Saturday 8 December 2012

Peace And Love At Christmas

Hi guys!  I know it's a bit quirky, but I love this sort of thing in a Christmas card.  Plus, I just love keeping you on your toes, guessing what will show up next!  My old dictionary had to come out for this one (it has been a while since I used it).  I stamped my sentiment in the upper corner and embossed it (carefully, the book was published in 1943!)  I used a bit of Antique Linen distress ink around the edges, then taped it to a piece of milk coloured card.  I used the sewing machine to stitch around the edges (I am getting better, it is almost straight this time! LOL)  I cut four of the Holly Accent borders in black card and glued them to the edges as a bold frame.  I stamped my poinsettia stamps from Heartfelt Creations several times on to milk card.  I did enough of these to make three layered poinsettias and cut them out with the matching dies.  I inked them lightly with Antique Linen also.  I layered them up and glued them together, putting a flatback pearl in the centres.  I mounted them in the lower corner in a floral grouping.  I finished the card with a black rhinestone swirl radiating from my flowers.  I hesitated posting this card because I know it will not be to everyone's taste, but I do really like it and thought it may sing to some of you, hopefully!  All for now, Sue x


140 comments:

Pam said...

Hi Sue, this is an unusual card and Im not sure I like the Holly borders overhanging the edges of the card but I like the background and the layered Poinsettias. You certainly give us plenty of think about.

tracy w said...

Hello Sue not sure with this one but i love all the rest you do thankyou Tracy w x

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - sorry but this doesn't do it for me! But it's still food for thought nonetheless.
Rgs
Clare W

auscrafts said...

unusual,not too sure if I would have the holly hanging over the edges as I don't think it would survive in the postal system . but I like it It's certainly different

Christine Harrop said...

I think it's a great card, but like the others I'm not sure that it's for me. I agree the overhanging holly wouldn't survive the mail but okay to hand give. I think there are elements to this I could take and use, and that's what crafting is all about isn't it? Thanks for all the inspiration Sue. Christine x

Anonymous said...

Have to agree with the others, Sue, the overhang makes it difficult to post or display - would just layer the whole onto a plain card. Nice to look at, though.

'P' in Wales.

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, well I like it, I am one of those people who like the funky or unusual. Its a bit of this and that and shows a lot of thought went into it to achieve the end result. Love it.

Wilma x x

Unknown said...

Morning Sue well i like this one and i ber it would look nice in reds and greens but i do like to be different and this card fits the bill. Looking forward to your next show on create and craft. You give us so much inspiration sue.

Debs Artliff

Lacelady said...

Beautiful design, but I think I would switch to dark green instead of the black.

Unknown said...

Morning Sue...I like the card, but the holly border overhanging is not for me. I would do it flat onto the backing card .... Thanks for all your inspiration and ideas..

Happy crafting
Chrissie x x x

Lin W said...

Wow love this card it is so unusual and very effective,you give us such good ideas,thank you Sue.
xxx

Rosie said...

Don't hesitate again, Sue - just post! I really like the unusual design, which could easily be adapted to withstand Royal Mail.

Heather T said...

Good morning Sue
Well, this card definitely sings to me and I love the holly border over the edges. You certainly give us so many different ideas that we can use or adapt to our own taste.
Hugs x

Karen R said...

I love the card Sue, but agree a bit delicate for posting. It would be lovely to adapt it as a decoration to keep though, we don't often get to enjoy the lovely creations for very long and it would be nice to bring out year after year

cebelica said...

Ilike the monochrome look of your card. Looks great! Hugs! xx

Sonia Jones said...

Morning Sue, I'm afraid my feelings are similar to loads of the other feelings for this card. I'm not sure about the overhaning holly either. I quite like the background but would have loved it if the page had the defination of Christmas on it! Plus i think if the colours of the holly and poinsettias were more christmassy colours it might have worked better for me! Sorry Sue but i'm on the shelf for this one as i can't quite decide yay or nay! Hugs Sonia x

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue. It definitely sings to me. I love the overlapping holly - really quirky.
A really different card.

Val in Spain xxx

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue. It definitely sings to me. I love the overlapping holly - really quirky.
A really different card.

Val in Spain xxx

corinne said...

morning Sue what a great idea I would tweak a little but like it x

Joesgrandma said...

Unique and I love it. Could also use old music pages as a background and take it to another level. I buy old music books from Charity Shops and sometimes make flowers out of them for cards Sue!.Thanks for the imspiration!

Erica said...

Morning Sue,
Well I just love this card and it would definitely have pride of place on my mantlepiece.
Keep pushing the boundaries Sue. You're keeping us on our toes and encouragingly us to spread our crafting wings.
Erica x

Mrs B said...

Hi Sue. Please don't hesitate when showing us your designs. Remember the saying "You can't make everyone happy all of the time". This one is not for me as a Christmas card but with a little tweek would make a lovely general card. Take care

kimberley said...

This is very different as you say Sue and may not be to everyones taste but I think it is lovely.where do you get your ideas from?Counting the days 'til you're back on tv,take care,x.

Crafty Nanna said...

Morning Sue, I have to say that I'm not sure about the card at the moment but as I look at it again during the day it may grow on me. It has, sent me off on a tangent and given me an idea for something else.
HAve a great day
Hugs Lynn

Patricia said...

Good Morning Sue,
Well this is very different, effective, but I am not sure if its for me or if I would have done it as a Christmas Card.
Like the concept, but Hey! Ho! we all have to try different things now and again that`s why it is called "crafting"
Have a Great Weekend

Patricia xx

Joan D said...

Unusual use of a border, and very effective. Beautiful XX

Joan D said...

Unusual use of a border, and very effective. Beautiful XX

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
I like this card, simple, different, love the poinsettias of course, but I agree, the borders I would like in line with the card edge, me thinks.
Have a great day.
Michelle(happy2craft)

marg said...

Hello sue
I like this, at first I wasn't sure, but the more I look, the more I like it.
I don't think it would go through the post safely though!

Love Marg

Anonymous said...

Good morning Sue, and what a way to start the day!! There is nothing better than opening your blog to find such a stunning card! This is a beauty. It's so unusual and I would never in a million years have thought of using an old dictionary page. Your ideas blow me away. I absolutely LOVE it.

Michelle E xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue

Love it! Love it! Love it! I too have used pages from a book 'Mrs Beetons Household
Management!'Christmas recipes are very effective as a background.

I don't have a problem with overhangs I just use a thin piece of card as a protector behind them in the envelope and haven't had a problem!

Crafty Hugs
Heather Rogers xx

Ecco of Sheffield said...

morning Sue
I love using printed matter for backgrounds though I do hesitate when tearing out pages from books - newspapers are best I find. I love the format of today's card.
Janet x

ellyscard creatief said...

Beautiful card.Gr Elly

nmty said...

hi Sue another stunning card, I don't know how you come up with so many ideas.

lv norma

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
A very different card today,with the over hanging holly border would need a stand to display, happy crafting
Love Tina x

Clare Powell said...

Gorgeous card, the dictionary page looks really effective.

Clare x

Unknown said...

I quite like this card, love the poinsettias but I am not entirely sold on the holly border, I think it is slightly overpowering.
S/ x

Ann said...



Hi Sue

Gorgeous card love how you have used the "old dictionary" page and poinsettia's my favourite Christmas Flower.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

Marleine said...


Hiya Sue,

What an unusual, elegant card. Brilliant. You have gone and taken me out of my comfort zone again!, x

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Ooh me likey very much. Those flowers are fab and love the dictionary background.

Trololo2 said...

I love it Sue x

Trololo2 said...

I love it Sue x

lydia jordan said...

Hi Sue,
Love the concept of this card but its a bit dull for Christmas would have liked a splash of colour in it. Like some of the others not sure about the holly border it's a bit overpowering but that's my taste.
Have a good day.
Lydia
X

Marion said...

Hi Sue I like the paper background and the poinsettias are lovely,I think i would have used green for the holly .it certanly is differant.
Marion

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue

Love the Poinsettias but like others, not sure about the rest of the card, think it is the black Holly that does it. Sorry!

Love Jean x

Lynn (delphinoid) said...

Hi Sue, this is an unusual style of card, but I do like it.

Happy Crafting!!! :) X X

sarah hyett said...

Hi Sue. Its a very different card and I can't believe im going to say this but I actually like it! I especially love the holly boarder it really brings the card together. Have a great day. X

Unknown said...

Love the dictionary idea

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to use the dictionary page - not quite my taste but I would be delighted to receive this myself. YvonneMayxx

moonsea said...

Hi Sue
Sorry to say that for a Christmas card, it needs a bit of colour. Perhaps a traditional red poinsettia just to give it pizazz. I love the general idea though.
Hugs, Lynne xxx

Rosemarie said...

Morning Sue, This is certainly different, but the more you lookk at it the more it grows on you.

Love Rosemarie xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, this one sings to me :-) I love anything a bit different and vintage. It all goes really well together and I love your dictionary page background. I'm so glad you were brave and posted this card. More please :-) Maddy x

Victoria said...

As others have said, very unusual and interesting. Doesn't look very Christmassy to me, but I like the card for another occasion.

Carole Z said...

Hi Sue, I'm kind of not sure today! I usually love funky and 'different', but I think it's the holly hanging over the edges that's pulling me back a bit from saying I really like it...I guess I always have to look at cards from the ease of posting! Carole Z X

beachie said...

Hi Sue
Variety is the spice of life and this is different, nevertheless I really like it. The flowers are lovely but the borders a bit stand out.
Audrey x

hazel young said...

Stunning card Sue love the dictionary background, poinsettias and holly borders xx hazel

Gail said...

Morning Sue, yes it sings for me!
I just love the card, might have to chose very hard who I would send it too.
Keep up your great work with all the inspiration.
Gail C x

Carol H said...

Have to agree with the others, not sure about the holly border,and I'm sure it would never survive our postal system.

Kate's Cards said...

Sure sings to me Sue!!

alimecca said...

Hi Sue
Love the poinsettias, the holly border(green might have been better),the swirl and the background - the only problem being I'm not keen on them together! Sorry Sue, this one is not for me - but you can't please everyone all of the time can you?

Jess Watson said...

Morning Sue, like the other comments, not sure about this one. You have certainly given us food for thought. Take care, Jess x

nannapat said...

Love the card Sue but not keen on the description of the OLD dictionary from 1943 - I was born that year!! Pat x

Sandra F said...

I'm not to keen on the holkly border but like the rest of the card. xx

Maryann Laursen said...

Why would you hesitate on this one here? It´s gorgeous Sue. I really like the different look and think it´s pretty cool to see some alternative christmascards too, and this looks really good.

hollyberry said...

Hi Sue
Different and holly over the edges would not survive the British postal system!

AnneRD said...

Hi Sue
Lovely design, and I like the overhang, and I am sure a double layer for the bottom border would give it sufficient stablility for display. A small splash of colour somewhere might add a zing. Anne

Debbie Tinks said...

nice card sue

lainey said...

love the flowers, not sure of the holly Sue :) lainey x

Unknown said...

I love this vintage look. Beautiful card, sue :)

Sue Yorkshire said...

Morning Sue

Wow this is stunning, it certainly would stand out in a group of cards... I love it

Sue xx

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, Well I love the middle bit, the Pointsetias are gorgeous. My only problem is that the frame doesn't do it for me. It is a bit too much. Maybe as corners would have been enough. Hugs, Carol S.xx

yorkshiresue said...

Hi Sue
Like others I'm unsure about the overhanging holly but I like the use of the printed paper.
You always amaze me.
Hugs
Sue XXX

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, this is definitely thinking outside the box, not sure about the colours, but could change to your own taste, good to see something different,
Happy Crafting
Jean x

nzillingworth said...

Hi Sue
yes like the off the edge design. Think your cards should be hung on a wall anyway. (Could change it everyday too). Didn't know there was a stamp for the flower. MMMM watch for that one as it looks so good. Yes fab card . I like it.
I bet the langugage has changed a bit since 1943 LOL
Born again spellbinder
Nadine xx xhug
nzillingworth@hotmail.com

JackieP said...

Hi Sue, Not sure about this one, the holly doesn't look right, otherwise a nice card.

MARGARET said...

hi sue
very different christmas card, but very striking
Margaret L

Margaret corgi owner said...

Hi Sue
Yes I really like this one anything with poinsettias on has to be a hit!
Enjoy your weekend
Margaret

HiggiSue said...

Love this idea...and the card. Perhaps tying in the dictionary page with Christmas themed word would have been good too
... I had to read the text.lol!
Great idea if you had a xmas verse stamp andthen frame it instead..... You have got me thinking differently this morning.
Hugs from a chilly cheshire. Xx

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, An unusual card and it sings to me. The poinsettias are gorgeous and love the overhanging Holly borders, glad to see the dictionary again, it looks so effective. Well done.
Have a great day everyone.
Hugs June xxx

Lizzie said...

Hi Sue
Very different I'm umming and arring lol!
Thank you
Lizzie (serial copycat)xox

nancyd said...

Morning Sue, a stunning card love everything about it
may try it in red or green as well.
Nancyd xx

sued99 said...

Not really to my taste today but inspiring nevertheless.

Rebekah Foster said...

My first thought was you need a special envelope! How boring am I! I like it though, it has a classy look.

BTW - I heard that paperback books can be recycled but hardbacks are just landfilled as it is too much faff to separate the paper from the cover and binding. So, don't feel back about taking hardbacks apart for craft! - especially if you've finally given into having a kindle like me!

Rebekah

Unknown said...

what a stunningly different card just love it sue, really unusually i'd love to get a card like that xx gail from eastbourne

Joan Hill said...

Hi Sue,
Not sure about this one, think it needs something more but not sure what!!! Maybe if it was mounted on to matt gold card or maybe some glitter card, it would lift it a bit. Just think something is missing if that makes sense, but thank you for posting X

Val said...

Hi Sue, like all the others, I'd use elements of this card, probably reds rather than black; the holly, not your fault we send so much mail lol. Thanks for so much inspiration and the time it takes to run this blog. Val

Jackie Calvert said...

Hi Sue. This one is full of idea's that I like, but I'm not sure that the combination is my thing. I think the off the page holly border makes it a little too fussy for me. But it has sparked my imagination.

CraftyJo said...

I like it Sue, strangely, I'm in the middle of making a black and cream/white xmas card right now for my son and his g/f - more interesting for a 30 year-old than traditional colours I think.

Carol Clarke said...

WOW Sue this card is so effective and you give me lots of ideas with the newspaper backing. I like the Holly Border overhanging but I think I would put the Holly border further in especially with how the post is today I am sure it would get bent.
You do give us so much inspiration.
Hugs
Carol x

Howdy said...

Good thing we are all different with different tastes. I think this is stunning and I'm surprised everyone doesn't agree.
Nowt as queer as folk.

barbiepinkfairy said...

Love it!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
I'm on the fence with this card, I love the Holly Accents and Poinsettia dies and have used mine quite a lot but in this case I think the holly overpowers everything else, Maybe it would work in a lighter colour. SORRY!!!
Love BrenLel

Debby Berry said...

Sue,
I love this card.. It has a wow factor good job. I will copy this idea. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
What a fab,different card. I love the way the border extends around the outside instead of being on the inside of the card - I really like it. Great idea and thanks for sharing once again.
Beverley W

bluebell-flowerwood said...

hello sue well if you dont try you dont learn. i like the idea with the diary page. wonder what flowers would look liked cut out. love bluebell-flowerwood.

Anonymous said...

hi Sue,
my first thought was it was a xmas sympathy card it it very different but i like it

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue Back to Christmas cards and I love the card! I am normally more traditional for Christmas but absolutely love the card! Take care Love Michelle xxx

nattyboots said...

Hi Sue

AHHHH Beautiful just beautiful ......

Elaine H X

Jane said...

Not sue how it will stand up lol but I love it.

Jane xx

Fieldsend said...

Afternoon Sue, not to sure about this card but it is different and love the Poinsettias. You are giving us thoughts to use the Spellbinder in different ways and love that.

Regards
June
xx

melanie said...

its very different but it works thanks for sharing .Melanie

lorraine (classylady) said...

Hi Sue this is a very different card for you,I like it. I love script of any kind behind images and your dictionary is great. Looking forward to your shows next Sunday.

regards from a very driech Scotland
Lorraine
xxx

lesley sinclair said...

Hi sue I love this card its very different and would definitely stand out on a mantlepiece!! I would have to add a splash of colour if sent as an xmas card tho maybe red poinsettias or use dark green for the holly borders. Looking forward to next sunday can't wait!! Love lesley xx

Jill Liddle said...

Hi Sue. I love this card, very different. I was looking at some die cuts of an easel and was thinking what I could use it for. Then I saw this beautiful card and saw my answer. Now all I have to do is try and find the easel die so I too can have a go at this design.

gwen70 said...

Love the background and the poinsettias, but really not sure about the holly

dutchess said...

it sings Sue....love it gave me a new idea for those holly boarders!...which I have to say get used more than any others I have....I end up cutting my poinsettias out by hand as I never get it right with the dies after I have stamped...is it just me?...hope you have a lovely weekend hugs to you and Mom xxxxxxx

karenlotty said...

I like it. i must rescue a couple of our old books that are bagged up ready for the charity shop! Unusual colours but I like that. Makes it stand out from the other cards that may be decorating our homes at this time of year

Ita said...

Hi Sue OH this card sings to me in a loud voice,I love al of it,it is a piece of Art,you inspire me every day.Have a nice weekend with your Mom
Smiale
Ita

Laura O said...

love the poinsettias and the background but the holly borders don't look right to me.Laura O

Joanna said...

WoW...I love it and I might try it in my favourite colours...Lilac and white lol xxxx

Anonymous said...

Belinda Raven said....

Hi Sue,

I like this card a lot - I have several Christmas cards to make for single men and this design is most suitable!

Hugs, Belinda x

Tres said...

Hi Sue. I do really like your card for today but I am not sure I would have the holly borders hanging over the edges. I like the idea of using old books in crafting but only if they are no longer useful. The poinsettias look great and the pearly swirls finish the card nicely. The sentiment is perfect. Love Tres x x x

SusanP, Kent said...

Hi Sue,
I don't NOT like it, if you forgive the double negative! Love the idea of using old book pages which work well with black for a vintage feel. Not sure about the overhanging frame though.
Have a great weekend.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Wow! How different. It would need to go on a stand for the mantelpiece due to the overhang. Good job you showed us how to make them, as it means I can give this project a go. With love & light Theresa. H

Meg Owen said...

Oh please tell me you didn't pull apart an old book to make this.
Sorry but it doesn't sing to me at all.

Margaret O
xxx

Unknown said...

I totally love the design & layout of the card my only reservation is the colours I think it creams & whites with gold or silver or reds and greens would make it more Christmassy for me. I think it's also a very versatile design - I am gonna use the concept with an Asian accents border & some flowers instead of poinsettia for a birthday card I need to make - think it'll look fabulous. Thx for all the fab ideas Sue, you are a genius

Alice x

nikkib said...

Very unusual card ans i like it, its good to send different cards that stand out from the norm.....

Sue C said...

I like this one, it is so different xx

brenda said...

I do like it Sue but I can see it may not be everyones taste, would also be lovely in traditional colours and in my favourite colours for Christmas ,blue,white and silver x

magpie said...

Hi Sue! I like this card very much. It is different from your normal style but it's nice none the less! I've said before, it would be boring if we all had the same tastes! It would have a special place in my home anyway! I like the use of the dictionary and I imagine a music sheet or any script sheet would look nice too. It's good that you're giving us different cards/ideas. You're keeping the old grey matter ticking over and that can only be a good thing! xx Love Karen xx

melody said...

Hi Sue, you are so clever in what you , don't think its one I would make but still love the look of it. Hugs Melody xXx

JoanB said...

Hi Sue,
I think this would make a beautiful gift as a wall hanging.
And would be one that could be taken out year after year.
Something different.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Joan B.

Christine said...

Lovely design, but for me a little sombre for a Christmas.
Thank you, Sue
Christine
x

Claveh said...

What a lovely sentiment and what a lovely card, thank you for sharing Sue and Peace and Love at Christmas to you and your family too. xxx

Snuffy Snoo said...

Hi Sue, I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about this card, but I really like it, it's different. Keep up all the lovely ideas. Love & Hugs Sam xxx

Jules said...

Well I love it sue! It's different and unusual and it works for me!! X

Linda Simpson said...

I love the print and the fabulous layout. Different but stunning!

Hugs
Linda xxx

jordiegirl said...

What a fabulous idea for this card.

Barbara said...

Very unusual looking card that seems to be growing on me. I would have the sentiment a bit larger and bolder but I do like it Sue!!

MRS DUCK said...

The card maybe singing but this one is a bit out of tune for me Im afraid. Keep them coming though as 9 times out of 10, all is in perfect harmony!

Janice K said...

An unusual but very effect card. x

Sue Parish said...

Hi Sue,
I was born in 1946, so your dictionary is 3 years older than me!
Love everything you make with it.
I liked Joesgrandma's idea of using music pages too,
Sue xx

Jean Z said...

Hi Sue, I do like this very much it's a change from traditional ones Jean Z xx

Anonymous said...

I do really like "different" but sorry, this ones not for me!

Mol x

jennywren1947 said...

hi sue really like this card reminds me of alternet art
hugs chris x

Dawn Louise said...

Hi sue, I like this different approach and really like it, it's good to experiment and I think it worked x

Paper Junkie said...

I love everything except the holly border. The pointsettia stamps are fab and I love the use of print for a background. X

ellyscard creatief said...

Beautiful card.
Gr Elly

Vie Carter said...

One word - Stunning

Vie
x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue

Just found this one. I like the quirky feel to it and will try it. Like some of the other commentators, I am not sure about the overhanging borders so think I may turn them inwards to see how that looks.

I wondered about using music notes rather than the script? Might give more of a sense of Christmas - there's only one way to find out!

Thanks as ever for the inspiration!

Christine
x