20 December 2012

2 for 1 on Christmas cards...

Welcome all at this incredibly busy time of year. Don't know of anyone who is ready yet (mind you, I guess there are always things you could do extra and doesn't everyone overestimate how much they want to achieve/how much they can achieve?) Humble apologies for not joining WOYWW - helping to serve 250 Christmas dinners and then making 54 iced cupcakes sort of took up Wednesday but I intend to be in touch individually with all the wonderful friends I have made through this wonderful 'blog hop' over the coming day or so. Cardmaking has still been a part of life - just no time to post them 'til now, so there are two on this post (get a cuppa/mince pie/bar of chocolate/nice glass of something to keep off the chill to sustain you!)


It was made for my work colleagues and doubles as an entry for;
Moneysupermarket Christmas Card Craft Off


That's better. It was totally inspired by a midwinter card created by Linda Coughlin HERE. Layers included handmade paper on the base with embossed corners overstamped with VersaColor silver pigment ink, distressed Basic Grey Jovial text paper, net curtaining stamped with the pinecone image, and an embossed piece of paper from the same Basic Grey set highlighted with the same silver pigment ink.


Yep, that's a real blank postcard (found them whilst looking for something for a neice to record her grandma's baking recipes on - they work a treat). Obviously I Distress Inked this lovely Stampendous pinecone image/the pine needles background, and then dragged out some of the colour with water  to soften the whole thing.


You could say this is a 'chocolate box' card!? Final silver and purple ribbon flourishes completed the look.
And now, as promised/threatened, card no. 2.


I have several friends moving during this festive period, so this was an attempt to combine the two sentiments in one. One of them is the aforementioned Linda Coughlin who will hopefully be on her way to a new abode very soon. Linda, I hope everything runs smoothly and according to plan so you can really enjoy a fabulous Christmas and be prepared for the year ahead.


It came straight after the green tag (see previous post) as evidenced by the glittery paste masked texture background. See, it works on card/paper too. Using modelling paste has really added a whole new dimension to my crafting and I intend to play with this next year as I undertake the large ancesty project that's been churning around in my head for weeks.


Ranger Snowflake tinsel embossing powder used here on antique gold card which has been spritzed with red ink and embossed with Walnut Stain Distress embossing powder (love this stuff!)


My 'area for improvement' (don't you love education jargon!) is definitely alcohol inks. It took oodles of messing and layering to get this where I wanted it and there are some far more stunning examples out there (have you seen the work of Claudia at Von Pappe 2 - now there's a level of expertise to aim for).


The Crafty-emblies MDF fence and Woodware lock and key brads rounded the card off nicely.
Hurrah! You've made it (though I've no idea in what state!) Thank you so much for dropping by.
There will be one last post, but in case you are beyond busy may your Christmas be filled with wonder and warmth, and may you have the chance to spend time with cherised friends and family.
Huge Christmas hugs, Jenny xx

27 comments:

  1. Two fabulous cards... the layers and colours on the first are delicious, and I love that pinecone image. Second one looks fabulous with the glittery texture (don't you just love that template?!), and the snowy front door... Think your bricks are looking very cool, and I agree Claudia's work is unbelievable!!
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the purple bow!!! You did an amazing job with all the details.

    Hope you have a great Holiday
    Tracie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful cards! Have a lovely holiday! Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are beautiful and stunning cards, we all have things to develop skillsin but judging bybthese two beautiful makes I would say your skills are fabulous! We are our harshest critics...but your ideas and excecution are top notch!!!!!! Have a wonderful Christmas love trace x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Both your cards are lovely Jenny. The lushness of the first one is lovely with all the textures and gleam. Soon be time to just float and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are both magnificent Jenny. I love the richness of the purple and silver card, it's just beautiful and the fabulous red spritzed onto gold is so inspiring especially with the embossed bricks.
    End of year Report - Jenny has worked hard this year to learn new techniques with great success. She continues to explore new media to add texture to her work and to develop her style. She explores the use of colour to produce exceptional pieces of work and uses her knowledge of design to great effect. Well done Jenny, I am sure you will go from strength to strength next year.
    Sorry, couldn't resist continuing the educational theme. Once a teacher, always a teacher LOL.
    Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year.
    Hugs Brenda xox

    ReplyDelete
  7. Both wonderful cards. I am amazed that you have any energy left after all the all the hard work on Wednesday.

    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas

    Love Chrissie xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. They are both great! Glad you enjoyed your visit to artistcellar.com - I was lucky that a friend bought mine back from the States so I didnt have to pay postage/customs but I think I might have to revisit them in the New Year too! My mojo seems to be back a bit now although still not in full swing but on the plus side apart from a few presents that need wrapping which arent needed until the big day I am all ready for Christmas! at least I think I am..... Hope you have a fabulous Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow Jenny, two cards for us to feast our eyes on! Love the fabulous bow on the first one and the background is amazing with the paste - must open my jar again and try once more. The second card is beautiful, so dimensional and I love the festive colours you have used. Brenda's comment made me smile, she has you down to a T - brilliant end of the year report and richly deserved! Hugs, Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  10. These two cards are brilliant with such attention to detail as always - I'm sure they will be very well received by the lucky people to get them. Don't envy you icing all those cakes! Happy Christmas and thanks for your support in recent months.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love both of them (but the second even a bit more ;)!

    Have a very Merry X-mas!!!

    Hugs,
    Claudia xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Uuups, I forgot: thank you so much for mentioning my "creative attempts"! I am really honoured and proud, that I inspired you with some of my projects!

    Thank you sooo much for that!!! That is indeed the best laud one can get, isn't it?

    Some more big HUGS,

    Claudia xxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Two more wonderful cards, great colors and elements.

    ReplyDelete
  14. So very beautiful cards, love them both.

    Merry Christmas for you and yours

    ReplyDelete
  15. Fabulous cards, especially love the top one. That happy Christmas font is fab - love it.

    Sam xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Stunning cards both of them! The colours and various textures are just wonderful! Love the grungy vintage feel of them too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Two lovely cards, especially the purple one - great bow. Have a great Christmas crafty hugs Mo x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Both beautiful cards Jenny. I love all the layers, texture and the way you've combined the colours. My favourite is the purple and silver one - it's just gorgeous. That's not to say I don't like the second one though! Those bricks look so lifelike and all the touches of sparkle are perfect.
    Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and I wish you a happy New Year with good health and lots of craft time!!
    Juliaxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful! Love the bricks and bow, especially that bold purple. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Two fantastic cards Jenny, cant decided which I like best, just love them both.
    Hope you and your family have a Wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

    Patricia xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful cards - love the pinecones and the rich purple ribbon. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love Brenda's 'report' above - so accurate! It comes across Jenny how much you put into each creation and they are all wonderful - including these two beautiful cards. Texture, dimension and colours so fabulous on both. You are a gem! Nicola x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for your comments! I Am still slightly sceptical but OMG I feel a connection. Happy Christmas! Xoxo Sioux

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love the deep purple on card one, and am really digging the Snowflake Powder on two...one of my favs! It's totally transformed that background! Gorgeous cards! Merry Christmas to you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Gorgeous cards, especially like the purple & earthtone together. What a stunning bow ! Saw your this at Simon Says Stamp, had to take a closer look. Merry Christmas, Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  26. Gorgeous cards Jenny, I love the sumptious chocolate box bow and the glittery paste looks so pretty.
    Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp.
    Merry Christmas :)
    hugs Mandy xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow Jenny, both cards look really amazing! I really love that purple bow, very pretty! And I like the bricks on the other one along with that fence! So cool! Hugs, Sandra

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments - they are really appreciated and will be published when moderated. Jenny xxx

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...