Winter Wishes

I'm joining in on the fun over at Viva La Verve!  I used November's Week 2 design, as well as the rustic inspiration for the Inspiration Challenge.

To go along with the sentiment I chose for this card, I thought that using white embossing paste would add a winter-y element, as the texture reminds me of packed snow. I also added clear sequins to mimic falling snowflakes.  The stamped image and sentiment were heat embossed using snow white embossing powder, and then I added some Stickles to the Christmas tree. I chose blue vellum for the banner to allow the background to show through.

For the rustic element, I distressed the edges, and used some hemp ribbon and twine.

Supplies:
Stamps: Verve 'Holiday Greetings'
Paper: Recollections shimmered and matte blue cardstock; CTMH Patterned, Vanilla
Other: Cuttlebug; Spellbinders scalloped circle die; Rangers Texture Paste, Stickles; Color Box Chevron Stencil; CTMH Buttons, ribbon, twine, Chocolate Distressing Ink; Verve Shine Bright Sequins

Christmas Memories

Made my first Christmas card of the season! Yay! I used the 1st sketch of November from the Viva La Verve challenge:  

Here's my card:

I absolutely love the look (and feel) of the rich, velvet background paper.

This stamp set is an oldie but a goodie-one of my all-time favourite Christmas sets.  After stamping the image, I used watercolour pencils and my water brush to colour the scene.  I then added some 'snow' on the trees and buildings for a cool and fun effect using my Snow Marker (after I applied it and let it dry, I used a heat gun to 'puff it up'). The banner was cut out and then embossed and watercoloured:

The sentiment on the inside is from Verve's Bright Spirits- my newest Christmas stamp set that I plan to use for more cards this season :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Verve Bright Spirits; CTMH Snow Days
Paper: CTMH Colonial White, Olive, Cocoa; Recollections brown; Sei Wine Velvet Paper
Ink: CTMH Chocolate
Other: CTMH Watercolour pencils, water brush, sequins; Cuttlebug; The Paper Studio woodgrain embossing folder; ribbon unknown; Uchido Snow Marker

Thanks a Latte

I can't believe I finished this card in time for the Viva La Verve Challenge, which closes tomorrow!  I always enjoy playing along with their challenges, as the sketches are always fantastic, and there's so much inspiration!  There's even going to be a lucky winner of $100 gift voucher to Verve!!!

Here's the sketch I worked with:

And here's my card:

I used a watercolour technique for the first time (as you can see, I need practice) by stamping Ranger Distress Ink in Broken China on watercolour paper and then spritzing it with water.  Easy and simple.

I also added some Ranger Glossy Accents on the coffee cup lids, and quilled some coffee beans for fun :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Verve 'Holiday Treats'

Ink: Ranger Distress Ink in Broken China; CTMH Black, Cocoa

Paper: Watercolour paper; CTMH Cocoa, Colonial White

Other: Cuttlebug; Goose Bumpz Zig Zag e.f.; Quilling strips; Ranger Glossy Accents; CTMH striped ribbon; Michael's Baker's Twine; Copics