Friday 30 December 2016

Top 10 Christmas cards of 2016

Hello again,

I'm back with my favourite pick of the Christmas cards I made this year. I fell down a bit in 2016 and didn't have enough made when the big day came, but I'm going to try and make 2 or three of every new design next year so my stash will grow faster. I'm hoping that doing this won't take much longer than making one card at a time because all the materials will be out and most of my time is spent on deciding how to place everything. One thing that will help is that I'm a designer on the Happy Little Stampers Christmas card challenge and the Addicted to Stamps and More challenge which has a holiday card week once a month, so I'll be building my stash starting next week. I can't believe I just said that!!! What - Christmas cards for 2017 already? Yep - I just have to try and remember how bummed I felt when I didn't have enough this year.

Here are my favourites, in no particular order, and if you want to read a little about how I made them, you can click on the link to be taken to the original post.

1)

This mistletoe card has a bit of an art deco look because of the frame I used. I slightly shaped and raised one branch of mistletoe and it really gave the impression of being a full bunch.




2)

I don't do many landscape Christmas cards but I was pleased with this Penny Black one which has a masculine feel. I even experimented with using pencils over paint for the first time and I was surprised by how much depth it gave!


3)

When Kylie gave us the topic 'Twine' for a Happy Little Stampers challenge, I was a little stumped at first. I finally had the idea of making a twine wreath and then this CAS card came together quickly


4)

I really loved making this card using the Paper Smooches A Blessed Christmas stamp set. I had fun making the rays using my Clarity Stencil brushes for the first time.



5)

I loved the simplicity of this design. There was no stamping involved on the outside (and as I seem to be allergic to making a card without ink, I had to stamp a sentiment inside), but I love the mix of textured gold and black - so elegant.


6)

This card used lots of inlaid die cutting, and I loved using the smooshing technique to create the sky.


7)

I really like the crisp embossing on this card and I enjoyed gently inking the embossed snowflakes with white ink. Love how it turned out.



8)

This card was made using an old Woodware stamp set and I love the pretty ribbon tree. I had fun fussy cutting and shaping the pot before glazing it with glossy accents. It doesn't show very well in the photo but it really did end up looking like an old terracotta pot!


9)

I think this was my favourite Christmas card of the year. I enjoyed watercolouring the background and I loved how the rays looked embossed in silver with the doves in front.



10)

My final card used one of the Tim Holtz poinsettia mixed media dies, and I loved how the design came together when I added a circle mask to the centre and brushed red ink over the panel. When I removed the mask it really spotlighted the embossed sentiment and the flowers.



Well that's my pick, and I'll be back tomorrow with the first Happy Little Stamper's Challenge of the new year.

It only remains for me to say thank you so much for stopping by from time to time in 2016, and I hope to see you again soon. I actually got to meet some good blog buddies in real life this year, and with others I feel as if  we already know each other. We are really blessed to have such a fun hobby that brings so much pleasure, and meeting new friends is such a bonus. I wish you a happy, healthy and crafty New Year.

Hugs
Carol x

8 comments:

Nataliascraft said...

What a gorgeous set of Christmas cards, beautiful designs.
Happy New Year! x

Sarah said...

This is a really super selection Carol, I am always inspired by your fabulous style. I too fell short this year and had to actually buy some cards...I blame the pups!! Next year won't be much better on the crafting front as we are to be Grandparents next month...so excited!! Wishing you good health and happiness in 20017 xx

Ros Crawford said...

Be proud!! These are all fabulous! Big hugs for the new year!

BożenA said...

Lovely! A wonderful set of great cards.
Happy New Year, Carol

Brenda said...

What beautiful Christmas cards you made for the year Carol! I am in love with the twine wreath one, so cute and simple. I loved them all and their designs!! I agree on making more than one at a time while the supplies are out! I hope to do just that myself and hey, it's never to early to start making for 2017! So I'm with you on that! I am going to try to do the same thing. Hugs, Brenda

Darnell said...

You really were at the top of your game this year, Carol! Each one is better than the one before and I thank you for all the inspiration!! Happy New Year! Hugs, Darnell

Kim Heggins said...

Beautiful collection of Christmas cards Carol...a stunning post! Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year.

Barb said...

Really inspired. An absolutely stunning selection of cards Carol. I really couldn't pick a favourite as they are all so lovely. Barbxx

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