Lately I've begun "collecting" 6x6 pads of DSP. Their graphics are sized smaller so they work well with cards. Many of them have lovely images that don't need much embellishing, like the one I used on my card today.
This week's theme at Merry Monday Challenges is right up my alley. I just had to participate.
For the past couple of weeks I haven't been able to play along with the challenges at Merry Monday, but I made this card after I finished my first card.
It feels good knowing I am building my stash of Christmas cards. I used some retired Holly Berry DSP from my stash for this card.
Don't you just love the week after Christmas? We keep our tree and decorations up until after New Years. I love enjoying the glow of Christmas without the rush and stress. Everyone enjoys playing with their new toys, including me. Over the past 4 days I've made a dozen cards and begun a new lap quilt. When I'm not creating I'm on my new computer learning the ins and outs of Windows 8 and trying to find all my favorite sketch challenges.
My first card was a mixture of two challenges and 2 new (to me) products. As soon as I saw the sketch challenge for CAS(E) this sketch I knew I what I wanted to do. All I needed was the time to do it!
My thought was to use a "thank you" sentiment, score lines under the sentiment. Then I wanted to add some branches or leaves using my new metal sheets from Add A Little Dazzle. I decided to check out the Dazzling Diva challenge and found it would fit perfectly with the card I had in mind to create.
Isn't that photo lovely? Monica and her Divas always have the prettiest photos to inspire us. Monica has put out a call for a new design team member. I've been thinking it over and decided I should use some of her products before deciding if I want to take the plunge and apply. :)
My verdict? I love these metal sheets. They are thin and easy to punch. They are shiny and catch the light. I've made 2 more cards using her sheets and I love them! (No, she isn't paying me to say that. :) To finish off the card I added some trendy sequins and my favorite silver ribbon. It's hard to see in the picture, but the mat is a glittery gray and silver striped paper from DCWV. Oooohhh, I had some fun playing with my new non-SU "toys".
The inspiration didn't stop there. I had to make another card using all SU products. See how versatile I am? :)
This time I used the Million & One stamp set, punched 3 branches out of green cardstock and tied the sprigs with some linen thread. Instead of a glittery mat I went with Crumb Cake cardstock. It's still a very elegant look. You can't tell in the picture, but the branches are also sponged to add a bit of "texture" that makes a big difference IRL.
Here are my questions to you:
What do you like to do the week after Christmas?
Which card do you like better?
Should I try to join the Dazzling Divas design team?
There's something magical about Christmas, isn't there? Every year we remind our children of why we give gifts on Christmas. We tell them that Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all so we give to others on His birthday to honor Him. That's why I love this stamp set so very much.
Such a special card deserved some special treatment. :) For my background I masked and sponged in crumb cake ink. My star was cut by hand and I added dimensionals to pop it over baby Jesus. Speaking of baby Jesus, He was stamped in Midnight Muse onto Very Vanilla, then cut out with SU Circle Framelits. Next I layered him on a scallop circle I cut out of Midnight Muse cardstock using my Spellbinders Nestabilities Lacey Circles die.
That beautiful script sentiment comes from my new favorite stamp company. (new to me, that is) Seasonal Flourish by Waltzing Mouse Stamps. (WMS) They have super fast shipping and lovely scrolling script. You will be seeing more of them on my cards soon.
In other news, my old laptop is just about dead. It runs super slow and really hot. That's why I haven't been able to edit videos. My dear husband bought me a new computer for Christmas, which I am trying to learn. It doesn't have Photoshop yet, but it will soon. I'm so excited! Last night I found the movie maker program and I am almost back in business! Here is a quick video I shot for you today with some sneak peeks. ;)
I'm linking up to CAS on Sunday Challenge. The theme is Christmas. I think every card I'm going to show you this week will be Christmas and most will be CAS to get them done fast so they can be mailed out before Christmas. ;)
Card Recipe:Christmas (SU), Seasonal Flourish (WMS)
Paper/Ink: Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla
Accesories: Circle Framelits, Lacey Circles (Spellbinders Nestabilities)
P.S. Don't miss out on the Clearance Rack Blitz going on now! So many wonderful items, but they won't last long. I suggest getting the Jewelry Tag Punch if you don't already have it. It's a favorite of mine that I won't be letting go of any time soon.
Being creative has been such a blessing in my life that I want to share it with others. On my blog you will find cards, scrapbooks, quilts and a bit of my family life mixed in.
