Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Copper Christmas


Hi everyone.  Still working on Christmas cards :)  Tomorrow I'll have something a little different for you.

Today's card is for the Splitcoaststampers (SCS) CAS challenge (CAS#244 - tearing / distressing).  I've layered two torn banks of snow.  I usually just tear my card stock once and then use both sides ... the contrast of the hills works well.  I sponged a little Smoky Slate ink along the tops to give them more definition and also added dazzling diamonds along the torn edges ... and I popped the layers up with dimensionals for even more depth.

The tree is an old die that I've had for several years ... you know the ones ... they are very thick and are run through the Big Shot with only the cutting plates (no platform required).  These seem to work the best for cutting copper as the cutting blades are quite deep.  I heated the copper tree with my mini torch until it changed colors and then glued it together with two other trees that I die-cut from white card stock.  As you already know, I commonly use three layers of die-cuts to create nice thick elements.  This worked really well with the copper and had the added bonus of eliminating the sharp edges that I sometimes get from the cut copper.  A simple sentiment and the card was done.

Here's a close-up:





Stamps:  Snowman Sayings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Early Espresso, Smoky Slate (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Pine Tree die (Sizzix), copper metal sheet .005 thickenss (K&S Precision Metals), mini torch, glue, dazzling diamonds, sponge, adhesives and dimensionals



I'm also going to enter this into:
Muse #41 (Janet Ribet)
Rudolph Day
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra
Pixie's Snippets Playground #96  - I used snippets to die cut my white tree layers




44 comments:

Barb Ghig said...

This is so strikingly beautiful, Loll! The copper tree takes center stage (as it should) and I love how you layered the snow banks...such a lovely sentiment, too!

Bonnie said...

This tree is amazing! I love the copper and the torn snow banks are a perfect setting!

Darnell said...

Geez, Lolly, you are incredible! I can guarantee this will be THE most stunning Christmas card in the mailboxes of your recipients!! So pinning! Hugs, Dolly

MaryH said...

Loll, you know I'm loving this. Will have to check my Bigz dies to see if I have something that will work with this. Memory Box dies don't cut well, but the Impression Obsession Leaf die that I have, worked pretty well. Only had to snip out a few places. This is just super lovely and the patina copper against the crisp white is just beautiful. How's the light box coming along? TFS & Hugs

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Loll, saw this on the snippets playground - my mouth dropped open in awe - this is FANTASTIC!

Deepti Stephens said...

This is so stunning, Loll.. :)

Susan said...

Fabulous use of the copper, Loll - great idea to use it for a tree!

Gabby said...

Beautiful CAS! Love the copper tree. :)

Karren said...

Wow, such a gorgeous card, Loll. That copper tree looks divine in the photo - I can only imagine how rich it looks IRL.

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

Stunning copper tree. Thanks for playing in this week's MUSE card club challenge.

shirley-bee said...

Fabulous card, Loll! I love the tree and the banks of glittery snow.

Sarn said...

WOW - total stunner of a card. Amazing. Love everything about it.

Thanks for joining in with Rudolph Day.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Sue said...

Beautiful copper tree, Loll, it looks stunning against the white.xx

Happy Dance said...

Simply stunning, Loll! That copper tree is so eye-catching against the white background. The bits of sparkle on the snow are just the right added touch. Love this!! Seriously love this. Bev

Ardyth said...

Gorgeous! The beautiful colours on the tree and the lovely sparkly snowy hills are perfect!

sandie said...

I love the cards you make using copper-truly stunning and I love the tip of adding the ink on the torn card-I will remember this-thanks Loll x

Brenda in IN said...

You always make the most beautiful cards with copper and this is no exception. Love the snow banks and the tree is gorgeous.

Ardyth said...

Somehow I missed that this is for Muse - thanks for joining us!

Elizabeth said...

Gorgeous snippet card, Loll - I absolutely love your copper tree, so unusual. Elizabeth xx

Julia Aston said...

Your copper tree is just lovely Loll! you have a mini torch??!! that's one thing I do not have -yet...!! LOL!! It made wonderful shades on the tree!

Anonymous said...

Oh,WOW! How classy Loll-I never would have thought of using copper for a Christmas card-but this looks fabulous!
Hugs,Nessa xxx

Mau xx said...

Hi Loll, Love the card, that copper tree is stunning! I have never tried cutting copper or such things....hmm!!
Hugs Mau xx

Mrs A. said...

A beautiful copper tree. Not heard of that trick to glue 3 together for thickness, That really is a good idea. hugs Mrs A.

Gillian R said...

So pretty in the copper, such a great idea

jimlynn said...

Fantastic card!!! Love the tree done up in copper! So pretty.
Lynn

Nonni said...

Your copper tree looks striking! Beautiful, snowy card. xx

Maxcine said...

Simply fabulous Loll. X

Kathleen said...

Before I had seen the full image I said Ooooo, this is so striking and love the copper.
Fabulously different card.

Kath x

Anonymous said...

Sigh ... another copper feast for the eyes, Loll, this is so beautifully stunning ... breathtaking actually! Anita :)

Unknown said...

Stunning Loll - this copper tree is so effective.

Karen x

Notes by Nina said...

Wow Loll, this is stunning. I love the colour.

Unknown said...

Awesome design! I adore the look of copper and this cut shape literally had me gasping! :) beautiful!!

Di said...

Wow, a real show stopper of a card Loll! I love the copper tree - and hadn't realised until now that you layer up die cuts like you do. Clever idea :)

Sorry I'm a bit late calling by, still battling holiday laundry here :(

Hugs, Di xx

Karen M said...

Stunning card Loll - your tree looks amazing! Congrats on being featured last week at muse - so very well deserved:) Hugs xx

Aileen said...

Just beautiful loll, I love the way you use the copper. Absolutely beautiful effect.

Hazel said...

Love the copper. Thanks for sharing your lovely card for CHNC challenge extra for October - hope to see you again soon. x

Stamps and Paper said...

Love your copper tree Loll its stunning against the white

Anne

Deepti said...

You know how to work wonder with copper, love this tree :)

OH Babs said...

You have certainly mastered the copper technique. Someone will be thrilled to get this beautiful card.

Unknown said...

Wow, your copper tree is beyond beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card - love the tree!

Deni(se) said...

This is really a standout! It's my first visit to your blog and appreciate the detail you give on making the card. I have never considered using 3 layers on my die cuts, but now I will! Thanks for the idea.

Darnell said...

I'm not surprised to be popping back here to congratulate you, Lolly, on the well-deserved HM honor from CASology! Hugs, Dolly

Daria said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful card and your tips. I hope you don't mind if I case this. I love the clean and simple style, and I love torched copper.