Merry Christmas! I know I won’t get a lot of blog traffic today – so many of my regulars are traveling or hosting big get-togethers for Christmas. That’s OK. For those who’ve braved the storm to hang out with me for a bit, I have a special treat. I’m sharing five of my favorite Christmas cards I made this year and giving you a little bit of the back story on each.
I can’t possibly tell you everything I want to tell you every day about the cards I’ve created for you – there’s a story behind each one. It’s also difficult to pick a favorite because many of them hold great memories for me. I remember the moment when I thought “this is it!” for each of the special cards I’m sharing with you today. You can click on the pictures to see the original post for each.
Christmas Season
I didn’t use the Christmas Banners very much this year, but I knew I wanted to showcase it with a gorgeous arrangement of leaves for one of our InKing Royalty Blog Hops. Here’s the problem – I’m not often successful with arrangement or with producing gorgeousness. Unsure of exactly where I was headed, I stamped and cropped a bunch of leaves in a variety of colors. All the greens made me very happy, but I wasn’t sure how to arrange them on the card. I called Emma Goddard, my talented stamping friend in the UK, who gave me the advice I needed to create this arrangement:
While I was trying to build the arrangement from the base of the card up, Emma suggested I start with the banners and glue a couple of pieces behind that cutout – she suggested I build from there. So I did. I added more behind those and tucked a couple in until I had built the arrangement I wanted on this card. Everything felt so tight behind the banners, so I stamped and cropped another banner and popped it up over the original.
I still don’t feel like an expert on building arrangements on my cards, but Emma’s tutelage gave me a bit more confidence. It helps that I love how this card turned out.
Decorated with Happiness
You already know that I like lots and lots of layers on my cards. Even if I set out to make a super-simple design, it usually resolves into six or more layers of cardstock. With the masking technique for the Be Inspired Blog Hop, I really, really wanted to make a two-layer card that used masking to look like more. Somewhere along the way, my two-layer card became a three-layer card – and I was OK with that.
I made a lot of cards with the Decorated with Happiness Bundle that weren’t shared on my blog – it was one of the bundles Emma and I used for one of our Super-Awesome Fun Time Card Kits. The images were playful and whimsical, but I saw the beauty in these pine leaves. I challenged myself to showcase these pine branches in an elegant way. I couldn’t be happier with how this one turned out.
I’ve always been a fan of blues and greens, but I’ve really fallen in love with greens this year. The mix of colors in the pines and the soft Soft Sea Foam on the base make me very happy.
Don’t tell the other cards, but I have to say this is my favorite Christmas card I’ve made this year. When I was finished with it, I felt like I had aced the exam. There’s not a thing I’d change about it (and that doesn’t often happen).
Framed & Festive
I was in love with the Framed & Festive stamp set as soon as it was released – I just love the variety of sentiments and fonts showcased in the set. I was asked to make some cards for one of Allison Okamitsu’s training events. I thought it would be fun to create my own background paper for one of the projects – ink pad dragging can be so rewarding. I was running short on time, so I opened my bin of Stampin’ Spots to pull three I could use. The first three I pulled were Granny Apple Green, Shaded Spruce and Real Red. A perfect combination! It was like grabbing two matching socks from the drawer on the first try! Here’s the card I made:
I wasn’t happy with the white streaks that were left from some of the drags across the paper (I had wanted perfect, solid stripes). Again, with little time left, I decided to let it be. In the end, I like the white streaks A LOT – they really added to the artistry of the design. When I showed this card to people, they immediately wondered what Designer Series Paper I had used. Fooled you!
Spruced Up Outlines
For Allison’s event, I also showcased one of my favorite techniques – using packing tape to create shiny, faux-embossed elements on a card. I created a Parakeet Party tree with a Garden Green border for the card I shared with the group (you can see that card here). The card I’m sharing today uses the leftover pieces to give a Parakeet Party border around a Garden Green tree.
The tree was made of leftover from another project (I do love using leftovers), but it’s the Rays of Light background that makes me so happy with this project. I had the blue rays (stamped and cropped with the Stitched Rectangles Dies) all ready to go when I thought I needed something more. The piece was small, and I wasn’t sure how to fix it. I thought about re-stamping the blue and just cutting it again with a bigger die, but that didn’t feel special enough. I set it all aside and moved on to something else.
At some point during the day, I thought it would be cool to add another layer in another color with the same pattern. I stamped the same image with Garden Green on Garden Green cardstock, layered the blue piece over the pattern and positioned the larger die over the green piece. That assured me my focal panel would be centered on the design. Voila! So happy with how it turned out!
Peace to You
I’ve showcased the chapel and the Nativity from Peace to You several times this season. I love the imagery in both (Mom used the Nativity in her Christmas cards, too). When the Clearance Rack was refreshed and when I saw that the Waves of the Ocean Designer Series Paper was brought back (until it then sold out again), I was excited to play and see if I could tie in a pattern with the gorgeous stamp set.
Here’s the thing – when they paper retired earlier this year, a customer asked if I had any leftovers. I had a few pages in a folder and sent them to my customer. I still had one strip of a blue, wavy page in a small stack of papers, though, and it gave me EXACTLY when I wanted to create card that looks like a starry night.
I couldn’t be happier with how this summery paper worked on this rich, Christmas card – and it’s a perfect example of a simple layout with MANY layers – there are EIGHT layers of cardstock on this card. Makes me so happy.
Thanks for stopping by today! I know you have your own things going on, so it means the world to me that you’d swing by here to check in on me. I hope you have a wonderful day today. Whether you are enjoying it with family, friends or alone, I hope it’s exactly as you wished.
Merry Christmas!
Brian
Treat Yourself to Product Shares
I posted my Product Shares and Designer Series Paper Swatch Books from the upcoming January-April 2023 Mini Catalog on Sunday – I hope you’ll check them out! To learn more and sign up, CLICK HERE.
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Merry Christmas!! I saw one of my favorites in there too!!
🙂 Thanks so much, MeMe! Hope your Christmas is wonderful!
Merry Christmas Day, Brian!
I love when you “revisit” your cards and give us the background on how you came up with the design. It’s like being in your craft room and looking over your shoulder.
Awww…thanks, Suzie! I’m so happy to share – it’s nice to let go of some of the nuggets I’ve been storing. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Beautiful cards, Brian! My favorites are the one made with Decorated with Happness and the one with Peace to You. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
SO WONDERFUL to hear from you, Carole! I hope you and yours are well. Merry Christmas, my friend!
Merry Christmas Brian – look forward to your posts every day. 🙂
Thank you so much, Cindy! ♥
A card parade AND an insider’s explanation? It really is Christmas! Best to you and yours for a wonderful holiday with my thanks for always making spirits bright.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, Linda! I’m SO HAPPY to share. All the best for a wonderful Christmas!
Merry Christmas Brian! All of these are beautiful!
Thanks, Rene! Merry Christmas! ♥
A wonderful post. I appreciate your background on each card. I love getting to know the blogger. It’s a real connection to getting to know you better. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, Beth! I don’t always have the chance to share everything I want to share (for fear that I’m sharing too much). Happy to give a little more background. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Brian! And Merry Christmas to all!
Thanks so much, Barbara! I LOVE that I received TWO penguin cards this year (and only had to mail out one of them). LOVE IT! Merry Christmas!
I also love the green card with the pine branches. Just beautiful but all the cards are. The stripes made with an ink pad fooled me too. Love all the details you shared. Merry Christmas. Stay warm. Lol.
Thank you so much, Leah! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Stay warm! ♥
This was a Christmas present from you today that I love ! How pretty and creative each card is and the descriptions just makes them that much more special !
I love it when you give the details and ideas behind your cards and each one of these gives me a hint at something to try !
Merry Christmas to you ! Have a wonderful day and stay warm !!!
Thank you so much, Sonny! ♥ You know I’m happy to share (and often worry I’m over-sharing). These are special cards for me – so glad you like them. Merry Christmas!
Love all your cards! I need to do the drag technique, I struggle with trying to design a card that I never think of this technique! It’s too hard to pick my fave, as they all are great! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much, Alaine! Dragging the ink can be used for so many different projects. Happy you like this one. Merry Christmas!
Merry, merry Brian! It is so nice of you to take the time to share this wonderful post. Reading about your process is something so special.
Thank you for your creative sincere messages. They are greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much, Judy! That’s so wonderful to hear. I’m so happy to share and grateful it’s appreciated. ♥
Merry Christmas 🎄 Brian!! I enjoyed reading about the background of your favorite cards
I bought the Decorated with Happiness set & dies from the retiring list and will love using it for next year!
You’ll love them, Dawn! Thank you so much! Hope are having a wonderful Christmas! ♥
Stopping by to see what’s happening here! I’ll come back later to read it. Merry Christmas to all!
♥ Merry Christmas, Hilda!
Thanks, Brian. Same to you! Now to read your commentary.
Hi Brian, I still look forward to receiving your email each morning. Thank you for your original post of the card showcasing the church. I was so inspired by your card, that I ordered the supplies immediately after viewing it and made 60 cards. I attend a small, white church similar to the one featured in the set. I couldn’t wait to share this beautiful card with others who would appreciate the meaning of the image. I have been getting feedback and everyone loved them. I am certainly giving you the credit. I appreciate all that you do to inspire people through Stampin’ Up! I hope you and your family have a joyful, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much, Leigh! The church I grew up in has a similar front (but we never saw snow). 🙂 SO happy you are receiving such great feedback from your card. Merry Christmas! ♥
Aren’t you the best Santa today giving the back story to each card? It’s good to know that things don’t always fall into place immediately and to move onto something else. Also, are you a secret elf hide-out? I don’t know how you do so many things. Card multiples, paper shares, daily blogs. Such an inspiration to me to accomplish more.
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Thank you so much, Terry! I’m able to get a lot done because I spend a lot of time doing it – a lot. SO happy to share and so happy to inspire. Merry Christmas to you! ♥
Thank You for re- sharing these cards: they are stellar in my books. I am a hobby demonstrator from Canada and enjoy reading your blog as you are consistently encouraging and have style.
Merry Christmas today and may many blessings be granted to you in 2023.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Elaine! I’m so happy you enjoy the content I’m sharing. Merry Christmas to you! ♥
I too, love your favorite Christmas card of the year. It’s so peaceful and relaxing. Great color combination.( I won’t tell the other cards)And I love stories. Keep them coming. We always have time to read your blogs.🥳
We always have time for you Brian! Fabulous post!!! Love all of it – the cards and the behind the scenes information. Love all the great comments too!! Merry Christmas everyone. 🎄
Thank you so much, Katie! ♥ I hope y’all are having an amazing Christmas – please stay warm up there.
You are one of my daily blog stops, no matter what day it is.
Thank you sharing with us everyday. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you so much for your comments, Kathy! I am so happy to share and am grateful you enjoy what I’m sharing. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for re-sharing your holiday cards! Love reading about the how each came about – really neat. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope to see you in the new year.
Thank you so much, Michelle! I hope your Christmas is wonderful! Would love to see you more in the coming year. ♥
I love all of these cards, but I really love the stories you shared. You always bring a smile to my face, not only with your talent and inspiration, but with your words. Thanks for giving us such a special gift on this beautiful Christmas day. Merry Christmas to you and your family. XO
Decorated with Happiness was the first Christmas set I bought this year. I live among the pines and the images touch my heart, as does your beautiful card. It’s my favorite too. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Brian! I hope you and all your readers have had a joyous day today!
What a gift you give to all of us each and every day! Thank you for resharing these fabulous cards and the thought process as you created them! Helps all of us to take away little nuggets of information, inspiration, tips, etc. as we create in our craft spaces! When I read your explanation on the ink dragging, it reminded me of yesterday when I was working on some Christmas thank you cards and I added a little color to the edges of some basic white cardstock to help create the illusion of snow. At first I wasn’t sure I’d gotten it quite right, but when I got all my layers down, I realized it worked quite well!
Take care! Hope you can enjoy the season just a little bit longer yet.
Lovely cards. There are a few I’d like to case. I like a quiet Christmas crafting which is what I did. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you Brian for sharing your incredible card stories. I just loved reading about them
I so appreciate the insight you shared here! And to let you ( and Jacquelyn Donaldson) that I really DID order the supplies to CASE her card( and they’ve arrived). My goal is to make 4 Christmas cards per month, and that’s where I’ll
be starting in New Years Day ( no Rose Parade until Monday, so could you give us one on Sunday, plz?🌹🌴🌹)