SNEAK PEEK #2

 Refer to my first sneak peek post for context of my sneak peeks.  I was wordy in that post, and it explains why the itty bitty glimpse / purpose of the sneak peeks.  Be assured, I AM NOT REVEALING ANY of what I found behind window/door #2, which will be revealed on December 2nd.  This card took me a little longer than I had hoped...so, cross fingers I can get through 24 days...  I thought it was 25, but I see it's 24.  Lol...That being said, I literally was exploring with some of my new supplies with this one!

SNEAK PEEK #2

 And for funsies...I'll share a little picture of my chocolate life right now....

One of our more recent lines, last year, we started a whole new peppermint crush category in our line.  We have close to a dozen, maybe more crushed peppermint products that we offer, pretzels being extremely popular in giant knots or rods!   

 

 

 

Just in time for Santa!!!  
 

 

Let's Talk Advent Calendars!!! SP #1

 So this year, I'm excited I have not one, not two, but THREE Advent Calendars for me to open the little door and find my surprise behind!  I remember how exciting it was to open the little window door of an advent calendar when I was a kidlet.  I think the last one I had, well, I KNOW it was the last one...was about 2020ish, when I had purchased a Unity Stamps Advent Calendar, where hidden behind each perforated window door, I found a precious fun stamp.  My idea then, as it is now, was to open each day, quickly make a fun card, tag, project, etc., and keep up with a daily post on that given day in the Unity Advent Calendar group.  Well...that lasted me about 7-8 days, as my sleep meant an awful lot to my well being that year, as it does every year during my busy time in the factory.  

 Unity Stamp Company  Kindred Stamps  Spice Advent 

If any of you have kept up or read my blog over the past...you will learn that I own a chocolate company, and my primary customer is corporate, who can purchase last minute orders as little as 12 quantity gift baskets, and as large as 10,000 plus trade show giveaways.  

 

A glimpse of a few of our themed sets...all chocolate!

I kid you not, we have pulled a rabbit out of a hat so many times over the last 40 years, that my well being has been tested far beyond what anyone could imagine.  I've had my staff send me home to take a break, I've had meltdowns in the factory, and I've been known to sneak in at 3:00 AM, work until 9:00 PM with little breaks (if any)...not ideal, but, it's what you do...  So.....................in the spirit of things....  having THREE calendars, if I wanted to follow through with that same concept, of a daily entry, well with a craft advent, that's not going to happen...  UNLESS ... I start early.  Of my calendars, 2 of them are craft related, and 1 is a really fun SPICES!!!!  I can play traditionally with the spice one, and open on the 1st of December, but for the craft ones, I decided whichever one arrived first, I'd pounce in on...and that would be the one I'd TRY to upload a result 25 days in a row....

Yesterday, I opened my #1 window door of the Unity Stamps 2025 Advent Calendar....  I promise I will NOT NOT NOT NOT reveal my stamp or final result until DECEMBER 1ST.....  I won't ruin ANYONE'S surprise, if at all any of you who might read this has purchased or received one of these sets too...  I will, however include a SNEAK PEEK picture...that does NOT reveal any part of the advent stamp....  I ADORED making this card...and I was able to crank it out fairly fast...something I've been trying to train myself to do....  NOT OVERTHINK ... ACCEPT THE FIRST ATTEMPT ... EDIT EDIT EDIT ... no need to put everything under the sun on the card type of editing .... MAKE IT A ONE POSTAGE  STAMP NOT SMALL PACKAGE TYPE CARD!!!

Wanna see my sneak peek?  

 The FULL result, including the #1 Advent Stamp image will be posted on December 1....  This image does NOT include any part of that stamp...I'm excited for the next 24 days!!!!!!   

I've already opened up my Day 2 window!!!  No promises, but I hope to have a sneak peek tomorrow again?  I may need to sneak in several in a row in one post...we will see... My HOPES are to stay on top of things, and when December 1 rolls around...I'll post the result!  Cross fingers I can pull it off!  If I can't...it's because chocolate emergencies got in the way...which is a GOOD THING!  We so far, are on top of things, so not behind YET!  yikes  

 

 

Winter Wonderland

 

 In the meadow, we can build a snowman....

 

 Now, to get that tune out of your mind...hahahaha   It's been stuck in mine now, for about 4 days!  

 

For a refresher course on the entire song:

 

WINTER WONDERLAND 

 

 Sleigh bells ring
are you listening
in the lane
snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
we're happy tonight
walking in a winter wonderland

Gone away is the bluebird
here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song
as we go along
walking in a winter wonderland

In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
we'll say: No man
But you can do the job
when you're in town

Later on
we'll conspire
as we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
the plans that we've made
walking in a winter wonderland

In the meadow we can build a snowman
and pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman
until the the other kids knock him down

When it snows
ain't it thrilling
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play
the Eskimo way
walking in a winter wonderland

Walking in a winter wonderland
walking in a winter wonderland

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made these cards for this week's Craft Roulette where the parameters were and I justified:

 

1.  This card is actually 2 card stock pieces adhered together by the top piece scored at 1/2" from the left...is adhered to the back (blank) piece making it an inside.  It's kind of fun, it sort of like a book bind...I've made TWO of these kinds of cards now in my lifetime, both for Craft Roulette...and I find them quite fun to make...  the first one I ever made was for episode #68, my little Cubby dog shown below....

You can kind of see how it opens like a square, but is sealed down by a panel, typically on the left side, but there are NO rules...it would be fun to see this adhered down from the top too.  Oh, the possibilities!

2.  Sandwich Shop colors:  So...I originally started the card the white version, but, really wanted that vintage vibe and created the version on kraft card stock.  I was thinking green for lettuce, to be honest, I really didn't think too deep about the colors....  I was going after the 3rd parameter for my main inspo for the design.  After the matter, I decided the kraft color resembled the "bread", the green scarf is lettuce and pickles colors...the blue blended background is the color of a Lay's Potato Chip bag...and the silver...well the FDA in me, is saying the stainless steel prepping tables/sinks/refrigerator, etc., all the stainless steel required equipment you find in a sandwich shop..

 

3.  Music:  Winter Wonderland music!!!  I also have lightly stamped sheet music in the background.

 

4.  Wrap:  The scarf is wrapped around Frosty's neck, plus the silver cord is wrapped between 2 eyelets.

 

This was my 97th Craft Roulette submit.  It seems like my style is going more towards simple, and that's perfectly ok for me....  I've had more sad news land my direction this week, and it just felt good to not overthink this card and use a stamp set that I hadn't inked up yet.  I lost my Craft Roulette pen pal a couple weeks ago, and just learned about it on Saturday.  I knew something was up since I hadn't heard from her for at least a month, after a couple year friendship of sharing Craft Roulette ideas weekly.  This makes my heart very very sad...  RIP Janet, your friendship meant a lot to me.  I truly will and have missed our Friday night and weekly messages back and forth.  There definitely is a hole in my heart, I honestly don't know how many more holes my heart can take.  It's been a very sad year....  

 

I used In the Meadow  stamp kit from Unity Stamps.  Unity is having a pretty good sale going on right now, FYI...  I am not affiliated, just a happy customer, who adores their line.  I can attest for the quality product and service, and an all around fun company to design with!

 

Well...I have 3 more to go until I hit that magic 100 mark!  Til next week...  I've got a couple busy weeks ahead of me in the chocolate.  So...I may miss a week or 2, my goal is to reach 100 by the new year!

 

Til next time! 

 

 

Cat and Mouse!

 You won't be able to live without the incredibly fun new release  Cat and Mouse from Kindred Stamps!  I created 3 different projects and already have recipients in mind.

 

 

My first card, I created my own background of mice paper stamping multiples of "Mouse" and found a (random) cheese wedge (die) to include random chunks of cheddar to my card.  There is something about stamping randomly an image, then sentiment, then a little filler too, to make a background.  I like to do this often, and Kindred has the perfect stamps to do this!

 

My plan is to mail one of these cards to a couple (different) loved ones who like I, has suffered a significant loss this year, and may be finding the holidays hard to get through.  I know both recipients LOVE the famous Cougar Gold cheese manufactured at the legendary creamery Ferdinand's, that is found on the campus of my alma mater "GO COUGS" (IYKYK) (I just had to...).  "Have A Mice Day" with a tin of goodness, will definitely be the plan to let the households I'm mailing these to know, I am thinking of them.  I myself, take things day by day as I struggle with the grieving process too.

 

 I'll save the Thank You one for another need, but the other 2 are going to the 2 different households, each with a tin of that famous Washington cheese!  GO COUGS!  

 

My next card ... I had this in mind for a possible upcoming Valentine need, or fun card to give to your soulmate, for no reason at all... it's always nice to get those affirmations.

 

 I made my own floor here...  I ink blended first, then with a ruler hand drew the lines in.  I slightly angled them out, but didn't fret over perfection with the increase in angle degrees.  I originally thought I might need to, but, didn't want to fuss with the math, and in the end, it really didn't matter.  :)

 

My last card ... is perfect for a friend.  We all come from different backgrounds, with unique experiences, in different shapes and sizes too....  I personally, love the diversity of friendships I've made over the years.  I'm very spoiled in the fact that in my business, I do correspond with customers on the daily from all over the states...it's always kept me open minded about most topics, when I hear of each person's unique perspectives on things.  A customer living in a rural community in the middle of less population, will definitely view things much different than one that lives in the heart of a major city... it's important to know what makes each us all tick... and I have been blessed with close relationships with many of my customers...so, if any of those customers ever venture on to my trudiostudio blog...you know who you are!!!  I'm saying hi to cities right now... La Jolla, Palm Coast, Sheridan, Leonard (hugs), Phoenix, etc...  I consider all of you some of my closest chocolate customer family, and I can very much guarantee each and every one of us have very different lifestyles, backgrounds, etc....  :)  And you know what...  no matter what ... I GOTCHA!  I really do, I've gotcha taken care of!  :)  (chocolate emergencies and all!)

 

 Other kindred supplies included:

 

Card Basics Die (I use this almost every time I create...best ever)

 

Cat and Mouse is available this Friday, November 21 at 8:00 am Pacific Time...along with other fun New Release sets that YOU WON'T WANT BE WITHOUT!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleopatra & her CATS!

I've been hoping for the color parameters "Ancient" to pop up to use this set, but "Sophisticated" and element "House Pets" were spun on the wheel this week...so, my mind went to Egypt.  I won't lie, the last 2 weeks of parameters seemed pretty effortless to come up with something, and I'm getting faster and faster at it.....either I'm less complicated than my usual style, or I'm not fussing about things, and just taking the plunge with my direction.  I rarely have to throw away something that I didn't like, and not too often do I cut into paper I wish I hadn't, I think I'm trusting my instincts.  IF I were to redo this card, yes, there are definite changes I'd make...but, what I'm loving about this challenge, is the fact I'm able to move on and not get stuck on one card.  It really is fun on the spur of the moment picking out my stamp and card stock choices.  I couldn't resist the sphynx kitties as house pets.  They really do look like wrinkle cats!

I have a busy plate this week, so I'm going to be brief here...

Parameters:

1.  Card of Encouragement (It qualified, I googled, Happy Birthday is an encouraging sentiment)

2.  Sophisticated colors:  GOLD gold and more gold...plus some velvet dark blue

3.  House pets element:  SPHYNX kitties!!!!  :)

4.  Thread or twine random:  I used a metallic thread to add to my sentiment and pennant banners.

Stamp Set if from Scrappy Boy Stamps who has  GIANT sale going on starting the 21st.  Now is the time to load up...  I am not affiliated, just a super fan.... love love love the line!

Trudi
 

Packed Full of Memories

 It's funny how a card evolves...how it starts out with one thing in mind, and it ends up not only different, but may spark other ideas that you never would have thought of otherwise.  Last night's Craft Roulette.  Episode #291 resulted in 4 unique parameters that initially I thought might be a bit of a creative challenge to work with, but, once I buckled down, it actually fell into place.  I'll address and justify this card and how I applied the 4 parameters.  I'll also explain the twists to it, and how one parameter started out one way, and interestingly resulted in something else.....

The Parameters and MY interpretation:
 

1.  Postcard Project:  First, I'll start out by saying, I'm thrilled to have a massive collection of stamps, card stock, designer paper, embellishments, etc.  I always felt, the more you have to play with, the more options you can do...and along the years, I have managed to accumulate through purchases, gifts, yard sell acquisitions, club subscriptions, etc...enough of all of the above:  (stamps, card stock, designer paper, embellishments, etc.) to open a small retail store.  I'm not disappointed with having it all, it's funny how way back when, I would never have imagined one day, I could refer to my craft studio as my craft playground....  and that is exactly what it is... my playground!  I'm now close to 100 entries to this really cool and fun weekly challenge, and each week, I am as excited to learn what my criteria will be...so...  I went straight for the stamp that I own that is a POST CARD stamp.  It may be a little covered up with my holly leaves here, but...clearly, I hit the first parameter with ease....

 2.  Easter Basket Colors:  Each week, as a Craft Roulette member...we get the opportunity to "veto" one of 4 randomly selected options per parameter...  When "Easter Basket" colors pop up...I veto that one, because I just don't feel the Easter vibe right now, and it's not doing it for me.  So, last night, when it popped up...I got to thinking...really, any color would work.  I was going to go "chocolate" brown, because of the traditional chocolate bunny found in an Easter basket.  I thought orange too, for the jelly belly carrots that my business makes/packages every year, and sells commercially.  The more I thought about it, the more colors came to mind...as my company has a huge presence of Easter novelties each Spring, so getting hung up on that parameter started to actually spark some interest.  The Post Card image, with the "brown" vibe was starting to feel vintage to me...  and I started thinking Victorian Easter...so, my colors were starting to sink in....  I found a couple of pictures online for inspo:

 

3.  Pack(s)(ing) Element:  This one was the one...I thought I had nailed it.  I was hung up on that Victorian vibe, and pulled out a stamp kit I had acquired along the way from a previous Unity Stamp Membership offering.  I'm fairly confident the kit has since retired, but perusing through the massive options through Unity Stamps there are other options that may work as well.  So, I googled PACK...I honestly don't remember why I googled "pack of holly", but it was showing up, with descriptions; as where to buy a "pack of holly".  Last night, it made total sense, today...not so much.  I see a pack of holly leaves as a craft store purchase, I don't think there is such a thing as a pack of holly in nature.  So, I kept trying to justify why I chose that...yikes.  Then it dawned on me:  I have PACKED this card full of holly leaves.  There you go...hahaha  But that doesn't explain the twist....it took the 4th parameter for me to really justify the PACKED element.... I'll explain after I explain the 4th criteria to finish up this card.

 

4.  Shiny Random:  Easy peasy.  The little gemstones are shiny...and obvious.  But, I wasn't quite done yet.  When I looked and looked and looked at this card...and only after finding the sentiment I chose...I was getting a memory ... a very fond memory ... of years ago.  And this is where I get teary.  So much has happened in my family over the last few years, a lot of really hard stuff, that unlocking memories of childhood, where things were easy and carefree gave me a sense of happy vibes... the past PACKED full of memories, as a timeless treasure, will ALWAYS be there.  The memory?  So, every year, during Christmas time.... my Mom would get out the box of little 3D card stock made houses.  Each little house was decorated with glitter, snowy rooftops, and a little dark green tree...  They were in a variety of PASTEL colors, some similar to my card, and embellished with shiny bead type trim, etc., (who knew I'd be recollecting these houses towards the end of my card design)...  I was loving this memory...how excited my sister and I, "the little girls" were to place these in the windowsill every year....  the glittery house memory lead me to grab my "wink of stella" glitter pen and start glittering up  my sage leaves....but I still wasn't satisfied...I needed that forest green tree vibe...so, I added the forest green holly leaves.

 

So WOW ... this card may mean more to me, than satisfying the parameters of episode #291.  And the little card stock Christmas houses has nothing to do with the parameters at all...but...the memories that are packed safely away in my heart, even though they are being a bit guarded ... they are still there, and I am seeing a little sparkle of hope that they will come to the surface more often.  I wouldn't doubt it if somewhere, we have that box stashed.  I'm sure they are not in any condition to put in the windowsill...  I wish when my kiddos were littles, I would have had little houses to put out...I know they can be made, I see the elements in the stores...I even know you can buy the little trees in a 12 PACK, lol.  So there you go...ALL PARAMETERS are doable, even if you have to justify after the matter.  :)

 

Till the next time!  I have a couple of VERY BUSY weeks ahead, we may be landing not one but TWO very large orders, one actually for an aerospace company...wouldn't that be coolio!?  I see my style has evolved to a little more easy/simple, and that's ok too.  I wouldn't be able to play during the holidays otherwise, as soon, very soon...I'll be living in the chocolate factory for awhile!  Gotta get all those chocolate orders done, just thankful we are still thriving after close to FORTY years!  

 

UPDATE TO MY POST!!!!!  UPDATE  

 

If you have read this far...I did some sleuthing.  The houses I was thinking of....  are PUTZ HOUSES! 

My card inspired me to recollect the memories of these precious little houses!

 

 

 

Have a nice week!