A little bit of Christmas

I'm starting to think about Christmas cards - never too early, but if I don't start making them soon I'll be sending out shop bought ones and we can't have that!

This is one that is inspired by a card I saw on SplitCoastStampers some time back - it uses one of my favourite sets - Pocket Sillhouettes - and in a clever twist (cleverness courtesy of the talented lady on SCS, and if I can find a link to her card I will add it) it is turned into a Christmas card by stamping in Christmassy colours around in a circle to form a Wreath - I've used Old Olive, Garden Green, Real Red and Gold Embossing Powder. I've added a punched out circle, covered in our brand new red glitter (available in the new catalogue - due out 1st October), it's not really showing up in the photo but it's beautiful stuff, very intense colour, and a bit of Real Red 1/4" Gross Grain ribbon. The sentiment is from Basic Phrases and is embossed in White. The cardstock is Whisper White, Real Red and Chocolate Chip. I don't think this is quite how I want it yet but it's a good start!

Sticking with the boy theme....

This card only uses one stamp - from Circle of Friendship - the rest is paper cutting. The background is Bashful Blue ink sponged onto white cardstock and the water is a sizzix die with Dazzling Diamonds. The boat was inspired by a card my lovely upline Maggie did at Field Training) I used the 1 3/8th" circle punch for the boat and the white gel pen to add a little detail. I cut triangles for the sails the sun is made using another punch (non Stampin' Up) but I think it'd work even better with the scalloped circle punch, punched once, then stuck to a scrap of paper, place the punch over turn slightly and punch again - giving you a lovely sun burst. My 3 year old son loves this card too!

Err - okay, need to try a little harder....

It is very clear that this blogging malarky doesn't come naturally to me so I'm going to have to force myself to do better!

Over the next few days I'll post some pictures of cards that I have made in the last few months (I've made loads but I've only photographed a few).

Choo Choo - I love this set - and so does my 3 year old son! This one is made using Bashful Blue cardstock and ink, Whisper White Cardstock, blue gingham ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds and dimensionals to pop up the train. The sentiments are from Nursery Necessities. All Stampin' Up!