Friday 29 June 2012

Shabby Chic Christmas Card

Hi Everyone,

Spurred on by wanting to join in this month's Rudolph Day over at Sandra's I finally got down to some crafting.


I didn't really have much of a plan before I started on this card - just Christmas and shabby chic with some distress ink somewhere. However, I did use the red gardenia as my starting point.  Originally intended for another project, I'd edged the petals with silver embossing powder ... well, it seemed a good idea at the time but then it just didn't work ... so in the end decided it wasn't suitable ... happens to me all the time :)

Anyway, I really wanted to make use of it so searched through the paper stacks and found what I was looking for - red and gold polka dots. This and the coordinating paper suggested a Kraft card base and I found the gold card used for the mat in the snippet drawer.

After that the design came together pretty quickly ... except that tying the bow in the seam binding was a nightmare, no matter what I did, it refused to sit pretty.



Materials used:
Kraft notecard for baseGold cardstock for matting
DPs from the Memory Box Spiceberry 6x6 collection
Stamps - the edging stamp (stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa) comes from a Buttons, Stitches and Zips set - I've forgotten who produced this set - and the snowflake and greeting are from a Basic Grey Value set - no name but there is this identification code - sta-2323 on the packaging
Barely seen but nevertheless there is a bauble die-cut under the gardenia - it was white but it's been inked with TH DI in Pumice Stone - currently my go-to colour of choice - and Fired Brick 
The gardenia, tiny roses and ivy leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts
Everything else, lace trim, ribbon, pearls, gems, black beading trim all from stash


I started off by saying I wanted to make a card for Sandra's Rudolph Day Challenge ... well, I didn't check the requirements and have just been completely thrown ... she wants 6 of the same - SIX ... that'll teach me to check first!

Never mind, next month I'll do better :)

Fortunately, I can still submit it to the following:

Hazel's Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge 78 - let's get inky - the ink is not immediately visible but I assure you it is there - I have the inky fingers to prove it :)

and

Pixie's Crafty Snippets Challenge - 26 - just the gold cardstock used for matting is a snippet Di, but it is still one bit less to store in the snippet drawer :)

And that, as they say, it that! It's late and I'm desperately in need of some shut-eye so I'm off to bed just as soon as I've linked with the two challenges.

However, before I do, I just wanted to say that I've heard about the storms down in the southern parts of England and I do hope those of you who live in that region have escaped the worst of the damage that seems to have been done. What a disaster this summer is turning out to be!

Crafty hugs to you all,



17 comments:

Angie said...

That is a gorgeous xmas card ...very special. xx

Di said...

Fabulous card Elizabeth - and a shed load of work went into it for sure. Yup, six cards was a tough one for Rudolph Day :(

No storms here as yet, but I gather some places have been really hit badly.

'Night, I'm off to bed too!

Di xx

debby4000 said...

Oh this is gorgeous Christmas card Elizabeth.
luv
Debby

Hazel said...

Love the shabby chic look - gorgeous card. Thanks for getting inky for my CHNC challenge 78 - hope to see you again soon. (and I like the new profile photo) x

Marie-Louise said...

Really lovely Elizabeth - the backing papers you have used are very pretty.

Sarn said...

Well it's a BEAUTIFUL Christmas card Elizabeth.

If you still feel inclined to enter the Rudolph Day challenge . . . the cards don't have to be identical . . . so all you need is another 5 simpler ones!

You have until Monday evening to join in if you wish.

Hugs
Sarnxxx

Di said...

LOVE the new profile photo Elizabeth, that's more like our gal :) Di xx

Rita said...

To follow on from Di, your photo is lovely, much more like yourself. Beautiful card Elizabeth. I will be in touch soon. Hugs Rita xxx

akilli melek said...

I've just discovered seam binding. it looks fab when you ink it or distress it. I can colour coordinate with my projects now without having to hunt for different colour ribbon.
Your bow looks just fine to me
caroline

Sandra H said...

Elizabeth Your card is beautiful and l see you have put lots of detail into it and the result is stunning:)x

coops said...

wow this is gorgeous elizabeth.fabulous colours and design and i love your flowers ;D

xx coops xx

Unknown said...

Elizabeth this is lovely well done Hugs Elaine

Maria Matter said...

gorgeous Elizabeth!! love your flowers!
hugs & blessings!

Amanda said...

Simply stunning, love that flower. Hugs, Amanda x

Jackie said...

A wonderful card Elizabeth, so beautiful :o)
Jackie xx

Jules said...

Hi Elizabeth

Yep Rudolph day is a "real" challenge this month.

Not sure if I will make it or not :-(

Your card is gorgeous .. .. loving the ribbon and pearls!

Great new profile picture too.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Love Jules xx

Hettie said...

Lovely card there Elizabeth. Alot of work there but worth it!