My day began with a trip to the dentist—fortunately, I only needed a check-up, clean and polish. With that out of the way, I spent the afternoon catching up on the next two instalments of Justine’s 12 Days of Christmas and creating my own cards inspired by her designs.
Day 2:
The Day 2 brief called for white heat-embossed text, ink
blending through a stencil and a circular sentiment to finish the design. I dug
out a very old Hero Arts friendship-text stamp, stamped it in Versamark and
embossed it in white. For the background, I used a Tim Holtz Holly Bough
stencil.
My first attempt at colouring the berries did not go to
plan, but I managed to rescue the background with red glitter die-cut dots.
Looking back, I would choose a darker green for the holly leaves to create more
contrast. To make the circular frame, I combined two Spellbinders Nestabilities
dies: a plain circle and a smaller scalloped circle. I stamped a sentiment from
Rosie’s Studio Hearth & Home set on the centre circle, popped it up for
dimension and adhered the outer frame directly to the card. Three tiny glitter
dots added the final touch.
Day 3:
Justine’s Day 3 card featured three embossed cardstock
strips and a label with a stamped sentiment. I borrowed those key elements
while putting my own spin on the design.
I chose her alternative palette of white, pale blue and dark
blue, then cut the strips and embossed them with the Gina K Tapestry folder.
For the label, I used a Catherine Pooler Merry Labels die. Instead of stamping
a sentiment, I added a black die-cut Christmas tree topped with a silver star.
What I enjoy most about Justine’s approach is her
encouragement to use what you already have. You do not need the exact same
products; the fun lies in adapting the ideas, experimenting with the techniques
and making each card your own.
