Thursday 17 October 2013

Love, Peace and Joy

 Hi crafters!  It's Christmas, chalkboard style!  I absolutely love this latest trend that  is all about now.  It's really fun to do too.  One of the things that I enjoy about it is that there are so many ways to achieve this look, you need not rely on having exactly the same products that I have used, but still can achieve similar looks.  I started by creating a background using Rich Red card and stamping the Holiday Magic stamp from Justrite all over the background.  I used an Adirondack pigment pad called Snowcap to do this and just heat set it (no embossing powder).  I matted it on a thin black and a thin white mat then proceeded to work on the focal element.  For that, I used the Justrite Holly Striped Background.  I stamped it on black card using the Snow Cap ink pad again.  Heat set it then added some "chalk" dust marks by swiping the card with a foam piece that I had tapped on the Snow cap pad.  I distressed the edges of the card with my scissors.  I wrapped a piece of white seam binding around the card and added a thin black mat to it.  I used a white pencil to draw a line around the edge of the mat.  Next I stamped the Christmas Vintage Labels Four stamp on black card using a clear perfect medium pad.  I heat embossed the design with white powder.  I rubbed this piece with some Snow Cap ink as well then cut it out with the coordinating die.  One of the things that you can also do is stamp the image again, just slightly offset to give it a shadow and that also adds to the chalkboard look.  I didn't do it with this one as the overall design was so busy as it was.  I stamped the sentiment from the set on black card and heat embossed it with white powder.  I cut it out with a circle die, then added a small scalloped red circle behind it.  I mounted the sentiment on foam pieces for dimension.  When I was last visiting my Mom in the States, I came across these small poinsettias at one of the craft stores, so I have added them around the focal element after adding a bit of Iced snow to the edges of the flowers.  I tied a messy bow out of white seam binding, added a small red and white Bakers Twine bow and seated the largest flower in the centre.  I finished the card with a double black mat with my signature pierced inner mat layer.  A great card for anyone who loves the more non traditional Christmas cards (or a teacher! LOL)   Finished dimensions are 8" x 8" in size.  All for now, Sue x







158 comments:

Pam said...

Bright and beautiful for todays card - love it.

hollyberry said...

Love this card.Beautiful bright and cheerful.Also love love love those flowers.

Lisa said...

Morning Sue
Lovely card. Love the colours and the focal element.
Lisa x

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue,
This is an amazing card, I love the grey tones with the red. Snazzy.

Unknown said...

Really lovely cheerful card Sue on a very grey and misty day here in Kent!
Crafty Hugs
Heather xx

Jan.moogie said...

Cheery, full of Christmas love. Stunning card Sue.x

Lacelady said...

Forever inventive! Love that Snowcap pigment pad,I must get that.

Mrs B said...

Hi Sue. This is a beautiful card. So bright and cheerful. I must have a go at the chalkboard effect, it is great. Hope your trip across the pond went well Sue, and you have arrived safely. Take care.

kitty davies said...

Morning Sue
thank you a very bright cheery card.Enjoy your trip take care Kitty

Rosie said...

What a striking card. It stands out as so different.

tracy w said...

Hi sue
Another stunning card thank you for the idea Tracy w x

Joanne K said...

Morning Sue, hope you have had a safe journey. Gorgeous card. I spotted it on one of your shows and have been curious as to how you did it. Now I know I will have a go. Kind regards Joanne K x

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue, love the chalk effect on this card. Love Jean xxx

JJ said...

Morning Sue,

A fabulous card love the technique. Loving the Poinsettias

Love & Hugs

Jacquie J xxx
http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

auscrafts said...

wow!!!!!!!!!!! that hit me in the eye as soon as I opened the page .Stunning christmas card

baconbits said...

Morning Sue
Fabulous, really full of Christmas cheer. The chalk effect is so inventive and those Poinsettias WOW.
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x

Sue C. said...

Love the colours on this card; traditional but not!

englishrose897 said...

Good morning Sue, Brilliant card today. Sally x

Wacki Macky said...

What a fantastic card today Sue, love it all, every bit!

Craftihappiness to you, love from Pearl

cr@fty said...

Good morning Sue
What a beautiful Christmas card it's bright and cheerful just what we need on this dull day. I love those poinsettia's they are so pretty. I must try this chalk effect it looks so nice.
Hugs x
Heather T

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Sue, WOW !! I love this card, I love the chalkboard effect and I adore the striped background stamp. The poinsettia flowers are really beautiful.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

BridgetCG said...

Hi Sue, love the colours of this card, totally amazing layout. Bx

Gail said...

Good morning Sue,
Thought this was a bit over the top for me when I first saw it. But having looking at it a bit longer its growing on me. I do like the chalk background.
Gail C x

Rachel Taylor said...

What a stunner !
Crafty hugs Rachel x

Debs A said...

Morning Sue what bright and happy card. I love these lovely little flowers. Take care sue xx

Debs A

Ecco of Sheffield said...

morning Sue
What a beautiful traditional looking gift for us today. I love the colours you have used and it is the first time I have seen the chalk board effect - will have to have a go at this -.
I still have more than half of my C.cards to make so thank you for a little bit more of your inspiration.
Janet x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Wow - black and red a real show stopper.
Beverley
W

Anonymous said...

This is going to draw a lot of attention on anyone's mantlepiece, 'tis lovely. Mabex

Jackie T said...

Good morning Sue today's card is gorgeous. I haven't seen this technique before I will have to give it a go. Thanks for sharing. Love Jackie

Sandra B. said...

Hello Sue. Loving this card. The colours are stunning. Take care.

Carol Clarke said...

Morning Sue
This card is stunning love the grey and red, to beautiful. A Christmas card you would treasure.
Hugs
Carol x

Unknown said...

Good morning Sue. Love the card and the technique. I will definitely have a go. Xx

Unknown said...

Hi sue, another gorgeous card I love the look you have achieved and the black and red fabulous combo
Hugs n stuff
Carol B

Anonymous said...

GM Sue - this is different! wasn't sure at first but it's growing on me the more I look at it. Hope you had a safe journey.
Rgs
Clare W

sharon said...

Good morning Sue
I'm loving the chalkboard look - I have a 12x12 chalkboard stack in my stash from years ago that I never used (as I didn't know what to do with it) - I must pull it out again and experiment. I really liked the way you swiped the snowcap inkpad over your work, you are brave, lol. The colours are lovely and the card overall is brilliant.
Hugs, Sharon Kirkwood. x

Nanna Tina said...

Hi Sue
Lovely Christmas card, this card would stand out on any mantle.
Happy crafting
Love Tina x

CraftyAnn said...

What a lovely, striking card, I think it's a winner.
Take care.

Rosemarie said...

Morning Sue, This is so striking, I have never seen the chalkboard method before, it if great,and gives a very different effect, absolutely beautiful.

Love Rosemarir Fishlock xx

Jane said...

Love today's card Red is my favourite colour fabulous.

Jane xx

JAO said...

Great card Sue.

Victoria said...

This card is a real stunner Sue. The colours, the chalky look, the bow, the flowers, everything. I like the way you mat everything so carefully, especially around the outside of the card. I wouldn't have thought to mat so many layers, but it's really striking.

karenlotty said...

Lovely card Makes a refreshing change to see bright colours

carol edwards said...

Hi Sue I like this card very much, a bit different in a good way. Love those small flowers, really pretty x

Nananne said...

Love the flowers and the sentiment.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sue What a super card and I love the colour combo. Take Care Love Michelle S xxx

Ann said...


Hi Sue

Lovely card really like this chalkboard effect hope we can get the snowcap ink pad soon would make nice unusual Christmas sentiments.

Hugs Annx without an "e"

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Not seen this technique before, very effective

MRS DUCK said...

Good morning Sue and everyone.
Love the red and black combo and the flowers.
Hope you've arrived Stateside, safe and sound.
Ang x

Ali B said...

Hi Sue,
What a bright fun card. Love it when you give us new techniques to try.
Alison B. x

TDQ Karen said...

Gorgeous, I love it all. xx

gwen70 said...

Beautiful card, lovely bright colours

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, lovely traditional bright card today love the colour combo and the chalkboard. Hope you had a good flight say Hi to mom from us bloggers, enjoy.
Hugs
Jean D

Marleine said...


Morning Sue,

Lovely Christmas show piece. Would look great on anyone's mantle piece. X

kimberley said...

Just a bit bright for me but I'm liking the adirondak snowcap inkpad,take care,x.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue - this is a very different effect Sue and the colours are just right for Christmas. Another masterpiece from you. We bloggers are so lucky. Have a wonderful time with your mum. Best wishes to you both
YvonneMayxx

lydia jordan said...

Hi Sue,
Beautiful card, love the chalkboard effect, not seen that before, will be looking for this ink pad.
Lydia
X

TOB said...

Christmas is definitely on the way with this card, love it. hugs x

ssn.wht@gmail.com said...

What a modern and lively take on Christmas! Love this design!!

Thanks, Susan

Unknown said...

Wow what a stunning card! Would love to receive a card like this at Christmas.
Have a great time across the pond.
Hugs Sue x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Love the chalkboard effect, looks great with the red. Loving the bow, twine and poinsetta too.
Donna Jones

hazel young said...

Gorgeous card Sue love the colours and design the sentiment is great too xx hazel

jessie said...

MORNING SUE A VERY DRAMATIC CARD
TODAY.LOVE THE CHALK BACKGROUND.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
Thank you for explaining your chalk board technique. Must try it.
Veronique L

Christine Harrop said...

Your chalk board effect looks great. I really like the black and red. Great card. Christine xx

beachie said...

Hi Sue
Super card, love the colours . The flowers are great.
Audrey x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
Lovely card very different, really like the colours such a change,
Take care

Jane Llewellyn

yorkielass said...

Hello Sue, A dramatic card today, thank you for sharing your chalkboard technique,, I have not seen this before, it is fantastic. Love the poinsettias and the bakers twine.
Have a great day everyone.
Hugs June xxx

Anonymous said...

Yes, just right for a teacher, Sue - but does anyone actually use chalk boards any more? It's a fun technique and helps to make a great card different. Love the colours.

'P' in Wales

Joan D said...

Fabulous techniques in this card.What a stunner.XXX

Erica said...

Hi Sue
A bright and cheerful to brighten a dull day.
Erica

Sheila - Ginger said...

Morning Sue,
Such a gorgeous card today, the colours are great together. Many thanks for telling us about the chalkboadrd idea and love those cute poinsettias tipped with the iced snow.

love Sheila xx

marg said...

Hello Sue!
I hope you arrived safely and enjoying the warmer weather!
I quite like the look of a school blackboard (chalkboard) card!
I have some white inks and Pan Pastels, so I might have a play!
Take care
LoveMarg

Debbie Tinks said...

A nice bright card Sue lovely X happy crafting

Clare Powell said...

Beautiful card, love the chalkboard background, need to have a go of that myself.

Clare x

camelot67 said...

Good Morning Sue

Another beautiful card to start our day. Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
Margaret A.

fame01 said...

Morning Sue
WOW loving this one real stunning, great card and how many colour combos could you do with this one .. great inspiration for us all.I must make a start on my Christmas cards lol..hugs sarah xzx

Maggie said...

What a lovely red that card is. The chalk board effect is really original and would stand out amongst all the gold and glitz of other cards. Lovely flowers as well. xx Maggie (better without a bow indeed)

Pat L said...

Hi Sue
Stunning card, love the chalkboard technique will definitely have to buy the snowcap pigment ink
Best wishes, Pat

Shirley T. said...

Hi Sue,

What a different Christmas card. Am "sitting on the fence" with the chalkboard effect. Am sure I will like it eventually.

Much love,

Shirley T. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Maryann Laursen said...

Gorgeous card here again Sue, and a bit more colorful than we normally see from you, but that´s cool too, I think.

Rach83 said...

Love it, love it , love it! The chalkboard technique is brilliant and the stamps really show it off here. Love the contrast of the red and black.
Rachel x

Jean Z said...

love the card Sue lovely colours and design love Jean Z xx

Rose in Chester said...

WOW Sue,
this is MY Christmas card - it's a stunner. Love it, love it, love it. Chalkboard technique for me!

Have you arrived safe and sound at your mom's?

Hugs, Rose

Sandy G said...

Hi Sue,
Ooh la la!!! Very striking card. Love the chalkboard effect. Thanks for sharing.

nattyboots said...

A very nice card Sue,beautiful colors and flowers .

Elaine H X

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue great card-love the red and black
Denise Hancock

Jess Watson said...

Morning Sue, lovely card, love the chalk technique it makes a stunning card. Hope you had a good flight, take care, Jess xx

Unknown said...

A great inspirational card, thank you Sue. I love this trend too and it still looks good if you are a 'messy' stamper (as I am). Marie x

Kiraneries said...

Hi Sue, a beautiful Christmas card. Lovely bright vibrant colours.

Sandybee said...

WOW !!!! A very striking card today Sue, just beautiful

xx Sandra

Eemeli said...

Oh wow! Stunning creation! Combination of red, black and white is always very effective. Love the outcome.

Hugs,
Eemeli

EmmaT said...

Morning Sue, gorgeous card and technique, one I must try. Love these stamps. Emma

Unknown said...

Great card,love the chalkboard effect that is so now,and the flowers.
Helen Bx

nannapat said...

Great effect with the chalkboard look Sue. Beautiful card - the focal point is stunning. Pat x

hotpotato said...

beautiful card. Just treated myself to one of the peacock TST masks you used last week withe gilding flakes, can't wait to have a go with it and make some stunning backgrounds.

Kate's Cards said...

Wow! what more can I say. To quote Mrs O "It's fabulous dahling".

Cardgenie said...

Sue, loving the chalkboard look - so very "shabby chic". Lovely card, as always. Jean.x

Felicie said...

What a beautiful Card.I like the colours.
Greetings
Felicie

Unknown said...

Striking card and I love the colours. Have to tell you, I used micro beads for the first time on a project yesterday and the effect looks fab. Thanks for your inspiration as always.

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, love this card, really bright zingy colours, cheers up any day
hugs
Hilary x

Meg Owen said...

Very bold and bright.

Margaret O
xxx

3362 Jan said...

Morning Sue. Wow,such a bright, cheerful card. Just love it. Have a great day. Hugs. Jan.x

Tres said...

Hi Sue. Today's card is just beautiful !! After seeing your christmas shows I ordered the holly stripped background stamp and the christmas vintage labels four stamps. I am still waiting for them to arrive. I really love this card and the colours you have used. I am not sure Iif I like the chalkboard effect and I would probably just use white embossing powder instead. I have spellbinders poinsettia dies (which I absolutely adore.) and would use those. A really lovely card. Thanks for all your inspiration. Lots of love Tres x x x

Anonymous said...

Hello Sue, Love everything about this card, The poinsettias the chalkboard effect and the Red and Black together it is so beautiful.
Hope all is well with you, love Brends Lel xxx

Gail said...

Gorgeous card and luv the blackboard effect xx GailT xx

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card!
Love the bright red.

Julie Bee said...

Hi Sue

Love this card, very nice.

Still waiting (cant wait).

Best Wishes

Julie Bee

Sonia Jones said...

This card is stunning. I love everything about it. The colours the background just everything. Beautiful! Hugs Sonia x

Howdy said...

Stunning card again, sue. Well done

Cazzie D said...

Very festive. Keep the Christmas cards coming please, I need lots of inspiration as I have so many Xmas cards to make myself. I do love your attention to detail Sue.
Caz x

Jennifer said...

What a lovely card, very bold striking colours. Jen x
Krafty Keepsakes

CraftyJo said...

As you said....great for a teacher :) Personally, I think the bow and flowers are just a little too much but that's just me :)

Dortesjs said...

Absolutley gorgeous

Glass Daisy said...

Hi Sue,
What a pretty card. Makes you feel happy just looking at it.
Well done.
Sonia x

Wendy from Scotland said...

Hi Sue
Absolutely stunning card and makes me feel very Christmassy
Wendy xx

Wendy from Scotland said...

Hi Sue
Absolutely stunning card and makes me feel very Christmassy
Wendy xx

Pauline A said...

Hi Sue, WOW, WOW and WOW again. Fabulous card,love everything about it. Hugs Pauline A x

Beryl said...

Hi Sue, fantastic card. Love eveything on it!

chrispease said...

afternoon Sue love cheerful card today

thank you for sharing your ideas

Christine x

alimecca said...

Hi Sue
Love this card. The chalkboard effect is fabulous - will definitely be giving this a go. Also the little poinsettia flowers are lovely, never seem to be able to find things like this in this country unfortunately.

Olga said...

Love everything in this card! It's a masterpiece!

Unknown said...

really stunning, one that would definitely stand out among others.. xx

Tina said...

Hi Sue

What a racey looking Christmas card, I love it. There is so much to look at, and the poinsettias are very pretty too.I must have a go at the chalkboard technique that looks great fun.

Have a wonderful time with your Mom, and please say "hello".

Kind regards :-)

Tina X

Barbara said...

Beautiful, bright and cheery Christmas card.

Karen G Ratcliffe said...

Morning Sue, what a lovely wintery card. Love the chalky, snowy effect! Would love to try the snow cap ink pad, hope I can find it.

Paper Junkie said...

I just love your cards Sue and this one is so cheerful - just right for those dreary winter months. X

Janice K said...

Wow! A stunning card Sue with great details. I've dabbled with the chalkboard effect with my scrapbooking but hadn't thought to use it in my card making, until now that is. Thank you for great ideas. x

SusanP, Kent said...

WOW! There's a lot going here. The red is fabulously rich. Definitely not a traditional card and with a different sentiment it would work equally well for other occasions. Anyone (including teachers) would be over the moon to receive this card at Christmas.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Wow what a different style for Christmas beautiful. All the best Edwina

Shazza said...

this is so striking, love it x

Lynda's craft's said...

WOW this is a stunning Christmas card Sue very dramatic with the gorgeous red I absolutely love this card
Hugs Lynda Brock xx

Anonymous said...

Hi sue , love todays card its so gorgeous !'

Snuffy Snoo said...

Hi Sue, absolutely gorgeous card!!! Just love that chalkboard technique!!! Love Sam xxx

Carol S. said...

Wow Sue, love the bright colours and seasonal feel of this card. Super (said with a posh voice!)Enjoy your visit to your Mum. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Pat S Witney said...

Hi Sue

What a lovely bright and cheerful card today. Thanks for all the effort you put into your blog,

Unknown said...

Such a lovely card, amazing techniques!

Diane from Glasgow xx

Anonymous said...

Just my colour for Christmas Sue - bright red which gives a true feeling of the Season... Loving the chalkboard effect, also those dinky poinsettias.
ValC xx

Crafty Nanna said...

Beautiful card

jeffrey bubbles said...

Love this card today especially the bakers twine with the ribbon.

Kathy xxx

Disco Queen said...

Hi Sue, Gorgeous card. I too love the chalk board look. Theresa x

Margaret corgi owner said...

Good evening Sue
What a rich and regal looking card so beautiful, I love the colours.
Margaret corgi owner

karen said...

Hi Sue

love the card, another great creation from you.

Karen

Karen Drew said...

A stunning card today. Real eye catcher
Luv
Karen xx

magpie said...

Oh wow Sue, this is gorgeous! Love all the colours, it's a "pop" all over card! Stunning! xx Love Karen xx Have a wonderful time with your mom oooo and get some of those poinsettia flowers back, they're lovely! xx

hazel said...

Hi Sue
WOW Absolutely Stunning Christmas card.Love the chalk technique have not tried it as yet but have it on my Must do technique for Christmas cards.
Take care
Hazel G x

Laura O said...

love the colours and the style of this card ,Laura O

Myra said...

Hi Sue, it's the late Myra again! Today's card is very stylish. I've been trying to make cards without bows and have failed miserably! I love ribbon and bows. Love your ribbons.

Trust jet lag not too bad!

Love Myra

brenda said...

Hi Sue, love the design and the sentiment but not sure about the colours, a bit too bright for me x

Crafting Newbie said...

Hi Sue, Love the chalkboard look. I didn't know I needed to heat set my pigment inks. Thanks for the tip. Barbara x

Vie Carter said...

Great Christmas card

Very cheerful

Vie
x

mags said...

Beautiful christmas card Sue. This has a real wow factor to it.
Mags
x

Lynn (delphinoid) said...

Gorgeous Card Sue!

I love the colours and the flowers on this one.

Happy Crafting!!! :) X X

Sandy H said...

I'm not usually a great fan of black on cards but the red on this one makes it bright and cheerful.

cmu said...

A great use of the chalkboard effect. Very festive! xx

Anonymous said...

Hi sue
Lovely modern card. Great technique looks fab. Focal point looks lovely. Nice and bright too.
Kayleigh B xxx

mark said...

Hi sue
Love this card, think I will use it for all my special people.
Regards Mark

chrispease said...

morning Sue

grey and red go so well together

another wonderful card
thank you for sharing your ideas
x

nzillingworth said...

HI SUE
ANOTHER ONE I MISSED. VERY DIFFERENT FOR CHRISTMAS CARD AND I LIKE IT. JUST RITE STAMPS ARE AMAZING. LOVE THE DETAIL ON THEM.
BORN AGAIN SPELLBINDER
NADINE HUG XXX