First up, a one-layer card that makes me so very happy with all that cream-colored white space.
For the above card, I used the holly jolly sentiment from the holly set, but it looked a bit too small and lonely with the great big holly and bling, so I pulled out Sign Language (also from Papertrey), masked the Merry on the Merry Christmas sentiment, and stamped just Christmas below the first sentiment. That balanced the reds on the card nicely. I could make more of this one and use up some of my massive stash of large red bling!
How is it that I always end up with lots of left-over large bling and never enough small bling? It's a mystery.
Next, I just love how SU's ticket corner punch works so well with a holly theme.
The berries on this card were accented with red Smooch, which looked much better than my attempt to use Stickles. The berries are just too small for Stickles, and the results looked...globby. The Smooch definitely looks better in this instance, and the shimmer it adds (not clear in the photo) is so pretty in real life!
I hope to be able to comment on all the OLW cards today. From the thumbnails, I can tell y'all had fun with this rather tough challenge!
Finally, how are you coming with your Christmas cards? I'm behind. Way behind. I need a whole day of uninterrupted crafting and some serious production of multiples if I'm to finish and get mine mailed before New Year's Day, LOL! I'm seriously contemplating buying a few boxes of cards and calling it good for this very strange year. What are your feelings on the subject of store-bought cards in a pinch?
I LOVE holly and I love both your cars! Holly is my favorite image for Christmas - so you'd be surprised to know I did not purchase any of the holly sets from PTI. Maybe some day I will. Regarding cards ... I have opted to NOT send cards this year! I know, weird. I even had enough made to do it (I've been making them off an on since Aug for pete's sake) but in the end ... I just couldn't bring myself to do it! Even the thought of it was adding such a hugh level of stress in my life that I decided I needed to take care of that and just said .. forget it!! I vote for you to buy the boxes of cards ... you'll feel much better in the end because it will reduce your stress unbelievably!! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous--as always!!!
ReplyDeleteOne question: how do you get such nice, dark, solid images when you stamp? I'm a Stampin' Up girl, and I have a hard time getting the whole image to stamp when I use solid images. Is there a trick to this?
I'm grateful for you and your creative hints!
Be blessed!
Katy,
ReplyDeleteGetting a solid image is easier IF you use the right ink and the right stamp. On the top card, I used Memento cottage ivy on the photopolymer stamp. I keep a stamp pad (purchased at Joann's YEARS ago...it's like a great big, dark red, super thick mouse pad) under my paper when I stamp. Also, I always look at the inked stamp before putting it to paper. You can often see flaws in the inking and put more ink on if needed. Other things to note: Ink pads do need to be reinked well and fairly frequently, especially the thicker inks (Brilliance, VersaMagic, etc.). Stamps stamp differently on different papers. Finally, if a big solid rubber stamp just isn't stamping perfectly, stand on it. Just put your paper on a smooth, hard surface, place the stamp on it, carefully stand on it without rocking your foot, and then lift your foot straight off. Works like a charm!
Love the holly with the bling on the first card. Wonderful CAS card. I say go for the store bought to fill in the gaps - I"m going to be doing the same LOL! Saves the sanity ;)
ReplyDeletelove both cards! As for my feelings on store bought...I say go for it if you need to! It's completely ridiculous to stress yourself out trying to get handmade cards done and in the mail on time. It will ruin the holiday sometimes. We all have those years when it's just not gonna' happen handmade wise. You've been trying to sell your house; if ever there is a year you need to fill in the gaps with store bought, this is it! Your love and good wishes are just as real in a store bought card as a handmade one.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards! I have made 70 cards now and don't feel like making more but I'm in charge of an 80 member stamp club so how to pick and chose who gets cards and who doesn't? I'll probably end up making more since I have family and friends to send to as well.
ReplyDeleteMy friend did store bought Valentine's cards this year and to "make up" for them not being handmade she stamped a little heart next to her signature on them. I thought that was a neat touch and brought it up a notch from being just store bought. So there is an idea for you.
Do what you need to do to keep your sanity. You can always stamp a little something on the envelopes of store cards or add a bit of bling if you want. Your own are great cards as usual. I'm always inspired to keep simple when I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteI've used store-bought cards. Normally I just give up and order photo cards (you know, the single panel kind) and just adhere our holiday letter to them before they go in the envelopes. I feel like they are kind of the opposite of a handmade card and so nothing I should feel guilty about.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds lame now, but it makes me feel better.
Lovely cards!
ReplyDeleteI send handmade cards to a few special people, and the rest get store bought. End of the semester is a panicked time in our house, so it saves the holiday from being a huge stressor!
Love these holly cards! How about doing a photo card showing your cute boys and your Furry Golden Sunshine? People would love that!
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ReplyDeleteI've had years that I don't send cards; stress, money or time. I always feel bad about it. I love getting cards and I think that most of the people I send to feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion. Get a friend to go with you to the new house. Have them take a picture of the family in front of the house. Send it out as a Christmas Card...we're moving card with your new address. Have them printed at your local store or online. You still have time.
Then you won't feel stressed about creating a card to mail out saying you've moved. Two birds, one stone.
Wear santa hats....
Love both of these cards Susan, simply elegant! I have to admit to using store bought cards for acquaintances and try to hand deliver special ones as they usually have layers and cost a fortune to post!!!
ReplyDeleteThink Marie's idea is very good:0
Val x
LOVE marie's great idea!
ReplyDeletewriting a short thought, or sentiment in a storebought card is what the season is about....connecting with folks who you love. the particulars of the card don't really matter.
enjoy this magical time!
marty
Love both card too, the 2nd a little better. I agree with the prevous comments... don't stress send storebought. I like the suggestion for picture of the new house!
ReplyDeleteLove both card too, the 2nd a little better. I agree with the prevous comments... don't stress send storebought. I like the suggestion for picture of the new house!
ReplyDeleteI also say don't stress - send purchased cards.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards today! Store bought is nice too. There are a lot of beautiful ready made cards out there. If you are feeling "guilty" buy a pack that is supportive of a charity. The thought behind the card is still the same...you know, hey, I thought of you and love you enough to send you a card. I need a day where I just sit down and get everything addressed and mailed out. I think I will try to get some of that done this morning.
ReplyDeleteI love your cardinal cards. Regarding store bought, I would not send cards unless I made them myself, I would just stop sending them completely. That being said, I also believe in the 12 days of Christmas. I don't think that my cards need to be there before Christmas, and I am usually mailing them at the last minute. s long as they arrived during the 12 Days, I'm happy. Right now I feel like doing this year's cards is hanging over my head. Maybe I should just give them up! I personally can't stand receiving a purchased card with just "Love, Ann and Martin" scribbled on the inside, no note or anything. I don't mind getting the letters, even if they are braggy - at least you are telling me what is happening in your life, even if it is all perfect. I like Marie's suggestion for you to take the picture by your new house. Good luck, and remember whatever you decide, it's okay.
ReplyDeleteI've been loving all your cards. Thanks for the inspiration. As to store bought. Why not? I craft for fun and for release and some years I don't have time. I think it's more important to send the card than it is for it to be handmade. Plus, I don't receive any handmade cards and I know not everyone appreciates the handmade creations. When I do half and half the handmade cards go to people I know enjoy such things.
ReplyDeleteI love the holly cards - holly is one of my favourite Christmas motifs. Thanks for the hint about Smooch - I only have Stickles and it is often too globby. So I'll pick up some red Smooch for smaller berries.
ReplyDeleteI have a few store-bought Christmas cards leftover from my pre-stamping days so in a pinch, I can send one of those. But I've managed to keep up on my Christmas card making for the last two years. I do the SCS Christmas Card Challenge and commit to 6 cards a month for it - so by the end of November I have 66 cards made and it feels wonderful! But you have had a crazy time getting your house ready for selling so I think this is your year to take it easy and use some store-bought cards.
Susan, these are lovely cards! As for store bought, I am pretty much there myself this year...I tried to sit down and work on them, but my mojo wants to make tags instead!! So I say, give yourself permission!
ReplyDeleteIn light of your home endeavors, just buy cards and be done with it. And DO NOT feel guilty, pass GO, and do something fun for the next holiday when you are not so tied up. I had a recent family reunion, and stayed up to 3am completing my cards, so I could save on postage! And it's one reason I just have to mass produce the same card. If I had to thing of a different card for each person, I would never get done. But I really can't do simple either. LOL it is why I subscribe to your wonderful blog. I keep hoping some simplicity will rub off on me. Because there is always hope, right? LOL Happy Holidays Susan!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Marie! It would be a cute Christmas card and it would serve two purposes! It's amazing how you manage to juggle so many balls in the air!
ReplyDeleteI just cannot do store bought cards. But, I am also way behind, so only a few (like 10) special friends and family get Christmas cards and the rest get Happy New Year cards ~sometime in Jan. or Feb. :-)
ReplyDeleteI make three cards for overseas relatives - the rest I buy!
ReplyDeleteThese are fab Susan, the first one in particular grabbed my eye. Nice!
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