Saturday, February 21, 2009

It's a Cuppie Christmas Card




I know, I know...a Christmas card already and it's only February. Well, I made a promise to myself that I would not be rushing this year to get my cards done and that I'd try to make one card a week. So yes, it's February and this is my first card so I'm already behind, but that doesn't stress me out cause I know I'll more than make up for it as we get closer to Christmas and I make more than one a week. What I'm really trying to avoid is any sort of last minute mass production in December...cause that's just no fun.

In order to be sure I'd be motivated to stamp Christmas cards this early in the year, I figured the best thing to do was get some new Christmas stamps {grin!}. So last month I picked up this adorable cuppie set, Season's Sweetings, from Taylored Expressions. Am I the only one who bought new Christmas stamps in January? If you bought some too, please let me know so I don't feel so weird. Of course I love to play along with Taylor's Cupcake Challenges, so this layout is from sketch #56 that she posted yesterday. 

The cuppie is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured with copics. I'm loving the blue shading technique...it just seems to make the image really pop. I added some liquid applique to his ear muffs and before puffing it I sprinkled on a little glitter so he has sparkly muffs. I also used a Tiny Twinkle to dot the -i- in the sentiment. The image is cut out with oval Nestabilities and layered onto a scallop of night of navy. 

The patterned paper is by Pebbles Inc., the Snow Fun line. I picked that up in January too at my LSS. I sewed around the perimeter with my Janome Sew Mini. I thought about going around each panel individually but decided on the entire perimeter because I thought it would help unify the three panels. 

Next is a strip of kiwi kiss, which I pierced, then I adhered some ribbon from my stash. The bow detail is completely separate from the ribbon and it's super quick to make. I started with a loop of ribbon, wrapped some silver cord around it and threaded on a button, then tied the cord to cinch the center of the loop...easy peasy!

So there you have it, my first card for Christmas '09. I think the most fun part about making them this early in the year is when I pull them out in December to address them, I will have forgotten what I made so it'll be a fun surprise looking at each card. Why don't you join me and try making one holiday card per week...we'll all have a less stressful December if we do! :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, this is what you will look like when you come to visit! Don't forget your winter clothes...more snow tomorrow! Maybe you jinxed it cause today it is suppose to be really nice then I see this card and the weather changes! LOL

Susan (coffeeforme) said...

This is so cute. I love these colors for a Christmas card...makes it feel like a cheerful winter. Good luck with your goal...one a week. I will look forward to seeing them.

Anonymous said...

I think maybe Wendy's onto something, based on the forcast I might get a christmas card done! This is really cute!! 13 sleeps...

Janet said...

awwwww so cute!! i am way ahead...i still have cards in my box for 2 more christmas'!! lol
hugs

Leslie said...

Adoreable!! Love that little ribbon/bow idea - going to give that a try. Did you see that you and your BFF did the same layout today? You two are so in tune with each other :)

Norine said...

this is so cute love his ear muffs
hugs
Norine

Unknown said...

Sweet sweet sweet! I love it.
I wanted that set so badly... don't you go enabling me now girl! ;-) Maybe you've motivated me to get my butt in gear for Christmas so I'm not feeling the pinch this year?

Stamp and Smile said...

Con'grats on getting a jump on your 2009 Christmas cards... :) Just the sweetest DP... snowflakes I adore them! The ribbon, stitches and paper piercing is DIVINE!! Smiles... :)

Emily said...

This card is so cute Karen! I love the little guy's ear muffs and the sewing and piercing accents. Also love that ribbon...it's perfect for the card. Outstanding job! I just picked up some sale Xmas stamps from Archivers, so don't feel along.

Kathryn said...

Oh My Goodness -- this is just too cute!! LOVE the paper you used and it's so perfect with the stamped image -- super cute! :)

Ruby said...

Hi Karen, another gorgeous card! There is an award on my blog for you :o)

Donna Baker said...

so adorable! love the tip with ribbon & button-nice to get started early (you're so smart)