Family Christmas Card 1

Okay...let's be honest here.  I've made so many Christmas cards this year that I'm really tired of making Christmas cards.  I think I started in August!  And, because sending a spiritual card is extremely important to me, it has to be "the right card".  Plus, I've given almost all of the cards I made away -- not the smartest move, you know?  So, when Thom casually asked me (read "with intent!") if we were going to SEND cards this year, I knew I had better kick it into high gear.  So, after I did some laundry, straightened my house, and every other possible chore I could think of to put off the inevitable, I finally moved to the stamping studio last night.  Here is the result:

If you have an 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog, check page 175 for the Holiday Photo Card Kit.  I had to order this kit because I wanted to see how well it was done -- AND IT WAS DONE WELL!  I loved it, but don't send photos at the holiday.  And because I didn't really show it other than to "show" it and tell people what it was (MY BAD!), no one really warmed up to it.  I needed cards and I needed them fast.  In my impaired state (which is sooooooo much better!), I wanted to pump out some serious cards quickly.  And, using this card kit, that is what I did.

I used the base card of Kraft with a Chocolate Chip polka dot bottom.  I pulled out my Christ is Born stamp set and stamped the words in Real Red on Very Vanilla cardstock and mounted this with dimensionals onto Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I loved the die cut that came in this kit, so I pulled this off the sheets and mounted it over my image, using dimensionals to pop it up a bit more.  And yes, I'm well aware this card will cost me extra to send, but for the result, it is well worth the extra 20 cents in postage!  I wrapped an Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon around the card and tied a bow (I almost never use a real bow...but it is Christmas!) and adhered this underneath the bow with a small glue dot to ensure it stays in place.  I also used a small glue dot under the ribbon under the stem of the die cut to anchor this ribbon further.  I really wanted something more on this card, but Thom was pleased with it as it was and said something a few other people have been telling me as I "stamp simple" this last month -- less is sometimes more.  I did concede to myself though and covered this card with shimmer spray (rubbing alcohol and Champagne Mist shimmer paint mixture) and it is truly gorgeous and simple in real life.  (Yep, I know you're thinking that's what we all say!)

Here's the inside of the card:

I used the poinsettia image to stamp inside the card because I wanted to jazz up the Kraft cardstock a bit.  I randomly stamped the image in Sahara Sand and then stamped the Bible verse in Chocolate Chip. "Merry Christmas" from Christmas Greetings is stamped in Real Red ink to give the inside of this card some color.

I've got a piece that I will include with some verbiage I fell in love with about why Jesus is better than Santa which I will be typing and copying at work today (there are advantages to sleeping with your boss!).  I was happy that I decided to use this card base since I will be inserting a full sheet of paper folded -- the 5 x 7 size (which I don't use often) is perfect for the enclosure!

And overall, I'm happy to put my stamp on this card.  Hope you are not succumbing to the craziness of this hectic season and have it well under control.  I'm off to work so I can come home and make some more cards!

A bit of good news -- Stampin' Up! has decided to include the shimmer paints as a write-in item for the remainder of the year!  So if you love the shimmer paints, no need to stockpile -- you can order them anytime!

Enjoy your day and may God richly bless you!  Remember to praise Him for all the good things in your life and even the not so good things through which we learn many of life's toughest lessons. 

Comments

[Selene Kempton]

I just love this stamp set! What a stunning creation!