First two for 2013

I have started my Christmas cards! In my previous post I spoke about having a list of possible topics and that I had persuaded my friend Carol to join me; on Thursday she picked a card at random which said 'CANDLES' so here are the cards I have made. I have also signed up for the challenge on Split Coast Stampers and said I would aim for 6 cards each month - there's no obligation or pressure, just encouragement and an optional challenge if you choose. This month it is to use non-traditional colours, specifically not red and green, but I probably won't bother about that unless I happen to produce something appropriate. Ah, now I think about it, one of these does (half) fit!

I found this little 3D decoupage picture in the stuff inherited from a friend's mother and am really quite pleased with the result. The diamond background was cut with a Nestie die - second attempt because the first time I used a paper with a diagonal stripe and managed to NOT centre it! Then I decided the paper was too pale anyway, spotted the dark blue glitter paper in a file  and lo and behold, quite a striking card that took about half an hour to make. The silver peel offs give a nice finish.

By contrast this took a lot of time over the past 3 days, pricking the design then stitching and beading and finally mounting it on green mirri card. The red and green threads are Guterman Sulky and the gold is a metallic - possibly DMC but I've lost the label from the spool end. It's designed by Emelie (aka Emy), a talented Dutch lady and I have a lot more of her work lined up - I really enjoy these. There's a link to an online shop which sells her patterns in my sidebar.

Now to see what other candle designs I can produce before I see Carol on Thursday - I've just received the Marianne dies and have a vague idea in mind so will play with them tomorrow (we have visitors this evening).