Christmas In Polka Dots

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a Christmas card I designed for the card class I held a few weeks ago.

The printed papers are Recollections City Sidewalks Christmas.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Stampin' Up Whisper White and layered on more Recollections.  The embellishment is Petaloo Holiday Dazzlers Candy Canes.

The cards I crafted for the class had to be beginner easy but ones they could be very happy with when they were finished.  I also wanted something they could change up a bit and make their own.  I particularly liked using this printed paper because the scale of the images was perfect for a card and depending upon the placement of the sentiment, you'd be able to switch it up easily.  The candy cane embellishment had been in my stash for ages and, like the printed paper, was the perfect scale.

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

Gisèle

Bold and Sparkling

Happy New Year!

I will eventually finish posting the Christmas cards I crafted before the holidays!

The card base is a shimmery green of unknown origin.  The printed paper is K & Company Tim Coffey layered Bazzill Cardinal red.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions Big Bold Christmas stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso on Whisper White.  The banners were punched from more Bazzill Cardinal.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

The great thing about crafting a series of cards like these is that once you've selected the printed paper and any coordinating papers, the cards come together very quickly and easily.  I made an effort to use some of the big sentiments in my stash because the scale works well with the size of the gingerbread men.  This is the perfect case in point.  I could find embellishments that appealed so I turned to the trusty Stickles.  It was a good choice.

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

Gisèle

A Merry Little Christmas

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas in July card is ultra traditional.

The printed paper is Echo Park 'Tis The Season layered on Stampin' Up Ridinghood Red.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions Big Bold Christmas stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and layered on Ridinghood Red and Lucky Limeade.  The embellishments are Queen & Co Shamrock Green pearls.

This was a really quick and easy card.  The background paper includes every possible Christmas image and is in a perfect scale for cards.  It was only a matter of choosing ink, paper and embellishments then finding a pleasing layout.  Easy, easy, easy.

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

Gisèle

Canadian Christmas

Happy Canada Day!

Not only is today Canada 147th birthday but it is also the beginning of Christmas in July on I SPI!

The printed paper is Martha Stewart Frosty Elegance.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions Big Bold Christmas stamped on Stampin' Up Whisper White in Real Red and layered on Ridinghood Red.  The twine is from Target.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Strips.

It's become my tradition to start Christmas in July with a red and white card in honor of Canada Day.  I think this card covers everything quite well.  This twine that I picked up in Target is so very cheerful and I love how it all comes together.

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

Gisèle

Jolly Shimmering Holly

Hello everyone,

This is the last of the Christmas cards I've crafted for the hostess gift for my daughter's upcoming student exchange.

The printed paper is Little Yellow Bicycle Making Merry layered on Stampin' Up Basic Black.  The image is Stamp Oasis stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Recollections and painted with LuminArte Ruby Red and Emerald Twinkling H2Os.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions Big Bold Christmas stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections, painted with more Ruby Red and Emerald Twinkling H2Os, and layered on more Basic Black.  The ribbon is Michael's Special Value.  The embellishments are Teresa Collins Fabrications.

This is a stamp I recently acquired.  It appealed because I figured it would be easy to colour and it certainly was!  I couldn't craft a set of Christmas cards without including at least one with holly.  I choose this sentiment because it had that little sprig of holly that coordinated with the image.  I so liked yesterday's card with the black that I just had to do another.  It all came together so well with this lovely plaid paper!

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

Gisèle

Simple Stripes

Hello everyone,

This is my second post for today to make up for missing yesterday.

The printed paper is American Crafts Jolly.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions Big Bold Christmas stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso on Bazzill white and layered on Cherry Cobbler.  The printed paper is highlighted with  Star Dust Stickles.  The embellishments are Doodlebug baby boy assortment mini pearls.

This super simple card was crafted with a male colleague in mind. I love the chocolate brown and red together.  The little bit of sparkle was added to give some depth to the card because I didn't use any layers.

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

Gisèle

Holly Explosion

Hello everyone,

I finished crafting my own Christmas cards last week so I've tons of cards to post.  Enough cards that I'll have posts through New Years!  Shovelling snow got the better of me yesterday and I just couldn't get it together to get onto my laptop.

The printed paper is Carta Bella So This Is Christmas layered on Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler.  The sentiment is Taylored Expressions Big Bold Christmas stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Confetti White, highlighted with Sakura Red, Green and Clear Star Gelly Roll pens, and layered on more Cherry Cobbler.  The embellishment is a Martha Stewart Holly Leaf sticker.

I love this card.  All that holly just makes my heart sing.  This is my first Taylored Expressions stamp set and I have to say that I'm quite impressed.  I'll use this set over and over.  This is also my first brush with Carta Bella.  Love, love, love this paper!

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

Gisèle