Monday, January 12, 2015

First Christmas Card of 2015

I know, I know, most of us have only just recovered from Christmas 2014. Why would I want to make a Christmas card now? Several reasons, really... first, I feel like I need gloves on while I'm typing (yes, I am indoors), so the weather is fitting. Also, as it came down to crunch time last month, I started thinking, hmm, maybe those people who make Christmas cards all year long are onto something. Finally, the current challenge at Jingle Belles spoke to me. Lauren and Stephanie are looking for cards featuring wrapping paper or gift tags. I have been saving remnants of pretty Christmas paper for years. Have I ever used any on a card? Of course not. One piece I have features Lesley Anne Ivory's artwork. (Does anyone else remember her? Seems she got somewhat supplanted by Laurel Burch.) I trimmed a panel from my piece, then realized, out of context, it had remarkably little to do with Christmas:


So I trimmed a second piece that at least had snow and stars...


Better. As I looked at my trimmed  and matted panel, I realized it would work quite nicely for this week's CAS(E) This Sketch:

 
Although I'm not generally a big fan of wonky-looking stars, this die cut was just the size I wanted, and it does match the stars on the paper. I chose my sentiment partly because it seemed to go well with the image, and partly because, if my plans to have a couple of adolescent kittens running around come December hold true, the peaceful part may not be happening. :D 
I'm not saying I'm going to resolve to make Christmas cards regularly this year, but I think one once in a while is not a bad idea. ;) 

Supplies: Stampin' Up real red cardstock, American Crafts Pow! glitter paper, parchment paper, really old wrapping paper, Unity September 2011 Kit of the Month (All Seasons) stamp, Stampin' Up real red ink, Spellbinders Pagemaps Potpourri die, Creative Memories corner-rounding punch

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8 comments:

Dotty Jo said...

How lovely, both cards are gorgeous! Jo x

Bernardine Cuttino said...

Me loves those felines and this so sweet and charming, beautiful design and fab coloring. Thanks for visiting and leaving the sweet luv.  
Hugs
Berni
berni46blogspot.

Heather said...

Love the cards...love the cats even more. So, a couple "new" kittens for Christmas? Sounds like you better make a LOT more Christmas cards during the year because your days/weeks are going to get busy!

SmilynStef said...

Your star is the perfect accent ... and I love how you framed your paper ... so very glad you're starting 2015 with us at Jingle Belles ... we hope you enjoy taking back December one card at a time.

Hannelie said...

Lovely cards!
Thanks for joining us at CAS(E) this sketch!

Lorraine said...

OOOh, I really like both of them. What fantastic paper - great choice.

lauren bergold said...

oh wow! definitely gift wrap that NEEDED to be saved and made into gloriously lovely cards! both of these are fabulous and a brilliant take on our JINGLE BELLES challenge! so excited to have a new year-round cardmaker in our midst!!! :) :) :)

Jessi Fogan said...

Kittehs! I feel like the first card, just curl up around something furry and stay there til April. And although I'm the same way about wonky stars that one is perfect!