Friday 7 January 2011

Week 1 Christmas Card & Clarity Stamp Card

Hi Everyone,


Yes, another Christmas card. I resolved to make one a week over 2011 so this is the first of many. However, it is a Christmas card with a difference - the trim is recycled.


The holly border and the strip of gold embossed card underneath it are from cards sent to us this year. I've always thought it is such a pity that when the occasion (whether it be Christmas, birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine, etc.) is over we either put the cards away never to be seen again or, worse still, bin them. I have given some to charity in the past but I keep most because I can't bear to part with them. So I thought this year I would do my bit to save the planet and recycle. This week, instead of just watching TV, I've been multi-tasking by gutting cards at the same time and saving the best bits to use on other cards where I think appropriate, as I have on this one.


Materials used:
  • white scalloped base card
  • Christmas tree embossing folder
  • Versamark & Perfect Pearls in Forever Green
  • recycled holly leaf border & gold embossed border strip
  • adhesive tape & fine gold glitter
  • sentiment stamp
  • Adirondack Cranberry ink pad
  • red & yellow gems
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Week 1
Snoflakes Christmas Card Challenge Week 1 at Docrafts
Recycled Card Challenge also at Docrafts
In my last post I mentioned that I was following one of Barbara Grey's tutorials for a Thank You card using a corner stamp and with window insert but that I'd messed it up on my first attempt. Well, I tried again and here is the resultant card.



Insert showing window

Insert showing detail inside window

The outer 'sleeve' or front of the card

Materials used:
  • Clarity Stamp corner stamp
  • Big & Juicy Mountain Meadow ink pad
  • white card for window insert
  • tan coloured card for card sleeve
  • topper from stash
I'm quite pleased with the end result this time and think I could now replicate the style but put my own 'stamp' (pardon the pun!) on it and use different colour combinations.

The postman delivered a couple of seriously delayed packages today - I shall be so pleased when the post gets back to normal - and I will reveal the contents tomorrow when I've taken the photographs.

In the meantime I'm off to do something about dinner and then plan to sneak back here for a quick crafting session before the new gardening programme, Life in The Cottage Garden with Carol Klein, starts on BBC 2 at 8pm tonight.

Bye for now,
Elizabeth

6 comments:

Hazeyj said...

Two very different but lovely cards Elizabeth. I could not bear to look at a Christmas image so soon so I admire your resolve - I too have recycled for next year though. Hazel x

Hazel said...

What a beautiful card - I love the tree and that recycled bit goes so well with it (watch this space - I think you might like the new challenge tomorrow!). Thanks for joining in the first challenge on my Christmas challenge blog. (Thanks for your comment - I've deleted the entry with your photo - although it was nice to see you). x

Jackie said...

Beautiful pair of cards. I hope you keep your momentum on the Christmas cards :o)
Jackie xx

Christa said...

Hi Elizabeth , that is a good start of 2011....your first christmascard ! And a beautifull one ! And good for you that you recycle....we all should do that. I never throw away the selfmade cards ; I keep them in a box. Sometimes I look at them for inspiration. The second card is allso lovely. And great idea : a look through. Have a nice weekend ! Love from Holland , Christa.

coops said...

gorgeous card elizabeth.i love the detail you have added to the embossing on your 1st card and fantastic shape on your 2nd card :D

xx coops xx

Carrie said...

Lovely Christmas card Elizabeth, thank you for sharing it with us xxx