It's a beautiful blue Christmas...

One of my utmost favorite things about working on custom Christmas cards for my friends and family (or commissioned work) is that I know that each card is one of a kind - even if I'm working on templated Christmas cards, they all come out just a little bit different. The other favorite part? Knowing favorite colors and favorite patterns and being able to tailor the card to each recipient.

The recipient of this card is a huge fan of blue, and blue is one of my favorite colors to work with for Christmas be it cardmaking or decorating. That reminds me it's time to talk my awesome hubby into hanging the Xmas lights this weekend.

Inspiration: Amy of Amy's Paper Crafts - http://amyoneillblog.com/2014/08/16/an-eclectic-mix-with-gesso/ courtesy of PInterest.

I replaced the layered butterflies with layered snowflakes and went to town with the sparkles. I may not have had the frilled ribbon but the bronze shimmer trim seems to fit better in with this card. I can't resist digging through my mystery box of embellishments from catalogs gone by to find the perfect finish to any card.

I brought both patterns inside and had to use the prancing reindeer from the same set as the sleigh on the outside. With a sprinkling of snowflakes, the card was complete. I almost don't want to give this one away but I know it's going to a fantastic home... after all, she and I have been friends through thick and thin for almost 20 years.

CTMH:
* I Believe (retired)
* Merry and Bright (retired)
* Frosted Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
* Blue and Green Epoxy Adhesive Bubbles
* Bronze Shimmer Trim
* Sparkle Assortment (retired)
* Crystal Blue Ink
* Indian Corn Blue Ink
* Saddle Ink

I'm glad that it's been a little warmer these days but I am sad to hear that Christmas this year may not have any new fallen snow!

Kicking off 2013 with my very first tutorial

Happy New Year! What better to start off the new year than with my very first tutorial? However, I'm still not happy with the quality of photos that turned out from my camera so any tips from any of you veterans would be greatly appreciated.

The new catalogue will be revealed Feb 2013, but it has just arrived and there's a lot of cool new things in there! 

Recently I saw this tutorial: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/gift_card_holder/  but there were two things that made me wonder.

a) Where would I find coin envelopes? I have never seen them around here...
b) When I watched the corresponding video it actually wasn't the same as the tutorial posted - the flap she used to "close" the holder turned into a circle and she used "snaps" from Stamping Up to close her holder. But this sparked a new idea... why don't I just use it as a base and fiddle until mine worked out (with Close to My Heart materials?)

Here we go!

1. Cut a strip of 2 3/4" x 11" patterned cardstock. Score at 2 3/4", 3", 6 5/16", and 7 1/16" spots.

in this project, I've used Wonderland Level 2 Paper Packet (retired)

2. Fold at each score to create a "matchbook" style cover

3. Cut a strip of cream, white or contrasting 2 1/2" x 7" solid cardstock and score at 3 1/2". Fold to create a pocket. 
4. Using a 1 1/4" circle punch, punch a half circle at the top of the pocket. Secure using two brads, but be careful not to make the opening too small (I usually put the gift card in and then punch the holes for the brads. Stamp a pretty pattern on the top part of the pouch.

5. Tie a ribbon bowtie around the middle of the pocket so the cards stay in there.  Distress the edges if you'd like (this is optional) and then attach to the inside of your cover.

 Ribbon thrifting - this one was from Sunterra :)

6.  Cut a rectangular piece of 2 3/16" x 3 1/2" of contrasting solid cardstock and 3 5/16" x 2" of cream or white cardstock. Adhere the cream cardstock on top of the solid cardstock.
7. Stamp your sentiment, an image, and add a 1 1/4" semicircle to the edge to make it easy to pull out.

8. Punch a 2" scalloped circle out of the same patterned cardstock but use the other side, and a 1 1/4" cream circle. Adhere the cream circle to the scalloped circle. Stamp your sentiment on the circle (I used Perfect Fit from the CTMH Winter 2012/2013 catalogue).

9. Using foam tape, adhere the bottom half of your scalloped circle to the bottom flap of your gift card holder. The top half will be loose so that the top flap of the gift card holder can tuck under the scalloped circle. (or, you can buy Hook and Loop dots from CTMH to adhere the flap to the rest of the holder).

10. Add a ribbon, and you're done!

Another fancy giftholder for this year. :)

Michaels, etc:
* Ribbon
* Solid colored cardstock
* Star brads

CTMH:
* Wonderland Level 2 Paper Pack (retired)
* Pear and Partridge Level 2 Paper Pack
* Scallop circle punch
* Circle punch
* Blue and Green Sparkles
* Merry and Bright
* Perfect Fit - Holidays
* Outdoor Denim
* Barn Red
* Ponderosa Pine
* Key Lime
* Indian Corn Blue embossing powder

May the new year bring you everything you wish for,