Christmas Cards & Treat Bags For My Card Group Ladies

We had to get together today, a week early, for our December card group meeting.  We had a lovely, happy afternoon crafting, chatting, singing, exchanging cards and Secret Santa gifts.  Today I'm sharing the Christmas cards and mini treat bags I made for my ladies.  I made two of each design.

A little while ago I bought the SU! 'Trim Your Stocking' Thinlits dies set which can be used to make a stocking topped pillow box gift card holder.  I love the idea of cute, decorated Christmas stockings but I've got to admit I didn't enjoy trying to make a gift card holder!  Getting the rounded parts of the pillow box to fold neatly was impossible for me, I gave it a few attempts and wasn't at all happy with my results so I then admitted defeat.  I decided I'd be very happy to use the stocking elements on cards or as gift tags and just not bother with the gift card holder functionality of the die set!

The stocking is quite large so I made the card bases 5" x 7".  My colour combo is Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green and Whisper White and I've used different patterned papers from last year's SU! 'Warmth and Cheer' DSP stack.  I embossed the white background panel with a snowflakes embossing folder.  The sentiment was stamped in VersaMark ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder.  I punched a small circle in each stocking and added a ribbon loop.  I die cut the snowflakes twice, once in black CS and again in white CS and offset the two shapes to give a shadow effect.  I placed a clear faceted gem in the centre of each snowflake.  Each stocking is mounted to the card front using a wobble action spring so there's a fun movement element to the cards.

The treat bags were made using the SU! 'Mini Treat Bag' Thinlits die set.  I used the sweet gold library clips to attach a tag to each bag.  Each bag contains a clear Christmas stamp, an Options hot chocolate sachet and a Christmas lottery scratchcard.

Here's the back of the envelopes.

Here's the front of one Cherry Cobbler stocking card.

Here's the inside of one Cherry Cobbler stocking card.

Here's the front of one Garden Green stocking card.

Here's the inside of one Garden Green stocking card.

Here's one Cherry Cobbler treat bag.

Here's one Garden Green treat bag.

I'm happy how these turned out, quite festive and cheery I think!  They were a bit time consuming but I worked in an assembly line fashion and did each stage at a time.  I've been working on these for the past few weeks whenever I've had some crafting time and it was highly satisfying to see them all completed!

I'm having a break from card group in January so we'll be getting together again on Thursday 1st February - which seems a very long way away but I'm sure it will be here before I know it!

Supplies:
Stamps: Imaginisce 'Be Merry' Snag 'em stamp, Stampendous 'Snow Brackets'
CS: SU! Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Basic Black & Whisper White
Patterned paper: SU! 'Warmth & Cheer' DSP stack
Ink: SU! Cherry Cobbler & Garden Green, VersaMark
Tools: SU! 'Trim Your Stocking' & 'Mini Treat Bag' Thinlits die sets, MFT Die-namics Blueprints 18 die set, Leane Creatief 'Snowflakes Background' embossing folder, Tonic Studios 'Slab Merry Christmas' die set, Sizzix 'Banners' die set, heat tool
Embellishments & accessories: SU! white embossing powder, clear faceted gems, gold library clips, rhinestone jewels, Dimensionals, action wobble springs
Ruth

Poinsettia & Holly Merry Christmas Card

A little while ago I made this snowflake card using products from Apple Blossom.  I've used them again to make this poinsettia and holly Christmas card.  I love the rich colours of the die cuts against the crisp embossed Whisper White layer!

Here's a closer look at the poinsettia and holly die cuts.  I inked the edges of each flower with Cherry Cobbler ink using a sponge dauber, stacked three flower layers together and popped the whole poinsettia up.  I think the veining detail on the petals is fab!

Here's the inside and the envelope.

Supplies:
Stamps: Apple Blossom 'Wavy Sentiments' set, Stampendous 'Merry Wishes'
CS: SU! Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Whisper White & Gold Foil Sheet
Patterned paper: SU! 'Be Merry' DSP pack
Ink: SU! Cherry Cobbler & Garden Green
Tools: Apple Blossom 'Christmas Winter Snow' embossing folder, Apple Blossom 'Christmas Wintry Additions' die set, sponge dauber
Embellishments & accessories: SU! Dimensionals
Ruth

Christmas Winter Snow Merry Christmas Card

A while ago I bought the gorgeous Apple Blossom 'All Occasion' embossing folder.  I then discovered the entire Apple Blossom 'All Occasion' collection and I just couldn't resist adding more products to the stash!  I got the 'Christmas Winter Snow' embossing folder, the 'Christmas Wintry Additions' die set and the 'Wavy Sentiments' stamp set!  They all work together beautifully!

For this Christmas Card I applied SU! Dapper Denim Ink to the inside of the 'Christmas Winter Snow' embossing folder using a brayer, carefully placed a piece of Whisper White thick CS inside the folder and ran it through my Big Shot.  The panel came out somewhat blotchy so I applied ink again to the inside of the folder, very carefully positioned the piece of CS inside the folder, making sure to line it up exactly and ran it through the Big Shot again - much better, more even coverage!  I love how the blue ink has missed the white raised embossed bits!

The embossing folder has 'Let It Snow' on the curvy strip portion but I'm not keen on that saying nowadays (I'd much prefer it if it didn't snow!) so I die cut the curvy strip, stamped 'Merry Christmas' on it and glued it over the top.  I trimmed the panel and mounted it onto the front of a 5 3/4" white card base.  I die cut a snowflake, glued a punched circle behind it and popped the snowflake up onto a Dapper Denim die cut stitched circle - which I also popped up.  I added a clear faceted gem to the centre of the snowflake to finish off the front.

Here's the inside and the envelope where I kept the snowflake theme going.

Supplies:
Stamps: Apple Blossom 'Wavy Sentiments' set, Hero Arts 'Very Merry Christmas' set
CS: SU! Dapper Denim & Whisper White
Patterned paper: SU! 'Color Theory' DSP stack
Ink: SU! Dapper Denim
Tools: Apple Blossom 'Christmas Winter Snow' embossing folder, 'Christmas Wintry Additions' die set, SU! 'Stitched Shape' circle Framelits dies, circle punches, brayer
Embellishments & accessories: SU! clear faceted gem, rhinestone jewels, Dimensionals
Ruth

Embossed & Die Cut Snowflakes Merry Christmas Card

The Sizzix 'Christmas is Here' stamp and die set contains a lovely snowflake and shadow background die.  The centre of the snowflake can be lifted up for some dimension and the snowflake is such a lovely size and shape - I'm a complete sucker for snowflakes!

For this card I've mixed embossing and die cutting to create a classic Christmas card.  My colour combo is Night of Navy, Coastal Cabana and Whisper White.  The card base measures 5 1/4" square.  The 'Merry Christmas' wording was made using a new Tonic Studios die - I just love that the words come with a shadow background (as does the snowflake die in the Sizzix set), it really makes a difference having that 'pop'!  The main image panel, the snowflake and the sentiment are all popped up.  I added a rhinestone jewel to the centre of the snowflake to complete the card front.

Here's a closer look at the gorgeous snowflake.

Here's the inside of the card and the envelope flap.

Here's the front of the envelope.

Yay, another Christmas card added to the box, I'm slowly getting there!

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampendous 'Snow Brackets', My Cute Stamps 'Let It Snow!' set
CS: SU! Night of Navy, Coastal Cabana & Whisper White
Ink: SU! Night of Navy
Tools: Leane Creatief 'Snowflakes Background' embossing folder, dies from the Sizzix 'Christmas is Here' die & stamp set, Cheery Lynn 'Sentiment Tag 2' die set, Tonic Studios 'Slab Merry Christmas' die set
Embellishments & accessories: SU! rhinestone jewels, Dimensionals
Ruth

Card Group 2017 Secret Santa Gift Tags

We exchange Secret Santa gifts each year at card group and I always make a batch of tags for us to use.  I put a name on each tag, place the tags in a drawstring bag and then everyone draws out a tag, buys the person named on the tag a gift, wraps the gift and attaches the tag to the gift.  It's such a traditional part of our December get together now and I always look forward to it and enjoy it immensely!

I looked on Pinterest for some inspiration and saw these beautiful gold tags made by Linda Parker.  I based my design on Linda's tags but used a different stamp and introduced a pop of deep colour with Cherry Cobbler ink and ribbon.

Here's a closer look.

In the past I didn't like making a batch of stuff the same.  Nowadays I find it really helpful and enjoyable.  I think preparation is the key for me - I know now that if I make the effort to do the necessary prep work then the whole project will come together really smoothly and quickly.  I know I always love seeing a completed batch!  

I'm going out shopping today with a friend and I'm hoping to find the perfect Secret Santa gift! 

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! 'Labels to Love' set
CS: SU! Whisper White & Gold Foil Sheet
Patterned paper: SU! 'Year of Cheer' Specialty DSP
Ink: SU! Cherry Cobbler
Tools: SU! 'Scalloped Tag Topper' & 'Everyday Label' punches
Embellishments & accessories: SU! Cherry Cobbler taffeta ribbon, gold cord, Dimensionals
Ruth

November 2017 Card Group Projects

This afternoon we got together for our card group meeting and I designed three Christmas cards for the ladies to make.  I cannot quite believe that next time will be our final meeting for 2017, this year seems to have rocketed by!

Card one is simple but the cut out design adds a stylish touch.  I challenged myself to use colours I tend to neglect - opting for Pacific Point and Tempting Turquoise.  I made a side opening A6 landscape card and used the border die to cut out the fancy design.  I cut three snowflakes using dies from the SU! 'Seasonal Layers' die set.  I was chuffed to see that the centre of the large snowflake matches the design of the cut out die!  I adhered punched Tempting Turquoise circles behind the snowflakes which made it easier to adhere them to the card front and adds a pop of contrast.  I stamped and die cut the sentiment label and glued that in place.  I used the dots die from the SU! 'Trim Your Stocking' die set to cut out Tempting Turquoise dots and I glued those on the cut out design portion.  I haven't popped anything up on this card so it will be a good one to send through the post.

Here's the inside and the envelope.  I love the snowflake cluster stamp from the SU! 'Perpetual Birthday Calendar' set, it's going to get used a LOT!  I thought a cluster of snowflakes was perfect to go with the 'sending you a flurry of warm Christmas wishes' sentiment!

The black, white and Old Olive colour combo of the SU! 'Merry Little Christmas' suite is such an unusual combo for Christmas cards but I really like it and it's good to go outside the norm now and again!  I've recently purchased the MFT Die-namics Blueprints 18 die set, I love how these sets make it easy and fast to put a card together.  I used one of the recommended layouts for the design of the card.  The angled panel dies are better suited to US sized 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"  cards.  As our cards are 4 1/8" wide it leaves just a tiny border but it was quick and simple enough to trim off a bit to get the size border I prefer!

I made an Old Olive A6 card base, attached the patterned paper angled layer and stamped the holly image in Old Olive ink.  I die cut the stitched circle, flagged banner and button which use dies from the Blueprints 18 set.  I stamped and fussy cut the ornament and popped that up.  I used a sweet little bow die from the SU! 'Christmas Stockings' set to embellish the ornament and added a rhinestone jewel.  I glued a black punched circle behind the Old Olive button and popped the button up.

Here's a closer look at the ornament - such a gorgeous stamp!

Here's the inside and the envelope.

Card three uses a new purchase as well - the Sizzix 'Christmas is Here' set of Framelits dies and stamps.  CraftStash have this set at £9.35 which is a great price and the set is wonderful, I couldn't resist!  

 I made an A6 landscape easel card using SU! Cherry Cobbler CS and added a strip of  Garden Green patterned paper from the SU! 'Be Merry' DSP pack.  I cut a piece of Whisper White CS to fit along the bottom of my image panel, tore it to create a snow bank and held it in place so I could judge where to stamp the trees.  I used full strength and stamped off once Garden Green ink for the trees.  I added Soft Sky ink to the torn edge using a sponge dauber and I applied a line of PVA glue using a fine tip applicator and then I sprinkled on SU! Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  I stamped the deer in Soft Suede ink, die cut the deer, glued the snowbank in place tucking the deer legs behind and popped up the deer body.  For the easel stop I used a stamped and die cut sentiment.  'Christmas is here bringing good cheer' - what a lovely sentiment!

Here's a closer look at the image panel.  Now I love a bit of fussy cutting but even I'd not attempt to cut that deer out - the legs and antlers are so delicate - so it's fab that there's a die to cut it out!

I glued a white panel to the bottom of the card, stamped some trees and added a sentiment.

Here's the envelope flap embellished using dies from the 'Christmas is Here' set.

So that's all our Christmas cards done for card group this year.  Our December meetings are always a lot of fun as we put on festive music and swap Secret Santa gifts as well as make a couple of projects.  I've started making the Christmas cards for my ladies, I've got all the pieces prepared and cut so it's a matter of assembling them.  I'm determined to have them made in good time!

Supplies for snowflakes card:
Stamps: SU! 'Flurry of Wishes' & 'Perpetual Birthday Calendar' sets
CS: SU! Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise & Whisper White
Ink: SU! Pacific Point & Tempting Turquoise
Tools: SU! 'Eclectic Layers', 'Seasonal Layers' & 'Trim Your Stocking' Thinlits die sets, Spellbinders 'Labels Trio' die set, circle punches

Supplies for ornament card:
Stamps: Papermania Urban Home for Christmas 'Baubles' set, SU! 'Best Yet' set, Hero Arts 'Holiday Cheer' set
CS: SU! Old Olive, Basic Black & Whisper White
Patterned paper: SU! 'Merry Little Christmas' DSP
Ink: SU! Old Olive, Memento Tuxedo Black
Tools: MFT Die-namics Blueprints 18 die set, SU! 'Christmas Stockings' Thinlits die set 
Embellishments & accessories: SU! rhinestone jewel, Dimensionals

Supplies for trees and deer card:
Stamps: Sizzix 'Christmas is Here' stamps & dies combo set
CS: SU! Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green & Whisper White
Patterned paper:  SU! 'Be Merry' DSP
Ink: SU! Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Soft Sky & Soft Suede
Tools: Sizzix 'Christmas is Here' dies & stamps combo set, sponge dauber, fine tip glue applicator
Embellishments & accessories: SU! Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Dimensionals
Ruth