Holly Jolly Christmas Inspiration with "Believe"

September 02, 2014

Holly Jolly Christmas Inspiration with "Believe"

To me, the holidays are all about reaching out and connecting with friends and family, and one of my favorite ways to do that is by sending special handmade cards. I know my family always appreciates homemade, and I love being able to put that little touch of he(art) into my gift giving.

I am all about the layers in my card designs. Love the look of lots and lots of patterned papers and prints mixed together. But adding too many layers is not very cost effective when it comes to mailing, so I've come up with a little trick. By using strips of patterned paper all on one level, I can get the look of lots of layers, without all the bulk. This card actually only has two layers of paper, although the pieced paper strips give the illusion of much more. This is a great technique for using up some of those paper scraps we all tend to collect, too.

I did add a bit of ribbon to my card, but tried to keep all of the elements relatively flat and postal friendly. A paper banner strip and oval frame, cut from the Authentique Life Cards, creates an eye catching framework for that fun Santa image. Details cardstock stickers and die cut Components punch outs add the finishing touch.

Of course the holidays are all about the packages, too, so for my second project, I've made a pretty gift tag, perfect for dressing up those boxes and bags.

The base of the tag was die cut using the 6x6 Bundle paper and Tim Holtz' Tag and Bookplates die for Sizzix. I added an Authentic Life Card to the center, and a bit of lace trim to the bottom. Machine stitching adds a little extra detail.

For a bit of a fun twist on the traditional tag topper, I added one of the hinge stickers from the Details sticker sheet, placed over the hole opening at the top of the tag, and folded over to the back. I removed the tiny die cut circles from the hinge sticker and replaced them with matching eyelets, then threaded string through the center hole. Those leftover tiny circle stickers were then randomly scattered across the tag for a small, yet eye catching embellishment. They remind me of those candy dots that are so popular these days.

I added some small Diction stickers to complete my sentiment, then topped the tag with that beautiful poinsettia. That little pretty was made with additional 6x6 Bundle papers, the Tim Holtz Tattered Poinsettia die, and lots of Distress Ink added right over the top of the die cut papers. I love how the ink totally alters the look of the patterned papers.

I hope I've given you some fun ideas for using our fabulous new holiday collection. Happy crafting!