Thursday 30 June 2011

Yesterday a Lily, Today, Poinsettias - Week 26 Christmas Card

Evening All,

A huge welcome to my new follower, Chadsgirl510, sorry, couldn't find your real name. I hope you enjoy visiting this blog and feel free to comment on my posts - I really appreciate the feedback. Now onto this evening's card.


This card had me thinking  - yes, I know, not much of that going on usually but this card triggered the thought that we must all have design papers in our stash that we find difficult to use. This double-sided 12"x12" sheet was one such for me. The problem was that the big flower image, gorgeous as it is, covered about two-thirds of the surface so what to do with it. I couldn't cut it down to make several cards. I couldn't scrap on it - it would have been a tragedy to cover up the image with photos and embellishments. Periodically, I took it out, stroked it, admired it, then put it back in it's folder and on the shelf again. However, this weekend, during a visit to the garden centre, I found a pack of 8"x8" kraft card blanks - a card size I've not made up to now - and it was then I had a light bulb moment, this size of card would be just right base for my treasured DP.


After the card base, matting and layering card, and DP edges were distressed with a combination of  Fired Brick and Black Soot DIs, I stamped the Christmas Wonder stamp (this is fast becoming one of my favourite sentiments) to the left, where there was less of the pattern . . . on reflection I think I could have stamped a little higher.  For the flourish around the top and left edge I just inked up the handle on the Candle Holder image . . . stamped with both the first and the second 'generation' of ink to add more interest.


The flowers are from the reverse side of the paper, I just cut them out, inked the edges with Fired Brick and layered them up using glue gel. I gilded the centres of the flowers using a Zig 2 way glue pen, leaving the glue to become tacky and then adhering the gilding flakes to it and, finally, I sprayed them with Spray & Shine to give them a lovely gloss finish. Black gems were added in the corners for the finishing touch.


I've finished off the inside and the back with strips of the leftover DP, using the reverse side, edges brushed with the red DI. I'm not sure I would want to write on kraft card so I will probably add a rectangle of smooth white card inside for my message.

Materials:
Card: 1 x 8"x8" docrafts Papermania kraft card blank; 1 A4 sheet each Papermania textured card, dark red & smooth card in black for matting and layering 
Design Paper: 1 x 12"x12" sheet docrafts Papermania Poinsettia Duo patterned paper
Stamps: Claritystamps, Christmas Wonder (No.50) & Candle Holder (No.56)
Ink Pads: Archival Ink, Jet Black; Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Fired Brick & Black Soot
Other materials: Ink Dusters; Zig 2 Way Glue;Crafty Notions Gilding Flakes, Sunshine; Crafter's Companion Spray & Shine; black gems from stash

I'm submitting this card to the following:

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Week 26: Anything Goes
Deep Ocean Challenge Blog - Challenge #2: Flowers
Just For Fun - June's Fifth Week - Anything Goes
Hooked on Craft - Challenge #2 - Show us Your Flowers

So a card with a story and a question - how many of you, like me, have gorgeous paper tucked away in your stash simply because you can't bear to cut it up, or can't think what would be the best way to use it? I bet there is more than a few of you.

I look forward to hearing your precious paper stories.

Happy crafting,

15 comments:

Zoechaos said...

Wonderful, think we all have paper like this to beautiful to cover and to big to use. Your Christmas card is fabulous thank you for sharing it with us at Just for Fun XOXO Zoe

Dolly Daydreams said...

Hi Elizabeth so nice to see you here on just for fun I think this is actually the first time we have taken part in the same challenge ! I know what you mean about these images I do the same with some of mine. Yours is gorgeous a sterling job nd I bet it is glad to be out in the daylight and happy to be put to such good use.

Marie

Hazel said...

I love the way you've used the paper - I know what yoau mean about those paper that are diffiicult to. Use - thanks fior joining in myCHNC challenge 26 - hope to see you again soon x

Meggymay said...

Beautiful card, a super way to use the papers.

Neet said...

That is fabulous and a lesson for us all to take on board. Thanks!
I love that sentiment also - think I have it or something similar but in a different script.
Well, that's you started on the C cards - well done - and thanks for joining us at JFF - Hugs, Neet x

Mama Bear Stonich's Craft Blog said...

LOVE IT! I love Christmas anytime of the year! Thanks for mentioning me my name is Kristina (aka Mama Bear Stonich) keep up the amazing work

Von said...

Such a pretty card :) thank you for sharing it with us at Just For Fun
Von x

Jackie said...

A beautiful card, I agree about not covering such a beautiful paper :o)
Jackie xx

CraftygasheadZo said...

Lol, it's so funny as I too have this paper and have spent many a time stroking it and putting it away! You've inspired me to use it. Your card is beautiful. Love how you've used the design. Zo x

coops said...

stunning card elizabeth.the poinsettas are gorgeous and fab rich red colour :D
i`m the opposite with my papers, i can`t wait to chop into them :D

xx coops xx

Unknown said...

Love papers. It's inspiring to see Christmas already! ArtyCrafty's Debbie has been busy too with Festive Fun. I really need to get started...
It was you we met at the SECC wasn't it? - Maybe see you at the autumn one too.
I've passed on the Stinkin Cute award to you on the blog

Jaqi said...

very elegant card, its beautiful

Jackie said...

Your card is gorgeous :)

Carrie said...

EEEEKKKK.......Week 26 already!!!! That means we are half way to Christmas and I need to start making my lists! Love this card by the way....great colours and I love poinsettias.
Hugs
Carrie
xxx

Karen said...

Such a lovely card. Thanks for joining us at hookedoncraft challenges this week and hope you join us again.