Best of Christmas | The Maui Stamper

Sometimes the list of projects I “have” to do gets out of control and I rebel. (I KNOW. You’re shocked.) Last night I decided to make some simple tags just because:

These aren’t to show off any special technique or demonstrate my skill as a colorist (snort) or win a Pinterest popularity award. They were a project I did to relax during a busy time of year, doing something I really enjoy. (Although there might be a preview of a new punch coming in the Occasions catalog here – take a second look at the top of the tags.)

I pulled out anything that had Christmas images or messages and punched out a handful of tags and just stamped. It reminded me of when I started stamping, of how thrilled I would be to make something myself.

This one took a little bit longer because I punched out the sentiment. Honestly, I wasn’t going for anything here except my own pleasure in the process. There might have been a teeny tiny bit of rebellion still going on, since I pulled out my (retired) Color Spritzer tool to add a little texture to this tag. Last time I looked, it was still on the Clearance Rack.

When was the last time you made something Just Because? I know you don’t have time. I didn’t either – until I did it, and realized how much I needed to spend that time on myself.

Before I go, I want to share one of my many nativity scenes:

Mr. Maui Stamper brought this home to me just before we moved to Maui nearly 24 years ago. I was pregnant, Christmas was coming, and he had a business trip to Maui – without me. The figures are wood, but the base is coconut husk. The infant is big in proportion to Joseph and Mary (poor Mary!), and don’t miss the dove at the feet of the angel. The little sheep are so round they almost look like pigs, and of course there has to be a coconut palm! This little Nativity has a special place in my heart. I hope you enjoy it, too.

Welcome to the RemARKable 25th Anniversary Best of Blog Tour – hard to believe we’re near the end of these great sets!

The soft color palette in this card provides contrast with the traditional manger scene. It was simple and quite enjoyable to color the vignette with Stampin’ Write markers – I actually did quite a few of these for a craft fair later this month.

I’ve learned to give myself permission to be a little messy with my coloring. That’s a big step for this perfectionist!

All the images in this set are perfectly sized for 3 x 3 gift enclosure cards, but I think this manger works especially well:

Almost the same, and just as easy to do!

Here’s another very traditional holiday image, this time in very traditional colors.

Again, this is a card you could produce very easily as the coloring is simple and then it’s just punch, punch, snip, snip, stamp, tie a knot and send!

I recommend you use the fine point of the Stampin’ Write markers to color the Holly leaves and berries first, then fill in Santa’s cap. I used an Aquapainter with a little Blushing Bride ink for Santa’s face.

Best of December #134384 $14.95

Don’t forget that when you have ordered 6 of these stamp sets, you can send in the little “25” images to receive a free set valued at no more than $14.95.

It’s time to see what Andi Potler has created at http://www.absolutekreations.com! We hope you’ve enjoyed these projects as much as we have!

Here’s the entire lineup for your blog-hopping pleasure!