Thursday, May 21, 2020

Christmas Kickstart #31 - Wreathed In Christmas Smiles

Hello friends.  Playing along with the Christmas Kickstart challenge where this month they are looking for Christmas Wreath's.


I actually have two cards for you today, because although I like how my first card turned out, I liked my 2nd card better!  So yep, it's a TWOFER today!!  Here's the one I made after my first one...


I have been hoarding this DSP from SU! (Merry Little Christmas) for awhile now, and finally decided it was time to use it!  I've also had a 3D embossing folder from SU! (Seasonal Wreath) that I had never used, so I figured it was definitely time to use the two together!  After embossing the wreath on Old Olive cardstock I brushed with a sponge dauber a little bit of white pigment ink and Old Olive ink so that it would show up better. 


Then it was just a matter of layering the black, white, & DSP onto a 5 1/2 X 5 1/2 white card base.  I embossed in white my "Merry Christmas"  (PTI Christmas Blessings) on a black die cut circle and added a white scalloped circle behind it before adding it to the center of the wreath.  I finished by adding a die cut white bow (The Greetery's Fit To Be Tied) and a few red gems.  A very simple card but I really love the way it turned out!


My 2nd card (which was actually my first card!) uses Pinkfresh Studio's Leafy Wreath Die Set that I used on a piece of cardstock that I had water colored with Brusho's.  I adhered it to a embossed background (Gemini 3D Regency Swirls...thanks Michele!!!) and then matted to a Cherry Cobbler layer and then to a white card base.  The bow is once again from The Greetery's Fit To Be Tied die set.


On this close up you can see that I added a bunch of Autumn Red Nuvo Drops for the berries on the wreath.  I left the sentiment off as it's very obviously a Christmas card and there was already enough going on with this card and didn't want to clutter it up with a sentiment on it somewhere! 

Do you have a favorite between the two??  I do like both of them, but the plaid just tugs at my heartstrings a bit more!  Have you started your Christmas cards yet?  I know some of you out there can't bear to think of making Christmas cards at this time of year, but I just LOVE making them ALL year long and I also love that come December I don't have to panic and mass produce all the same card to get them done in time.  Check out what Jo and her special elf Robyn made for this challenge and then play along right HERE.  This challenge is open till the end of the month.

Thanks for stopping by today ... I love it when you do!


12 comments:

Ros Crawford said...

They are both wonderful but if I had to pick I think I too prefer the green one. Enjoy your day!

Brenda in IN said...

I love, love, love that first card. The green embossed wreath is lovely and that plaid paper is beautiful. The second card is pretty too with that great embossing folder as a background. The leafy wreath is so different and fun and the Nuvo berries look shiny and the matching bow is a great touch.

Dotty Jo said...

Two gorgeous cards, but anything plaid just calls to me each and every time! Thanks so much for playing along with Robyn and I, great to have you at Christmas Kickstart again, Jo x

Lisa Elton said...

Hmmm, it's tough, because they're both wonderful... but I think the first is my favorite too!

Bonnie said...

I LOVE both of these cards, Marcia! Love the embossed wreath on the first with the plaid and that GORGEOUS bow! But the die cut wreath on the embossed background and that GORGEOUS bow is just as appealing! Two awesome Christmas cards, my friend!

Bobby said...

Both cards are terrific, Marcia, each with a different feel. I need to pull out one of my wreath stamps and make a card for this challenge.

Robyn Oliver said...

Well I love them both Marcia, those embossed background is really lovely and the really gorgeous die cut bow finishes off both wreaths beautifully, thanks for sharing with Christmas Kickstart, Robyn

Birgit said...

They're both beautiful Marcia, but I do love the embossed wreath on the first card. Adding the bit of distress ink and white pigment ink really makes it stand out beautifully. Well done on both!!

I Card Everyone said...

Marcia, I'm happy that you used that embossed panel - I've yet to use it on a card, but just love the depth of the embossing on that folder! Lovely card, but you 'had me' with the Buffalo Plaid, and that olive green!
=]

Kara Lynne said...

Two beautiful cards, Marcia! They are just such different looks that I would be comparing oranges to apples to say which one I like best. That embossed wreath and and buffalo plaid olive looks all warm and cozy! Your brusho boughs and bright red bow on top of the swirls is an elegant classic! I guess that means that they are both my favorites!

Anita in France said...

These are both so rich, dimensional and texture-y, Marcia ... each one wonderfully festive and Christmas-sy! Hugs, Anita :)

Loll said...

Two beautiful wreath cards Marcia! I have that gemini embossing folder ... it is really beautiful and makes a fantastic background for your deep green lacy wreath. That die is so pretty! And the nuvo red dots are the perfect finishing touch. Your second card is beautiful with your embossed wreath Adding just a light sponging of colour really makes it stand out! And I LOVE your green and black plaid paper in the background. I'd have to say that it's my favourite. There's something about plaid and Christmas that make a perfect pair! xx