SEASON'S BLESSINGS

When a certain stamp set, Season's Blessings, was released, I was immediately enamored with it. I saw it as so versatile, with uses for a plethora of occasions.

My first card with this set, More Positive Thoughts, was the essence of simplicity, but very effective, at least, in my eyes. I loved the play of the leafy branches.

I was anxious, however, to use this set for the Christmas season, creating with the poinsettias in the basket.

Personally, I really think the one particular product that set off this card beautifully was the glisteny gold paper upon which the basket sits. That is a piece of the Gold and Rose Gold Metallic Specialty Paper, which can be found on page 135 of the Annual Catalog. On my first few forays through the catalog, I completely missed this paper. But, when I did find it, wow! You really do need to see it in person to appreciate its beauty. The photos definitely don't do it justice -- as usual.

A up close and personal shot of the flowers on the glisteny paper:

Following is a tutorial on how to create a card similar to this one. Enjoy!

SUPPLIES:

Gold and Rose Gold Metallic Specialty Paper (page 135, Annual Catalog)

Any Christmas Designer Series Paper

White cardstock

Season's Blessings stamp set (page 94, Annual Catalog)

Real Red ink

Garden Green ink

Soft Suede ink

Dark Mango Melody Stampin' Blend

Paper Snips

Rhinestones

Stampin' Dimensionals

DIRECTIONS:

Cut a piece of Basic White cardstock to 4" x 8". Fold it in half, creasing it well with a bone folder. This will give you a 4" square card. I love this size!

To this card base, add a 3 3/4" square piece of Christmas Designer Series Paper.

Next add a 3 1/2" square piece of the Gold and Rose Gold Metallic Specialty Paper. If you don't have any of this paper, Glimmer Paper can also be used.

On scraps of white cardstock, stamp one of the large poinsettias and two of the small ones in Real Red ink; and the leaves in Garden Green ink. The basket is stamped in Soft Suede ink. Fussy cut these pieces, leaving a narrow white edge.

Make your arrangement atop the basket as you wish, adhering the pieces together so it becomes a single piece. When everything is set and dry, add the centerpiece to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Color three of the small Basic Rhinestones with Dark Mango Melody Stampin' Blends. Add these to the centers of each of the flowers.

How are you doing on making your Christmas cards? How many do you create each year? 

Poinsettia

Smiles.