Tia's Tips: Why do we create cards? We do it, to share a message with someone through our own little piece of art. So, your words matter-have fun with them! Don't be limited to the sentiments that come with that new stamp set your eyeing. Create your own sentiment and get those words said the way you want them! There are lots of great sites to get quotes, from the everyday to those said by the famous. I've said this before-I keep a notebook of "Quotespirations", that I turn to for ideas and run to whenever I hear or read something inspirational. Now, get those words down on paper! Even the most basic of computer programs come with a few different fonts. There are entire websites dedicated to helping you find and upgrade your font library so your words can become eye-candy. Then print it out. Use cardstock that you can cut into word-strips, or on copy paper that you can use as a template before running your card thru the printer. I've used clear adhesive paper to create stickers of my sayings so the background design paper wasn't overed up. There are lots of ideas out there on how to get the sentiment you want on your card, so don't let it leave without getting the message you want on it!
Design Team: Prickley Pear Stamps and Dies
Stamp Set: Victorian Ornaments 3
THE PROJECT:
This was the first year that I actually started some of my Christmas cards in July! Once I got started, I decided I was going to keep going! Just a few each month-not to keep me in the mood-but to make the idea of getting them ready BEFORE Christmas actually possible! And this set of Victorian Ornaments from Prickley Pear is going to easily help me rack up quite a few more to my stash.
The sentiment seen here is a creation all my own, as I made it for my husband. You could create any sentiment you want using the method I did for this card.
I began with a sketch in my head of where I wanted to this card to go. I pulled several sheets of Christmas/background paper (for my layer). I pulled white cardstock and my Spellbinders Holly Frame set and die cut the largest frame. I knew the sentiment I wanted to use and created it in MS-Word with the font "Baguet Script". After printing a template on copy paper and using my clear stamp to ensure spacing, I used temporary adhesive to place my frame on the copy paper (to get perfect placement hold it up to light or use a lightbox) and ran it thru my laser printer.
I used a soft swipe of Mustard Seed-Distress Ink to create a "glow" for my ornament. I then stamped my focal image with gray-in (to create the no-lines effect), colored with my Copics and fussy cut it out. I popped it up on foam tape and adhered to my frame. I selected a sheet of design paper that complemented the frame and adhered it to the card base and then adhered the frame to it.
The white frame started to feel a bit stark and I didn't want to color it, so I went back to the Spellbinders envelope and selected the large vine and berries dies. After cutting them out, I decided to adhere them flat on the frame rather than use foam tape-I didn't want it competing with the ornament, rather enhancing it. I topped my ornament off with double bows of gold thread secured with clear glue.
COPICS USED:
Ornament: Y00; Y11; Y15; YR23
Ribbon: R59; R29; R27; R22
Mistletoe: YG11; YG17; YG25; White Gelly Roll Pen
I really, really love this Christmas ornament set and already have another idea in mind! If you haven't started your own Holiday cards-join in me in getting a few made starting now! After all, there's only 125 days left until Christmas!
Thanks for following along-I hope you get the chance to go make something beautiful today!
-Tia