Thursday 10 November 2011

A Pastel Christmas
























 Hi blog friends!  More Christmas today, but not the usual colour combos you would expect.  Can you handle a pastel pink and blue as a Christmas card?  I wasn't at all sure where I was headed when I started this one!  I originally was going to just keep it to pale pink and dusty rose, but the blue snuck in there as it needed a frosty look to it.  I embossed the Spellbinders snowflakes into the background of the card after I had stamped it with the snowflake from our Christmas Filigree stamp set and embossed with white powder.  I then used the Spun Sugar distress ink and the Broken China distress ink to lightly add colour to the background.  The stamped images acted as a resist while the ink highlighted the die embossed areas.  I cut a frame from Labels eighteen and while in the die, inked it with spun sugar distress ink leaving the white edge.  I mounted it up over my sentiment for dimension.  With a piece of velvet ribbon that had some decorative cording on it (out of my craft stash), I ruched it up the side of the card. I cut out a few of the Spellbinder snowflakes to add to the ruching with some pink Bakers Twine too.   I added some pearly swirlies that I coloured with a tiny bit of spun sugar reinker.  The entire card was matted on pink card and framed with,  you guessed it, what else but pearl PVA glue dots.  You know I love them!

 Here is a close up  that shows the stamping and the embossed card background.  Not my usual style, but I like doing things that are a bit different from time to time too.  So what is the consensus on this one?  Thumbs up or thumbs down?  Be gentle.

We have a winner on our ''over 100 comments'' contest too.  From the blog post on Tuesday the 8th, I picked number 22 randomly and that coincides with comment number 22 which was left by follower Edwina!!!  Please email me to confirm your address before I post off your prize.  Thanks for playing!

Don't forget to leave a comment for your extra entries into the blog candy contest.  If you have any difficulties, email me!  sue@particraft.co.uk  All for now, Sue x

109 comments:

Jan said...

WOW stunning card Sue. Love it xx Jan

Missmizog said...

Hi sue
Yet another amazing card. The colours go so well, what an unusual coloured christmas card.
Sue

Marie-Louise said...

Very unusual but very nice. A change from the usual Christmas colours.

Unknown said...

I like this - very elegant. Love the ribbon and the pearl swirly. Love, Julia xxxx

Jenn Zeeb said...

I love this, WOW, great card
hugs
jenn zeeb

Leanne said...

What a fabulous card. Love those flourishes.

Maggie said...

Stunning card, looks soo pretty how you have inked through the stencil, and the ribbon & embelishments finish it off.
Maggie

Chloe's Nan said...

This is a gorgeous card Sue, the background is so effective and yes the blue does give it that 'frosty' feel xx

bhavana said...

You are truly amazing, how do you do it! Another beautiful card!

Fuchsia said...

What different colors Sue its quite lovely the snowflake is brill !

DI said...

Another fantastic card loving the colours makes a change.

Clai01 said...

Sue i want to hunt in your craft stash , if lovely things like that ribbon are in there LOL !
It's gorgeous, so is the card , really pretty.

Elaine L said...

The photo makes the card look like it has that luxurious feel - it must look fabulous in reality. Love the subtlety of this card.
Elaine

Anonymous said...

very unusual but effective, a winner again sue x. Yvonne

Maryann Laursen said...

Another great piece of art here Sue. I just love, how you try all these different things out, that we´re just too scared to dare try out ha ha ha. Most of it really looks awesome, even it can be hard to imagine, before we make it, so it´s really cool, that someone dare to try and with such an awesome result. It looks fabulous.

Uta said...

Your card looks so precious.

Hugs, Uta

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Oh dear, Sue I am so sorry but (you do say to be honest!)this is not to my particular taste. The style and layout of the card is beautiful but personally, I am not too fond of the colours. Oh lord, I feel rotten now, but I don't want to become a sycophant. Have a good day all. Regards Linda

Unknown said...

Thumbs up, of course!!!
What an elegant pretty card!

baa-me-chick said...

It is so refreshing to see "holiday" cards created in alternative colours. Sue, you inspire me to try out the more unusual styles & let art take over.
Thankyou xx

Anonymous said...

WOW it's beautiful, just goes to show what you can do with a plain sheet of paper. Yes it is different for you and for people who like trad christmas colours but we are all different and that WILL be someones cup of tea, I love it.
Ribbon looks good too. Like the frosty feel aswell. The only thing for me is maybe too many pearls.

Sue C

Anonymous said...

I think this is one of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen, you are a marvel Sue.
Janet Babar

Kimbo said...

This looks so opulent and certainly a card for a special friend. Kim x

Anonymous said...

Wow the girl done good, a truly exceptional card Sue, the colours are amazing together, you truly inspire everyone and make us think outside the box as well.
A stunning card.
Hugs Amanda x

dutchess said...

A definite thumbs up Sue.....how do you have the ideas?...that background is so intricate....and as for colours we all need to think more than just red and green for christmas, I try to think of the living room of the recipient and match their colour scheme...makes for some interesting cards! take care Margaret

Anonymous said...

Wow! I love the colours used in this card, last year I did my cards in pink and everybody loved them. This year I have made them in blue and white (but now I think I will add some pink as well ;-) The pearls and ribbon finish the card off, another beautiful card.
Heather x

uksharon said...

I love that snowflake background will have to borrow that technique. Fabulous card and loving the spellhinders layered into snowflakes or flowers - my favourite use of spellbinders.
Best wishes, Sharon

Takaya said...

it's sooo unusual christmas colours, but I'm LOVE IT! For me- great album cover.
Don't like pink but here looks so cool! :)

Canonbury creations said...

love the colour palette Sue and although it's not traditional it still has a vintage feel. Loving the ribbon!!
Val x

Rita said...

I love this look Sue. It certainly has a vintage feel to it and I love it for that alone. The pearl embelishment is beautiful. Fabulous card. Hugs Rita xxxx

eileen.fj said...

Hi Sue
This card is really lovely-the colours go so well and the background is so effective. Love those siwrly pearls!

Eileen x

Nick said...

Hi.
This card is amazing,I really love the ribbon with the trim.Stunning!Thanks for sharing.

Bee and Dee said...

Wonderful card Bee x

craftymum said...

Gorgeous. I love the frame and the pearl flourish is amazing
hugs sarah x

Vie Carter said...

Love the pearl swirls - make such an impact

Vie Carter
x

Maria's Paper Thoughts said...

Stunning, the colours work really well.
MariaS

Anonymous said...

What a stunning card Sue! The colours work together beautifully! Would absolutely love to receive a card like that. Kath x

Wellington said...

See, I'm not pinky inclined, so I personally would have just gone with blue against white...And in fact may well do so when I borrow the idea tee hee. Resist techniques are a fave of mine

Sandra F said...

Another beautiful card. I don't know how you do it Sue.

Angela Drummond said...

Another stunning card, I love the colour combo

Suzanne said...

A big thulms UP from me - love the velvet ribbon and the delicate colours and patterns throughout - wow wow wow - do you think I like it !!! - thanks for sharing work wonderful work
Suzanne x

Maggie said...

Wow a totally gorgeous card love all the stamping and embossing as stamping is my first love, liking the pastel shades such an unusual combo going back for a closer look and definately will be giving this a try, thanks Sue for sharing.

Maggie H

craftycarol said...

Hi Sue,
You've done it again...another beautiful card and unusual colours for Christmas too.
Carol x

Anonymous said...

Stunning card, really love the pastel shades, you are so talented. Edwina

Marleine said...

Beautiful card, I love the colours. You never seem to be at a loss for inspiration.

Marleine said...

Beautiful card, I love the colours. Truly an insiration.

Anonymous said...

Wow another stunning card sue

Mandy Makes and Mends said...

Mmm not sure about colours but I love the design and the ribbon and pearls are just Devine am I allowed to say that ? Mandy x

Becky Dunham said...

Wow Sue! This is gorgeous! I can definitely handle this color combo on a Christmas card! You can send it to me if you really want to :)

rebeccadunham at hotmail dot com

Kate's Cards said...

I just love the background!!

Janet said...

Not sure about the blue - maybe a bit paler - but Hey! what do I know!!

Neha Jain said...

amazing :)

LellyJelly said...

Nice looking card, Sue (despite the frills -LOL!).x

Sandra Riley .. said...

Lovely card Sue, the colours are unusual for christmas but Really work, I love the contemporary look.
Thanks for the inspiration Sue

Sandra said...

What can i say other then another stunning card Sue
Sandra x

Unknown said...

FAB CARD as always Sue.I love the pearly glue dots and the way you have rick-racked the ribbon. You inspire me to craft too.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, it is really beautiful and lovely to see a card that is not in traditional Christmas colours, I am going to have a go at this one! Regards, Anne R x

Anonymous said...

Lovely to see unusual colours on a Christmas card. Well done Sue. Lovel. Ann W

lilygee said...

Hi Everyone - a pink and blue card but still looks quite Christmasy - I love that ribbon - looks regal; a ribbon to die for! - what a stash you have Sue - I'm really into ribbon at the moment and trying all kind of ways to use the edgeabilities to weave ribbon onto - but spend to much time experimenting and not making! never mind, it;s relaxing.
Thanks for a lovely card
lilygeexx

Carol S. said...

Great card as usual Sue. You always produce a different take on things - like Christmas!! Hugs, Carol S.xx

Carole Z said...

Well done Edwina on winning the prize...enjoy! Sue I love this card, the colours give it s really vintage feel, Carole x

Susanne said...

I wish you the same....Love this sentiment and your card!!!! Hugs Susanne

PaulineC said...

I love the unusual colours. I think that they do work together really well. I also love the ruched velvet ribbon.

KimberleyG said...

Love the pearl swirls and the blue.

jollyjoyce said...

Wow what beautiful colours. Is there ever a time you make a dud card? - I don't think so. As for the ribbon, did you get this in Florida? I love their ribbons. Keep up the outstanding work Sue. - Joyce

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, WOW, WOW and more WOW. I love it. I have to say that the photo looks more peach than pink. The blue adds dimension. As someone else said, I would be happy if you sent it to me.
I look forward to viewing the next card.
Elaine J

elkeartsandcrafts said...

hello

Rhonda Miller said...

What a pretty card.

violetclouds said...

this is another amazing & elegant card, the ruched ribbon looks fantastic

Gillian Wilson said...

Sue
Tres Chic.....very baroque.Love how you can completely change a plain piece of paper into a work of art.Gillian

Rocky said...

I LOVE snowflakes!

Barbara Phillips said...

Absolutely love it, its very different but I love pastel colours and I love the pearls. Its really set off with the ribbon. Loving all your different styles!!!

Fiona said...

Very stylish

Elizabeth said...

Very nice card Sue...Love the ribbon..Where can I get some please? xx

Crafty Loops said...

This is beautiful Sue. I love non traditional coloured Xmas cards. The trim is so pretty and I LOVE the bling. I need to find some of the swirly bling, I dont have any. I find it a bit difficult to find. Its definitely a "Thumbs Up" from me Sue. Lee x

Kimberly said...

oh i love all the techniques you used...very elegant card...thanks for sharing.
www.justwordz.ca

CathyinMN said...

Not your typical Christmas colors, but this card is absolutely gorgeous! I love it!

Vee said...

yes, sue, a very pastel christmas. i think i am going to stay with the slightly deeper hues. lol the swirls on this one are exquisite.

Luanne said...

Very beautiful! card. really love the color and the embossing is beautiful. If you don't mind me asking, how do you get that bluish shade on your card? I'm new at these things and would love to learn new techniques.

Cheers!

Luanne
myfootahead(at)gmail(dot)com
craftersreference.blogspot.com

Rufus said...

I like it! It's different and unusual. Love that rouched ribbon it's really pretty. The pearl swirl is quite elegant.
R/

Kym's Crafty Cards said...

Sue, what a gorgeous card. Love the addition of the ribbon as it's just perfect. Best wishes, Kym xxx

WencheP said...

This is beautiful and so elegant. Love the snowflake!

-Wenche

Stampersue said...

Got to get me some of the PVC Pearly glue the dots look amazing. Unusual colours for a Christmas card but oh so stylish.

Stampersue
X

Jenny L said...

Hi Sue I have been busy making Christmas Cards so not looked at your site. Silly me I missed 3 wonderful cards. Lots of love Jenny L

Elizabeth said...

Lovely card, Sue. I particularly like the snowflake background and the pink/blue combination works surprisingly well. Elizabeth x

Jane thorne said...

Hi Sue beautiful card love the colours and christmas can be any colour....

Lorraine said...

aww this is so pretty i just love this style xx

scrapper said...

Interesting colours but the ribbon reminds me of my grandma's house and that was a ong long time ago!

Sheila H. said...

Hi Sue,
Another stunning card.Love the colours.So nice to see a contemporary Christmas card instead of the usual reds and greens.Beautiful.xx

Christine B. said...

Wow beautiful, I must try that embossing with my dies. I have just used them to decorate some boxes for my daughter for Christmas. Hugs x ChrisB

Claire-Louise said...

Like the colours, but love the background with the embossing of the snowflake dies. Haven't thought of embossing the dies without cutting them first, might have to try that later today.Thanks for the inspiration

Jackie D said...

I think the background is great but to be honest this card is not one I particularly like...sorry!

love from Jackie D

Ciacchina said...

che eleganza! mi piace come hai realizzato lo sfondo

Ольга said...

Very beautiful frame with the text

Anonymous said...

I love the design but Im not really sure about the colours, I think its the pink and blue together, but saying that we all have different tastes xxx

claudia said...

Wow what a lovely card! Is is so rich of particulars!
xoxoxox
Claudia

Lynn (delphinoid) said...

Such a gorgeous card. I love the colours you've used, they are untraditional but make a beautiful alternative and really works.

Happy Crafting!!! :) X X

Jane said...

Not sure about this one, Im going to have a go with the embossing, don't think the picture do's it justice looks a little dark

Jane xx

Jan.moogie said...

great idea for Christmas cards

pamela said...

Lovely card.

Jackie Ginger said...

Stunning card. The background looks alomst like damask.

shells-crafts said...

Fab card. Love how you've done the edging. Very effective.

miislucky said...

I totally love the snowflakes in the card! I am going to try that now. Another gorgeous card, Sue. Mimi

Tracy Heaton said...

Lovely - I've just bought the snowflake and it's so lovely

Carol D said...

Love the colour combo and those snowflakes, and those pearls are fab.
Carol xx

blingy crafter said...

love the pearls on this one with the ribbons !! well done

Wee Purrfect Crafter said...

i love the use of the ribbon on here.. very effective

Sue said...

Another stunning card Luv Sue x

CraftyJo said...

Definitely a thumbs-up!

Anonymous said...

Love that u have got away from readitional colours and works wonderfully. Well done cracking card. Nadine in Bradford yorkshire uk . Hope u come back to us soon, spellbinders week was fantasic.