This bundle, Smitten Mittens was one that the minute I saw it……I adored it. I can remember thinking… – this touches my heart-strings! To me, there is something “happy” about mittens!
There are (2) things that I always think of when I see a mitten image…..a child – as children always seem to have those super-cute mittens to keep their little “paws” warm and then there is ME – yep, I am a mitten gal if I have a choice as my hands are ALWAYS cold at the barn and having mittens is my “warmth of choice”…
I know, I know….this is one of those stamp sets/bundles that are “walking the stampin’ plank” but trust me, this WILL stay on Randall Lane…..hint-hint – make a mental note of this as we will be having blog candy soon with some “quiz questions” on how well do you know me!!!!
Click on the below banner to view all of the “plank walkers”…. and then you can also click here to see the “plank walkers” that are discount (while supplies last)
Here you go…close up and personal! I ask you….DO YOU LOVE THIS BUNDLE? I say how stinkin’ cute! I also invite you to do a google or pinterest search of the amazing and just sheer FUN ideas that have been out there with this bundle. I was drawn to it because of the versatility of it….perfect for cards, tags, scrapbooking and packaging….a winner!
Let’s get to this simple beauty. It is such a straight forward card that uses minimal products and one that is a fun one to produce for the masses….remember when you make a bunch of the same card, make the journey FUN…break it down into steps. I find when I do this I enjoy the process much more.
Here is an example of breaking it down. Look at the below steps that you can break down for what might work for you. Everyone is different but I find it an enjoyable journey in doing things in steps….Trust me, I am one that always like to stay busy so if I know I need a bunch of bows made up….I do so while watching a movie…..
- Pick the color base that works for you, cut and score it. When I do this…I look ahead and see what DSP Paper I will be using on the envelope to pull the whole look together. (Today I used Real Red)
- Cut the 2″ X 6″ strip of DSP for the back flap of your envelope. Not only is this a great way to use your DSP effectively but it does add that simple and finished touch that does make a difference! Today I used the Quilted Christmas 6 X 6 DSP Stack.
- Go ahead and cut (2) of the inside and out for the card. I always take packs of Thick Whisper White and Very Vanilla to my local Office Store and have bases cut. This makes it so much easier for me when I sit to create. (Today I used Very Vanilla)
- Cut strips of the Gold Foil Sheets into 1/4″ strips. I used that size for the (3) pieces on the front of the card and just varied the length of the piece that I cut on the diagonal.
- Do all of your embossing at once. This saves a bunch of time. I made up 15 of these cards and when I sat down, I stamped and heat embossed all 30 mittens at one time and then I was DONE. I cut them out with Mr. Big another time….I find breaking it down like this just “works” for me and I do not get bored with the repetition.
- I take my Basic Rhinestones and colored them with a Red Sharpie Marker. You can use the Stampin’ Blends but I think that the Cherry Cobbler is too dark so I went with the Red Sharpie.
- Make up your linen thread bows. This is such a delight to have all of the bows ready to adhere with a simple glue dot when you are getting the assembly line going!
The details of this bundle are just designed brilliantly. The little “cuffs” on the mittens as an additional layer adds a detail that really makes a statement. This you could also do in a contrasting color….but I tend to be “plain jane” and go for the look in one color scheme! remember…the name of the game is to HAVE FUN!
Can you see how I took the Linen Thread and adhered it to the mittens to loop them together – this is my perfect anchor to adhere the bow. There is something so FUN about the Linen Thread….definitely a product on your must have list of card making supplies.
It is super card to get a good photo with the Gold Foil Paper. To me, the holidays are a time that I find myself pulling out the foil papers – a little of it here and there adds the perfect about of bling to a clean and classic card. This is another product that is a must have….not that I use it a bunch but 1 pack of it will last you a LONG time as the little splashes of it is what makes it in my eyes!
This would be a wonderful Holiday Thank You card…you could stamp a thank you sentiment in the inside and then in your message write something like….We were “smittened” ….
Well, do you like it? I always adore getting your feedback on a card. I must admit, I was totally surprised that this bundle is being retired. It goes to show you….there is no way to predict – this has been such a popular one in my eyes!
Hoping you are geared up for a great weekend ahead. We are in the decorating mode on Randall Lane and I think that John wants everything DONE…..so when his 4 girls roll down the lane….he can devote his time to his latest project! He even took the day off from work yesterday to do more outside lights? (why????? – NOT SURE as no one drives down our lane)….but it is “his thing” and something that he truly looks forward to each and every year.
Here is a funny….I needed to go and do some Urns with Fresh Greens for a Non Profit yesterday…..I received a text from John saying….“I am with my 3 Elves in the truck and we are going to get another tree…Ho-Ho-Ho”.…What did he do but take the 3 dogs (with their Christmas Scarves on) and go to the Boy Scouts to purchase another tree….when I asked why????? – loved his comment…..how can you say no to a Boy Scout! He does love Christmas!
Have a fabulous day….and I hope that this card has inspired you….a great card to break down and enjoy the journey with. I will be having some upcoming posts on some super practical ideas that you can whip up to make the gift giving a bit more special….remember, it’s all about the presentation….little tips that will make you sparkle!
Yup, this bundle is a keeper. Don’t you find that some of the retired things each season still marry perfectly with new stuff that comes out?
I do love the elegant simplicity of this card; the foil touches are the perfect bling.
I completely understand John’s passion for decorating. Nobody sees my decorations either (I live on class 4 roads in rural Vermont) except ME, but the lights and the decorations fill me with such happiness when I get home at the end of the day. (They are on a timer) I’m okay with the increased electric bill for the month of December; it’s my Christmas gift to myself!
Hope your weekend is happy.
Hi Linda and YES…..I do totally agree with you….that many things that do get retired still work perfectly with new kids on the block. I know that many find it to be frustrating when items go bye-bye and something I wonder myself – why did they pick that to leave????
I guess everything has a reason but I know that these adorable mittens will be staying on Randall Lane!
You and my sweet John are from the same mold…..and it is a great one as the lights just make everything that much more festive and special!
What a sweet and fun husband you have! You two were made for each other. Very cute card!
Hello and yes….he is sweet and I chuckled about the FUN as with him being an Accountant…..he feels like he is soooooo boring! I think that Tax Season is his Christmas Light Madness…..when the peeps were little he felt like it was the last fun holiday before the dreaded long winter months of TAX SEASON!
gorgeous card to show off the retiring mitten bundle. i’m chuckling over “plank walkers!”
I know that you are in “my camp” with the love of this bundle…..I like to visualize the stamps walking one by one……off the plank – it’s a sad time
My bundle is on the way (I hope!). A demo I know was offering a free class with card kit if you purchased the bundle from her. She had such cute ideas and all was cut out etc. I was going to order it anyway… I hope it wasn’t sold out when she ordered the bundles. She had the penguin made from the mitten too in the class. I, am a mitten person, yesterday it was so darn cold on our morning walk that I had thin gloves on and heavy mittens over them! Alas, they were not as festive as your cuties but they warm! Love the touches of gold and the red bling – I agree the cherry cobbler made the one I colored too dark so use the Sharpies if I don’t have the right size in red already. Look at the matching little bears, how yummy! Great job as always on the cards. Thanks for the time tips though I rarely make more than 5 of the same design.
I could just see John going with the pups to get another tree! I wish Ted would figure out getting in the car and going for a ride. We could have a lot of fun. Henry loved to go for a ride and he was a smaller basset! But, he was crafty and knew how to get stuff off the counter, jump on the bed, go down the basement steps, etc. I need to get busy on doing some decorations. I have a 41 inch moose complete with a red buffalo check cap with ear muffs on it like Floyd R. Turbo from a Johnny Carson sketch. He just caught my eye with his big eyes and festive outfit and with a low price I scooped him up and put him over my back and took him home. The UPS cracked up laughing when he saw it on my porch the other day. He is not an outdoor moose but during decent weather and since he was dressed up I put him on the porch!
Thanks for the smile and laugh….I needed it! You are just a mess with the dear Moose….did I ever tell you that when we were in Vermont with the horses one summer….Hannah and I were going down the mountain at night to do “night check” of the horses and a moose was right in the middle of the road…..it scared me to death as I looked at it ad thought – WHAT THE HECK IS THIS THING…..not only are they HUGE..they really are not that pretty….we still laugh about that time!
Oooohhh, I do love this card. I really want to hold off buying from the retired list. My Wish List has eight items on it already!!! Yesterday I did a deep cleaning of my craft corner. I put ALL my supplies away. I even soaked my clear blocks in Dawn. Oh, it looked so nice this morning when I walked into my office . . . it was almost like Christmas morning.
About mittens . . . I have two pairs of very special mittens. The first pair is leather with a felt lining, which is like a glove. The second pair has a flip-over, so get your fingers out. These are much older than cell phones so I am sure they are more popular now than when I got them. I am not out in the cold very often at all, so I don’t really get to wear them as much as I would like, but isn’t it great that I have the pleasure of staying indoors during bad weather. I am one lucky, warm gal!
Boy, this is long today . . . I hope to make my Christmas cards this weekend and have them all out by 12/13. This will be a first for me, usually, I am a 12/23 type of person.
Have a wonderful, blessed weekend.
🙂
YEAH …another mitten lover! I too have those mittens with the flap and I love them so I can get that “paw out” and text! I bet with your sewing skills you can knit up a storm. That is one thing that I tried to do once and totally failed at it…..boy was it frustrating. I had visions of knitting sweaters for everyone for the next Christmas…..
I LOVE the card and this set! One can never have enough mittens! And I think we should clone John! One can never have enough Christmas decorations!
YIPPEE….I had a feeling you would be in the “mitten camp” as well…..as for John – I agree….the BEST blind date I was ever on! He just makes me laugh with his decorations….I felt bad for him because his nativity scene came in and it was MUCH SMALLER than he thought……(he was a bit deflated)!!!
After seeing one of my girlfriends using this set for her Christmas cards and now your post I broke down and ordered the mittens. I have seen so many cute cards with this set. My friend said I could borrow it but I just had to have my own.
Love that John gets into Christmas. I do too and planned to get my Christmas village up yesterday but missed a step on my stairs and sprained my ankle. Now I am in a brace. So upset with myself for getting in such a hurry. Hopefully it will feel better soon and I can finish my decorations before my kids and new grand daughter arrive. Love your posts Susan and your stories. Merry Christmas!
OH NO….I hope that your ankle is ok and trust me, I know too well as I broke my ankle twice in the same year…..be careful! I am thrilled that you like this bundle….I think that it is a very special one and one that you will get many years of enjoyment from it…you will smile each and every time you use it!!!
YIPPEE….a new granddaughter…..HOW EXCITING!
I love a guy that likes to decorate!! You should post pictures of all his decorating!! It would be fun. Can’t wait until the “girls” arrive……there will be pictures, right?? Love the card. I am a “mitten person” as well……keeps the fingers toasty!
You are right….I need to get a picture of him as he loves to do his decorating with his Santa Hat on and talks to the dogs…..THE WHOLE TIME!!!! I think that they are his elves!
The “girls” are in holding as John is waiting on the fence….he is so funny about this….and me…I am staying silent!
Cute card, Susan, with the bling. My husband likes to decorate the tree, but putting everything away is on my to-do list after Christmas. Have a great day!
Thanks! I know that it is not much bling but a little dab will do ya! You know me….Simple Susan!!!!
I hear you about the “putting away”….he usually is good about the inside of the house…..but the outside lights…..hmmmmmm – that takes some time….usually if we have a warm day here and there….I will go out and do it!!!!
So cute !! Who doesn`t love MITTENS ??? I am so enjoying reading about the Christmas Of 2017 at your house !! Such fun !
I did not get this set because I have the little mittens punch that is retired . BUT…I love these big mittens and think they are definitely keepers if someone does not have any kind of mitten set !
You just gotta get some pictures for your avid blog lovers !!
I have that darn mitten punch and I never use it. These mittens are really fun to play with etc. At card club we made a gift card holder that has the mittens on it and it looks like they are holding the gift card. I can’t wait for mine to come so I can play with it. Now I need a few Hispanic stamp sets and a Hanukkah ones for my charity cards for next year. I mailed off another box of cards today for kiddos in the hospital.
Alpacas – who would have thought? Plus four of them?
Gotta run.
Chris…you have a heart the size of the United States! Way to go for making cards for the kids!
Yep….I can’t remember the names but one is Center Fold…..I asked him – what on earth are you going to call her…..your Play Girl!
Mitten Punch? hmmmm….I do not think I had that! What was a matter with me! I do love the detail in the dies….too fun! One thing for sure….never a dull moment around here….John is in his Holiday glory!
I adored this set too the first time I saw it. I did not get it right away but I did buy it eventually. Have not used it yet. Love all of the elements of this card!
Use it my friend….USE IT….This would be adorable with a pack of Hot Chocolate mix…..a perfect pair!!!
Adorable card and this set is so much fun! I agree…who doesn’t like mittens….even the word makes you smile! Sound like John is having a ball decorating. We were in NYC today and it was so festive and exciting….I just love that town especially around this time of year!
OH MY….I bet it is just beautiful all decorated. I have never been to NYC at the Holidays…..but going to the Macy’s Parade is on my bucket List….I have always adored watching it on the TV…..sooooo glad you had fun!
You and your creative cards are always an inspiration. I love mittens, but often find myself wearing gloves as I need my fingers free. The gold paper is a fantastic accent. Love how you keep it simple, but yet so effective. I sometimes over think. Looking forward to stories about the girls!
Thanks Robyn….There are times that I have a hard time coming up with what to do but once I go back to my comfort of simplicity…..I am at my “happy place” – I do love adding some of the bling papers hear and there throughout the holiday…..to me, it’s like wearing a special necklace…..