RETRO HOLLY WITH CHRISTMAS GLEAMING BUNDLE

Christmas Gleaming stamp set just begged to be inked. So I created an Artist Trading Card (ATC). Then I used the ATC as the focal point on my card. Here is the retro Christmas holly card that I created.

TREND ALERT

I was listening to a talk on trends last week. We all know that Stampin’ Up! does an excellent job of creating images and color combinations in stamp sets and Designer Series Papers. But how does that translate to what we see in the shops around town and at craft shows? And more importantly, how do I create trendy cards and projects? Here is a list of some of the things highlighted during the talk on trends that we will continue to see over the next several months.

Color Combinations
1. pink / gray / white
2. dark brown / white with blue accents
3. mustard
4. dark green / black / gold
5. emerald green / lime green / red
6. emerald green / brown / gray
7. silver / gray / white / gold / pink
Images
1. floral stems like eucalyptus or berries or cotton bolls
2. anything rustic
3. coffee themed
4. wreaths
5. images that evoke a cozy feeling
6. 90’s stuff
7. sloths, mermaids, donuts, dinosaurs and unicorns
Christmas
1. farmhouse
2. pines
3. lanterns
4. gnomes
5. vintage cars and trailers
6. mice
7. snowflakes
8. royal crowns (I am sure that Brian King has been bending the ear of the trend-setters)
9. animals with antlers (Is there a pig with antlers in my future?)
10. arctic animals
11. 70’s decor (out comes the tinsel and those ceramic trees with plastic lights)

THE PLAN

Now with all that in mind, I headed to my studio (doesn’t that sound better than craft room?) and grabbed the Christmas Gleaming stamp set. I have to admit that I love the idea of pigments but forget to pull them out to use. So I was determined to use them on this project. However, I did a little coloring test first.

Used Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo Stampin’ Write Markers and Aqua Painter.

Used Bermuda Bay and Flirty Flamingo Stampin’ Blends.

Used Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo Pigment Sprinkles and an Aqua Painter.

They all look great but the Pigment Sprinkles won my favor. I like the luminosity that naturally occurs when using the Pigment Sprinkles. Easy Peasy!

MEASUREMENTS (Supplies and Links are at the end)

Melon Mambo Cardstock: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″
Watercolor Paper: 3-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ (ATC size) and 4-1/4″ x 3″ (This layering leaves the top and bottom borders larger so that the outside border is even – It’s a personal preference.)
Melon Mambo Cardstock: 3-5/8″ x 2-5/8″
Shimmery White scraps for stamping image of the holly

ASSEMBLY (use any die-cutting and embossing machine)

Stamp holly image in Whisper White Craft ink on Shimmery White cardstock scrap after wiping cardstock down with Embossing Buddy. Cover stamped image with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, flick to remove excess and set with a Heat Tool.
Color Background: Use Aqua Painter to lay down a swish of water in the center of your smaller watercolor paper. Then apply the Bermuda Bay pigment wash with an Aqua Painter. Start light and add more color. You can rock the paper a bit to spread the color around. Let air dry,
Color Image: Prepare a watercolor pigment wash using the Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo pigments. Using an Aqua Painter, color the holly image. Fussy cut holly.
Wrap Copper Metallic Thread around 2 or 3 fingers and attach to the back of holly with a large Dimensional. Add a couple of mini Dimensionals to each leaf.
Run front of the card base through Subtle Emboss Folder.
Assemble layers and arrange on the card as it pleases you!