Sunday, December 31, 2017

Celebrate The Season

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone is gearing up to celebrate the New Year!


Gisèle

Saturday, December 30, 2017

More Happy Holidays

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying their holidays!


I hope you enjoy this wine bottle tag and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, December 29, 2017

Happy Holidays

Hello everyone,

It's been challenging to choose which bottle tags to post because I truly had so much fun crafting them.


I hope you enjoy this bottle tag and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Christmas Cheer Continued

Hello everyone,

As the holidays continue, I've more wine bottle tags to be posted!


I hope come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

More Christmas Cheer

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another holiday Christmas wine bottle tag.


I hope you are enjoy time with family and friends!

Gisèle

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Happy Boxing Day

Hello everyone,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!


Gisèle

Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!


I hope you have a wonderful day!

Gisèle

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Cheer

Hello everyone,

I recently tried my hand at making wine bottle tags.  They turned out so well that I rather went a little crazy and crafted close to 100 over the last couple of months!

I didn't originally plan to post these bottle tags so I didn't keep track of the supplies used.  I mostly drew from my scrap bins.  Not too bad for scraps!


I hope you enjoy this tag and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Dear Santa

Hello everyone,

With Christmas just a few days away and all my cards finished for this year, I thought I'd share some of the other projects I've been working on for the past few months.  Today's post is a fabric bag that I embellished at a charity crop in November.


The sentiments are Penny Black Festive Snippets stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Lightening Black, Pearlescent Crimson, Pearlescent Chocolate, Pearlescent Thyme and Starlight Black.  The embellishments are of unknown origin.  The card is highlighted with a variety of Stickles.

Decorating this little bag was a challenge game at the crop.  I hadn't brought much more than this one set of sentiments, a few small ink pads and some holiday coloured Stickles so I had to get creative.  This final result was so much better than I had anticipated.  I wish this photo was a little better! I can't wait to use it for a gift.  I did win the challenge!

I hope you enjoy this little bag and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle


Friday, December 22, 2017

For An Extra Special Teacher

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is for my daughter to give to a former and favourite high school teacher who was seriously injured last spring.  We only recently heard about his retirement and my daughter thought a special Christmas card would lift his spirits.


The printed paper is Stampin' Up Christmas Around The World layered on Real Red and a black Bazzill.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Embellished Ornaments stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The sentiment is layered on Real Red and Old Olive banners.  The embellishments are Maildor Cooky Stickers.

My daughter's teacher had a real love of cars so when I found this piece of paper in my stash I knew it would make the perfect card for him!  I was careful when cutting and placing the sentiment so as much of the cars would be as visible as possible.  This card is all about the paper!  I do hope it goes a long way to show how much his former student care about him.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Stockings And Circles

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the last of the commissioned Christmas cards.


The printed paper is American Crafts "Be Merry" Stockings layered on a red of unknown origin. The bottom layer is Bazzill Green textured with Craft Concepts Merry Christmas embossing folder.  The sentiment is Creative Expressions Santa's Sentiments stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red on Recollections white and layered on more green Bazzill and red.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

I wasn't sure about embossing this green layer as the core most always shows through and it's not necessarily a look that I like.  In this case however I found the rather vintage aspect not too bad at all.  I chose a sentiment that I could use in a circle punch because I wanted to do the circle and scalloped circle layers.  This is a very straightforward layout that I've used many, many times and which always makes me very happy!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Bright Red Sentiment

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is one of my favourites in this commissioned series.



The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a black Bazzill.  The sentiment is cut with a Dee's Distinctively Die Small Merry Christmas from a flocked red ribbon of unknown origin.

I love this paper!  I only have a few bits so I will be doling it out very judiciously.  If every card I crafted turned out so beautifully, I swear I would consider making carding a full time job!  I used black to layer so the images really popped!  I have a fair bit flocked red ribbon and thought myself utterly brilliant to try some die cutting.  It worked so well, there is little doubt I'll do this again.  The hardest part was affixing the sentiment because it was somewhat unstable.  Patience required but so very worth the effort.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

A Christmas Stocking

Hello everyone,

Today's teacher Christmas card is another simple but very lovely card.


The printed papers are of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Avery Elle Noël stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on a white of unknown origin and layered on more printed paper.  The embellishment is EK Success Christmas Stocking Stickers.

This printed paper is so much fun I just couldn't resist using it for one of these teacher cards.  I love that the images are all helter skelter.  I accidentally managed to have two Santa images peeking at the edges.  I chose a stocking for the embellishment because there was no stocking on the printed paper.  The style of the stocking also worked really well with the images.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, December 18, 2017

Christmas Treats

Hello everyone,

Today's post uses some more great Stampin' Up paper.


The printed paper is Stampin' Up Christmas Around The World layered on Garden Green.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Christmas Messages stamped in Mossy Meadow on Recollections Vanilla.  The ribbons and brad are of unknown origin.  The brad is highlighted with Xmas Red Stickles.

I really love the two different ribbons on this card.  The green tails on the punched tag sentiment work beautifully.  While I love all the treats depicted on this paper, I do question the background colour used.  It's that weird/awkward blush colour that leaves me cold.  It's not very evocative of Christmas.  I would have chosen a grey or tan neutral.  All complaints aside, I still love the paper.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Gingerbread Sweetness

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is another great teacher card.


The printed paper is Stampin' Up Christmas Around The World layered on Garden Green.  The sentiment is Technique Tuesday stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Recollections Vanilla and layer on more Garden Green.  The gingerbread house is Handmade Art Dimensional Embellishments.

I picked up a number of packages of these felt embellishments and have been looking for the perfect excuse to use them.  I thought it worked beautifully with the background paper and isn't so frou frou for a young man to give to his teacher.  I also love this set of sentiments and they couldn't have worked better for this card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Holly Jolly Bits

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another commissioned teacher Christmas card.


The printed paper is Stampin' Up Christmas Around the World layered on Stampin' Up Real Red.  The sentiment is Altenew Halftone Holiday stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red and Garden Green on Whisper White and cut with the coordinating die.  The sentiment is layered on a piece of Garden Green textured with a crimping tool.  The embellishment is of unknown origin.

This is another really cute teacher Christmas card.  It's also going to be really fun for one of the boys to give to their teacher.  The more I use this Altenew set, the more I love it!  Die cut stamps can be a challenge to center but this die fits the sentiment really well.  These clear stamps don't even necessarily need a Misti to center properly.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle


Friday, December 15, 2017

More Beautiful Christmas Bits

Hello everyone,

Part of my girlfriend's Christmas card commission included a series of teacher cards.  I always have a great time crafting these fun cards!


The printed paper is Stampin' Up Christmas Around The World layered on Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The image is Denami Design stamped in Mossy Meadow on Recollections White, coloured with Copic R39 and G09, and layered on more Mossy Meadow.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.  The gingerbread man embellishment is of unknown origin and filled with Green Stickles.

I love this particular Christmas paper from Stampin' Up.  The images are the perfect scale for Christmas cards and the variety of colours ensures coordinating is so easy.  My girlfriend has boys and I didn't want to craft cards that were so frou frou they'd be embarrassed to give them to their teachers.  This card fit the bill perfectly!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Nutcracker Sophistication

Hello everyone,

My girlfriend asked me to craft a special nutcracker Christmas card for her mother.


The printed paper is Anna Griffin Georgette Christmas Collection layered on Stampin' Up shimmery white and a pale gold of unknown origin.  The image is Tattered Lace Nutcracker die cut from a shimmery vanilla of unknown origin and layered on more pale gold.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Clear Stamp Set stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed with Close To My Heart gold embossing powder. The card is highlighted with Gold Pearl Liquid Pearls.

My girlfriend's mother love nutcrackers and she's a pretty sophisticated lade so I was inspired to craft this neutral layered card.  The snowflakes are flocked and add beautiful texture.  I've been very pleased with the latest embossed sentiments that I've done so I decided to try again.  This is the perfect scale and colour for the sentiment.  A wonderful result!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Bejeweled Tree

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is another commission from a colleague


The image is Penny Black Tannenbaum stamped in Altenew Moss on Recollections White and layered on a shimmery red of unknown origin and Close To My Heart Fern.  The image is highlighted with Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Holiday Says stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed with Stampendous Red Tinsel embossing powder.

My colleague asked for a special card for her Great Aunt who likes all things that sparkle.  She had mentioned a tree so this stamped seems to be a perfect fit!  I really love the rhinestone garland and this image provides the perfect circles for it.  I can envision another card with a Stickles garland.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Beautiful Christmas Bits

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is a simple beauty.


The printed papers are American Crafts Stockings layered with Stampin' Up Basic Black.  The sentiment is Magenta stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and layered on more Basic Black.  The holly image is a Stampin' Up Stitched Felt embellishment.

As you may have realized this commission is for a series of French cards.  I love this particular French Christmas sentiment is so big and bold.  I thought this font worked particularly well with the Christmas images on the first printed layer.  The bottom plaid layer is simple the reverse of the top layer.  I wasn't sure about the plaid but as these are the reverse sides I figured it was pretty safe they'd work together.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, December 11, 2017

Plaid and Pretty

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another commissioned Christmas card.


The background is BoBunny Merry & Bright layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White and Basic Black.  The image is Stampin' Up Embellished Ornament stamped in Close To My Heart Tulip and Sakura Red Gelly Roll pen, and cut with Sizzix Delicate Ornament Thinlits.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on more Whisper White.  The embellishment is Teresa Collins Candy Cane Lane.

When I crafted this card I couldn't help but think of my father as he loved a flannel plaid and this black and red check would have been a favourite.  This somewhat fancy ornament shouldn't work with the plaid but because the white snowflakes are rather intricate, I think it turned out beautifully.  I also love using the sentiment as a tag, making this card even more of a gift.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, December 10, 2017

A Funky Tree

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another is this latest series of commissioned Christmas cards.


The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs Ribbon Tree die cut from Stampin' Up Whisper White and a green Bazzill, and highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.  The image is layered on Bazzill Countdown To Christmas and Nordic Pines.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and layered on more Green Bazzill.

I shouldn't like this funky die cut Christmas tree as much as I do because it's a bit of a pain to put together but once I've got it on a card, it's just awesome.  The cut outs are perfect for glitter and in this case, I used quite a bit in the hopes it would mimic snow.  Funky snow!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Sparkling Santa

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another Christmas beauty!


The printed paper is Kaisercraft Silver Bells layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The image is Rubber Stampede Santa Collage stamped in Close To My Heart Pewter on a white of unknown origin, glittered with Glitter Ritz cool highlight microfine transparent glitter and layered on more silver.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël also stamped in Close To My Heart Pewter on a white of unknown origin.

This is another beautiful card that I wish I could repeat over and over again.  I love the colours in the printed paper and different size of ornaments just add even more interest.  I thought this would be a difficult paper to use because of the scale of the ornaments but it was super easy.  I never regret including this Santa image on any commissioned Christmas cards, he is just so lovely.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, December 8, 2017

Sophisticated Silver

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is another lovely French card.


The background papers are a mirrored red of unknown origin and a marbled Momenta silver.  The stickers, of unknown origin, are affixed to a shimmery ivory of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël heat embossed with Stampendous Sterling Silver embossing powder.

I wish I had the stickers to craft multiples of this card.  It's so simple yet also quite sophisticated.  I think the stickers may be from Martha Stewart, as they have that look and feel, but I couldn't swear by it.  This larger sized square card base was perfect for this larger sleigh and reindeer sticker.  I love the large reveal of the marbled silver paper which works so perfectly with the stickers.  One of my favourite Christmas cards this season.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle


Thursday, December 7, 2017

A Simple Snowflake

Hello everyone,

Today I'm starting to post yet another Christmas card series commissioned by a colleague.


The printed paper is Gina K Blizzard layered on a shimmery green of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël stamped in Close To My Heart Juniper ink on Stampin' Up shimmery white and layered on more shimmery green.  The snowflake embellishment is of unknown origin attached to the card with a Crafts brad highlighted with Patina Stickles.

My colleague didn't give me much by way of ideas for her cards except that they be in French.  I choose to use the larger square cards because they're a little different from the norm.  I also choose to craft a variety of traditional and not so traditional.  This card began with the beautiful paper which is a dream to use.  Other than the sentiment I kept it all very simple with a single, spectacular snowflake embellishment.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

In Silver And Gold

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is the last of my girlfriend's commission.


The background layers are a shimmery gold and a brushed silver of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Frog's Whiskers Ink Christmas Script stamped on a pearlized ivory of unknown origin and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Gold embossing powder and layered on more brushed silver.  The embellishment is a Recollections Dimensional Sticker.

I've been so pleased with the last couple of cards that I really couldn't resist another similar card in different colours.  I don't recall using this silver and gold colour combination all that often but my goodness does it every work!  I couldn't believe that I actually had a sticker that coordinated so perfectly!  It's wonderful when a card just works out!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

A More Traditional Celebration

Hello everyone,

Today's shiny Christmas card is much more traditional than yesterday's card.


The background layers are a mirrored red, glittered gold and shimmery red of unknown origin.  The shimmery red layer is textured with Sizzix Winter Botanicals embossing folder.  The sentiment is Frog's Whiskers Ink Celebrate the Season stamped on Recollections Vanilla and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Gold embossing powder.  The card is highlighted with Golden Rod Stickles.

As much as I loved yesterday's shiny non-traditional card, I also love this very traditional red and gold beauty!  This is just the perfect Christmas colour combination.  I've had a lot of fun heat embossing sentiments this season and found it to be a rather nice switch from ink.  The layout of this card was designed to ensure that as much of the embossing as possible is visible.  Why cover up such a great image.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, December 4, 2017

Super Shiny Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another commissioned Christmas card from the series I've been posting for the past few weeks.


The background layers are a mirrored navy of unknown origin and Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The top layer was embossed with Sizzix Merry Christmas Phrases.  The sentiment is Altenew Halftone Holiday stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Colorbök Neutrals and cut with the coordinating die.  The sentiment is highlighted with Silver Stickles.

This awesome Christmas card is all about the shine!  I love the navy and silver colour combination and add the shiny, this is just a fabulous result.  This bold Altenew sentiment is fast becoming a favourite as I'm happy with it every single time I use it. 

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, December 3, 2017

The Season In Colour

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is one of my favourites in this commission.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on layered on an embossed white of unknown origin and a shimmery navy of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Altenew Halftone Holiday and coordinating die cut stamped in Close To My Heart Peacock and Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss on Colorbök Neutral Cardstock.  The sentiment is layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The embellishments are EK Success.

This is one of my favourite scraps.  I love the colours and the pattern is awesome!  I'm also loving the Altenew stamp and die sets and this holiday one is no exception.  I wasn't sure I'd like the 'halftone' impression but I find it really awesome.  I like that there is an outline that is optional.  It makes for some really interesting (and appealing) options like Peacock and Blackberry Bliss.  I think this is a really wonderful result!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, December 2, 2017

A Simple Banner

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post uses a new stamp and die set that intrigued me.


The printed paper is Recollections Retro Christmas layered on a mirrored red of unknown origin.  The vertical element is more mirrored red textured with Sizzix Thin Ice embossing folder.  The sentiment is Avery Elle Hanging Banners cut with the coordinating die from Colorbök Neutral Cardstock and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishment is the wreath die from the Avery Elle Hanging Banners die cut from American Crafts Evergreen Holly Glitter Paper.  The ribbon, from the same set, is die cut from a felted red of unknown origin.

I love all the elements in this card but wish I'd come up with a better layout.  I had originally hoped to add die cut ribbons to the upper corners of the die cut banner but it just didn't have enough reveal space.  It would have worked better on the horizontal but I'd already committed to a vertical card with the embossed center element.  It's not a bad card, I'd just hoped for something a little different.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, December 1, 2017

All A Glitter

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post is all about that which glitters.


The printed paper is American Crafts Moss Merry Glitter Paper layered on Recollections White and Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The sentiment is My Favorite Things Merry & Bright stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on more Recollections white.  The banners are punched from more Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver and are highlighted wit Lime Green Stickles.

I've had this glittered paper in my stash for eons.  I found it at a scrapbooking store outside of Montreal when I was on a road trip with a girlfriend.  Whenever I see it, I think it will be difficult to use but it actually works like a dream.  I kept every about this card really simple and straightforward to ensure that as little as possible of the glitter paper was covered.  This is an utterly spectacular glitter card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Snowflakes On The Vertical

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is another silver and blue beauty.


The card base was stamped with Impression Obsession Cover-A-Card Snowflakes stamped in Altenew Arctic.  The printed paper is Kaisercraft Silver Bells.  The sentiment is Annabelle Christmas Scene Baubles stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The card is highlighted with Silver Stickles.

This is another commissioned Christmas card that I just love!  It's vertical and uses the blues and silver that I have a hard time resisting for Christmas cards.  I wish the background stamp turned out better.  It's a very faint background and hardly visible in this photo.  I can't express exactly why it doesn't work as I'd hoped it would. I probably went overboard with the Stickles but it just had to have the sparkle that my girlfriend appreciates.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Silver And Blue

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another beautiful Christmas card.


The printed paper is Martha Stewart Frosty Elegance layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The sentiment is Avery Elle Noël stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The snowflake embellishment is of unknown origin.  The brad is Crafts and is highlighted with Waterfall Stickles.

This is a very simple card.  The layout is really straight forward as are the colours and the minimal embellishment.  The swirls in the paper mimic the swirls in the sentiment, something that I always love but is usually just a happy accident that I don't notice until I blog.  All in all, a great result.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Golden Tree

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is another one commissioned by a girlfriend.


The printed paper is Anna Griffin Georgette Christmas layered on a mirrored gold of unknown origin.  The image is Penny Black Xmas Constellation stamped on Recollections Vanilla and heat embossed in Close To My Heart Gold embossing powder.  The sentiment is Verve O Christmas Tree also stamped on Recollections Vanilla and heat embossed in Close To My Heart Gold embossing powder.  The card is highlighted with Golden Rod Stickles.

This is probably one of the more formal Christmas cards I've crafted in this commission.  This was a compromise card with a ton of shine and glitter for my girlfriend but the formality for a client.  I've often found 'tree' cards difficult because of that large space at the top of the image.  A few years back I discovered placing the sentiment in the empty space was the perfect solution.  I especially love this swirled image and it has great elements for adding extra sparkle.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, November 27, 2017

More Delicate Snowflakes

Hello everyone,

As I post this series of Christmas cards I realize that I may have gone a little heavy on the snowflake theme.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver.  The sentiment is Stamp Barn stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more mirrored silver.  The ornament was punched from a piece of watercoloured and glittered paper.  The snowflake is punched from more mirrored silver.  The card is highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.

I have had this ornament is my stash of leftovers for years.  I have no idea when I made it or what exactly I used when making it.  I sure am glad I kept it because it coordinates so perfectly with the printed paper.  I actually got quite excited when I matched up the two elements.  I really love the reveal of silver on this card and the hint of glitter couldn't be more lovely!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Waving Santa

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post was just cleverly fun.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a shimmery white Bazzill and a glittered red of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Very Merry Christmas stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The glittered brad is of unknown origin.

I think this is such a clever card!  I was totally inspired by this waving Santa and I carefully trimmed the paper to ensure that I could get the placement of the sentiment tag just right!  I really love the results.  The glittered layer was the most challenging aspect of this card.  It didn't take adhesive easily so I used some very strong liquid adhesive which resulted in some buckling that took some time to flatten.  Notwithstanding the glittered paper this was a very simple card that packs a big holiday punch!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Sweet By Three

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another snowflake Christmas card.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver and a pale lavender of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Winter Trails stamped in Altenew Deep Iris on a white Bazzill and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl embossing powder.  The snowflake embellishments are punched from more Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver and are highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.

The background paper has just a hint of lavender which I found particularly appealing and somewhat unexpected.  The larger snowflakes on the printed paper can be challenging as they're not a great scale for small cards.  Using this large but intricate sentiment which is balanced by the two silver snowflakes (the 'threes' design principle) is what really makes this card work as I'd hoped.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, November 24, 2017

Delicate Snowflakes

Hello everyone,

Today's card is another of the commissioned Christmas cards I've been working on for the past few weeks.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a shimmery Bazzill ivory and a shimmery Vanilla of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Penny Black Christmas Cheer stamped in Altenew Emerald on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more shimmery Vanilla.  The card is highlighted with Patina Stickles.

As I was searching for printed papers for today's card, I came across this little piece of scrap that I just couldn't resist.  It's such a lovely shade of teal/green and the snowflakes are so delicately beautiful.  Perfect for some Stickles glitter!  I assume my girlfriend will be using some of these cards for her clients so while I added hints of glitter to appeal to her, I also kept in mind that clients would expect something a little more on the traditional side.  I think this card fits both needs wonderfully!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Snowflake Wishes

Hello everyone,

This Christmas card is one of the winter cards that I really love to craft.


The printed paper is Stampin' Up Ski Slope layered on a shimmery metallic blue and white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Bonnidee Xmas Wording 3 stamped in Close To My Heart Twilight on more shimmery white.  The snowflake is a Recollections glitter embellishment.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

I enjoy the irony of 'warm wishes' on a snowflake card.  I often go through my leftover papers to get some inspiration.  When I found this retired piece of Stampin' Up paper, I thought it perfect for one of my girlfriend's cards.  I used a bitter of shimmery white for the sentiment and it changed the ink colour just enough to make it even more interesting.  I think every time I've used this printed paper, I've taken advantage of the snowflakes to add some sparkly Stickles.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Simple Greetings

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another simple but beautiful Christmas card.


The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a shimmery white and brown Bazzill.  The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas stamped in Nick Bantock Charcoal Grey on Stampin' Up Whisper White, layered on a banner punched from more brown Bazzill.  The card is highlighted with Mercury Glass Stickles.

This maybe one of my favourite cards so far in this series.  There is something beautiful about this rather neutral card.  I love the layout and the banner.  The Mercury Glass Stickles couldn't work better with the brown and grey colour scheme.  The mojo was flowing when this card came together.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Shimmering Holly

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is another simple beauty.


The image is Denami Design stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and painted with LuminArte Emerald and Ruby Red Twinkling H2Os.  The image is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The image is layered on a metallic green of unknown origin and a burgundy Bazzill.

This is another favourite stamp that I've used often when crafting Christmas cards.  It's a great stamp for painting.  Although, now that I look at it, I bet I could glitter this image very effectively.  I kept this layout very simple, using coordinating shimmering layers.  Notwithstanding the subtle shimmer, this would be another great card for my girlfriend's masculine clients.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, November 20, 2017

Glitter Tree Trio

Hello everyone,

Today's simple Christmas card is the exact opposite of yesterday's elaborate ornament.


The image is Denami Design stamped in Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Mossy Meadow.  The trees are highlighted with a glitter of unknown origin.

I think I say this every time I craft a card with this stamp but I find this image perfect for more masculine Christmas cards.  My girlfriend loves glitter, sparkle and shine but she also has clients who may not share the same design sense.  I figured this card, with an restrained amount of glitter, would be perfect for her male clients.  While extremely subtle, it's a very appropriate client Christmas card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Purple Glitter

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card uses another ornament from my stash of leftovers.


The image is a Peel-Offs Xmas Balls Outline Sticker glittered with a variety of Martha Stewart glitter.  The ornament is layered on an embossed brushed silver of unknown origin and a shimmery purple also of unknown origin.  The sentiment is My Favorite Things Merry & Bright stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The embellishment is Creative Impressions.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.

You can't put a glittered ornament as non-traditional and bold as this on just anyone's Christmas card.  My girlfriend, who commissioned this card, is someone who can absolutely handle this level of purple glitter.  It's almost as though I kept it just for her cards.  Given the elaborateness of the ornament and silver background layer, I purposely kept the sentiment simple, both in font and colour.  Although, nothing could really detract from all this purple glitter.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Saturday, November 18, 2017

A Simple Ornament

Hello everyone,

I'm posting another Christmas card using pieces that I found in my stash of leftover bits and pieces.


The image is a Memory Box Drop Ornament die cut with a burnished gold of unknown origin.  The ornament overlay is Memory Box La Rue Ornament die cut from a shimmery blue also of unknown origin.  The ornament is layered on more blue and gold.  The sentiment is Technique Tuesday Jingle All The Way stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The embellishment is Dress It Up Pearl Snowflake.

I can't recall why I didn't use this ornament when I first made it.  I must have been 'playing'.  I really like the size of this ornament and the flourished overlay is just spectacular.  Given it's large scale you don't need to go 'over-the-top' with extras.  I especially like this small sentiment added as a tag.  I think the simple pearl snowflake is what really finishes off the card, just like it's supposed to.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Friday, November 17, 2017

A Glittered Tree

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card uses another leftover glittered sticker that I found in my stash.


The image is a Peel-Offs outline sticker covered in a variety of glitter (Martha Stewart and Studio K).  The sentiment is Inkadinkado stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.

This is a lovely Christmas card.  As much as I love crafting 'over-the-top' Christmas cards, there is something about all the white space on this card that makes me really, really happy.  The glittered tree and lightly flourished sentiment couldn't work more beautifully together.  I chose this sentiment because it provided the chance to add a bit of glitter to coordinate with the tree.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Holly Vine

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card post uses another wonderful leftover piece that I found in my stash.


The printed paper is Anna Griffin Yuletide Greetings layered on a mirrored dark green of unknown origin.  The image is Penny Black Holly Berries die cut from more mirrored green and is highlighted with Xmas Red Stickles.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Clear Stamp Set stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla.

I'm not sure how I feel about this card.  I should love it because of the holly but it's not a favourite.  I think the problem is the monochromatic green doesn't work the way I thought it would.  I suspect if I'd used a different colour background, perhaps a textured solid, the lovely flourished holly branch would have stood out more.  It's not that I hate this card.  It's a good card.  I just am not as in love with as I'd would have wished.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Glittering Poinsettias

Hello everyone,

The next batch of Christmas card posts are part of another commission for friend.


The images are Peel-Off's Outline Stickers covered with a variety of red and gold glitter.  The stickers were applied to a shimmery red of unknown origin and Joy Crafts Spiegelkarton gold.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Very Merry Christmas stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Joy Crafts Spiegelkarton gold.  The card is highlighted with Golden Rod Stickles.

This is one of my favourite shimmery red papers.  It is a beautiful deep red that is so perfectly suited for sumptuous Christmas cards.  The glittered poinsettias were made a while ago but were tucked away.  I wish I had had two more flowers but didn't want to break out the glitter because it's really, really messy.  The addition of the Stickles dots goes a long way to add more balance to the flowers.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Natural Greetings

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is much more on the traditional side.


The images are Stampin' Up Watercolor Winter stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Altenew Evergreen, and Close To My Heart Tulip on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Cornish Heritage Farms Vintage Christmas Expressions stamped in Early Espresso.  The poinsettia is highlighted with Gold Pearl Liquid Pearls.  The focal panel is layered on a mirrored red and a shimmery brown of unknown origin.

As much as I may have buyers regret of the two-step Christmas stamped I tried a few days ago, this stamp I've loved ever since the first time I used it.  I used every image in this set and while at first i thought I may have gone a little far, I actually really like the results.  Notwithstanding the gold center of the poinsettia, I couldn't figure out where else to add embellishments so I used a thin reveal on the layers.  It works as a great contrast for the naturalness of the images.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Monday, November 13, 2017

Merry Splatters

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card uses another new stamp that worked much better than the multi-step holly stamp.


The images are Stampin' Up Every Good Wish stamped in Close To My Heart Pomegranate and Tombow 126 and 847.  The sentiment element of the set is stamped on Recollections White and layered on Pomegranate paper.

I love this card!  The splatter in the background really frames the sentiment.  I love the three little bits of holly and I actually think I got them placed rather well.  I love the pinkness of the pomegranate ink and am glad I chose it instead of a more Christmas red.  I don't know how I'll manage to use this stamp again without wanting to repeat this card over and over.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Purple Christmas

Hello everyone,

What's a Christmas card commission without at least one non-traditional card?


The sentiment is Altenew Halftone Holidays stamped in Stampin' Up Elegant Eggplant on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is layered on more Elegant Eggplant textured with Sizzix Merry Christmas Phrases embossing folder and a shimmery purple Bazzill.  The card is highlighted with Starry Night Stickles.

After yesterday's frustration, I decided to craft something very different.  I love this Altenew stamp and die set.  The font is wonderful and there is something really appealing about the halftone aspect.  Coordinating the ink colour and layered paper helped keep this card from getting too complicated.  I love the texture of the background and thought it rather 'lovely' that the words match the sentiment.  The dark Stickles just add that little bit of extra.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle