Paper Crafting: 2023 Christmas Cards

 

Now that I know my Christmas cards have been received and the Post Office hasn't sent me a cease and desist order, I can share the cards I made for friends and family this Christmas season. I previously shared the Hanukkah cards I made and said in that post that Mr.Chocolate thought I was nuts when I said I'd be quilling our cards this year. Here are the Christmas cards! I'm still old school and since cardmaking is my first crafting love, I love making them for those I love! 

Supplies:

• 110lb Cardstock for Card Base (Recollections from Michaels)
• Holiday Themed Papers (Michaels)
• Coordinating glitter and Foil Papers (Recollections)
• Coordinating Quilling Strips
• Coordinating Sequins

I was on the lookout early for the Recollections holiday papers this year. Frosted Juniper and Glistening Snow are from this year. Black and White Winter is from last year. 

I'm consistent in my card construction:

• Cut 110lb paper 7x10
• Score
• Cut chosen decorative papers in panels and layer
• Attach focal 

I didn't take pictures of the quilling process ( I need to grow more arms and hands), I used a random approach and cut out the base tree shapes using my Cricut Explore and then just started making coils and swirls! 

I like to make a few different versions of cards versus making the same card for everyone. Part of that is because I can never limit myself to one set of papers and another part is because I try to match cards to their recipients. For this set, I cut modern looking trees from gold glitter paper and used silver and gold edged quilling strips from Quilling.com and finished with mirror sequins and rhinestones.

I used the Frosted Juniper papers for others, matching the colors with green glitter trees and coils in blues, greens and whites, and then embellished with rhinestones and sequins.

I loved the Black and White Winter stack I got last year (so much so I bought another after Christmas!) and have a few friends who are black and white fans like me. 

For these I cut trees from glitter silver and white papers, and then used coordinating quilling papers. 

I get these ideas before thinking about mailing them and then wait with bated breath! 

Sharing At:

Sundays on Silverado

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all and how is it time for another party already? It feels like the last one just started! Time is flying by and we have ELEVEN days left til Christmas! PLENTY of time for more Elfing, right?

This week I shared a fabulous thrifty find I turned into a Christmas Vignette:

along with an "old" canvas I repurposed into a Textured Winter Painting:

You all shared some wonderful projects last week so let's take a look at a few.

I had so much fun making my own paper bag snowflakes/stars. Imagine my great honor and surprised to be mentioned in a post by Fresh Vintage by Lisa S when she not only shared hers, but also added Book Page Snowflakes/Stars! 

Sonata Home Design shared a great tutorial on how to make one of my favorites: A bold Statement Ornament Wreath using pool noodles! 

Creatively Beth shared this adorable Polymer Clay Gingerbread Man that can be used for so many things from a keychain to a package topper. 

Finally, Cindy's Online Recipe Box shared these Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cookies with Silver non-pareils. 

Thanks to all who shared and as always, can't wait to see what you've been up to this week! 

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Repurposed Canvas: Textured Winter Tree

 

When we moved last year, I didn't find a place for a couple of paint-poured canvases I had but I didn't want to get rid of them. I was looking through some supplies and found some OLD Martha Stewart Glitter Texture Paste I'd never played with. I wasn't sure if it was even still good but you don't know if you don't try, right? 

Supplies

• Texture Paste (Pinterest is filled with ways to make your own. I'm going to try after the holidays!)
• Painting Knife 
• Acrylic Paint for Trunk
• Canvas

If you don't have a canvas to repurpose, you can use a blank one or paint one without paint pouring, or of course, you can pour one to use!

Here's the canvas. I didn't do anything more to it other than make sure it was dust free by wiping it down with a dust cloth.

Then, I just went for it, using a paint knife to spread the texture paste into a tree shape. 

I just kept going until I was satisfied with the shape of the tree and used the edge of the paint knife to add more texture. I did a simple trunk with brown acrylic paint. I let dry overnight, then added a plain wood snowflake at the top and finished with a self-adhesive rhinestone (I did tack this down with glue just to make sure it stays stuck!)

Sometimes, I just have to remind myself to go for it when I'm out of my comfort zone! 

Sharing At:

Me and My Inklings

Sundays on Silverado

Thrifting: Tiered Tray Vignette

 

I got out of the habit of hitting thrift shops during COVID and then just hadn't picked it back up until last week when I stopped at a Dollar Tree and there was the cutest shop next door. I wasn't in there 30 seconds before I spotted something I've wanted for a while, a very cool tiered tray. 

The price tag said $5.49. SOLD! Then I got to the register and the cashier said "Oh it's on sale!". $4.12 with tax. Then I got home and was curious, Googled it, and found the EXACT one on Mercri selling for $58! Happy dance commenced. It had a little tarnish and a water spot but for the idea I had in mind, it didn't matter. I grabbed some Barkeeper's Friend and cleaned it up!

Good enough for me and $4. I'd found some mercury glass trees at Target that I bought just because and glad I did because they went FAST. I had some other things on had that worked perfectly for this idea.

Mr. Chocolate found these lovely Nutcracker Ornaments when he visited his dad earlier this year. They're handmade by women in Kenya as part of a collective empowering women. 

I found these little wood trees at Michaels.

And these shiny silver Merry Christmas ornaments at a Japanese Dollar Store (OK $1.75 store). I placed the bigger items, filled in with the smaller ones including some mini bottlebrush trees and ornaments, then added some epsom salt for snow. 

I didn't want to cover the tray base completely. I like how it shows off all the components as well asit's own beauty! I was so excited, I forgot to look for a couple other things.Oh well, guess I'll have to do some more thrifting!

Sharing At:

Sundays on Silverado

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve all! Finally finished decking my halls and I don't know about you, but sitting in the dark with the Christmas trees (yes, I said trees) twinkling is my favorite. I know Buddy the Elf says smiling is his but this is mine. There's something calming and comforting to me. What is your favorite part of the season?

This week I shared another idea I saved last year...a Dollar Tree Duster Mop Wreath 

and a Layered Letter Hanukkah Banner and Dreidel Cards I made for friends.

You've all been busy elves and shared some inspiring ideas at last week's party so let's have a look at a few!

The Apple Street Cottage has a beautiful solution for any jewelry pieces you may have stashed in a drawer and don't know what to do with: A Unique Jewelry Tree. As the family Maker, guess who gets these and this is one I'm saving to do next year! 

Crazy Little Love Birds shared this Frosted Glass Candle Display. I love how spray painting different pieces the same way unifies them. 

Condo Blues shared this ingenious idea of using tomato cages to make Outdoor Gnomes! The best part? They're slipcovers that can come off, be tucked away, the cages used in the Summer, and back again for the holidays!

Finally, Rose Bakes shared yet another creative take on a charcuterie board with this Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer dessert board.

Thanks to everyone who linked up and can't wait to see what you've been up to this week! To those lighting the first candle of the Hanukkah Menorah tonight, I wish you Peace, Love, Latkes!

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