Tuesday 14 November 2017

Variations on a theme

Hello lovely visitors, thanks for taking the time to drop by!
Having been away from home for nearly 3 months, means I am way behind with Christmas cards. But in the last few days I have been busy trying to catch up, so here is the first batch of cards...

They all use the same Stampendous stamp and are probably going to be the most traditional cards I will make this year, meant for those of my friends and family that like that sort of thing. The finished cards are all 5 x 7 with minimal embellishments for easy posting.
The word Noel was cut with Tim's die, I think it was a new one last year. I embossed it with Stampendous Frantage powder.
The little twig was another Tim Holtz die from the Holiday Greens Mini set. The white berries were made with Tonic Studios Nuovo crystal drops, a recent discovery that makes the most berfect pearl drops.
The next cards are all pretty similar, like I said, variations on a theme...
For this one I stamped and then fussycut the holly part of the stamp, and the berries were done in the same way but this time using red crystal drops.
I also embossed the edges of the cards with Stampendous Ancient Bronze EP.

Finally, a couple more, all done in a similar way:
This one more simple, stamped in Plum Archival ink and the middle part just coloured a bit with brushmarkers and a water brush.
And here a variation in blue tones.

Well, that's it for today, I am currently working on a second batch, more mixed media in style, - so stay tuned as they say :o)

Thanks for your visit like always and I hope you are having a good week!
xxxxx


20 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful set of cards Astrid, the recipients will love them. Hugs, Valerie

Let's Art Journal said...

What stunning Christmas cards, I love the traditional look to them! Your family and friends will love them I'm sure 😀. I adore the postcard design in particular so I looked up that amazing Stampendous stamp and it's now on my wish list 😉. Maybe I'll use it for my Christmas cards next year ...lol 😉 ... oh, I've also added the Tonic Studios Nuovo Crystal Drops too ... lol! The blue card is my favourite with the peace sentiment - beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration and wishing you a happy week of creativity! J 😊

Meggymay said...

Gorgeous traditional cards Astrid. Those stamps are favourites of mine as well.
Yvonne xx

Redanne said...

I just love that Stampendous Christmas stamp, one of the most useful ever - and you have shown that with your beautiful cards Astrid! Hugs, Anne xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

Gorgeous cards Astrid x

Margaret Mifsud said...

All of these cards are just beautiful Astrid!! I love the traditional look and that Stampendous stamp is gorgeous! Even though they are all very similar, the different embellishments gives them all a stamp of individuality. Love, love, love them!! hugs xx

Words and Pictures said...

Lovely variations on a traditional theme... there's nothing wrong with tradition, especially when it involves such a lovely stamp as this. Congrats on getting started with the cards - I fear this is going to be another year where the intention doesn't quite become reality for me!
Alison x

froebelsternchen said...

Those are all wonderful cards - every single variation is gorgeous Astrid!

Pamellia said...

This is a fantastic base design Astrid, and all the little changes in accents create a different card every time! The stamp choice is amazing, oh how I love a snow cottage for the holidays! This is perfect for a holiday card that goes through the mail, nice and flat but still has lots of fun details!! sending hugs :)

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous vintage style cards Astrid. I was away from a craft studio for 4 - 5 months and also behind on Christmas cards. Have a great day x

Mary W said...

Beautiful cards - wish I was snuggled in a bed somewhere inside this house sleeping with visions of sugar plums dancing around. Brings back so many beautiful memories of childhood Christmases.

Dorthe said...

Dear Astrid, they are such beautiful, cards, Maybe traditional, but with a wonderful beauty of yesteryear and so lovely with your different adds of stamps, and dies , I just love them.

Dorthe, xx

Hazel Agnew said...

Fabulous creations Astrid. Great variations too. This is my all time favourite and most used Christmas stamp. I have been forced to rest it this year as people will begin to notice! Love what you have done. Xx

Annie said...

Your Christmas cards are simply stunning Astrid xx Love the beautiful traditional stamps at this time of year. TFS the wonderful details and huge hugs
Annie xx

Estelle said...

Your cards are always such an inspiration - love these!

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a beautiful card deat Astrid, all the details are so nicely choosen , I really love it!!

Have fun!!
Maria

Jackie PN said...

Exquisite cards Astrid! Each of these look as though they were from a box from a store-not just any store, one that sells spectacular homemade gifts! Your receivers are very lucky to be gifted such wonderful cards!
Jackie xo

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! Some of the most beautiful traditional cards I've ever seen! You certainly proved the worth of that stamp! Each of your cards has the wonderful Astrid touch! Thanks for the hint about Nuovo crystal drops too!Chrisx

SewPaperPaint said...

Now this is my kind of assembly line work, varying each design! I love every color scheme and embellishment idea and could never pick a favorite. So glad you are back to the craft table and getting caught up. Thank you for this inspiration, how I love this stamp! Hugs, Autumn

sarascloset said...

Astrid, your traditional Christmas cards are stunning! I love that stamp design, which really looks so different on each of your greetings! I impressed that these are flat for easy mailing, but your details on each are so rich they give the feeling of dimension! Those berries are fabulous! Great to see you getting caught up with your Christmas cards! Sending hugs!

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