Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Christmas... already?!?

I'm sure you've seen them by now. Tons of Christmas cards hitting the blogs. Blog hops, challenges, groups... you name it. Some of my very favorite bloggers are already deep into making their annual stash. I'll let you in on a secret. I'm a procrastinator. Seriously, I usually start my Christmas cards sometime in December (after I've made a list) and don't finish until sometime in January. Yes, that's right, January! If I don't see you before 'the big day', chances are pretty good that I'm making your card the night before! (I know, I know - it's awful. But I've learned to live with it.)
This year is different! I can hardly believe it, I've started my cards already. Now I'm in the mood for some eggnog.... ;)
This first one is definitely my favorite. It came out exactly how I envisioned it - and really, how often does that happen? I've been feeling in a bit of a 'kraft' colored mood, and when I saw this lovely deer from Inkadinkado I knew just what I wanted to do. First I masked off an area using torn post it notes, the covered it with white ink (Ranger's Snow Cap) using a cotton ball. I moved the post it's in a bit and repeated the process with Frayed Burlap distress ink. The deer was stamped with white over the brown (I had to overstamp a couple of times to counteract the damp DI). Finally I sprinkled some Ranger Holographic ep around the edges & heated it. I love the way this turned out!


Now, for my second one I used mostly the same process, just different colors. I don't like this one nearly as much - but I think I know what to do to make it better. I used Pine Needles DI instead of Frayed Burlap this time and for some reason the white tree just would not show up. I imagine it has something to do with the different ways of formulating different colors of ink? Dunno, but it sure was frustrating! I didn't want the tree in white ep, so I used the Holographic one again - still, not what I wanted. Like I said though, I think I know how to make the next one better - I'll do it on a green background instead of kraft. Keep your fingers crossed! :)
Now all I have to do is keep track of the Christmas cards I've made until it's time to use them! LOL Won't that be a Christmas miracle!
Thanks for stopping by!


3 comments:

Ann said...

I'm impressed! I don't start mine until November. Although I do know what I'm doing. I love the deer. I'm sure some of the beautiful sparkle shows much better in real life!

Etha said...

Just gorgeous!! I love the irregular frames with the masking, very pretty. Yes, I think so too that the tree might be better on a green/green background and I probably would have white embossed it. White embossing powders aren't all that though for some reason, they are not as smooth as their black counterparts. You got a great start :)

lauren bergold said...

awwww maaaaaaaaaaan! i posted some xmas today, too...but i think i like YOURS better!!! i looooooooove those torn frame masks! so FABULOUS! and i think--hang onto your hat, m'ija--I THINK I COULD DO THAT!!! dude, you're a stampin' *AND* 'splainin' GENIUS!!! :)