Christmas Kaleidoscope

Morning, Today I want to share a card that shows just how useful the square Inkables are, this is just one use for them but there are many, many more. I have also used a selection of the Christmas Stamps that Bev from Bee Crafty launched on Hochanda last Thursday (18 August). I think we all take some tools for granted or look at them and dont realise how else we can use them,Me Included.

This card I completely flat, so brilliant for posting. However id does appear to be be fairly layered. By using the Inkables and overstamping it gives the illusion of dimension. To start with, I took my card base and put the largest Inkable in place using temporary spray adhesive, here I used Stick n Spray from Crafters Companion.

The using Memento Bamboo Leaves, I stamped around the outer edge using the large tree stamp. I then repeated this with the other sized Inkables, rotating them slightly each time ensuring the centre one was square with my card.

In the outermost square I stamped the white space using the Holly Flourish and Memento Bamboo Leaves. In the next space I used the individual Holly Stamp and this time used Pine Needles Distress Ink.

For the next space I used only the swirl part of the Holly swirl and stamped using both the Bamboo Leaves and the Pine Needles. I then overstamped all of the edges with Black Versafine, making sure the green showed from beneath.

In the centre square I stamped my Christmas sentiment and edged using the smaller Holly Flourish with Bamboo Leaves.

I then added the holly berries, using Cosmic Shimmer PVA glue in 'Festive Berry'. I then took a Zig glue pen and highlighted all of the edges with gold foiling to add even more dimension.

To compete the card I layered it first on to red Mirror Board and then a black base card.

I hope you have enjoyed the step by step I have shared with you today and the finished card. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and hope you will come back again very soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Christmas Baubles

Morning Everyone. Very Exciting, A little bit of a sneak peak today, Bev from Bee Crafty is back on Hochanda on Thursday (18 August) with some really stunning stamps, the marvellous Inkables and some fabulous sentiments. I know everyone loves baubles and I just couldn't resist putting some scenes in to these. For this design, I used the small tree from the Christmas Tree set, along with the circular Inkables.

My finished card was going to be 8 x 8''. I placed the card on to my mat and from copier paper cut a square to leave a 1/2'' border around my design. I taped this down over my card and then placed the circle design in place.

Using another sheet of copier paper, I tore a strip to use to form the landscape, I also used some scrap to cover my work.

For the first bauble I used blues, Shaded Lilac Distress ink for the hills with just a suggestion of Blueprint Sketch. I then added a little Drawing Gum from Pebeo with a brush, this would be the moon. I then blended the sky using Shaded Lilac, Blueprint Sketch, Chipped Sapphire and Black Soot Distress Ink. I blended the colours together keeping the are where it joined the land lighter, to form a halo effect. Then using the small tree and the ripped copier paper I stamped trees using less and less of it towards the back to give the distance.

Then I took the inner circle from the Inkables to cover my first bauble. I also placed the outer in position to make my next bauble.

For the second bauble, I used the same technique. This time using Scattered Straw and Wild Honey for the land, then Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge and aged Mahogany for the sky.

I then repeated the process using greens, Mowed Lawn for the land and a little Iced Spruce. For the sky I used Mowed Lawn, Pine Needles and a very small amount of Black soot around the edges.

Next I added my sentiment and some additional plaint baubles using the Inkable before removing the outer mask to leave my border.

To finish my card, I used a black fine liner pen to add the strings to the baubles, I also added a scribbled frame around the edge. Lastly I added some Gold Cosmic Shimmer PVA, where the string met the bauble. I then backed my piece onto a black base card.

I loved making this card and think it give a really crisp, clean look. I really hope you have enjoyed the step by step I have shared today as well as the finished card. Pleased dont forget to tune in on Thursday. The stamps are superb and Bev's shows are not to be missed. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx