Layering in all it's beauty

I honestly do not know what to do with myself if I didn't have foam adhesive. Seriously. I use it on all my projects, and it feels like it gives that extra bit of dimension to the card. This one was no exception. Especially since I wanted the middle tree to stand out. So, with two layers of adhesive and some scissor work, I was good to go!

Today's Inspiration: Case Study #167 - Tasnim Ahmed

As you can see I had to use one of the newest embellishments that has come out of the Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 catalogue, which shows up also with the jewellery line. The silver accent with the word 'Love' is just perfect for a card like this. As for the background, it's an old CTMH paper pack that even I don't remember what the name was! As for the funky coloring on the trees, that is the rock-n-roll technique.

On the inside I used the present stamp with the ribbon swirls to decorate the bottom and the matching sentiment in Olive Ink.

Other:
* Solid Cardstock

CTMH:
* A Timber
* Card Chatter - Christmas
* Olive Ink
* Ponderosa Pine Ink
* Base and Bling Word Accents

It's gearing up to be a balmy week this week - but that's one thing about the weather here, it always changes just as you think it will never end!!

Tree's up..

.. and tomorrow is our annual Xmas potluck that we have for a few close friends we see a few times a year. I can't believe that December is flying by so fast.

Today's inspiration is from Mojo Monday : MOJO218. I absolutely adore their layouts.

 

It`s really easy to make your own card bases! A tip from Wishes is to simply take a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper, cut it in half to make two 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 pieces, and score straight down the middle. What's even better is that my local stationery store happens to sell matching sized envelopes; $12 for 100.

As you can see I couldn't resist using Liquid Applique to give my little inked Santa a bit more oomph on the front of the card, and dressed the card up with a bowtie and some little sparklies.

I always love matching up the colors on the inside of the card with the outside. I've also noticed a change in quality of the photos taken - in previous posts, they were done with a Canon point and shoot; these two photos were taken with a Canon Rebel XT aided with a Canon Speedlite 430 EX.

Michaels:
* Cardstock - "Primary"
* Rhinestones

CTMH:
* Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
* Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack
* Christmas Cheer
* Christmas Love
* A Timber
* Festive Thoughts
* Ponderosa Pine Ink
* Cranberry Ink
* Chocolate Ink

It smells like Christmas here,

Stitching on cards

In one of my previous orders I had purchased the awesome new ruler from CTMH. It has holes in it so first you pierce where the holes are, then you sew through them! How cool is that? So I thought I'd do that for this card.

The inspiration comes from Mojo Monday: MOJO 212.

Not only did I use the same floss for stitching, I also used it for the ribbon on the front. However, the threading is two strands and the cross ribbon is all six. The snowflake is from a set of Xmas buttons that I found at Michaels' while walking through. All their Xmas stuff is now out for sale.

The inside of the card was stamped with two shades of green and using the second generation stamping technique. After inking, stamp a good image on scrap paper, then without reinking stamp on your project again. Between that and the different shades of green, my second snowflake stood out really well.

Michaels:
* Cardstock from "Gems" set
* Cardstock from "Spice Market" set

CTMH:
* Snow Flurries
* Snow Flakes
* A Timber
* Holiday Cheer
* Bitty Rhinestones
* Olive Ink
* Cranberry Ink
* Honey Ink
* Piercing Kit
* Ruler

Happy Stamping,

Our memories keep us warm...

Sometimes I end up with a stamp set that I like, but have no idea how I want to use it. Snow Days in the latest catalogue was one of those. However, it ended up featuring on this latest card inspired by one of Got Sketch?'s Anniversary posts : Sketch 79.

As you can see, more of the cut out nissers I had featured once again on this card. I don't remember what colors I used to color the elf, but I wanted his little lightbulb string to stand out a little. So I added a little liquid glass to each little lightbulb. It's neat stuff but takes a little while to dry.

Here's a close up - look closely! - of the liquid glass on the lightbulbs. The red one by his right foot shows the liquid glass clearly. To raise him up I used foam squares, also available in a spool from CTMH.

Finally, to finish off the card I created the inside; using a touch of red to match the red cardstock on the front of the card. I find that flourishes from various sets really help give it a little oomph and a nice surprise when the recipient opens the card.

Michaels:
* Jewel Cardstock set
* Gems Cardstock set
* Ribbon
* Rhinestones

CTMH:
* A Timber
* Snow Days
* Merry Pursuits
* Snow Flurries
* Festive Thoughts
* Liquid Glass
* Desert Sand Ink
* Olive Ink
* Cranberry Ink