Thursday, 20 December 2012

Winter Greetings

Hi bloggers!  I can't believe that I still have Christmas cards to show, but I do!  Considering that I started posting them around June sometime  (so sorry about that! LOL), you would have thought I had run out of them by now, wouldn't you?  I promise not too many more to go now!  I really like this one even if it is a bit traditional by my standards.  I started with a white background piece that I wanted to give some soft embossing to so I decided to use some snowflake pendant die cuts to do that.  I cut two of them out of kraft card (it is fairly thick and works well for this technique, but you can use any card).  I stacked them on top of each other and glued them together.  I slipped it under my card, locating it in the lower corner, but slightly off the page too.  I placed my tan mat and pink plate on top and ran it through the GC to emboss the shape into my card.  I did it again in the upper corner, taking care to leave my already embossed area outside the machine and plates so they would not flatten.  You might wonder why I didn't just use the dies themselves for this, but you get a completely different look when you emboss this way.  It is somehow softer of a look too. I used Broken ink to lightly highlight the embossed snowflakes on the background too. I used one of the snowflake stamps from the CE set called Snowflakes and Twigs and added some white embossed snowflakes to the background for interest.  Next I cut three small squares of silver, aqua and white and layered them up and placed them on the diagonal across my card.  The centre one was stamped with my sentiment and silver heat embossed, then I did the same technique using smaller snowflake dies to emboss all three of the squares.  I lightly inked all the squares with Broken China also.  I covered two small scraps of coconut white card with our sticky sheet pieces (great to use those odd leftover sized pieces for this) and then I cut two of the small snowflakes and micro beaded them.  I added a flatback pearl to the centres and mounted them in the upper and lower squares, slightly off centre.  I pierced the edges of the white mat giving it a lovely frame to my frosty card.  I hope all your Christmas preparations are coming along nicely and you still find a bit of time to do some relaxing cardmaking over the weekend too!  I have a tutorial for you tomorrow so don't forget to check back.  All for now, Sue x



142 comments:

Pam said...

A lovely Christmas card Sue and the snowflakes really do look frosted with ice. Just beautiful.

Karen R said...

Love the embossed background and the beaded snowflakes, very pretty

Hellma said...

Great card Sue, love the snowflake background.

auscrafts said...

another lovely card Sue

Mrs B said...

Great card. Beautiful soft embossing and Broken Ice is a lovely colour, just right for winter themes. Take care.

baconbits said...

Morning Sue,

What a lovely Wintery feel this card has broken china was made for wintery things. The snowflakes with the beads looks fab. As for too many christmas cards never.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, I love Christmas cards but how I wish it was all over. Need to get back to normal quickly. Love your card today and another way to emboss, clever lady, love it when you share new ideas.

Wilma x x

BridgetCG said...

Hi Sue, this card is beautiful and simple. Love it. Bx

Joesgrandma said...

Great embossing and distressing, a lovely Christmas Card Sue!

marg said...

Good Morning Sue!
I love the effect on the background, I had thought about cutting some shapes ready, then experimenting this technique..... still haven't yet!
Looking forward to your demo Sue
LoveMarg

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue

I really nice crisp and snowy effect card this morning

Happy crafting

June x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue I do not mind what type of card you post because you never seem to stop amazing me....nice card again! Take care Love Michelle xxx

Unknown said...

Lovely Sue I love Snowflakes in any form but these are beautiful!

Crafty Hugs
Heather Rogers xx

fame01 said...

I like this card very crisp fresh looking ,i love all that you do your work is a true inspiration to everyone .hugs sarah ..xx

cr@fty said...

Good morning Sue
I must try this technique because it looks so nice, I don't care what card you post they are so different so I never get bored. I love the beaded snowflakes (I love anything beaded lol)

Unknown said...

Morning Sue.. A lovely card. I love the embossed background, and the broken china is a must for Christmas cards.

Happy crafting
Chrissie x x x

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - love the microbeaded snowflakes - did some for the husband's Christmas card and they are very effective.
Rgs
Clare W

Eemeli said...

Such a lovely Christmas card and those frosty-looking snowflakes are my favorites.

Eemeli

Sonia Jones said...

Morning Sue what a lovely card. I like everything about it. hugs Sonia x

Gail said...

Morning Sue, just love the micro beaded snowflake! There is always next year to use this card..
Gail Zc x

Unknown said...

Morning Sue,

There is a beautifully soft gentle wintry feel to this card. Adore the way the snowflakes glisten with the micro beads

Alice xx

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, A lovely fresh and icy card today, love the embossing and the micro-beaded snowflakes.
Can't wait for tomorrow's tutorial, wonder what it is !!!!! You are such a tease ha ha.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue,
A quick one today, late for work, lol.
A lovely card today, wonder what's coming tomorrow!!!!
Have a good day everyone
Michelle(happy2craft)

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue. I for one can never have enough of looking at Christmas cards and todays is a real beautie. Love the idea of how to emboss the snowflakes, the dies usually cut my card when i try to do it normally.

Val in Spain xxx

Unknown said...

Morning Sue,
I think the embossed portions are lovely, they worked well. It's nice to see a clean, simplified card but I must admit I miss the odd shabby bow ha ha!!
S. x

Jan.moogie said...

Wow Sue you are clever as well as artistic, thanks for sharing such a lovely card and tricks. x

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue

Lovely card,love the colours and the background. love Jean x

lainey said...

love the clean look to this card Sue. lainey x

hollyberry said...

Hi Sue
Snowy and frosty just as Christmas is meant to be.Nothing wrong with traditional especially when it is this pretty.

Clare Powell said...

Love the frosted snowflakes.

Clare x

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
A lovely christmas card, I don't have the micro beads so I used glitter on my snowflakes and they look good.
Happy crafting
Love Tina X

Carol H said...

Very pretty card, love the embossed background.

Marion said...

Hi Sue yet another stunning card.like the embossed snowflake's ,dont no how you think of all these differant ways but keep them coming.
Love Marion

HiggiSue said...

Another beautiful card Sue xx

Ecco of Sheffield said...

morning Sue
A very soft and gentle card - just reminds me of watching the snow fall, soft and gentle. I really like the colour combo and will definitely try the new way to emboss - well new to me -.
Looking forward to the tutorial tomorrow. Still waiting for my dies to be delivered from the week-end.
Janet x

Sandra F said...

A lovely card Sue. xx

lesley sinclair said...

Hi sue this is a lovely,fresh and crisp looking card that would be ideal to batch make.like everyone else broken china ink was made for xmas cards and your beaded snowflakes look lovely and frosty!! Love lesley xx

marlene said...

Great card very different must try this love the soft colour xx

Anonymous said...

Lovely gentle card, Sue, beaded snowflakes so pretty - just got a calmness about it.

'P' in Wales

Rose in Chester said...

Gentle is the word and lovely....... I MUST try this one, seems to be a fairly quick card and I've YET GOT CARDS TO MAKE! Not many though and should be done/dusted and delivered Friday.

Marleine said...


Hi Sue,

Lovely soft coloured Christmas card. X

Ann said...




Hi Sue

Beautiful simple elegant card love the soft colours. Think whilst all the stash of Christmas theme is out may continue to make cards and store them for next year using your fabulous ideas thankyou for your inspiration.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

lydia jordan said...

Morning Sue,
Simple elegant card love the colours you have used. Will store this idea for next year.
Have a good day.
Lydia
X

Anonymous said...

Hello Sue,
Can never have enough of christmas card ideas, this one is lovely - like a cold and frosty morning!!1 also the idea could be used with other dies for different occasions.
Love BrenLel

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, A lovely crisp clean card, love the soft embossing and the beaded snowflakes are just beautiful. Looking forward to the tutorial.
Waiting in for the gasman, getting a quote for a new boiler, glad that I got dies and stamps from your show, might not have any spare pennies for a while.
Have a great day everyone.
Hugs June xxx

Sue Yorkshire said...

Morning Sue

What a beautiful card I love the embossing technique

Its really horrible weather today and I have done all my chores so going to have a play day with my new die d-lites today, ooh such fun

Sue xx

Annie said...

Never too late for any kind of cards that you make, Sue! Love this one and will try it to make one to take to Scotland where I'm going for Christmas - snowflakes perfect! I received from Sam Poole lots lovely goodies yesterday including the CE book - it is wonderful. Your cards in it are beautiful (of course!)I was online ordering within the hour... Sue, you are soooo bad for my budget but sooooo good for my soul!!! and we all now which is more important in life!!! LOL have a fun day xx

Annie said...

Never too late for any kind of cards that you make, Sue! Love this one and will try it to make one to take to Scotland where I'm going for Christmas - snowflakes perfect! I received from Sam Poole lots lovely goodies yesterday including the CE book - it is wonderful. Your cards in it are beautiful (of course!)I was online ordering within the hour... Sue, you are soooo bad for my budget but sooooo good for my soul!!! and we all now which is more important in life!!! LOL have a fun day xx

Clarissa said...

Another lovely card. That blue is gorgeous.
Clarissa. X

Sandybee said...

A pretty card Sue. Looking forward to tomorrows tutorial

xx Sandra

Maggie said...

Good morning. Gosh it's wintery outside today so your card is a perfect match for it. Love the muted embossing and the soft colour. Have a great day. xx

beachie said...

Hi Sue
That background is gorgeous. Love the snowflakes. We dont mind what kind of cards you show, love them all
Audrey x

Anthea said...

Good morning Sue, its Christmas so keep them coming is what I say! Very nice like you say "traditional" style card today love the colours. Hugs xx

nannapat said...

Love the soft frosty look Sue - beautiful card. Pat x

nattyboots said...

Hi Sue

I have loved all your Christmas Cards ,as i do this one and its been nice to get different festive ideas and colours modern and traditional.

Many thanks Sue

Elaine H X

Carol Clarhe said...

Morning Sue
What a good technique for embossing the snowflakes, I must try that. Lovely card crisp and clean looking - never too many cards from you Sue
Hugs

Carol x

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Gorgeous frosty look. If only we had that instead of pouring rain here.

dutchess said...

Morning Sue from a very wet and windy Selby......love the micro beads on the snowflakes that's a definite try but I am not so successful with embossing with the dies I don't seem to get a real crisp image....do everything you show ..maybe I need a shim in mt GC....sits one of the original ones....
making a first birthday card today using those wonderful decorative circles......and a few other dies ! hugs Margaret xxxxx

gwen70 said...

Really pretty card Sue

Marion Turner said...

Morning Sue
This is another lovely card as always it looks real wintery.
Love Marion x

Maryann Laursen said...

What a wonderful card here Sue. I just love the soft blue tones and the snowflakes looks really wintery. I love the whole card, it´s so gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

I love the look of the embossing with card and I am definitely going to be using this technique in the future. Would never ever have thought of this idea myself - your tips are amazing and very much appreciated Sue. YvonneMayxx

Anonymous said...

Love the die embossing, have done this in the past but somehow never thought to do it with snowflakes, another "must try"!!

Mol x

Anonymous said...

'morning Sue, lovely card again today. Do you actually send cards to your Family and Friends? Please don't say yes to all of them....lol Mabex

Debbie Tinks said...

LOVELY CARD SUE

Unknown said...

beautiful snow flakes they looks like they a real ice with the glass beads on them love this look xx gail from eastbourne

Jackie Calvert said...

Nice one Sue, think I prefer the less traditional cards that you do though.

Unknown said...

Hi Sue a lovely card for Christmas. Thanks for sharing the embossing tip I would never have thought of that, very clever xx Jean

Rosemarie said...

Hi Sue, Lovely card, beautifully wintery, I think even I would exchange snow for the everlasting rain we have at the moment.

Love Rosemarie xx

salem said...

lovelly

Unknown said...

Morning Sue. Lovely card weve got for todays card. I love the idea of the embossing i just wish i could come up to ideas that you come up with. Now i cant wait to see what you have got for us tomorrow. Take care Sue.

Debs A

Victoria said...

Love the embossed background. I've been trying that myself and it's a lovely effect.

Lacelady said...

Frosty and delicate today Sue. I'll have to try that two layer embossing method. (Have you come across a gadget called a score bug? Makes neat pierced lines just by running against a ruler).

Paper Junkie said...

I love anything with snowflakes and the microbeads just set them off. Lovely. X

Joan D said...

Lovely and sparkly XX

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
WHAT VERY NICE VARIATION ON YOUR USUAL CARDS. I DO LIKE IT. LOVE THE SNOWFLAKE BACKGROUND. I SHOULD IMAGINE QUICK AND EASY TO MAKE TOO.BRILL JOB
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE XXX HUG

Anonymous said...

A beautiful festive card. I love the beaded snowflakes especially.

Michelle E xx

howdy said...

simple and elegant - as usual.

Jan Caven said...

Hi Sue
What a pretty card and I love the snowflakes with the micro beads, what a great idea, will definitely try that for next year.
Love
Jan

iggy said...

this card would be great if you have to do a big batch as its affordable or even for charities. many many thanks for showing an affordable card.

Jess Watson said...

His Sue, another great idea for embossing, the card is very elegant. We can never have enough Christmas card ideas. Take care, Jess

Tres said...

Hi Sue. A great card for today. I love the beaded snowflakes. The colours look great together- blue, white and silver. It makes me feel cold and wintery !! Have a lovely crafty day, Tres x x x

Meg Owen said...

Hello Sue,
I love the effect of the micro beads on the snowflakes, and also the embossing.

Margaret O
xxx

CraftyJo said...

Beautiful Sue, liking the embossed flakes :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
What a really pretty, different christmas card - I really like it. Thank you for sharing the tip about using cut die pieces stuck together for embossing. I've alwayss struggled to get this right as the paper tends to cut slightly when Itry doing it using just the dies. I'll definitely be giving this ago.
Kind regards
Beverley W

hazel young said...

Lovely card Sue love the snowflakes xx hazel

Carole Z said...

Never too many Christmas cards Sue and this one is gorgeous, love the snowflake background, Carole Z X

Ita said...

Hi Sue a very different card for you but very nice and thanks for the tips,there are so many uses for the spellbinders dies it is never ending ,such a great product ,and the all the inspiration you give me, thank you
Smiles
Ita

fluffycat said...

Hi Sue, a lovely card. I have made snowflakes with the micro beads, they look fabulous and have a super texture but I must try embossing with the die cuts as you have.
Frances

kimberley said...

another winner Sue-i have finished all my xmas cards{i am doing NO more}but this will do for next year,take care,x.

nikkib said...

Gorgeous, love the way the microbeads make the snowflakes look icy.....

Laura O said...

beautiful card Sue,never get tired looking at your cards.Laura O

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, A gorgeous card and very different for you. The embossing has worked beautifully and I will have a good look at my dies and find others to try for this technique. Thanks as always Sue. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, Just found your blog. Love your cards. Can you tell me if the Grand Caliber has up to date instructions for sandwiches. I have the raspberry plate and the CEEMBOSS plate but am not sure what sanwich they are for. I have several of the large embossing Files. Hope you can help, thanks. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.

Katie-Louise Sweetlove said...

Hi Sue this is my third attempt to post a comment fingers xd.
I love this card so clean and classy and Christmassy

I must try the embossing using die cut card under the base card it's an amazing technique.

I love the blinged up microbeaded snowflakes they really set the card off with such style.

I will look forward to your tutorial all help with my cards welcome.

Have a great Christmas.best wishes from Katie-Lou in Worcester city.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Sue and a Happy New Year! Love todays card very simple and unadorned- very different for you!
Val C. xx

Donna Jones said...

Hi Sue,
I'm sure I've seen this card before maybe a c&c sample, simple, effective and very pretty too.

Donna Jones

Unknown said...

A lovely card Sue, I never get tired seeing your Christmas cards.

Unknown said...

Lovely card sue, the background is really affective.

Happy Crafting
Jean x

Unknown said...

Lovely card sue, the background is really affective.

Happy Crafting
Jean x

Quietly Otaku said...

Nice love the frosty blues!

Janice K said...

Afternoon Sue, thank you for pointing out another way to emboss. This look so effective and definitely one for me to have a go at. x

Jane said...

simplisticty at its best.

Jane xx

Vie Carter said...

Nice card Sue - love the snowflakes, I think microbeads are the best

Vie
x

Christine said...

Nice to see a beautiful, understated style of card, along with the fabulous showstoppers you so often produce. The cards that take our breath away are wonderful, but we still need your inspiration when we want a beautiful card in a less extravagant style. You provide them all!
Thank you, Sue
Christine
x

Fieldsend said...

Hi Sue,
A lovely card and so elegant. Cards now finished but thought for next year's ha ha!!

Love June
xx

nancyd said...

Hi Sue, a lovely card have not tried
this embossing yet saw you do it on C&C and meant to try it but forgot
about it must try it now will keep it till
next Christmas as I have sent them all for this year. Nancyd xx

Jill Liddle said...

Like this card a lot. Simple colour, simple style but still beautiful.

Linda Simpson said...

Good Evening Sue from a very wet Warrington. Loving your snowflakes and the beautiful soft blues you have used.

Hugs
Linda xxx

Barbara said...

Pretty clean and simple card but do miss the bow etc.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, love the card, the snowflakes are beautiful. I'm off to Spain in the morning early so have a lovely Christmas. I'm taking my laptop with me so will be catching up with you from time to time.
love Avis D xxx

Unknown said...

Beautiful snowflakes! Great card :)

karenlotty said...

Love the card and is my "to do" list for next year I have the pendant & out of the 3 distress inks I have one happens to be broken china Yeh!

Anonymous said...

A very pretty card - love that embossing idea - new to me!AnnieS.

Yorkie girl said...

Hi Sue
Another success you really are inspiring I love this traditional card and the colours you have used are my favourite
Theresa xx

brenda said...

Hi Sue I never get tired of Christmas cards, in fact I am going to start next years as soon as we get back to normal after the festivities as I have so many to make lol. Love the embossing on today's card and the colour is so wintery Will have to give this one a go as I have the dies you have used x

magpie said...

A lovely crisp frosty Christmasy look Sue, a really, really nice card. Would never tire of Christmas cards! xx Love Karen xx Can't wait for the tutorial x

AnneRD said...

Hi Sue Lovely card and thanks for the embossing tip, thats one I must try as it does give a subtle effect. Anne

Lynda's craft's said...

Another lovely Christmas card Sue
love the snowflake background
Lynda xx

Margaret corgi owner said...

Hi Sue
Never too late for a Christmas card there is always next year! This card is so lovely and crisp looking really beautiful.
Margaret

lorraine (classylady) said...

Hi Sue another lovely card,how do you manage so many different types. Hope you are all organised and have a lovely peaceful Christmas

regards

Lorraine Porritt- Scotland
xxx

Unknown said...

Yet another stunning card, Sue. It's beautiful. I don't know how you come up with such inspiring and gorgeous cards day after day. Awe inspiring talent! Jules

Unknown said...

Fab card yet again lorraine

jennywren1947 said...

hi sue sorry not keen on this 1
hugs chris x

Anonymous said...

Belinda Raven said...

Hi Sue, thanks for the new embossing technique, gotta try that one!
Got a day at home tomorrow, decorating the tree - I wonder if I'm the only person in the U.K. who hasn't got their tree into the lounge yet. It keeps raining and our poor tree has been waiting in the garden for nearly a week!!! Anyway, the advantage of being at home is I can give the tutorial you are kindly posting for us my full attention!!! Thanks in advance!

Hugs, Belinda x

Unknown said...

So pretty! Belinda isn't the only one who hasn't got their tree up lol! But, we got the food shopping done, I've finished and posted all cards, and last of pressies will be delivered tomorrow, so not getting on too badly. Maddy x

Wendy from Scotland said...

Hi Sue
I am going to try and make every card you have made this year after christmas when I have some time..really read everything and try to make them..they are such an inspiration thank you
Wendy

Wendy from Scotland said...

Hi Sue
I am going to try and make every card you have made this year after christmas when I have some time..really read everything and try to make them..they are such an inspiration thank you
Wendy

Sue Parish said...

Hi Sue,
Like the embossing idea and it's a beautiful background. The micro-beaded snowflakes are fab - especially in close-up, another must-do!
Sue xx

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Abuzz With Creativity said...

Love the snowflakes! Really pretty card. Lets see if my post goes on today?! Had trouble all week from my phone... Claire xxx

Glass Daisy said...

Hi Sue,
Simply elegant!
Sonia x

jordiegirl said...

Clean and simple card Sue.

Claveh said...

I really like this, I think the embossing with the die is really effective. xxx

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