Christmas cards - building up the stash.

 The weekend before last on the Sunday I did manage to get a couple of cards made, but haven't had time to post them. 

First card - using a stenciled background. 

I used a stencil I purchased to use with my gel plate - from the local Art Store.  Used 3 tones of Catherine Pooler green inks to make an ombre background.  I then used a Poinsettia that was in my to-be-used pile.   I think it is a Hero Arts one. Added a little Waffle Flower sentiment - from Star Snowflake set.   A few gold dots to finish.

And my second card used the same stencil, but on my gel plate. 

I attempted to used some paints with the stencil set.   Didn't quite turn out quite how I wanted.  So trimmed a panel to added to the left hand side.  Took an oval die cut and matching scallop die.  I had used a embossed the oval with Dots and Circles folder.  The Nutcracker is fussy cut from a PP set.    Finished with a fussy cut banner - stamped onto red card with a red rubber stamp.   Added some glittery dark red dots.  

Well today was an interesting one....I was still feeling unwell so decided to stay home as I was coughing a lot and hadn't slept well on Sunday night.  I slept on and off all morning... feeling hot and cold.  Around lunch time, I got up to have a shower and boom, I collapsed in the shower - lost consciousness momentarily and scratched my leg.  I rang the ambulance - and got taken to the local hospital.   Turned out I tested positive for Influenza A... and collapsed due to dehydration.    7 hours later, made it back home.  And a week off work!   Thanks to our wonderful health system.