Oh my goodness, the ol' blog was getting dusty! I took some more classes this year and unlike last year, they were in-person. No more rolling out of bed at 7:30 to fire up the tablet for an 8:30 start. Now it was get up at 6:15am, actually get dressed like a human being, and run out to catch the bus like it was 2019 or something :-D
All this back and forth on top of work took up creative energy. It's important, especially at this busy time of year, to remember that there are several different kinds of rest. We might be getting plenty of sleep, but still remain tired. If that's the case, it's possible mental rest is required. And goodness knows, I took in too much screen time, oof.
I'll be sending out more New Year's cards than Christmas cards this year, even though I started early, I couldn't find the energy to keep the festive train going. Ah well! As a friend said, "The people who love you will understand and when your ready to send cards they will be happy to receive them." Aw! With that beautiful thought, here are the two designs which may show up in friends' mailboxes next year :-)
Tis the Season works on so many layers and works on many layers too! I started with a Crumbcake base and stamped, also in Crumbcake, using the big Birch background stamp. Layers of diecuts in Evening Evergreen and Early Espresso set the festive mood using Christmas Pinecone dies. A matching set of labels from Seasonal Labels and a sentiment from Christmas to Remember builds the scene. I don't know about you, but Christmas sentiments always get a free pass! Some gold foil paper scraps and the Deer Builder Punch brings the bling! There's a tiny dot for Rudolph's nose which is perfect for the extra highlights.
Now, the other card, Happy Christmas, is much simpler, but also eye-catching. I like to design cards for everyone to make--something for those who like a challenge or those new to cardmaking. I really hope maybe by 2023 an in-person stamp camp will be possible. Not only do I miss my crafty pals and stamping sisters, but I miss teaching. This card shows off embossing, sponging and die-cutting, three super essential cardmaking skills, IMHO! It's also super thrifty when it comes to cardstock. Simply cut and score a bunch of bases. Cut rectangles about 5x4" from aother colour (or DSP). Sponge the rectangle with your choice of ink--in this case, Night of Navy and some silver on Misty Moonlight cardstock--and run through an embossing folder with a slight textured background. I used the discontinued Subtle embossing folder, but Merry Melody or Bark would also work. Carefully rip one edge of the rectangle, just enough to make a fancy edge and leave room for a sentiment. Apply your favourite diecuts--it doesn't have to be snowflakes--and your flashy card is done!
Hopefully my next post won't be so long in-between--until then, have a safe, happy and festive Christmas and see you in the new year!
All this back and forth on top of work took up creative energy. It's important, especially at this busy time of year, to remember that there are several different kinds of rest. We might be getting plenty of sleep, but still remain tired. If that's the case, it's possible mental rest is required. And goodness knows, I took in too much screen time, oof.
I'll be sending out more New Year's cards than Christmas cards this year, even though I started early, I couldn't find the energy to keep the festive train going. Ah well! As a friend said, "The people who love you will understand and when your ready to send cards they will be happy to receive them." Aw! With that beautiful thought, here are the two designs which may show up in friends' mailboxes next year :-)
Tis the Season works on so many layers and works on many layers too! I started with a Crumbcake base and stamped, also in Crumbcake, using the big Birch background stamp. Layers of diecuts in Evening Evergreen and Early Espresso set the festive mood using Christmas Pinecone dies. A matching set of labels from Seasonal Labels and a sentiment from Christmas to Remember builds the scene. I don't know about you, but Christmas sentiments always get a free pass! Some gold foil paper scraps and the Deer Builder Punch brings the bling! There's a tiny dot for Rudolph's nose which is perfect for the extra highlights.
Now, the other card, Happy Christmas, is much simpler, but also eye-catching. I like to design cards for everyone to make--something for those who like a challenge or those new to cardmaking. I really hope maybe by 2023 an in-person stamp camp will be possible. Not only do I miss my crafty pals and stamping sisters, but I miss teaching. This card shows off embossing, sponging and die-cutting, three super essential cardmaking skills, IMHO! It's also super thrifty when it comes to cardstock. Simply cut and score a bunch of bases. Cut rectangles about 5x4" from aother colour (or DSP). Sponge the rectangle with your choice of ink--in this case, Night of Navy and some silver on Misty Moonlight cardstock--and run through an embossing folder with a slight textured background. I used the discontinued Subtle embossing folder, but Merry Melody or Bark would also work. Carefully rip one edge of the rectangle, just enough to make a fancy edge and leave room for a sentiment. Apply your favourite diecuts--it doesn't have to be snowflakes--and your flashy card is done!
Hopefully my next post won't be so long in-between--until then, have a safe, happy and festive Christmas and see you in the new year!
