Thursday 26 July 2012

Peace

Morning all!  I know that is may not appeal to those of you that favour a more traditional look to Christmas cards, but I am rather enjoying making the non traditional type cards lately.  This one is about as far from traditional as you can get, but I just loved it when it was finished.  This is what I call one of my "channel or canal" type cards.  This is just my name for this type of layout.  The top piece, in this case the black card has been embossed with the Holly border on the edge and then cut apart from the rest of the black card. I used a corner from the set and embossed it into the two corners.   I then cut a Holly border, this time out out of Graphic 45 paper.  I then used that border to attach the two pieces of the black card by gluing the tips of the border to one side. I then glued the tips of the other side of the border to the other side.  This piece was then raised up using foam mounting pieces to create a channel or canal below the border.  This channel was filled with gold mica flakes adhered to a sticky adhesive sheet.  You can sort of see the channel a bit better on the close up below.   Using the same decorative paper, I cut the largest size of the Holiday Bauble 2012 and one of the smaller sizes to create a frame.  I stamped the sentiment sideways on black card and embossed with gold.  I used an embossing folder for texture (can't recall which one, though).  I mounted the ornament above it with foam pieces.  I tied a double bow with black silky crush ribbon, added a fancy button and attached it to the top of the ornament.  Guess what, I didn't pierce this one, can you believe it!  It is a bit different, if you are open to a new look, you might like it!  All for now, Sue x


144 comments:

Pam said...

I love this card, it is beautiful. The combination of the dark and gold, lovely dies and fab bow. if it is too dark, then it could be adapted to lighter colours

Debby Berry said...

Good morning Sue,

I rather like this card. I think black and gold always look nice together. Cool

Unknown said...

One word 'Equisite'

Crafty Hugs
Heather Rogers xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue when I first saw this card I thought not Christmas, but after closer look I am warming to it. Christmas does not have to be "traditional" all the time and this card certainly stands out. I think using red instead of black would be better for me, there I go more traditional again, well that's just me. I love the way you bring us something different and make the old grey matter work.

Wilma

jayne denver said...

Hi sue wow you just blown me away with this card
This is beautiful stunning love this
Thanks Jayne

Linda said...

What an elegant card
hugs Linda

Sue B said...

Morning Sue. well this is a bit early for me so you'll have to excuse any spelling mistakes. I rather like thiis card, I think the black makes it look very rich & opulent. It's very different also reminded me to use the dies just for embossing only sometimes. I always forget that. Have a good day.
Sue B

Unknown said...

Morning Sue I love this card I like how you have used none traditional colour for it and it works. Take care

Debs Artliff

melanie said...

This is very different but it works I would never of thought of those colours .Melanie

Jan said...

Morning, absolutely Xmas opulence, a delightful change x

Anonymous said...

'morning Sue, You're thinking outside the (Xmas) box on this one I like it!! That's all for the "present" lol Thanks for all the ideas. Mabex

Ann said...

Hi Sue


Wow this is a different look for a Christmas card but I love it so unusual colours are striking. Think these colours and simple design would make fabulous male cards.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - love the channel concept - I will be borrowing that! But I find the black too sombre for Christmas. Perhaps a dark green for me instead!
Rgs
ClareW

Sue Parish said...

Elegant and sophisticated and as Ann said also very suitable for male cards.
Sue x

Karen R said...

This is unusual but I like the colour combination. I do like the channel idea with mica flakes too xx

Carole Z said...

Hi Sue, I really like this card, black and gold works lovely together..might be a nice card for a wife to husband? A little dramatic and romantic? Carole Z X

JULIEMCRANE said...

Hi Sue

I like this card. I know a few of my younger relatives who would love to receive a card like this. My nephew actually has a black christmas tree.

Take care
Julie x

Jenny L said...

Hi Sue,
really nice but different Christmas card today. WHAT no edge piercing. LOL. Wonderful colour combo. Have a great crafty day everyone.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue,
A really rich looking Xmas card, I like the 'channel' effect, I still cannot get myself into the Xmas spirit, I still need more sun, lol, bring us some more bright, sunny cards, please.
Have a great day everyone.
Happy2craft

lestim said...

Hi Sue, the jury is still out on this one for me. I love the channel effect but think the holly border gets a bit lost with the mica it probably looks much better in real life. But I can't wait to have a try of it. Best wishes, Lesley x

nannapat said...

Beautiful card Sue - very rich looking. I wish I had your brain for getting new ideas! Pat x

Victoria said...

I like the technique, but not sure about the colours! Probably looks better in the flesh as it can be so difficult to photograph some cards.

lydia jordan said...

Hi Sue,
Not sure about this one, can't put my finger on why but its just notfor me.
Would not do for us to be the same would it.
Have a good day.
Lydia
X

anneecan said...

Morning Sue. Great card. Love the black and gold. I used these colours on some of my Xmas cards last year as well as some with silver, black and grey. I think it's very different but that's a good thing to challenge tradition sometimes. Makes life more interesting! More please.
Best wishes
Anne

Patricia said...

Good Morning Sue,

I Like, I really like, I really, really like..............
A "Stunningly Beautiful" Card
Have a Great Day

Patricia xx

auscrafts said...

I like it ,black and gold always look good together

nattyboots said...

I quite like todays card Sue, im sure the screen does not do it justice , im sure my son would appreciate this one .

Take Care

Elaine H X

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
Love the black and gold, I have a black tree and a gold one, and a white and a green one so all colour ways would work in my house.
Happy crafting
Tina x

Joesgrandma said...

Very well constructed card Sue but not one I like. Sorry Sue.

Jenny Marples said...

I for one love your non-traditional take on themes. The black/gold is so striking and different from the usual red/green/gold. Keep 'em coming Sue. Hugs, Buttons x

AdrienneQ said...

Had to get the computer to blow up the pictures to really look at this one. At first I was not sure about the stamp being sideways on but am warming to it. Also not sure about the holly border being cut out of the patterned card, for me it would be better in a plain rich gold
Love it and thanks for another wonderful set of ideas.

Val in Spain xxx said...

Good morning Sue. I for one really love this card but must admit it doesn't say Christmas to me. Maybe more traditional colours would help. However i think the border is fantastic and love the bow as usual.

joy said...

Hi Sue
Well this card is lovely traditional or not just love it.
joyce.e

Ecco of Sheffield said...

morning Sue from a very hot Burgundy - Though this is not my style I can see bits I can use on my C.cards so thank you for the inspiration.
Janet x

Corinne said...

Morning Sue How very decadant !!! Perhaps a littl dark but love it Corinne

hazel young said...

Lovely card Sue do like your alternative colours it looks stunning elegant and classy. xx hazel

hollyberry said...

Hi Sue Black and gold-gorgeous!

alimecca said...

I like the look of this card. As someone else said - quite decadent. I'm sure it would also look good in traditional Christmas colours for those that don't like the black.

Kathy said...

Hi Sue - this might not be traditional but it would certainly stand out on the mantlepiece! Love the ideas but I'm with AdrienneQ on this - would prefer the cut holly border to be plain gold. TY Kathy x

marg said...

Hello Sue
I wouldn't have thought of those colours for Christmas but they work !
LoveMarg

Clare Powell said...

Lovely card, love the colour combination.

Clare x

BridgetCG said...

Hi Sue, I think this card is great, just when you want something different. Thanks for the idea with the border too. Bx

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, I adore this card, I love how you have embossed the holly border, I am not too sure what you mean about the channel though (I will have to re-read your instructions on that one ha ha), I love how you have done the baubles, especially stamping sideways with Peace, I love that, that size bauble was made for that. I love the Graphic 45 paper, it's beautiful and goes so well with your design, quite gothic. the only thing I have a problem with (and it's not a problem really) is that the bow disappears into the black card, maybe in reality, rather than a photo, it will stand out more. STUNNING card, Sue. Lots of love from Patricia xx

Cdteach said...

I really love this card as it's very dramatic for a christmas card. My son would love it too so its given me an idea for his card for this year.

Jan

Jane in Spain said...

Love the look, but don't like black for Christmas. Would look stunning with a dark red or green though!

kimberley said...

Wow, love it Sue i am definitely a non-traditionalist.The black and the gold are fantastic togetherbut i suppose it could be adapted to be made with any colours if that was too dark for you,take care,x

Lin W said...

WOW! I Love this card

Lacelady said...

Oooh, a thinking outside the box card, I think it's really pretty.

martine said...

hi sue wow what a rich card i love the black and gold its so bold and beautiful xxx
martine xxx

Unknown said...

Oh wow Sue i love this card, it's a very rich looking card with its black and gold look and a little bit of bling to give it a wow factor think i might be having a go at this one, although i will have to use glitter as i still haven't managed to purchase the mica flakes as yet xx gail

Unknown said...

I think that this is gorgeous Sue.
I love non tradition. It's what stands out.
Ire

Sandra F said...

It's lovely Sue

Janice K said...

Wow!! Love the new modern look, black and gold look so classy together. Thank you for pointing out that dies can be used for just embossing as to date I appear to have overlooked this idea-not anymore though!! Thank you for all the inspiration Sue. x

hotpotato said...

I like this card something different.

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue, I am still debating about this one, not sure if I like the black but think it could grow on me, I keep having another look and trying to decide. Love Jean x

barbiepinkfairy said...

This one not really for me I think possibly because it's very dark maybe in a different colour and it would appeal to me more, Have a great day!

Carol S. said...

Hi sue, The jury is out on this one. A bit too dark for me for Christmas. I love using navy card and ribbon. Love tha design though. Hugs, Carol S.xx

HiggiSue said...

Gosh!! This is stunning. I love it. I am waiting for the holly dies to arrive and I am impatient!!. Thanks for bringing something different.
hugs Sue H xx

salem said...

lovelly great color

Heather T said...

Good morning Sue I love everything about this card it is so opulent and sophisticated. I wonder if you will ever make a card that I won't like lol I have been a fan since I first saw you on C&C and have yet not found one I disliked.
Hugs x

Anthea said...

Morning Sue, think this one will grow on me. love the idea but as another blogger said I think this one is better seen in real life as a photo does not do it justice. But please keep posting your fantastic ideas and twists on things they are a great inspiration. Hugs xx

Marleine said...

Morning Sue,
I like black and gold, but, more gold, less black and lots more bling. However this could have its place depending on who you send it to. Like the holy die. X

Sandybee said...

Oh I do like this card, love the black and gold and the "channel" layout.

xx Sandra

Sandybee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura O said...

The black and gold are so beautiful together.I really like the mika flakes they have to be my next buy.Embossing this die really works for me.Love it.Laura O

yorkielass said...

Good morning Sue, WOW this is different but I love it. The black and gold sooo rich and the channel so effective. I have all the components for this so will be giving it a try.
Take care.
Hugs June xx

Jackie D said...

Hi Sue,
Some interesting ideas to play with although I'm not sure this is a colour combination I'd use for Christmas cards, perhaps more for anniversaries. Thank you
love from Jackie D

Maryann Laursen said...

Just awesome, and really exclusive look. Very different, but still awesome.

Craftychris said...

Very different but very lovely, I love the colour combo and the channel idea is cool xx

sarah hyett said...

Hi Sue I love everything about this, card the colours are great together. It works really well.

Sarah

Moni said...

Lovely card, fab color combo. Hugs,moni

Phil D said...

you are so creative Sue - using so many different ideas / layouts - its lovely
Phil D

Christine Hussey said...

Hi Sue, the design is stunning and black and gold always looks dramatic but like ClareW for me it's too sombre for Christmas.I'm sure other colours would work but may not look so striking. Another great idea with the channel concept from our queen of spellbinder. TFS. Hugs Christine H xx

Sue Yorkshire said...

Hi Sue

I love the colours you have used I have done black and gold for Christmas before.

I would leave the gold border at the side and centre the heirloom and bow. Just my opinion but I think the border at the side is too busy for the rest of the card

Sue xxxx

Sue - said...

Hi Sue - love the black and gold makes a nice change from traditional Christmas colours.

angiec said...

now that i do like,its stunningly elegantly beautiful

Rose in Chester said...

I love it..

Rosemarie said...

Hi Sue, This is a beautiful card and in some ways still within the traditional spectrum, you could send this to anyone. Love the combination of colours.

Rosemarie xx

Anonymous said...

Hello Sue,
What a stunning card, Black and Gold always work well. with a few small changes I can see this working for so many occasions.
Have a great day, Love Bren

nzillingworth said...

Hi Sue
reminds me of the black magic chocolates box. Yum can sell the chocolate now. (yes i am a chocoholic).Love the graphic 45 papers, also look so rich.
Yes i sometimes lose my pokey tool lol. Still looks a fantastic card. One i would send for Christmas.
Born again Spellbinder
Nadine hug xxx
nzillingworth@hotmail.com

Joan D said...

Such an inspirational card. Different, but nicely so.XX

Margaret corgi owner said...

Oh how regal this is so beautiful and I even have some paper that looks very much like yours. Thank you for the inspiration, I was wondering what to do with it!
Margaret

Lara B said...

Good morning Sue
I love the technique and some of the elements used in this creation.. but, I'm not sure about the colour scheme!
Thanks for sharing!
Have a great day!
Lara xxx

Meg Owen said...

Only one word for this card...STUNNING!!!!

Margaret O

MARGARET said...

Hi Sue
Love this card it is so different from the normal christmas card.
Margaret L

Gill said...

I adore this card. As someone who has a Christmas tree with black decorations on it, I obviously veer towards the unusual colour schemes. I may adapt this card to make some home decor items for Christmas. Thank you for sharing

gwen70 said...

Can't make my mind up about this one Sue, I like the layout and different colours would be great

jane stillman said...

Just love this card, I get a bit fed up with traditional, so love this one to bits x

Dawn Louise said...

Very rich and classy. The mica flakes and shapes on card well it reminds me of the 3 Wise men with their gifts. x

Unknown said...

Stunning card!
I love the embossing, ornament and the bow.
The canal is a great idea :)

Cumbrianlass said...

Hi Sue
Another wonderful card, that I saw you make on C&C, love the black and gold
Janet

Anonymous said...

love it black n gold really go well 2gether

vulfix shaving brush said...

Very nice post.really very very nice post.I liked this post.

Jill Liddle said...

This card is stunning, absolutley stunning. No other word for it. Black and gold always look good together and it is a very old colour combination.

CraftyJo said...

Very elegant, loving the black and gold.

Planetsusie said...

I have to like this because of my favourite Christmas die!! I must admit that I was a little 'whoa' when I first saw it Sue. I think it was because of the black - I immediately thought it was a little funereal. However, I am certainly starting to change my mind - I love the gold with the black - perhaps if I did an 'homage' to this one I would use a little more gold.

I still love the design though, no matter what colour it is.

Hugs Sue Pass xx

http://susiesplanet.blogspot.co.uk/

New today - yippee I'm a proper blogger at last.

Sonia Jones said...

have to honest here this card is not really to my taste! Sorry Sue. Soniax

CathyinMN said...

This may not be a traditional Christmas card, but it sure is elegant and pretty.

Maid of Kent said...

When I first looked at this card, I thought not for me, but the more I looked at it, I began to see it in a different light. I think l would either use more gold, or a dark green background. I know, I am to traditional. Hugs Ann

Vie Carter said...

very clever design and use of dies, though colours are not for me

Vie
x

lesley said...

hi sue i really like this card its very stylish done in black and gold i must give jusy embossing the die a go it looks very effective!!! love lesley xx

lilygee said...

Very dramatic and original Sue - thanks for sharing it with us.
love lilygee xxx

Maggie said...

Gosh, what a change for Christmas. Not one for the kids but for a sophisticated friend, definitely - if I had one !! Thanks for the brave and novel ideas you bring us all the time. xx

EmmaT said...

A stunning xmas card with classic Black and Gold. Great layout
Emma

Roma said...

WOW!! Classic combination.

Carol H said...

This is an elegant Christmas card, will definiteky try this one.

sallysbitz2 said...

I quite like this card. Looks very elegant & expensive x

hugs sally x
sallysbitz.blogspot.co.uk

yvonne(seom ) said...

I like the concept, and i like the colour combination but its not for me as a christmas card if had to much black times recently to last me a life time. but i like the combination of technics with other colours for Christmas and i like black and gold for other occasions, but its a good job we do not all like the same thats for sure. hope to see you back on screen very very soon.

sued99 said...

I love the colours on this card but I'm not sure about them for Christmas.

bluelesley said...

A lovely card, I would love to receive one of these for Christmas, very elegant..

Best Wishes
xx

Unknown said...

Exquisite, elegant, exceptional.... I like the non-traditional Christmas card concepts. If I were to receive one I like this, I'd put it in a shadow box or frame it. It's a great concept for all year. Peace...wouldn't it be wonderful?

Jacqui aka Morgana said...

Hi Sue - I think the card is quite beautiful - I can see black and gold becoming the new green and red.

Jacqui xx

Christine said...

I like dark coloured cards, and this one is no exception. Super.
Thank you, Sue
Christine
x

Jane said...

This one is just divine love it.

Jane xx

Linda Simpson said...

This is just gorgeous. I love the colour combination and the lovely dies too.

Hugs
Linda xxx

Unknown said...

I love this card, I do have a passion for the use of black, so sophisticated x

Barbara said...

Very regal and rich looking. I do like black and gold!!!

Glass Daisy said...

Beautiful.
Sonia x

Snuffy Snoo said...

Striking card Sue, I love it!! Love Sam xxx

Sue H said...

Hi Sue
Not commented for a while, love all your gorgeous cards but this one just blew me away...it's fantabiosa :D
Sue H

baconbits said...

Evening Sue,
Yes it has taken me this long to comment, i have been back and forth to the blog today deciding on this card and i have to say at first it was a whoa no way but after checking back periodically thorughout the day i can honestly say that this concept has really grown on me and i love it. A very opulent and sophisticated card.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

Anonymous said...

not keen onthis at all sorry, not sure that all the combinations work together.

Mac Mable said...

I just love this card and the colours you've used x

PennyR said...

Stunning card - I must try the idea of using the borders to emboss :) I like the ornaments cut out togther also - again something I must try. Golly you give me lots of ideas sthanks o much - Penny

Teresa said...

I think this is lovely. Love black and gold together - think they look very regal and the backing paper/ card you've used sets it off a treat.Keep 'em coming. Teresa (Nottingham)xxx

Teresa said...

I think this is lovely. Love black and gold together - think they look very regal and the backing paper/ card you've used sets it off a treat.Keep 'em coming. Teresa (Nottingham)xxx

hazel said...

Good Evening Sue
Black and Gold is very elegant..And you have made a stunning card..
Take care Hazelx

brenda said...

Love black and gold but not sure about Christmas, really like the design will give it a go in different colours xx

Debbie Tinks said...

sue lovely card
love the colours

Vick said...

Hi Sue, well.....i love traditional cards at Christmas but black is my favourite colour and aubergine(eggplant) so anything in those colours is very appealing to me and even though it isnt a traditional colour for Christmas this is one of the most beautiful classy, elegant Christmas cards i think i have ever seen, my mum would hate it lol, she tells me off when i put black into anything this would be her hell but this is definitely my heaven, love it sweetie xxx hugs Vick
http://the-artful-codger.blogspot.com
YTChannel Vixcrafts

franzesjoi said...

lovely card sue!! :)

Jan.moogie said...

A proper stunner is this card Sue think I shall have to have a go at it. x

sheila said...

abeautiful card, elegnt, stunning and really posh

Anonymous said...

Well I say a big Yeah, to this one, I love black and gold, silver and blue, white and purple etc for Christmas cards, I'm not into the greens and reds I think they are sooo yesterday lol. Gorgeous card Sue, inspired and creative, thank you Helen O xxx

jennywren1947 said...

what a fantastic card its lovely
hugs chris x

Unknown said...

Love the colour combination, can also see blue and silver and green and gold xx

magpie said...

A stunning card Sue. Black & gold is so rich & elegant. Beautiful & I've said before I have the holly dies & I love the gold patterned 45 paper used....a bit of a shop me thinks! Thank you Sue for the inspiration, xx Love Karen xx

mags said...

A different looking christmas card but I do like the gold and black together.
Mags
x

SUZYD said...

BEAUTIFUL CARD.SUZYD X

Debra W said...

A beautiful card, love the different colours for a Christmas card! Debra

Deborah said...

Hi Sue...This card is DIVINE!!...and I think you should rename it 'CHANEL' ...it is pure luxury...on paper!
Keep on crafting.
Deborah. :)

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Sue, this is just fantabulous.
So sassy and very striking indeed. This would be a hit with anyone I do believe.
Big Hugs Linda x

Debby Berry said...

Quirky but very cute.

Lynda's craft's said...

Wow a very Elegant card hugs Lynda