Christmas Cards

Isn't it amazing, the amount of stash you build up over the years without really trying?  I keep Christmas bits and bobs in a box file and decided that whilst I was downstairs looking after the boys, I would do a bit of crafting in between.  Cards are easy to pick up and put down, so they seemed a good choice of project.  I have no idea what these papers are called, but they were a freebie with a craft magazine some time ago - so I thought I would challenge myself to use them all up!  All variations on a theme, but they certainly got my Christmas cards started off with a bang. 

Warning - image heavy post! 

Using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourish die and some blue glitter paper - very simple!

Scalloped scissors for the border.  Craftwork Cards "Oh my words Christmas" for the sentiment - makes card making so quick and easy. 

Using up some of my extensive Bazzill "Just the Edge" strips and a bit of left over card embossed with the Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder. 

A co-ordinating frame, again with free magazine paper from a different collection.  

White peel-offs and the end of the blue swirly ribbon as a tag.  I made up my own sheet of Christmas messages and printed them off on robust card. 

I've had the dimensional snowflake stickers for years and years - you only need one!  The blue scalloped border is cut from glitter paper.  

I cut a bunch of white snowflake die cuts last year with my friend Tara's Sizzix snowflake dies.  Easily customisable with Promarkers and Stickles.

Using my Tim Holtz keyholes die and bits of leftover free magazine paper.  

Lots of scalloped circle punches and a way of using up just a left over strip of patterned paper. 

Even though the paper above is really busy, I really like this card - I think the double scallop is really effective, especially when paired with that snowflake dimensional sticker embellishment. 



And some left over handmade purple paper - again, with just a strip of patterned paper.  I used up one piece of that collection last year, but from the remainder, I have made 25 cards - a great staple if you're on a budget.  All quite easily achieved using some crafting basics - circle punches, ribbon, shaped scissors and some die cuts.  Voila!

Using up ribbon

Being in an enforced period of no crafting due to a recent shoulder operation, I am uploading bits and bobs here gradually.  I used up every single Christmas card from my stockpile last year, so hate being under pressure at the last minute, and prefer to make them as and when I feel it!

I am currently ALL about using the stash,baby, so this card was designed around the ribbon ... I thought it was reminiscent of abstract presents so went with the colour scheme.  I accessorised with copper peeloffs, a copper snowflake cut on the Quickutz, and some lovely sequins!  Black and copper have always done it for me.  Glue lines and weeny dots make sticking the sequins with a breeze. I LOVE that "A Rhonna Christmas" Stampology bird stamp by Autumn Leaves.  Haven't maximised it enough to date! 

Christmas paper trims

What do you do with your bits and pieces? Even though I do my best to use them, I have accumulated so MUCH stuff ....

I probably made in excess of 300 cards last year. Most went to charity; some I sold, some I made for friends .....

My friend donated these Trimcraft Christmas border strips for the charity box.

Now - to get going and use them!

I make all my cards from scrapbooking scraps and bits and bobs, usually. Old, OLD papers, ribbon scraps, stamping ....

Here I added some DCWV stack, snowflake brads, and the lovely Autumn Leaves Stampology bird, and then the Craftwork Creations Christmas messages.

I use my scalloped circle punches a LOT for cards. Add some lace on the left, and some stamping on the right. I like added bling for Christmas cards - I stuck the gems on the left one using glossy accents and my trusty tweezers.

Add a bit of ribbon, or some angelina fibres! All from bits and bobs hanging around! I like how these turned out and the non traditional colours. Stay tuned for more paper trims throughout the year ...