Friday, August 23, 2013

Snowy Wreath


Hi everyone.  Second post for today!! :)  This card is for a couple of challenges ... SCS Queen for the Day (QFTD178 - initial S) ... I am honoring my friend, Susan (susanbri at SCS).  Susan makes many Christmas cards each year and I only learned recently that she has a sale of her cards in the fall with all proceeds going to charity!  You gotta love that!!  She is such a talented card-maker and she leaves the most lovely and supportive messages for other crafters.

Susan, I enjoyed looking through your beautiful gallery on SCS and I chose this gorgeous card to CASE.  I enjoy making Christmas cards too, and you have given me so many wonderful ideas - thank you!!

And this is also for the Jingle Belles Christmas Tic-Tac-Toe challenge - I did a diagonal line choosing dry embossing, red or green, die-cut or punch).

Here's a close-up:



It's a little hard to see in the photo, but the squares of red are dry embossed with a brick pattern.  It adds some extra texture and interest.  I built the wreath from a ring of green cardstock, covering it with pine branch die-cuts which I had painted with snow texture.  Just love how the wreath turned out.  I finished it off by adding a red and green jingle bell (from the $1 Store) tied with hemp twine.

I think I need to get a CD player for my art studio.  I was singing Christmas carols as I was making this card ... and it would have been nice to have the music to drown out my off-key singing :) ... I'm sure that's why hubby headed downstairs for the afternoon! :)


Stamps:  Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs);  Gumball Green, Real Red (SU!)
Ink:  Gumball Green, Whisper White re-inker (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Wreath Strip die (Cheery Lynn), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), 1 1/4" square punch, Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz for Sizzix), Sparkle Texture Effect (Martha Stewart), paint brush, Stamp-a-ma-jig, hemp twine, jingle bells, glue, glue dot, adhesives, and dimensionals



FYI, I've had my Sparkle Texture Effects for about three years now - it's amazing how long it's lasted!  Anyways, it was starting to dry up a bit, so I took out what I thought I'd need for the wreath, added a few drops of Whisper White re-inker and a few drops of water and then stirred it all together ... worked like a charm!!




20 comments:

Sian Ridley said...

WOW! This card is amazing! I am totally blown away by the wreath you made, it's just incredible! I also love the red squares being embossed in brick like your wreath is hanging on a chimney breast just waiting for Father Christmas :)

Karen M said...

Stunning card Loll - I love how you made your wreath - it looks amazing! Hugs xx

Stamps and Paper said...

Such a classy Christmas card Loll... love how you've made your wreath the two little bells finish is off beautifully and its looks great on your 'brick' wall...

Anne

Cathy said...

Wow! Amazing wreath Loll, the snowy tips are perfect, stunning card :) Cathy x

Aquarius said...

This is a lovely wreath, set off by the red brick squares - love it.

Sue said...

Stunning card, Loll. I love the sparkle texture and little bells. xx

MaryH said...

Stunning, each time I visit & see a new card, I am so inspired by what you've created. I really like all the 'door' motifs that you have been sharing. These 4 square doors are a wonderful touch, but these punched twigs into a wreath - wow. Lots of patience I imagine. So very pretty with your added tiny bells. I want one on _my_ front door! TFS & Hugs

Brawny x said...

Some fab cards over the last few days. Am just catching up now.
Love Leax

Anonymous said...

Really love this one Loll....you are up on it for the holidays!

Bonnie said...

What a beautiful wreath and a wonderful tribute to our friend Susan! The wreath is gorgeous on it's own, but against the red squares it really sparkles! I love Christmas music and think I need to start listening to some. I would have loved to sing along with you. Your hubby would have had to leave the house!

Barb Ghig said...

This is gorgeous, Loll! I love all the texture and dimension you created with your wreath...so beautiful!

Joey said...

Loll oh my gosh, this is just beautiful! Joey x

Mau xx said...

This is lovely Loll, I so love love Christmas and traditional colours always work for me. Love the Wreath and how you added texture to it all.
Huge Hugs Mau xx

Barbara said...

You make me sing Christmas carols, too! This is such a stunning card, absolutely fabulous! And it just inspired me big time - have to go sit down and try something NOW.

Nonni said...

Another stunning card from you, Loll! This one has so beautiful details that it's a small piece of art! I love how you've placed all the elements in the center of the card, so pleasing for the eye.

SmilynStef said...

Wow ... the snow texture takes the wreath to a whole new level ... absolutely stunning holiday card ... so glad you joined us at Jingle Belles.

shirley-bee said...

Gorgeous card, Loll! I love the extra detail of the snow and brickwork.

Susan said...

Loll, I just read your full post (though I'd already seen and commented on this card on SCS) - thanks so much for the tip on rejuvenating the Sparkle Texture Effect. And I was amazed to learn there is a die that cuts out the pine branches for wreathes! I've always made mine with a Martha Stewart punch which limits me to using dp or very light weight cs. I'll be buying that die as then I can use heavier cs too! Your card is so gorgeous!

lauren bergold said...

yet again you've astonished me with an incredibly lovely holiday card! the astonishing wreath, the lovely window, the subtle and perfect use of embossing... this really HAS IT ALL! thanks for playing xmas tic-tac-toe with us at JINGLE BELLES! ♥♥♥

Unknown said...

Very Festive Loll, love the snow touch, really completes the card.
hugs
Donna