Rudolph's Woodland Christmas

 

Card design inspiration can come in many different forms. It might be a piece of paper, an adorable image, or the recipient. For this card, it was a bit of all three. 

My family members I made this card for have a beautiful cabin in the woods. I love the mountains. The smell of pine as you stroll through the forest, the hint of acrid smoke from the campfires, and the cool crisp morning air speak to my very soul with its peacefulness. I was hoping to capture just a speck of that in this card. 

The cardstock is from a 6" x 6" cardstock pad I purchased from Hobby Lobby back in 2019. It definitely fit the woodsy cabin feel I was looking for in a paper. I also picked up the holly flowers the same day. However, I used a Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen in clear to add a frosty morning sparkle to my leaves. I did the same with the pinecone I created using the Tim Holtz Sizzix die cut set 664228. As you can see, I modified the pine cone just a bit. I wanted it to be solid, so I had a few puzzle pieces to put together. I left some out for dimension.

This adorable reindeer stamp is from CharliesStamps. It made me smile as soon as I saw it. For this type of card, I could have gone with a more realistic deer. However, it is all about what makes you feel good when you are creating. 

To colorize "Rudolph," I used the following Copic Markers: E11, E21, E25, R29, and C4. I also used a 05 Sakura Gelly Roller in White for the highlights. 

For the interior, I chose this campy, green gingham pattern from the same cardstack. I aged the edges with a bit of Distress Oxide in Ground Espresso. I made up my own sentiments because it reminded me of all the times our extended family has gathered around a campfire at night. Laughter always filled the air, especially when my father-in-law would tell us old stories. I miss those camping days. 

To finish out the card's edging, I cut out a .75" strip with a stitched edge. I wanted it to simulate a leather binding. 

The notched square die set I used on the back and in the interior is from Whimsy Stamps. 

The final touch will be to create a protective box for the card. It isn't as crucial as some of my flowery cards require, but it is always a nice added touch. 

Thank you for joining me. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to visit my blog. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below.

Wishing you all Warm Winter Wishes! 

With Deepest Sympathy

 

As I mentioned in my last blog article, sympathy cards are the most challenging type of card to design for most of us. That is why I decided to do a month-long dedication. Otherwise, let's be honest, these are not the most cheerful cards to create as they bring about a sense of sadness.

Tree of Life Sympathy Card

Let's be honest with one another, the hardest cards of all to make are sympathy cards. Usually, when we make one, we are grieving the loss of a loved one or dear friend. This makes it difficult because we are processing our emotions when we are trying to be creative. I recently found myself in such a predicament. I will be sure to have one made before such an event to have on hand in the future.

My Happy Thought

 

My Happy Thought-- don't you just like the sound of that? I think we all need to keep positive thoughts at the forefront of our minds right now. 

Baby Elephant Birth Announcements

Babies! They are a welcome addition to our lives and such a blessing. I always get excited at the opportunity to make a celebratory gift set for someone I know who has given birth. By now, I know many of you have seen the adorable baby elephant plushies with the birth stats, but I designed this card to match our little pet elephant, Hazel. 

Sugar and Spice

 

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I love creating unique cards for my friends. With each design, I try and tailor them to the recipient's personality or interest. This particular card was designed for a friend who loves all things pink, is an awesome mom, and has just entered the world of being an empty-nester.

You've Been Hugged

 

Are you a hugger? I am. If you are, too, you know how difficult it is not to hug someone in this pandemic world. It seems so strange, but I haven't hugged my own daughter since mid-January 2020. Of course, it is because we no longer live in the same household. However, I would have never dreamt of a world in which that could happen.

Happy Birthday Llama Card

Have you ever purchased a stamp that just makes you smile? That is what this little llama does for me. Anytime I use it, I find the corners of my mouth turning upward into a big grin. It is infectious!

Valentine's Day Mail Box

Everyone loves getting Valentine's Day cards. I think it is even more important this year when so many of our loved ones are isolating. It shows those we hold most dear that we are thinking of them. Although the truth is I don't need a holiday to send my mom a card. Her dining room table is covered in my creations. 

Will You Be Mine Valentine Card

Love is in the air, which means it must be time for another Valentine's Day card. Sweet innocence pours out of this card, thanks to this delightful stamp by Landesfes. I designed the card for my daughter and her boyfriend. It just reminds me of young love. 

You are Toadally Adorable!

 

There is just something about making a Peek-a-Boo card that I adore. They are so fun. Every time I open one, it just makes me smile. Since this type of card usually takes me a couple of days to make, I typically only make them for special occasions. Of course, Valentine's day is the perfect excuse! 

Little Violet Birthday Card

 

To continue this month's series on Santoro stamps, I chose No. 32 Little Violet to showcase this week. I let the name of the stamp be my inspiration for the color theme.