Hello, sweet friends, and I trust that you have had a good week and are looking forward to the weekend.
It's the 25th of the month (just three months until Christmas), and I am playing with the newly remixed digital image from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley called Glittering Glass Santa. Here's what Marcy shared, "The main image is a sweet Santa inspired by the antique German glass ornaments we always had on our tree growing up, hanging from a berry-dotted tree branch."
For my card, I decided to go simple and used GIMP to remove the backgrounds of both images (something I do automatically when I get my digis so I can "nestle" them up close to each other). I dragged in both the main image and the sweet sentiment (using Microsoft Word), resized them, and arranged them the way I wanted.
After coloring, I ended up using a stitched rectangle die and sponged some Antique Linen distress ink around the border while it was still in the die. Then I matted it with a deep red card stock, used some retired designer paper and matted that, and then added some red jute around the base. I used some glitter on the branches for sparkle (a suggestion by my dear husband...he often has some great creative ideas...and we often giggle as to whether to pierce or not!), and then I actually used some sequins - my first card with them. Yay! I've had sequins and just never seem to use them or feel they "fit" on my cards. They remind me of snowflakes, something I hope we never see again...yes, we have adapted quite well in South Florida after more than 25 years! But I do love seeing the sparkle of freshly fallen snow...on television or in photos...hehe!
I remember as a child our beautiful Christmas trees. My mom was the "boss" of the tree and its decorations, and it gave her great joy. She carefully unwrapped each ornament, and we got to hang them (when we got old enough). And when we took down our tree, she took great care in wrapping each ornament for the next year. What precious memories that I cherish (and now I take the same care of our ornaments, some of which are from my mom). We also had a nativity scene, and Jesus was always the center of our Christmas celebrations. I praise God that because Christ came, He has overcome the world and we can have true peace.
These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
It's the 25th of the month (just three months until Christmas), and I am playing with the newly remixed digital image from Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley called Glittering Glass Santa. Here's what Marcy shared, "The main image is a sweet Santa inspired by the antique German glass ornaments we always had on our tree growing up, hanging from a berry-dotted tree branch."
For my card, I decided to go simple and used GIMP to remove the backgrounds of both images (something I do automatically when I get my digis so I can "nestle" them up close to each other). I dragged in both the main image and the sweet sentiment (using Microsoft Word), resized them, and arranged them the way I wanted.
After coloring, I ended up using a stitched rectangle die and sponged some Antique Linen distress ink around the border while it was still in the die. Then I matted it with a deep red card stock, used some retired designer paper and matted that, and then added some red jute around the base. I used some glitter on the branches for sparkle (a suggestion by my dear husband...he often has some great creative ideas...and we often giggle as to whether to pierce or not!), and then I actually used some sequins - my first card with them. Yay! I've had sequins and just never seem to use them or feel they "fit" on my cards. They remind me of snowflakes, something I hope we never see again...yes, we have adapted quite well in South Florida after more than 25 years! But I do love seeing the sparkle of freshly fallen snow...on television or in photos...hehe!
I remember as a child our beautiful Christmas trees. My mom was the "boss" of the tree and its decorations, and it gave her great joy. She carefully unwrapped each ornament, and we got to hang them (when we got old enough). And when we took down our tree, she took great care in wrapping each ornament for the next year. What precious memories that I cherish (and now I take the same care of our ornaments, some of which are from my mom). We also had a nativity scene, and Jesus was always the center of our Christmas celebrations. I praise God that because Christ came, He has overcome the world and we can have true peace.
These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Now it's time to visit the Power Poppy blog and see what Marcella has to share with us and then hop on over to my teammates from there for a fun blog hop:
Be sure to visit Power Poppy to get this new digital release to use today. While you are there, check out the entire digital collection!
Thanks so much for "stopping by" and sharing a comment, thought or question. I am always happy to answer questions, so don't hesitate to email me. (I am entering this in this week's Word Art Wednesday challenge.)
I wonder whether you have a special memory about Christmas. It's such a wonderful time.
Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends! Have I told you lately how much you bless me?
Blessings,
Stamps: Glittering Glass Santa (Power Poppy)
Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Cherry Cobbler (SU), Holly Jolly Designer Series (SU), White (PTI)
Ink: Antique Linen distress ink (Ranger)
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangles dies (Simon Says Stamps), red twine (May Arts), Perfect Layers tool, Diamond Stickles, sequins (Verve), Diamond Glaze adhesive, 3M dimensional tape, red tape
Tools/Accessories: Copic markers, Stitched Rectangles dies (Simon Says Stamps), red twine (May Arts), Perfect Layers tool, Diamond Stickles, sequins (Verve), Diamond Glaze adhesive, 3M dimensional tape, red tape
Techniques: Digital images using Microsoft Word and GIMP, sponging
Card Size: A-2
Copics used: Santa's suit - R20, R22, R27, R39, R85; Santa's face - E000, E00, R000, R30, E81; Santa's mittens - E70, E71, E74; Santa's tree - G20, G21, G14; Tree bough - G20, G21, G82, YG67; Tree branch - E34; Tree berries - R20, R22, R27, R29; Small berries - R22, 0, Ornament fixture - Y28
Copics used: Santa's suit - R20, R22, R27, R39, R85; Santa's face - E000, E00, R000, R30, E81; Santa's mittens - E70, E71, E74; Santa's tree - G20, G21, G14; Tree bough - G20, G21, G82, YG67; Tree branch - E34; Tree berries - R20, R22, R27, R29; Small berries - R22, 0, Ornament fixture - Y28
30 comments:
Squeel... Sequins... Oh Cheryl your first use of them is PERFECT! They do look like snow drops. Beautiful vintage Christmas card girlie! I like the paper, perfect with this Santa. You nestled them closely and it looks beautiful!
Cheryl, what very special memories and beautiful verse you've shared! Such wonderful inspiration, and then there's the card! I just love your layout, the coloring, and the beautiful background - all perfect! Big hugs, Autumn
It's gorgeous Cheryl! I love the vintage feel for sure! Love all the added bling too! <3
Just stunning, love your coloring and the background paper that really adds to this card. Great shading on the image ttoo.
Reading of your Christmas memories sparked memories of my own! Beautiful card, Cheryl…I even think I have some of that DP in my stash…and beautiful coloring of that sweet vintage Santa! The sequins look like they belong on this card! Hugs, sweet friend!
Well if this isn't the perfect card for some sparkly sequins!! I keep meaning to BUY some, but it hasn't happened yet! LOL!! Beautifully coloured and paired up with some fabby vintagey Christmas paper and that stitched border make this card truly shine!! Gorgeous as always from you Cheryl!! :)
Cheryl...this card is so pretty...the coloring and all the little touches...the sequins look wonderful and love the shading in the rectangle!
Beautiful!
Wow Cheryl!! I adore your rich vintage colors!! Your coloring is so warm, cozy and richly festive!! Love the sweet little touch of sequins too. *sigh*...what a beauty!!
So love this vintage digi!! Another I may need to add to my collection, sure wish I lived close so I could have you show me how to use them better!!! Beautiful card my sweet friend!!
He is too cute with his rosy cheeks. Your hubby had a great idea to bring some sparkle to the greenery, isn't it great to have someone to bounce idea's off of :) Your sequins are perfect here, I will have to try and remember that when I start my Christmas cards. Have a great weekend!
What perfect paper Cheryl and wat wonderful rich colours! So classy Cheryl!
Beautiful Cheryl!!! I just love your warm rich colors!! Your coloring is gorgeous!!! You are so talented with digi's!! I sure could learn a lot from you!! Hugs my sweet friend!!
Well, isn't this a sweet Christmas card :) Can you believe Christmas is only three months away?! My son said he has butterflies because he is anticipating Christmas....silly boy :)
Your memories of decorating the tree sound like mine. My mom was the same way and I think I am just like that with my son. He and I have so much fun putting the ornaments on the branches.
Sweet hugs to you, friend!
Cheryl, you card is absolute perfection. LOVE the rich colors you've used and good for you using those sequins! Yay! I enjoyed reading your cherished Christmas memory, too. And YOU bless ME, by sharing your artwork and faith.
This is absolutely GORGEOUS, Cheryl. Thanks so much for joining us and please know how grateful I am to have you play along. God bless you!
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
MY! You've been busy Cheryl! Just LOVE the vintage feel of your charming Christmas card. What a cool technique sponging the border while still in the die! I got to give that a try. Oh such a beautiful memory of your dear mom too. Sounds like me. The BOSS of the Christmas tree! Ha-ha. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and an early lovely new week blessings to you and your DH Cheryl.
Hugs - Christina
So beautiful, and you chose some very pretty sequins for your first time. They look like gems! Love how you've nestled the sentiment into just the right spot. Yes, I do have two special Christmas memories, or traditions. One was the moment my brother and I got to clip our birds on the tree, and the other was pulling out "The Littlest Angel" and reading through it each year. It was the most beautiful book with glitter and pop ups. Sadly, it was damaged in storage. The birds were never passed on to us, though I do have several other ornaments from the family tree. I guess most people would call them "vintage" now.
Hello Cheryl! Sorry I'm so late to your blog but what a sweet card you have created, and you've brought back some happy memories as well! Love the addition of the glitter! Your coloring is always beautiful, and your abilities with digis is amazing! I will catch up soon. I had a super busy weekend with family here for Al's BD, then all of us going there for Sunday for an appointment we had there. Trying to catch up on everything since.
Hugs sweet friend!
Grace
I thought for sure I had commented on this here at your blog before I saw it on SCS but I am not seeing a comment from me. I love the vintage feel you gave this card but without lots of layers or distressed paper. Wonderful coloring. Beautiful card!!!
Your card is such a delight mf. I have an ornament just like that made from glass. It looks so similar to yours. Lovely card with a great traditional 'Christmas' feel...amazing colouring too!
Have a great wk...I am swamped right now!
hugs,
K
This Santa brought back Christmas memories for me too. My grandma had boxes of ornaments for her tree that were a Hodge podge. There were metal ornaments like this Santa and those old bubble lights. I always loved when they came out. Your card is beautiful my friend. Hugs!
Just beautiful. I must admit I always find it a challenge to make Christmas cards. There are so many ideas that I can never narrow it down. You have so many pretty cards and ideas!
Cheryl, I probably comment santa on your beautiful flower post. I love both posts! the choice of color so pleasing to eyes, shading and layering, nice...
Love your first card with sequins! What a sweet image! And love that your husband helps! :)
Love this card, Cheryl. The Santa image is one of my favorites. And I remember decorating the tree as you describe it, too. My mom had a few special ornaments that we would always wait till the very end to put in the special places we had saved just for them. My mom passed away right after Christmas many years ago. Her tree was still up. My sisters and I carefully wrapped those ornaments and then we each took one for ourselves. I have never put it on the tree though. I'm so frightened that it will get broken. I have a feeling that my mom would not be very pleased about that!!! She was always about using the best stuff for the ordinary times.
My favorite kind of Christmas card has always been the old time antique or retro style. Beautiful card and it does harken me back to the "good old days". Family gathered around the tree and later the dinner table. Family back then meant more than it does in this day and age.
Love, Hugs and Blessings
Jim
great card
Happy Halloween:
"-Where do you take a baby ghost?
- To day-SCARE center!!!" :)
Happy BOO day!"
hugs from California
Bibiana
This looks like a real antique German glass blown ornament, Cheryl!!! Yes, hubby made a great suggestion too!!! I'm still praying for you! You're such a sweetie!!!
Hi Cheryl, what a great card! I love your post a lot, very encouraging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and beautiful art work.
And... Thank you for visiting my blog, too :) Thankful our path crossed through SCS :)
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