Template for a Christmas Card

Hi all!  Time is running out to make any more Christmas cards, but I just had another two I wanted to share with you.  The cards both use the same template and the same stamp set, but the colors were changed because I couldn't decide which to use.  So, when in doubt, do both.  I've been a real paper hog for awhile.  Or maybe I should say a paper hoarder instead.  Does that sound better?   But I am trying to be better and actually use my lovely DSP.  That's what started this card making session.  I couldn't decide if I wanted to use the Sentimental Christmas Designer Paper or the Season of Green & Gold Designer Paper.  Both have very nice designs and they're such different styles you'd think this wouldn't be a problem.  But indecision is my middle name lately.  So, that's why we have two versions on this template to share. 

Here are the two cards together.  See, they are similar in design, but still different.  The main components of the card template is the large circle for the main focal point and three 1" strips of DSP that are different but complimentary.  Let's go through and explain how I made these.

I'll start with the second card I made, the one on the right.  The DSP strips are from the Sentimental Christmas.  I liked that they were not a true green but more on the Pretty Peacock color tone.  It makes a more mellow look on the card.

I had done so many red & green cards, I was looking for something slightly different for this time of year.   Three different prints from the Sentimental Christmas DSP were cut here.  The center one with the trees is 1" x 4 5/8".  The two on the sides measure 1" x 4 3/8".  They were laid out and attached with "green glue" to a Basic Beige cardstock piece that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  There is also a Basic Beige cardstock piece measuring 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" that's scored and folded in half and is used for the base.

After attaching the strips to the cardstock layer, it's added to the card base with Dimensionals.

Next is coming up with which die to use to cut the main piece - the circle.  I really love the circle dies that are part of the Spotlight on Nature Bundle. Each has its own different design on the edge to make it stand out.  This is the largest circle.  It was used to die-cut a circle of Basic Beige cardstock.

Across the center of the circle, a line of small trees from the Peaceful Evergreens Bundle were stamped with Lost Lagoon ink.  I love the misty look of this tree line.

Under the trees, the sentiment from Greetings of the Season was stamped.  The 'Christmas' was stamped first leaving space to stamp the 'merry'.  The ink used here is Pretty Peacock so it's a little darker and more prominent on the card.

The gold bow is from the Gold & Silver 1/8" Trim.  It's attached with a Mini Glue Dot.  The extra bling added here are gold snowflakes from the Adhesive-backed Snowflakes.  These can only be found in the Online Exclusive section of the store.  I thought they added a nice, festive touch here.

The inside of the card is stamped with a sentiment from the Greetings of the Season stamp set.  It's stamped with Pretty Peacock ink.

There is a small line of trees in the bottom corner.  They are stamped with Lost Lagoon ink to match the card front. 

Okay, this is the second card I made.  I'll share with you the first card and my mistake.  It still works, but I like the 2nd version better.  You decide.

The basic card idea and the measurements are the same as the other card, except the center strip is 4 3/4" long.  Small thing, but looking at both cards, you can see the difference.  You decide which you prefer.

The circle is the same except Basic White cardstock was used this time.

The trees are the same, except they are stamped with Old Olive that was off-stamped before stamping onto the circle to keep them nice and light.

I thought it would be cool to have the sentiment on strips of Basic White cardstock and have them partially off the circle when attached.  I think I like it the other way better this time.  The ink used for stamping the sentiment is Mossy Meadow ink.

For finishing, the same gold snowflakes are used to accent the design.

The ribbon used this time is a retired Gold Shimmer Ribbon from a few years ago.  The subtle gold shimmer of the ribbon is the perfect match for the gold accents on the DSP prints.

Just for an added bit of glamour, the circle had a bit of Wink of Stella spattered on it.  Unfortunately, the picture didn't want to pick up the soft glittery splatters.

There you have it.  Two cards that used the same template as a starting place.  They even used the same stamp sets.  But tweak a few things and it really changes the look.  I really like both of them.  If I'm in the mood for the elegance of lots of gold touches on my card, this is the one to make.  If I'm going for a more mellow look, the other one with the Pretty Peacock and Basic Beige do the trick.  Either way, the template is a great one to use, especially when you've got lots of strips left over from all those other projects.  Start thinking birthdays or even Valentines Day!  Hmmm...

If you want to start panicking, today is the 15th.  There's only 10 more days until Christmas.  No, my cards are not in the mail, my presents are not wrapped, and my cookies are not baked.  Why the heck am I still making Christmas cards???  Gotta go...

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon