Saturday 26 January 2013

Wonder how long this will last!

Hi Everyone,

On the Chocolate Baroque forum quite a few members were saying how stressed we were before Christmas because we had made the usual mistake of leaving it too late to make our Christmas cards.  I was soooo guilty of that particular sin last year and even my special people didn't get handmade cards (hangs head in deep shame). So, lovely Sandra set up a friendly challenge to try and motivate us to get started early this year and today I'm going to share my first card for Christmas 2013!






We can make our cards to our own design choice but Sandra has also given a suggestion for each month and January's theme is Red and Gold so I decided to go along with that with the addition of ivory.  I chose a deep burgundy red card for my A5 base and then stamped my chosen image from one of my oldest CB Christmas stamp sets (I can't find it on the website so think it's discontinued) onto parchment using Versamark ink and then heat embossed with Ranger Queen's Gold EP.  I die cut the image using a Nestability label die and coloured the poinsettias with Sakura Sparkle pens.  I haven't used these in ages and I do love the subtle sparkle you get with them (glitter is too much for me usually).





I then cut a different label die from ivory coloured card, edged both this and the parchment one with a gold Sakura Pen Touch pen and laid the parchment one on top, adhering with micro dot tape just under areas covered by the stamped image.





I then die cut some poinsettias from burgundy and ivory card using a Marianne die, with the centres cut from gold pearlescent card.  I edged all the petals with the gold Pen Touch, shaped and layered them before adding them to my card.  I die cut the swirls from gold pearlescent card using my Tim Holtz/Sizzix garland strip die.  I love the two little swirls on there and use them a lot. 





Then when everything was stuck onto the base card I risked the whole thing because I decided I didn't like the sentiment stamped onto a label but preferred it stamped direct onto the card so I took a deep breath and went for it, lol!  Luckily I got it straight and in the middle ........... big relief! 

This card turned out a whole lot more elaborate than I intended but at least that's one made.  I do hope I can discipline myself to keep it up and actually increase my monthly Christmas card makes.  After all 12 won't go far will they, lol!

Well, that's it for today.  I hope if you're here in the UK you haven't been too inconvenienced by the snow this past week. Those of you who know me will be aware that I hate the blooming stuff.  I agree, it has looked very pretty but not enough to make the inconvenience worthwhile.  Yesterday I was pretty scared doing the school runs because I could barely stand up in either of the car parks and now the snow is starting to melt and it's raining so those poor folk flooded before Christmas (plus many more) have it all to go through again no doubt. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend folks and I'll be back again soon.

Hugs
Lesley  Xx

20 comments:

Elaine said...

Lesley, well done, I am still pondering if I can do a red and gold creation for the January theme, I must really try! This is so gorgeous, a really classically elegant card, with loads of beautiful elements that work perfectly together. It is perfectly lovely and will be much appreciated I am sure. Elaine xxx

Rebecca said...

Well done you I started mine in Jan a couple yrs ago & it does help. Didn't last yr tho & suffered so keep it up...good luck
Happy craftin
Rebecca

Words and Pictures said...

Such an elegant card, and kudos on the sentiment stamping - it really does look fabulous with the gold direct on the rich burgundy red. Good luck with the Christmas preparations!!!
Alison x

judith@poppy cottage said...

Beautiful card Buddy, the colours are gorgeous. Well done for making a start on your cards so early this year! I did that last year, and it was the only way that I had some handmade cards to send. Perhaps I need to get a wriggle on again this year........ Judith xx

Hels Sheridan said...

GO YOU! And if you are making one, you could make two... and erm... let me have the spare ones rofl Love the colours and design, so pretty x

Paula Whittaker said...

Such an elegant card....loving the gold EP

Aquarius said...

This is beautiful and I love the combination of the deep burgundy red with the cream and subtle gold. I've not got myself around to this one yet but hopefully before the end of the month...

Beryl said...

This is gorgeous Lesley - will have to be for someone really special I would think. Like you - I need to get more Christmas cards done during the year so will try to join in some Christmas challenges to help me achieve that.
Beryl xx

Paula (PEP) said...

This is quite magnificent - love thew ay those die-cut poinsettias serve to highlight the flowers in the stamped image. The parchment gives such a lovely decadent feel too & I love the colour combination especially with the gold edgings.
Paula (PEP)

veronica said...

Oooh Lesley, this is gorgeous! love the deep rich colour, and the offset parchment is a great idea. You were very brave to stamp the sentiment afterwards, I would never have dared risk it!
Snow has almost all gone here after a night of rain, thank goodness - it looks wonderful, just so long as you don't have to go out in it.........
J getting on well, thanks

Astrid Maclean said...

Gorgeousness personified!!! Love your card and what a good idea to start now!! You have my address lol ☺
Hope you can keep it going! Have a lovely Sunday ♥♥♥

Sandra said...

Gorgeous card Lesley. Love all the details and the colours are beautiful. Feels good to have made a start on mine. I think I need to make at least 3 a month!
Sandra x

Sally H said...

Wow, wow, wow, Lesley! That is GORGEOUS! Great colour combo and just fantastic! I have to start doing this, as I too was very stressed before Christmas

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Lesley, I love your dark red & gold card ! The die cut poinsettias compliment the stamped image so well. The parchment paper is so elegant and I know exactly what you mean about stamping direct to your background, we have to hold our breath and hope like heck it stamps correctly ! Happy Sunday, Shirleyx

Donna Ellis said...

A gorgeous card! I found you by way of Shirley Deatcher on pinterest - love your techniques and great use of textures! hugs, de

Christine B. said...

Wow Lesley this is gorgeous, love how you have used the parchment paper to. Sorry not been around had internet security issues. Love and hugs x ChrisB

Jean said...

Lesley this is a really beautiful card.I love the colour scheme and your gold embossing is fabulous.The die cut flowers echo the stamped image so perfectly too. Jean x

Val said...

Fabulous - love the colours, and such a good idea. Afraid all my cards were from St Michael this year!!!
Hugs
Valxx

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Suzanne C said...

That is so elegant and gorgeous! I hope you can keep it up. :) I know you are always so busy and glad to see you creating for fun! ;) Thanks for stopping by and leaving me some love on my blog and over at PA!