Peace on Earth

For me, the holidays represent an opportunity to embrace the winter season. I also tend to be more reflective at this time of year. I wanted to create a card expressing the quietness and beauty of winter.

CAS Peace on Earth Paper Smooches

 

This card uses the same design that I used for the Sparks Challenge in October. I simply replaced the yellow birds with the red cardinal and added a glittery, soft blue background.

Supplies: Spellbinders circle dies; Stampin’ Up cardstock (red); glitter paper (Michaels); Encore ink (silver)

 

A Few of My Favorite Things

Today I’m sharing a card inspired by two cards – one by Kelley Eubanks and the other by Kelly Rasmussen. The two cards were featured side-by-side in the March/April 2012 Paper Crafts magazine.

Hero Arts Reindeer

 

As the holiday cardmaking season comes to a close, I’m reflecting on some of my favorites from this year. To begin with, I find inspiration on a regular basis from the Paper Crafts magazine! I’ve reached for the Hero Arts music background again and again. (In the card shown above, I stamped it with VersaMark ink.) I’ve already mentioned how much I like the “Warm Wishes” sentiment from the Hero Arts/Studio Calico set. And the color combination of light blue, red and kraft always makes me happy!

Supplies: Stampin’ Up embossing powder; ColorBox ink (white); VersaColor ink (bamboo)

Christmas Mouse

In just a few days I’ll be transitioning from making holiday-themed cards to making more winter-themed cards. I’ve enjoyed making holiday cards this year, perhaps more than any other year! I’ve learned that I really like glitter – although I’m happy to have finally wiped up all the glitter covering my dining table on which I make my cards!

This card plays on the ’Twas the Night Before Christmas poem line that says “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” I envision a certain mouse up and about checking out the stockings!

Paper Smooches Holiday Mouse

 

Now it’s time to go wrap some packages and get the stocking stuffers sorted!

Holiday Cheer!

This is a “just because” card. I’ve been wanting to give the Paper Smooches “Hot Concoctions” stamp set a try for awhile.

Paper Smooches Holiday Cheer

Given the holiday season, I thought a peppermint stick would be a fun addition. Initially I had the top of the cup, what would be the beverage, stamped on kraft cardstock. But the kraft just wasn’t working with the other colors. The bright turquoise and red of the My Mind’s Eye “Winter Wonderland” papers make me happy!

Supplies: Neat and Tangled Home Sweet Home (candy cane); Spellbinders die

Hero Arts 2013 Debut

As soon as I saw the new Hero Arts stamps, I knew exactly the card I wanted to make first! I revisited the tag I’d made for the 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist Challenge based on Jennifer McGuire’s tag. At some point I plan to stamp the bird onto watercolor paper and color with paint. For this card, I simply stamped the image with Versafine ink on kraft cardstock and heat embossed it.

 Hero Arts 2013 Debut

 

I combined the poinsettia die’s center section as a flower with the branch die.

Supplies: Stampin’ Up cardstock; Fiskars border punch