Faux Tile Pines and Poinsettias

Tonight my Stamps-a-Latte group meets and we're going to learn two techniques.  I already posted about one here.  The second one is not exactly new, but it sure is a whole lot easier with the launch of the new Simply Scored. 

Holiday card using the Pines and Poinsettias set with sentiment from Contempo Christmas

Faux tile has been around for ages, but I rarely used it because I had a hard time getting my score lines exactly even.  No more.  It is SO easy with the Simply Scored!  I plan to use this technique a whole lot more now.  I love the vintage look it adds to this card.  Another simple, yet often neglected technique this card uses is crimping.  I added dimension and texture to the patterned eyelet border by running it through my crimper.  A fast and easy way to add visual interest to any project.  Another layer of interest is the lightly stamped and sponged card base.  I'm not sure it shows in the photo, but I lightly stamped the scroll image from the Pines and Poinsettias set all over the card base in crumb cake ink, stamped off once.  I then sponged the edges to distress it ever-so-slightly to provide a suitable background for the vintage look I was going for. 
Once again, I am amazed at how much this whole suite has grown on me in the months since I first laid eyes on it at convention.  It just goes to show you that there is not substitute for hands-on experience!

Pines and Poinsettias for Christmas

I am off on our annual Arts Retreat at school but I was on the ball enough to pre-schedule this post...are you impressed???  Given my posting track record the past couple of months, I sure am!
Today's card is one I designed for my Christmas Club last month.  It uses a set that I initially wasn't crazy about but that has grown on me as I've started to use it.  The same goes for the coordinating DSP...didn't like it much at first but now really quite enjoy creating with it.  Its funny how that happens, no?  Anyhow, here's the card:

Christmas card featuring the Pines and Poinsettias stamp set and Holly Berry Bouquet DSP.

Inside of card with sentiment from Petite pairs

Kinda pretty, huh?  I have to admit I was dead wrong about the use of wild wasabi for Christmas.  It just works so well in this paper I almost don't notice that its a colour I really don't care for!  I really love the glittery polka dotted paper in this pack...so fun and festive!  The real red satin ribbon adds just the right amount of richness to balance out the bling and keep things elegant.  The mini jingle bell adds just a touch of whimsy...can you tell I'm loving those things??  All in all a card design I will certainly use again and one my club members liked too!