My studio is pretty much all covered in a sprinkling of glitter and I look like the sugar plum fairy as I make more cards for Christmas. Lots of my relatives and non-crafting friends seem to think I am some kind of martyr making all my own cards but it is one of the things I love to do in December. Suddenly you 'need' loads of cards and you can bring out all those seasonal and special tools and stamps. It is part of my preparations and as much fun as decorating the tree or planning the Christmas lunch. Giving each friend a personal design is part of the gift of this season. Rather than being a chore it makes "doing my Christmas cards" into a moment when I can think about all the people I know and have perhaps not managed to spend time with in the year. I think the time spent on making each card is always appreciated by people and makes them feel considered and important - not a chore on your Christmas list.
I tried to come up with Christmas blends but then just gave in to red all the way. It is fun to use all the different reds to layer the stencils and background stamping. I have a blend of Festive Berries, Aged Mahogany, Barn Door, Worn Lipstick, Fired brick and a little Ripe Persimmon. Ive used Geranium red and Sienna archival ink to stamp the background.
I made a few red cards with these two stamps the Russian doll is from Lynne Perrella 016 and the Santa is an old Graphic 45 stamp from twas the night before Christmas set. I was able to use all my latest new Tim Holtz stencils and make each card different with the same basic materials. All of them are mounted into kraft card bases.
This is definitely my favourite Christmas cards to make this year, and I got in some gold glitter too.
Hope you are enjoying your own Christmas preparation, thanks for spending a little time here Im sure you are all busy this fortnight.
Im linking these warm coloured cards at
Sadly the last Challenge over at Stamps and Stencils It's Got to be Christmas
Simon Says Stamp Warm Winter Wishes Monday Challenge
Simon Says Stamp Christmas Wednesday Challenge
That's Crafty Anything goes
Country view Crafts Christmas Challenge
stunning red background, love the effect :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards. The recipients will treasure these beauties with the wonderful background and the great stamping. Thanks for joining us for our last challenge at Stamps and Stencils.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Cec
They are gorgeous , such a beautiful red tone, and the stamps stands so fantastic on top. Also love the little gold glitter and words, in gold. Stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Dorthe
Wow, that vivid red is amazing, and works particularly well with the drama of the Lynne Perrella Russian doll figure, I think. And the golden gleam is gorgeous. Fabulous cards!
ReplyDeleteAlison x
Absolutely brilliant - the red and gold looks so fabulous! I adore it. Thanks for joining us at stamps and stencils! Hugs rachel x
ReplyDeleteJust popping back to say thanks for joining us at Countryview challenges and good luck! Hugs rachel x
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, Amanda, I'm so happy I scrolled back to catch these lovely cards! Your inking is just stunning; love that incredible depth you've created! And the touches of gold are the icing on the cake. Your thoughts on creating for friends and family is just as it should be, and blessed are those that are recipients of your wonderful and heartfelt warm wishes! And now it's time for a catch up! Sending hugs!
ReplyDelete