Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas Cards

I stayed up far too late last night making Christmas cards.  I haven't had a lot of crafty time lately, but I do need to get my Christmas cards finished.

I used several challenges for inspiration.  I loved the sketch at RetroSketches this week, and combined it with the red and green challenge at Less is More, which I've missed for the last two weeks.  :(  I used a Studio G sentiment that I picked up for 50 cents and stamped it in red and green. I used a patterned paper from my scrap bin for the background pieces and a tiny gem to finish it off.



I used the same sketch to make another Christmas card in white and purple.  This uses a Hero Arts dove and more paper from my scrap bin.


Finally, one last red and green card using a Hero Arts ornament.  This card also fits the challenge at Addicted to CAS, where the code word is bauble. I felt this card was turning out rather boring, but I didn't want to scrap it altogether.  I threw a bow on it and popped up the main panel.  It's a little better, although still not my favorite.


I don't often use red and green for Christmas cards.  I think one reason is that I just like non-traditional Christmas cards.  Another reason is that I don't have any perfect Christmas ink.  For these cards I used Memento bamboo leaves for the green.  On the first card I used ladybug red and the last card uses rhubarb stalk.

I recently bought a large Memento ink pad in cottage ivy, thinking it would be the perfect Christmas green.  I haven't made a single card with it, as it doesn't stamp well.  It appears blotchy.  If anyone has a recommendation for good Christmas colored inks, I'm all ears! :)

Have a great day!

Ann




13 comments:

Chrissie said...

Sweet cards Ann, I love the baubles!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Patrice said...

I'm all for non traditional Christmas colours too. Even though you're not fussed on your bauble card, I actually really like it. The popped up panel and ribbon addition are perfect. Great card!

Thanks for joining the challenge fun at ATCAS this fortnight. Hope to see you back again soon.

Jen Nelson said...

love those baubles Ann

Thanks for joining us this week

Jen xx
"Less Is More"

Rosemary said...

all three are just lovely, ann... but your cards are always lovely!! so glad you were able to play along with CASology this week!

lostinpaper said...

Looks like you had a productive night Ann! Love those sweet baubles!

Kylie said...


Well! I love your bauble card. Perfectly CAS and your stamping is gorgeous. Thanks so much for playing along at ATCAS! xx

Jessi Fogan said...

I'm pretty partial to my Distress inks, and my go-to for Christmas red & green are: Fired Brick & Peeled Paint for a darker vintage feel; and Barn Door & Mowed Lawn (I know!) for a bright red & green.
I love all your cards - I find Christmas spree crafting is the best cure for waffling over whether I like something....don't have time for fussing ;)

shirley-bee said...

You had a busy night! The bauble card is my favourite and I love how you salvaged it with the ribbon and bow, it looks so classy!

Judy1223 said...

I agree, it is hard to find good red and green inks...but your cards are fabulous, no matter what you used! I'm glad you found some time to make some cards...they are wonderful!

Darnell said...

Good job, Ann, and great cards! I SO need a similarly productive Christmas card creating session!!

Anonymous said...

Hi there, thank you so much for joining us at Addicted to CAS with this beautiful card, I love thew colours and the beautiful stamping, as for your bow ! WOW ! fabulous

Marie

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous set of cards Ann! I have given up and bought some!
xx

Karen M said...

I love all your gorgeous christmas cards x x