Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas tip-ins and a quiltlet


Today I'm sharing the tip-ins I created for 2017.  Some of you read on Chris's blog recently that I admitted I only make one design each year.  I am not talented enough to come up with more than one design per year.

Some of you may also remember this wood mounted red rubber stamp I purchased at Tuesday Morning a few weeks ago.  I was so thrilled when I lifted the stamp and saw a really decent (at least for me) stamped image.  Imagine my horror when the large, heavy stamp slipped out of my hand and landed on the tip-in.  One down, 15 more to go.

My second stamping was even worse.  This one will make you go cross-eyed.  Somehow I allowed this to slip on the card stock as I was stamping.  Two down, 14 to go.

Although the lighting is horrible at my dining room table, here are the fronts of all the tip-ins.  Yes, they are all the same.  I don't play favorites!

Here are the backs of all the tip-ins.  The backgrounds to all these were created using alcohol and Staz-on, which is the easiest background to make.  The alcohol dries so fast, the paper never has a chance to buckle.    I printed these using my laser printer, which bends the paper as it prints.  I couldn't get the curve out, no matter how long I left them under a heavy weight.

I didn't realize until after I took these off my camera and they had all gone to their respective homes, how blurry this image actually was.  Yes, Bleubeard and I have been doing this for 15 years.  Squiggles joined two years ago.

I'm certain some of you saw leftover trees I posted here, where I explained I purchased the washi tape to go with the gold stars my friend Valerie sent me.

 Speaking of Valerie, I finally came up with a design for the quiltlet I was making for her, but I had NO idea the bird cage was that large when I designed it in my head.

I considered layering the glittery tulle I purchased over the top, but didn't like how it changed the color of the background.

Here is the nearly completed quiltlet with one layer of tulle over it.  In the end, I decided to leave the red tulle off.  All that was left was to sew Bleubeard's and my name to the back, sew the front to the back, and add a hanger.

It's Christmas Eve and I hope you are spending time with those you love and adore, and are warm (or cool if you live in the southern hemisphere) and safely planning your Christmas day ahead.  Thanks for visiting.  I greatly appreciate it and YOU!

17 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

I think your tip ins are wonderful as they are, and you know that I love mine and the gorgeous quiltlet, which is hanging in my arty kitchen. Thanks so much. Enjoy Christmas Eve! Hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Those tip ins are just amazing Elizabeth! You say you just came up with one single design - but I think this is so beautiful front and backwise that it is worth to use and reproduce it many, many times!
The special quiltlet for the special lady is gorgeous!
Happy Christmas Eve dear Elizabeth!
oxo
Susi

kaybee said...

Love that quiltlet and the effect of the tulle. I'm no good at sewing anything, but maybe I should have a go next year. Great stamping too! Have a very Happy Christmas and peaceful 2018. x

Helen said...

well done with your tip-ins. it's always so annoying when a stamp (especially a big one) slips or doesn't quite stamp fully. Black fineline pens are a godsend, at that time! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas xx

Nancy said...

The stamp has wonderful detail, just right for the holidays. The quiltlet is such a happy piece. You do stay busy and creative!!

RO said...

I really love how the stamp looks and makes me want to live in that imaginary place. The backs are really cool and festive! Kudos..and Merry Christmas Eve! Hugs...RO

Meggymay said...

The Tip ins and that stamp you were using look beautiful Elizabeth/
Its also a wonderful quiltlet which I am sure will be cherished by the person who receives it.
Happy Christmas to you and of course Bleubeard and Squiggles. Have a lovely day.
Yvonne xx

Cindy McMath said...

The tip-ins are lovely Elizabeth - stamping with a big stamp like that is hard, so if you only had one accident consider yourself highly skilled! Your quiltlet turned out amazing and I think you made the right decision with the tulle, although it would have still been lovely. Happy Holidays to you my friend!

Dianne said...

always a delight to see what you are working on! sorry I've been 'missing in action' lately, just crazy busy this month. Love your tip-in pages this year! As usual, no Christmas cards will be sent out from our house, but I hope to do some New Year Greetings! Hope you have a nice Christmas and enjoy some time with friends! hugs! ♥ ♥ ♥

Marfi-topia said...

the tip ins are beautiful.
the quiltlet is adorable, how incredibly sweet! I love it!
I hope you have a beautiful night.
You are awesome:)

kathyinozarks said...

Oh I love your tree stamp very much, and the bird cage-very awesome as well Merry Christmas eve Kathy

Divers and Sundry said...

I'm laughing at this: "I am not talented enough to come up with more than one design per year." I;m thinking an annual design is a perfectly fine idea. Different doesn't mean more creative or less so. I have always had trouble with stamps and sympathize with your difficulty here, but I love your finished work :)

Happy Christmas Eve!

CJ Kennedy said...

I think all the tip ins are wonderful. Me thinks you are too critical. The quiltlet is so pretty. Love all the birds. Makes me think of Spring or Summer which is only 178 days away.

Hope you are feeling better. Headbutts all around. Merry Christmas
=^..^=

Lowcarb team member said...

Enjoy the remainder of Christmas Eve ... and then have a Merry Christmas.
My good wishes

All the best Jan

jinxxxygirl said...

I'm a one design a year Christmas card maker myself... Or i would be if i actually got around to making my own Christmas cards.. Walmarts Christmas card section keeps getting smaller and smaller every year... pretty soon i won't have a choice but to make my own. Maybe thats the push i will need. :)

Oh my goodness those little birds are soooo cute! I just love what you've done with them...... I think they are the perfect size for that birdcage.. Merry Christmas Eve!! Hugs! deb

pearshapedcrafting said...

The stamp you used to make your tip ins looks fabulous and I love the backgrounds you made! Your quiltlet looks amazing! I see I am on catch up too! Chrisx

Jeanie said...

I like your birdcage just the way it is. Really stunning.

I'm not sure I know what a tip in is, but I do like what you came up with for it!

How you find the time...!