Sunday 18 August 2013

Merry Christmas

Good Sunday morning all!  I guess there is no surprise as to what sort of card it is for today!  I know you don't want to think about the "C" word just yet, but believe me, you will thank me later if you just get a start on those cards sooner than later.  It is sort of like a public service that I am performing here (you aren't buying that at
 all, are you? LOL)  Oh well, I am trying!  Today's card is really very easy to do but it does take a bit of time as it uses a re-insertion technique.  This technique is incredibly easy to do with simpler dies, but does take a bit of patience when there is a delicate frilly edge to the die you are working with.  Basically I used the Decorative Labels one die and cut an aperture in my navy blue card. I then used the  New Year Dove embossing folder by Couture Creations and embossed the aperture for texture.   I cut another one of the same die out of white card and used the snowflake die to cut an aperture out of the centre of the die.  I replaced the white die in the opening of the blue card and from the back of the card, I taped it back into place, just catching the edge of the white die with my tape.  I cut various smaller snowflakes and scattered them diagonally across the top of my card as accents.  I stamped my sentiment (from the Justrite Elegant Christmas sentiment set) on a larger piece of white card and mounted my reinserted snowflake on foam pieces above it.  I added some flatback pearls to my snowflakes and sentiment and finished the card with my signature pierced double mat.  Finished dimensions are 7" x 9" in size.

A quick reminder that Julia Watts has shows today on Create and Craft.  She will be on the ToolShed show at noon and then again at 5pm.  Julia has new Heartfelt Creations stamps and dies and they are gorgeous!  Be sure to tune in to see her lovely samples and demos.

Now for the weekly comment game winners!  This weeks names drawn were:
Nanny Jo!!!
Holly Berry!!!
MacMable!!!
Congratulations all!  Please email me at americansue1@gmail.com to confirm your address and claim your prizes.  Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into next weeks contest, remember you have to be in it to win it!  All for now, Sue x








140 comments:

Pam said...

A beautiful christmas card, and I dont mind seeing them, such a good public servant. Congrats to the winners

Jan.moogie said...

Wow Sue what a lovely card and one I am going to have a go at making myself, thanks for the help.xx

JAO said...

Great card Sue.

nancyd said...

Morning Sue,a fabulous Christmas
card very elegant and that embossing
folder looks fab. don't remember it
although if it's not a new one I must
have seen it before have done a few
C. cards but not very many.
Nancyd xx

kitty davies said...

Morning Sue
pretty card this one is a must thank you congrats to the winners
take care Kitty

Lisa said...

Morning Sue
Love the card. I've just bought two sets of Spellbinders snowflakes dies and so looking for ideas. I will 'borrow' this one!
Lisa x

nuttinanni said...

Just love the colour combo.will be trying this one definitely.Cherylx

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue, such a stunning card, love it! I got such a lovely surprise yesterday, one of my lovely Facebook friends sent me the charity DVD of your demos in Scotland, you were busy with all those demos! Love Jean xx

Patricia said...

Good Morning Sue,
No problem here with the "C" cards. Just started mine and looking for inspiration. Loving this idea might just have a go at it and see what I produce.
Have a Great Day
Hugs

Patricia xxx

TDQ Karen said...

Love this technique, the card looks fantastic, and like the colour combo very much. Congratulations to all the winners xx

Ecco of Sheffield said...

morning Sue
Thank you for today's gift as I am about half way through my C.cards and am in need of inspiration - I need look no further -.
I am already using the large quare dies for my background platform so this will fit in nicely. I love the colour scheme and the format is very impressive so will be doing my best with your gift.
Hope it looks at least something like yours when finished!!
Congratulations to this week's winners.
Janet x

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue. I really like this mornings card. I'm a fan of navy anyway, but it really makes the snowflakes pop. Fantastic. Xx

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - lovely card again today. I haven't started the C Cards yet -but I dont have loads to do so no panic yet! Will be watching Julia later - thanks for the reminder.
Rgs
Clare W

tracy w said...

Hi sue
What a beautiful card yes I have not started my c cards yet but I have my c cards decoupage kits ready and your ideas to waiting for my spellbinder dies to come them aim going christmas mad with all my cards thank you Tracy w x

Anonymous said...

Great card, Sue. Love the navy with white and clever techniques used.
Started the C.cards in June with the intention of making four a week to get them boxed off - I didn't live up to my expectations! MUST get a move on.

'P' in Wales

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, The dreaded 'C' word ha ha, but I know it will be with us before we know it ha ha.
A really lovely card and a brilliant technique, I will be trying that one.
Congratulations to all the lucky Winners.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, love the colour combo. Have set myself bank holiday weekend to stat my c cards!! Fingers crossed :)
Keep the inspiration coming
Hugs n stuff
Carol B

Nanny Jo said...

A lovely card, Sue, explained very clearly! A 'must try' ..!!! Thanks... Jo xx

Fieldsend said...

Morning Sue, love the C word as we start thinking about getting sorted with them. Love the card and love the technique. Have a great day. Congratulation to the winners.

Love June
xxx

Maryann Laursen said...

Amazing card here today. Sooo stylish and beautiful and clean lines. Just gorgeous work dear lady, really gorgeous.
Congrats to all the lucky winners here this week too.

cuilliesocks said...

Well done to the winners! Bbeautiful card Sue, lovely design a dies, Kate x

camelot67 said...

Good morning Sue,
I'm another one that doesn't mind looking at "C" cards this early on as it's always good to get inspiration from such a public spirited person as yourself! (LOL) Love the card!

Congrats to the winners.
Margaret A.

Joanne K said...

Hi Sue, hope you are having a good weekend. Great card today. I didn't mind logging on today to find a christmas card and I am busy making a few at the moment. Well done to all the lucky prize winners. Kind regards Joanne K x

Anonymous said...

Morning Sue
A lovely Xmas card, it's a great one to reproduce as we all have so many to make. What a clever idea for the background. How do u come up with these ideas, ingenious. Those dies and the sentiment are gorgeous.
Congrats to all the winners :-)
Kayleigh B xxx

Marianne's Craftroom said...

I love making Christmas cards and just love these snowflakes

Erica said...

Morning Sue,
Lovely dramatic card. Love the sentiment stamp.
Just started making my Christmas cards so I need lots of inspiration.
Erica x

alimecca said...

Hi Sue
I'm another one that doesn't mind seeing the C cards. I've started mine but I 'm looking for ideas for my " special"ones and this certainly fits the bill. Navy and white is always a classy combination. Love the background.

Sheila - Ginger said...

Morning Sue,
Gorgeous card and it's great that you are giving us some Christmas inspiration because before we know it will be just around the corner. Love the navy and white and the insertion technique. I have the Chistmas sentiments stamp and love it.
Congratulations to the winners.

Love Sheila xx

hazel young said...

Beautiful card Sue love it. congrats to all the winners xx hazel

Jean Z said...

lovely card love the colours love Jean Z xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Lovely card, great colour for C. Loving that embossing folder.
Donna Jones

Marleine said...


Morning Sue,

Loving the colours navy and white for a Christmas card.

Great card. X

Marion said...

Hi Sue i love blue and white for xmas cards ,really like this card clean and classy looking.
Marion H

Pat L said...

Hi Sue
Love all your Christmas cards , keep them coming
Best wishes, Pat

Carol Clarke said...

Morning Sue
What a lovely clean looking card,
stunningly beautiful, this is a must to try
Congrats to the winners
Hugs
Carol x

Anonymous said...

Fab card Sue thank you for the inspiration must have a go at this one, will be watching Julia's shows for even more inspiration.
all the best take care. Pam S

beachie said...

Hi Sue
Lovely card , the colour is super and I do love snowflakes.
Audrey x

Margaret corgi owner said...

Good morning Sue
What a crisp and beautiful card love the colours. Please don't worry about the C word I am sure I'm not the only one who needs a little nudge. In my defence I do have the card stock ready and also the ingredients for my C cakes!
Take care.
Margaret corgi owner

Mrs B said...

Hi Sue. What a beautiful Christmas card. Navy and white....fantastic combination. You are doing us a favour aren't you. I started card making earlier last year and totally underestimated how long it would take to make my Christmas cards! This year I have been gathering all of the elements that I need and will start them after the bank holiday. I will be trying this one so thank you Sue. Congrats to the winners. Take care.

gwen70 said...

Really striking card today Sue, will certainly try this one

Unknown said...

Morning Sue what beautiful christmas card love navy and white it make a change from red and green. Take care sue xx

Debs A

Pat S Witney said...

Hi Sue

Lovely card today. The navy makes the card pop. I have a few c cards done, but must confess they are left over from last year. I have over 80 to do so must make a start soon. will be recording Julia's shows and must make sure they are set to record, as I only usually set the recorder for the tool shed if I know you or Julia are on. Congratulations to the winners.

jessie said...

MORNING SUE
AFABULOUS CHRISTMAS CARD VERY EYE CATCHING. CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS.

Debbie Tinks said...

Nice card Sue X Happy Crafting

ssn.wht@gmail.com said...

Such a beautiful card - very elegant! Love that Christmas sentiment stamp too!!

Thanks, Susan

sonja_w said...

Great technique and I simply love the elegant Christmas sentiment stamp x

lydia jordan said...

Hi Sue,
A beautiful card, I think I could achieve this myself thanks for the inspiration.
Congrats to the winners.
Lydia
X

Nananne said...

Have not started my Christmas cards yet, but this card has certainly whet my appetite to get started, the insertion technique is so clever and so striking
I think I must use it! Thanks again for another great idea!

Rose in Chester said...

Hi Sue,
Another beautiful card you've shown us! I like the reinsertion technique, use it myself and don't mind the time it takes because the results are lovely.
Saw this technique first on one of your shows and never looked back.
Have a great Sunday.
Hugs, Rose

Jackie T said...

Good morning Sue this is beautiful. I have started my Christmas cards I know I have some big projects coming up later on and it is good to have Christmas cards well under way. I will be trying this design. Have a good day. Love Jackie

nattyboots said...

I call this card Upper Class Sue

I love it ,Thank you for Sharing now ,as it gives me time to get everything together so i can copy it lol

Congrats to the winners
Elaine h X

Annie said...

Morning Sue. Beautiful card! A reminder to start the Christmas cards is welcome!! Have a lovely Sunday
Hugs Annie

nannapat said...

Must have a go at doing this design Sue - it's so pretty. Thanks for the detailed instructions. I'm looking forward to watching Julia today - recorder is set. Congrats to this week's winners. Pat x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue
This is a beautiful card, so clean and fresh. Definitely one to try. Many thanks for your instructions, they really help. Getting chores done early to watch Julia. Have a great week everyone.
love Jan x x

JJ said...

Morning Sue,

What a lovely card this is, I do so like these grand sentiment stamps they make a card look so exquisite and elegant. Love the whole card and may I say what great photography was used on this card to show the depth of the main subject as well as the embossing folder.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Love & Hugs

Jacquie J xxx

Jackie Calvert said...

Morning Sue.
Happy Sunday, I am already on the Christmas card treadmill, all idea's gratefully received, and I like this one.
Love from Jackie C XXX

Rosemarie said...

Morning Sue, I love the navy on this card a very refreshing change from red and green. Have to admit to not starting Christmas cards yet but in my defence I am deep in Wedding stationary!!!

Love Rosemarie Fishlock xx

kimberley said...

love to see the xmas cards Sue.As far as i am concerned it's never to early,take care,x.

BridgetCG said...

Hi Sue, no need to apologise, we need to inspiration to get started. This card is beautiful and the time taken for someone special will be worth it. Love the navy colour. Congrats winners. Bx

Tres said...

Hi Sue. Another great card for today !! I really love making snowflake cards as they are quite quick to make and with all the beautiful snowflake dies around they look like you have spent a lot. of time on them !! This card is. Lovely. I like your colour combo of white and navy although I bought the colbolt blue and I will probably use that instead. I also have the sky blue card and I thought I might combine the two of course with white too and some glitter !! I love those sentiment stamps but had to come to a stop till pay day. I will be watching and recording Julia's shows today. congrats to the winners love Tres x x x

Floss said...

Hi Sue,
I have already started 'C' cards but had kind of lost the will when the weather was so hot, so I needed something to kick-start me again and this card has done it. Thanks x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, a lovely 'c' card (can't bring myself to say the word yet! but you are quite right we should be very grateful to you for reminding us!). Love the insertion method and have made a few cards like that and they always receive favourable comments, thanks to your goodself. Have set my recorder for Julia today. Enjoy your weekend and many congrats to today's winners.
YvonneMayxx

Shirley T. said...

Hi Sue,

Really pretty - will definitely try. Congrats to the winners.

Much love,

Shirley T. xxx

Lacelady said...

Lovely card Sue, but I'm ahead of you, I've made about 20 'C' cards so far.

darcydaydream said...

Lovely card today. Such a great technique and lovely colour combo. And I don't mind the C word. I've already started my Christmas cards abet only made 4 so far...lol. Hav a great day.
Christine in Darcy....xx

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, A stunning C card, must admit that I have not started on mine yet, your public service message has spurred me to start them next week lol. Love the insertion technique and the grand sentiment, got mine from Julia's shop. Will be watching Julia at noon.
Congratulations to the winners.
Have a great day everyone.
Hugs June xxx

MRS DUCK said...

HI Sue and everyone.
Another example of simple elegance. Lovely. x

Clarissa said...

Stunning card. Clarissa. X

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sue. beautiful, just beautiful. I've done about 10 C C's up to now although it's about 36 degrees out here in Spain and it does seem unnatural.
Congrats to the winners.
Love Val x

Victoria said...

Good for you for reminding us to get a move on!! I'm not quite ready yet but will make a start on Christmas cards in September. This one is lovely, crisp and elegant. Thank you.

hotpotato said...

I'm off on my hols today a cruise, stopping off at the Holyland.....was supposed to be Egypt aswell! I'm so going to miss my daily visit to your blog Sue, will have to look back over what I've missed when I get back home.

Mac Mable said...

Yippee, how lucky am I today being a winner. I am absolutely delighted and it has made my day up here in wet Scotland. I am addicted to your daily blog and enjoy getting wonderful inspiration from you. I love the Christmas cards you make Sue...keep them coming. Thank you for making my day and sharing all your ideas with us Beverley x

TOB said...

gorgeous card for Christmas. hugs x

Jess Watson said...

Morning Sue, lovely card, again a great inspiration from yourself, where would we be without you. Definitely another one to try. Congrats once again to the winners. Take care, Jess xx

Beryl said...

Hi Sue, what a gorgeous card. Will have to try this technique.

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
JUST THOUGHT I WOOULD MENTION 130 DAYS TO C. LOL
THIS IS ONE OF THOSE CARDS WITH NO WASTE. (LIKE THEM A LOT).
LOVE HOW THEY GO DOWN IN SIZE
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE HUG XXX

Ann said...



Hi Sue


Fabulous card love it will certainly be trying this one.

Congrats to all the winners.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

Unknown said...

Lovely card, and as you say Christmas cards need to be made early xxx

englishrose897 said...

Lovely card this morning Sue.

englishrose897 said...

Lovely card this morning Sue.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Love this card. I have tried the insertion technique before and as you say it isn't difficult just needs a bit if care when sticking together. I'm also grateful that you now put the finished dimensions on your blog as it gives me some idea of how big I should be going (was always to small before).
Keep the C card inspiration coming lol.
Beverley W

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, thank you for the c.card inspiration haven't started yet but as soon as September comes I will get cracking! I love today's card simple but oh so elegant and my minds whirling thinking of all the other Christmas dies I can use as well as snowflakes in the aperture . Thanks so much Sue .
Hugs
Jean D

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card, not even given my "C" cards a thought!!

mol x

Wendy L said...

Just getting started on mine, this is gorgeous, xxx

Kiraneries said...

Hi Sue, a gorgeous card. Simple and very elegent looking.

Carol S. said...

Hi Sue, I love blue and white for Christmas and use it a lot. I have already made about 50 'C' cards and still have a few hundred to do!! I sell for a charity. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Unknown said...

Simple but very elegant card, love it.

Marion Turner said...

Hi Sue
A beautiful Christmas card very elegant.
Love Marion x

Anonymous said...

Hello Sue, Have been thinking about C cards but haven't got around to doing anything yet! This could be the gentle nudge I need.
Beautiful card love the colours and the snowflakes are just gorgeous.
Congratulations to the lucky winners.
Love Brenda Lel xxx

Julie Bee said...

Hi Sue

Very elegant again.

Best Wishes

Julie Bee

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, thank you for the public service announcement...and the inspiration. Navy and white looks so good together and the sentiment stamp you have used looks splendid. Love from Jackie D

Cardgenie said...

Hi Sue - so thoughtful of you, reminding us of the event that's still 4 months away!!!! Love the simplicity (well, the look anyway) of the card - that navy is so elegant. Jean

Vie Carter said...

Lovely card, love the technique

congrats to you lucking winners

Vie
x

salem said...

wow card

cr@fty said...

Hi Sue
I am late posting today, today's card is so lovely, you can never post too many Christmas cards for me. Congratulations to all the winners.
Hugs x
Heather T

minx said...

Hi Sue what a beautiful card, love the blue and white and the snow flakes are stunning xx

Janice K said...

A beautiful card and love the navy blue card! That's on my shopping list!x

Jennifer said...

Lovely card today Sue. Hugs, Jen x
Krafty Keepsakes

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
It is never too early for Christmas for me, trying to get all the birthday cards done for the rest of this year and then will finish all my Christmas cards.
Sat watching Julia with Nigel he is up to his cheeky ways.
Congratulations to the winners
Happy crafting
Love Tina x

Meg Owen said...

Love today's card Sue. Those sentiment stamps are so classy.

Margaret O
xxx

Ita said...

Hi Sue lovely card today,love the navy and the way you did the sentiment under the navy part.
Congrats to all the winners.
Smiles
Ita

Dee said...

A lovely card Sue. As Patricia said it gives us all some inspiration and motivation to produce our C cards. Dee x

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, Cant believe you have already moved on to "C" Cards.
Stunning and fresh as always!
Hugs:)
Bim

Clare Powell said...

Gorgeous card, love the way you've done the snowflakes.

Clare x

Jill Liddle said...

Now this is a simply stunning christmas card. Sometimes less is more.

Snuffy Snoo said...

Hi Sue, Yay...another Christmas card! ...and a very pretty one at that. I'm still busy working on mine right now and this is one that I will be adding to my collection. Thanks. Love Sam xxx

Marianna Hammer said...

How nice to see that it isn't just i, who has started the Christmas cards :) I have made some, but as we send 44 cards each year (at least) and I sell some at request, I haven't come far yet :)
I'm sorry to have missed Tool Shed today, but the player on C&C just says: buffering...

weefortune said...

Love Xmas Cards, my favourite season. Ealine x

Laura O said...

great card love the navy blue colour.Congrats to the winners enjoy your prize.Laura O

hollyberry said...

Love this card.The dark blue and pristine white give a lovely contrast in colours and are very snow like.No complaints here about seeing Christmas card inspiration, any inspiration for any card is always welcome.

Unknown said...

Lovely card,and that sentiment stamp is gorgeous.
Helen Bx

Carole Z said...

Gorgeous card Sue, don't worry about the 'C' word, I think most off us crafters have had it on our minds for some time now! Carole Z X

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, a beautiful card it's never to early for Christmas cards.

Sandy G said...

Navy and White.......classic! Gorgeous card. Great technique. Have made most of my Xmas cards. Started early this year as I am usually on the last minute with them! Thanks for sharing.

jeffrey bubbles said...

I am with you Sue. Well on the way with my cards for C.......... This is a must try though, thanks Sue Kathy xxxx

Cards by Ziggy said...

Can't believe it's time to start thinking about the C word, I love your card it is very elegant

Lynda's craft's said...

Stunning card Sue love the navy and white colours and the clever way you used the dies must try this technique.
Hugs Lynda Brock xx
Congratulations to the winners

karenlotty said...

Lovely clean looking card and yeh! I have these snowflake & pendant dies Will need to substitute the square but heh I'm gonna give it a go Now where's my navy blue card...

Craftychris said...

Lovely crisp card today! Beautiful! congratulations to the winners too xx

Ali B said...

Hi Sue,
Its never too early to start making Christmnas Cards. Love the technique you have used today. Might try it out with a few of the dies I already have.
Alison B. x

Anne O said...

Hi Sue
What a stunning card! I will definitely try this one - albeit with different dies. Just watched Julia's afternoon show (recorded) and saw your beautiful embossing folders are back. I missed them last time and almost missed them again - but not this time! Hurrah!
Best wishes
Anne O

Karen Drew said...

Such a lovely card Sue
I love the font on the stamp
Luv
Karen xx

magpie said...

Stunning card Sue and you can do as many of the "C" cards as you want for me! Where is this year going? Scary.... Anyway, the card is very elegant, love the deep blue with white. Also loving the gorgeous justrite stamp. I watched Julia today and she did some great demonstrations and had some gorgeous cards made from the stamps and dies. Congratulations to all the winners! Enjoy your prizes! Wonderful! xx Love Karen xx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue,
I love the fonts that justrite produce. I haven't seen anything better than their sentiment stamps. Its the swirls.
Hope all the winners are happy with their prize. Enjoy what's left of Sunday
Love
Jo x

Jackie Meechan said...

What an absolutely gorgeous card, love the dark blue, so striking.

Hugs
CraftyJacq
xx

Anonymous said...

Belinda Raven said...

Hi Sue, very happy to see a Christmas card - I have made 2 so far ( your red and white with the frosty forms reindeer on microbeaded acetate which looks just like etched glass). I like today's card too so I will be making it - thank you!

Hugs, Belinda. X

chris.ull said...

A beautiful Christmas card sue
I don.t mind how many Christmas
cards you show us I just love
Christmas lol,congrats to todays
winners

Unknown said...

Hello Sue

A beautiful card and one I will have to have a go at replicating.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Diana

Anonymous said...

Dear Sue
I really like the navy and white colour scheme for this card. I'm making Christmas cards at the mo so this is great timing for inspiration.
I really like the placed snowflake in the recess. The embossing folder I missed out on when it was out for sale but I guess I can use what I have!
Lovely card today.

Best wishes from Katie-Louise sweetlove

Anonymous said...

Hi again, forgot to say Congrats to the lucky winners.

Best wishes from Katie-Louise sweetlove

CraftyJo said...

Gorgeous Sue, and thanks for more Christmas ideas. I've already started on my cards but get bored doing more than a couple in each style! I need more inspiration and you're providing it :)

Paper Junkie said...

Having just bought the create a flake 5 dies, I guess I must be thinking a bit about the C word. I will bite the bullet and start my cards soon - but not while the sun is shining! X

Buy USA Youtube Views said...

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Buy USA Youtube Views

Unknown said...

Gorgeous, I love navy on a card.
Diane from Glasgow

Joanne2403 said...

Gorgeous card and the colours are great giving it that icy feel, love it tfs

Unknown said...

Beautiful card! I haven't many more to make.

Lots of crafty hugs from St Lucia.
Heather xx

Barbara said...

Lovely card Sue! Have not started my xmas cards yet, cannot get into the frame of mind to start them!!!!

Unknown said...

I love this one $Sue so much.

Linda said...

This is a beautiful card, simple but classy. I love it.

Linda

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