Creation Story:
I've never sent more than about a dozen handmade cards at Christmas time. I hate making the exact same card over and over. Each card front is a canvas and I don't want recreate the same thing every time. However, if one doesn't repeat a design then the creation time is multiplied exponentially.
This year I did want to send out more handmade cards to celebrate the generosity of so many during our hurricanes. I also wanted a card that reflected our Florida home. By varying a few of the colors on background stock and matting papers, I was able to create 50 cards that were similar but different enough to satisfy my artistic urges.
Stamps:
PSX Holiday greetings (3 stamp set)
Stampin' Up Shell
Tools/Embellishments:
Circle punch-jumbo
Brown inks
Fresco inks in pink, gold, vanilla, brown, and blue
Sizzix Shell embossing template
sheer ribbon (great deal at flea market!)
Paper cutter
Scoring tool
Making Memories clips and brads
Papers:
80lb cardstock for base, used a variety of colors that all picked up the beach feelings
vellum for the circles
7-Gypsies and EK Success background prints for mats
I worked in assembly line fashion creating only about 6-10 cards at a time. I used the Fresco inks to bring out the embossed shells and tore the edges. The basic techniques of collage applied to layout such as: link designs, vary textures, use 2/3 of your canvas for the design, repeat colors in different areas, try not to center anything, etc.
The Sizzix embossing tool was the newest "toy" I used in this card. I really liked the depth of designs available in a fraction of the time. I imagine I'll be stocking up on more of those, or perhaps Santa will bring me some?
