son spread his wings! Congratulations!
And the sweet: You have more time to craft! :)
This is a beautiful card, Becca. You’re one special woman. Thank you for you, your inspiration and your love.
Steph
Beautiful card … I’m glad that I found your blog!
Way to go mamma bird! You done good! Enjoy and celebrate his freedom and a job well done by you.
Mary
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
Another gorgeous card Becca. You are amazing!! My day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to your blog. I too have children that are close. They are only teenagers so I’ll have them for awhile, but it is a great comfort to know that they have each other for a life time. I don’t think they quite know it yet, but they are best friends and that makes my heart smile.
Becca
What a lovely card. And a heartwarming story. With your son choosing to live with his sister, it shows how special they are, and what a great bond they have. Obviously they were raised with lots of love and understanding and taught to respect each other. How wonderful! Congratulations to you and to your children!
Becca….what an awesome, beautiful card to accompany your sweet story!
This card is so amazing…as always! You have a knack of choosing just the perfect sentiment! I love seeing your inking…always looks so perfect!
You are so fortunate to have your son so close by, and in good hands, to boot! I also have problems “letting go”, but at least they know my arms are always open to them. Good luck to you both!
What a lovely card Becca and an even better story. It doesn’t matter what age they are, they are always our babies. I know we want the best for them and that means letting them test their wings, but it does tug at the heart when they do.
Elaine
Becca another amazing creation of yours! Beautiful! I love that velvet ribbon it’s so pretty!
Hugs~ Kim
another beautiful card love that velvet ribbon
Hugs
Norine
I can’t even begin to think about how it will feel when my “babies” leave the nest! I’m thrilled your son is close by and that he’s living with his sister :)
My brother and I bought a place and lived together for 4 years and they were wonderful years together! People couldn’t believe we could live together as so many don’t have good relationships with their siblings — so sad. I’m sure the two of them will share many wonderful times together and have memories to reflect on in years to come just as my brother and I do :). Best part is I’m sure they’ll be home for some of momma’s cooking often :)
Great card to match the feelings too!
Becca,
Beautiful card as always. I love how you put the ribbon on the tags.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. How wonderful that your children have chose to live together. What a loving family you have!
I LOVE hearing that. Amazing!!!!!
~~Diane~~
The label idea (as tags) with the ribbon is pure genius. Love it!
And, of course, the card is beautiful as always! (honest it is what I
wanted to say before I noticed what Diane above had written! :) )
Your card is as beautiful as the story you told about your children. How wonderful for all of you. Your story is so touching as I’m sure many others have felt the same way as you do when the young have flown the nest. Thanks for sharing this very personal side of yourself. Always look forward to your gorgeous creations.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
Becca, I feel your pain. My 26 year old son has been going through a nasty divorce for almost a year. He moved back home last May and he has his little girl (just turned 1) every other weekend and needless to say we have grown extremely close to her. His soon to be ex-wife has announced she is moving 4 1/2 hours away and he can’t afford to fight her. Attorney expenses are awful. So he will be movng too. I’ve cried for weeks, but I’m trying to stay out of it and pray for God’s will to be done. **I love your card! You touch me and encourage me even when you don’t know it. You are a true blessing! Thank you for using your God given talent to bless and inspire others (including me)!
Yep you dodged the bullet. Ha It’s rough letting go but as Moms know you have to at some point and time. This is when the Heavy duty Paying come in. Wish your Son Happiness on his new venture. (out of the nest).
Your cards are a great inspiration. I always open yours 1st to see what a masterpiece you have created this time. God Bless.
Correction to previous comment, “Heavy duty Paying should have been Heavy duty Praying.” Some time my keys stick and I don’t see it till its to late.
Becca,
Beautiful card, so elegant! Best wishes to your son as he finishes his college education.
Lisa A.
Beautiful rose paper, love the framing and the window, neat tags and use of ribbon!
Wow, what a nice story…..I was a sucker and couldn’t foresee the ending. We have no children, so I can only imagine what a terrible/wonderful feeling it must be to have them leave home. Your card to commemorate the event is outstanding, as usual. Such a nice idea to create it, and with so much obvious LOVE!! One question, Becca, “What will you be doing with this card?” Will it be displayed in your home for a period of time, and then be given to your Son? Whoops, kind of a personal question, isn’t it? Outstanding job on the card and the kids. Thanks for sharing with us.
Linda
Becca as always this is beautiful. I love the way you layered the top of the card. Those two dies do work well together — the mega’s were about the only dies from the last release that I did not buy. (Of course, gotta have ’em now cause look what my friend Becca can do with them! LOL) It is cool how you cut out for the main inchie image. Also your choice of paper, images, die cuts — you do know how to mix it up and make it look great!
I love that card, it is so detailed, and perfect in colour and composition.
So very beautiful, Becca! I dread that empty nest stage, but with a Mom like you, I’m sure he’ll be home to visit often if he’s in the area!
A really beautiful card-love the nesties and the velvet ribbon.
My two grown daughters (neither married) have been out of the nest for several years now. They both live in this area so we see them often, especially for mom’s home cooking. Funny, but they will eat things now that they didn’t like when living at home. Really nice that yours can live together and be close by!
Hi Becca
Gorgeous card!! I am waiting to fly out to Vegas so will see all of your creations when I return next week.
Janine
Love your card – that paper is gorgeous for sure, and I love all the layered nesties!! How wonderful that your kids get along well enough to move in together…what a blessing in and of itself!
hugs, Jami
Good choices all around!
Blessings,
Jan
Becca this card is absolutely gorgeous. It is a beautiful as your story! I too hope that my children are that close when they get older! Looks like you’ve done something right. God bless you and your family!
Your cards are absolutely beautiful!! Special works of art!!
I understand what you were feeling about letting go. Our oldest moved out over ten years ago!! But like a Mother, I still worry that all is well!
Keep up the great work!
Beautiful card – love the layers. Sounds like your kids are wonderful.
If my niece continues the visiting schedule she is on you will see them all the time.
I am proud of your ribbon restaint, the card is beautiful.
Becca,
Does this make you an empty nester? If it does, I can assure you that once you get used to it you will love it! More room for crafting, more time for crafting, and more inspiration for crafting!! I am so glad your son and daughter are able to share a house together, it will make the transition so much easier for both of you. You must be very proud of your family.
Your cards are amazing. Love the added detail and total elegance.
Oh My Stars – that is hysterial! (In a good way, of course!) Gorgeous card as always, but today I’m REALLY loving the story ;-)
You are making it so difficult I told myself i would try to behave this year and not want it all. I think these new lables are going to be must haves though. It is fantastic that your children are keeping that family bond you must know you did something right.
~ This card is just beautiful! I am so happy for you that though you don’t have your son as close as he could be he’s close enough for you to not feel so lonely ~ What a great thing that he’s moved in with his sister.
Thank you for sharing this gorgeous card, You work is always incredible.
Beautiful card!
Beautiful, beautiful card! Yes, you dodged a bullet when your son moved in with his sister! When my youngest (just have 2) announced he wasn’t coming home from college after his sophomore year, it was very difficult for me. One day as I was driving, I began sobbing. However, we all survived. That was about 6 years ago.
Your are lucky to have them close. Our children are married several years but they live just a couple hours away, and the internet is fantastic!!!
Gorgeous card for a momentous event! I laughed out loud when I read who he moved in with. At first I was worried!! :)
Becca: The card truly fits the story behind it, lovely and kind of sad but as you pointed out, not really. I’m sure you are much relieved that he is taking this very adult step in such a responsible way. You are not a lucky Mom as I think luck had nothing to do with how your children have turned out. Good for you!
Gorgeous as always. Your son is a smart young man!
Your card i absolutely amazing!!! I am in awe! I also had a “baby” move out this weekend – it’s so wonderful to see them fly away on their own – but, so scary at the same time!
This card belongs in a museum! or on the wall in my office! amazing!!!
Your card is beautiful and I’m glad your son is close by. He seems like a very intelligent young man and made the right decision to share a house with his sister!
How wonderful your children are happy to live together! Your card is so very beautiful. You did a wonderful job of adding a lot of interesting elements without obliterating the gorgeous paper! I struggle with that a lot, so I am impressed! You picked wonderful sentiments and images for this very special card. Best of luck to your son, you and he must both be proud of his accomplishment!
Becca, your cards are always so elegant and rich looking. I love it!!! Thanks for always inspiring me. I left you an award on my blog.
I am sure it is difficult to have an empty nest. I hope it makes it easier knowing they are together.
Hugs,
Chris
Becca,
Beautiful, beautiful, totally awesome card! Congrats and bittersweet thoughts on your son moving out. I know what that feels like. Lucky for him and you though, he did pick an awesome roommate! TFS.
What a wonderful, blessed responsibility parenthood is. As young people we discoverd our wings and flew but when we brought another life into the world we trimmed back a bit on the flying and concentrated on providing a nurturing and safe environment for our children. We marveled as they grew. We were challeged by the push and pull of their boundary testing. We created the atmosphere in which they felt safe enough to stretch their wings and fly into the world.
Becca, now that you have your son lauched into the world remember your own wings. Untuck them and you may soon rediscover the joys of your own flight, so many years waiting.