Amy's Creative Pursuits

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Spellbinder's "Enchanted Mushrooms" Handmade Cards

Mushrooms were definitely on-trend for 2024. Everywhere I looked I saw mushroom motifs in home decor, but they also really integrated the paper crafting world. I don't know what it is about these magical little spores, but they definitely attract attention. I love it when I go hiking in the woods and I come across a beautiful, very fascinating mushroom. They always make great photographs. In fact, I would say it is almost impossible to take a bad picture of a mushroom! They are so photogenic. 😀.

I've purchased a few mushroom decor pieces for my home and garden last year, and while I was at it, I also bought some new mushroom dies, stamps, and embossing folders. For this week's craft post, I thought I'd show you a few cards I made using my new mushroom paper crafting products from Spellbinders.

"Enchanted Mushroom" Stitched Cards

My first set of cards uses both the "Enchanted Mushroom" stitching die set and the "Mushroom Harvest" embossing folder from Spellbinders.

For the first card, I created the background with the "Mushroom Harvest" embossing folder and I decided to leave it white. I then cut, ink blended, stitched, and assembled the mushroom pieces and glued them to the white embossed background. I added three rhinestones for embellishment and the sentiment is a die cut from the set.

For my second card using the "Enchanted Mushrooms" Stitched dies, I ink blended the embossing folder with pink, red, and blue inks then spritzed it with a glimmer spray.

I didn't really like the way the second card turned out, and I prefer the one with the white background. Which is your favorite?

"Mushroom Harvest"

I really love the way this card turned out. It was a painstaking difficult process, but it was worth it.

To make this card, I simply colored the embossing folder with Copic Markers. I had to be very gentle or the raised part would press in. Once the whole embossing folder was colored, I added a sentiment from retired Stampin' Up! from the "Natural Beauty" set. It is popped up on dimensionals with a red ribbon behind it.

So what do you think? Are you a fan of mushroom motifs, or is a hard pass from you? I'd love to hear from you.

Have A Great Day! Amy

Linking up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

Sunday, December 22, 2024

A Christmas Home Tour and Some Of Our Holiday Activities

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I will be taking a two week blog break and will see you back on January 7, 2025. In the meantime, I thought you'd enjoy this video of our home decorated for Christmas. I actually simplified the decor this year because there was only three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I went with more unadorned greens with simple bows. I really like the way it turned out, I think the trend this year for Christmas decor was more natural and simple, so it all worked out in the end.

Odds and ends of our holiday celebrations

I did put our tree up at Thanksgiving so we could take Christmas photos and have them ready for Christmas cards (although I did move the tree since then because it wasn't working out where it was). I went with a simple all gold tree this year to coordinate with the more simple Christmas decor. The kids all wore blue and green.

Holiday Photos

Kriskindlmarket

Hubby and I spent the following weekend in La Crosse Wisconsin and enjoyed the Kriskindlmarket in Sparta and the La Crosse Rotary Lights.

We were so fortunate to have a rare warm weekend in December in Wisconsin. It was almost 50 degrees during the day and in the 40s after dark. It was so nice! I didn't even need a winter coat! It was buzzing everywhere we went that weekend because of the warm weather. Everyone was out and about enjoying the holiday events without the freezing cold.

The Grinch was hysterical! He did such a great job staying in character!

The last time we went to the Kriskindlmarket it was during the day. It was so nice going at night and seeing it all lit up! It was so pretty!

La Crosse Rotary Lights

We roasted marshmallows at the La Crosse Rotary Lights

I don't know why, but the lights seemed brighter than ever this year!

And finally, a photo of Jackson. I think he is annoyed that Christmas decorations are in the way of his usual perch. 😁

For more information on the Sparta Kriskindlmarket and the La Crosse Rotary Lights see these posts:

La Crosse Rotary Lights

Enjoying Some Old-World Holiday Fun at "Kriskindlmarket" in Sparta Wisconsin

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Casual Holiday Outfits with Ageless Style

Ageless Style is a monthly style challenge and link up for women of all ages. Each month we pick a different theme and style an outfit based on that theme. This month's theme is "Casual Holiday" and was picked by Bo!

For the last Ageless Style challenge of 2024 we are showing our "Casual Holiday" outfits. I was pleased with this challenge because all of my holidays are pretty casual. When I see other bloggers post all their fancy holiday outfits I always wonder "Where are they wearing those sequined gowns too? What world do they live in, and how do I get to be a part of that word?" 😀

Our holidays are pretty laid back and chill. If the weather and timing works out, we go to church for Christmas Eve. Last year we couldn't go to church because it was so bitter cold, and this year it doesn't look like it will be a possibility because the service is at 4:00 p.m. and the boys won't even be off of work by that time. Other than church we just hang out at the house all week, so fancy attire is not needed.

Because photos are usually taken at Christmas, I do like to look a little nicer than I usually do and I normally wear something festive whether it is a holiday color, or a sparkly sweater. This year, I will be wearing this pretty green sweater and black leggings. It is so comfy, I can lounge around the house in it, plus cook, clean, and serve! The material is thin, so I won't get hot in the kitchen. And the long length is perfect to wear with comfy leggings.

I picked up this pretty green sweater this year at TJMaxx, it is by Michael Kors. I love that brand! His clothes are designed for an older woman's body type. I know when I see a Michael Kors label that it will not only fit me, but look great on me as well. And I can't say enough about this GORGEOUS green color, isn't it flattering?

Jackson decided to pop in the photo shoot to say "Hello".

So what about you? Is your family a casual holiday or a fancy one? I'd love to hear from you!

Next month's theme is "Winter Blues" and was picked by Joanne! If you want to join us, just email me a photo before January 15 and I will include you in the post (email address located on my "contacts/follow" page in the side bar) .

Have A Great Day! Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

And now be sure to check out what the other ladies in the group are wearing for the holidays as well.