Welcome to the monthly Sparkles Christmas Challenge #141!  Our host, Dawn, chose using holly or ivy as the theme for the month of October.  When you finish here, I hope you will visit the challenge site and find scores of inspiration from the members of the design team.  Each one is just gorgeous!

There are definitely times when I adore a stamp set and dies, along with the coordinating DSP, that I just can’t stop using it after it all retires.  This Whimsical Trees original bundle from Christmas 2021 falls into that category.  The coordinating DSP (designer series paper) in the pattern I used today just looks like something from Dr. Seuss, and I love anything Dr. Seuss.  

The other thing I love about this DSP is that it speaks to my love of non-traditional Christmas colors.

Here’s my holly Christmas card:

Measurements:

• The Mossy Meadow base measures 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches, scored at 4-1/4 inches.
• Next, I trimmed a piece of Blushing Bride cardstock to 4-1/8 inches by 5-3/8 inches.
• I trimmed two pieces of the DSP to 4-3/4 by 3-1/2 inches for the diagonal mats. At this point, I also trimmed a piece of the green DSP to 6 inches by 2-1/2 inches for the envelope flap.
• The white cardstock panel for the inside of the card measures my normal 4 by 5-1/4 inches.
• I used scraps of Mossy Meadow and white cardstock for the labels.
• That’s it for the measurements.

Stamping, Embossing, Coloring:

• First, I used the holly and berry trio stamp and Blushing Bride ink to stamp on the background Blushing Bride cardstock.
• I did the same thing with Mossy Meadow ink on the scrap I used for the background label.
• Next, I stamped the sentiment on scrap white cardstock using Versamark ink. Then, I covered the sentiment with silver embossing powder and heat set it with my heat tool.
• HINT: The embossing buddy is one of my essential tools for heat embossing. SU! had discontinued it for a few years, but it’s available again. The embossing additions tool kit found on page 49 of the mini-catalog can really make embossing easier! It contains the embossing buddy, an embossing tray and two brushes specifically made for brushing the errant bits of powder off your paper. I’ve had my buddy for about 4 years and it’s still going strong. In my humble opinion, it’s is well worth it to get the tool kit. Even though I already have one, it’s on my next order list.
• I also stamped the holly leaves and berry trio in each bottom corner of the inside of the card and the envelope, and one to use for the envelope seal. After I embossed and heat set each of them, I colored them in using my Old Olive blends combo and Blushing Bride marker.
• Then, I cropped both layers of the label using the Pretty Labels die set and added dimensionals under each.
• Next, I wrapped a piece of Blushing Bride ribbon around the bottom label and used a piece of silver braided ribbon to secure it.
• I added the basic pearl to cover up an oops bit of stray silver embossing powder, but it works.
• Other than for the two labels, I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere the piece to the card.
• With that, I’d finished this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Have a Peachy Day!

Sue

I live in Central Florida. My house is the blue dot.  I am having a terrible time with my internet right now, so I need to schedule this post before I lose power.  Hopefully, I will be able to get back online to update this post before it goes live. 

Stay safe, no matter where you are!