I’ve been MIA for a couple of weeks, with just too much going on at home, work, and with friends.  I DID manage to finish and address all of my handmade Christmas cards (about 50 of them), and I have started packing to visit my daughter’s family for Christmas.  Unfortunately, my hubby won’t be joining me, so I’m leaving him in the care of friends and family, who I know will help him have happy holidays. This week, I wanted to show you something different than my usual cards.  It’s an ornament, made with a 3 inch embroidery hoop, which I ordered online.

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I used a retired stamp, Stampin’ Up!’s By the Dunes, but you could use any stamp you like.  This one is for a New Englander.  I hope she likes it!

I stamped the image and the sentiment (from the Merry Christmas to all stamp set) on the back in black Memento ink- the image is on Whisper White, and the sentiment on Balmy Blue cardstock.  I hand-colored the image with Stampin’ Blends markers in light Pool Party and Petal Pink, light and dark Crumbcake, light and dark Smoky Slate, and light and dark Granny Apple Green. I used a Micron black pen to extend the image a bit in parts, and to sign on the back.  The hanger is made with the Copper Trim.  All items, aside from the stamp, Micron pen and the hoops, are in the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog.  I diecut the images with a 3-inch circle die, and used Tombow Multi Glue to adhere one to each side.

If you don’t feel confident hand-coloring with alcohol markers, try colored pencils, which are easier to control.  Or, just choose and image that doesn’t need coloring, or fussy-cut and glue down an image from our gorgeous designer series papers. Anything goes!

Thank you for stopping by; I sincerely appreciate your interest and support.  Say hi in the comments, let me know if you’d like to recieve emails, or shop in my store by clicking the “Visit My Site” button.  Stop by again, but until then-

Happy Stamping!

Michelle