Santa Stache...

When Stampin' UP! first released the Autumn/Winter Catalogue this year and I saw this set I just knew I had to have it and that my Christmas Cards were sorted. 

Growing up in Berlin from a tiny baby the Nutcracker has been a part of my life since I can remember and for me it signifies the start of the festive season. Christmas isn't Christmas with out a trip to the local ChristKindl-Markt and several Gluhwein (mulled wine) to warm the hands and heart while you browse and shop. I try to go every year to one in this country with the one in Birmingham being among the best. 

These Traditional German Nutcrackers were made in Seiffen Germany, in the Erzgebirge Mountains where the wooden nutcracker was first made back in 1872.

Here I stamped him front and centre of my card to give it maximum impact. I love the bright colours of these little guys and had fun with my Blendabilities colouring him in. 

The 'stache' was stamped onto an offcut and then coloured in before being die cut with the matching framelit. It adds a depth to the card and I think brings this little guy to life.

What ever starts the festive season for you I hope you enjoy it and you are on Santa's 'good' list x

Feeling Festive...

Christmas is coming but if you are a crafter you are probably like me and just a little bit over it already. I have been running a Christmas club since April so feel like it has been never ending lol. 

Each month we get together for a couple of hours one eve and make 10 cards. Usually 5 each of two designs to ensure that by the time we get to September we all have 60 hand crafted cards ready to give. At the end of this years club I was asked to run a couple of specials to make larger cards. I am sharing one of those with you today.

Today's card is A5 in size and features plenty of gold! 

I used the Stars Framelits and Star punch to create various sizes and used heat embossing plus embossing folders and Glimmer paper to create texture and interest. Gorgeous Grunge also makes an appearance just providing a little background interest.

Here is a close up showing the texture and shimmer this card has,

If you are interested in joining next years Christmas club or getting your hands on the products used to create this card then please contact me and I will do my best to help you.