I decided to end the month by embracing the Christmas in July sentiment floating around by creating an easy Christmas card. I also shopped my stash a little bit, which always makes me happy to get use out of items I’ve had around for a bit.
To start, I’m using a great stamp set from Gina K Designs. The Lisa Hetrick – You Are set is a great wreath builder set, that when paired with red, green and gold took on a decidedly holiday feel!
Using my stamp platform, I stamped the base wreath image using Close to My Heart ink in Ponderosa Pine. Utilizing an acrylic block, I added in berries using Cranberry ink (also from Close to My Heart). Finalizing my wreath, I added greenery sprigs using an acrylic block and Delicate Golden Glitz pigment ink.
Note! Though my specific Close to My Heart ink pads are no longer available (I purchased them over ten years ago) it’s a testament that you shouldn’t assume older scrap supplies are no longer good. These ink pads worked great, especially when paired with the stamp platform which allowed multiple stamps in the same area. I do not have re-inkers for these, but have always taken care to store them properly.
For the sentiment, I pulled from another Gina K stamp set, Deck the Halls. This I also stamped in the cranberry ink.
While the panel dried (pigment inks take a hot minute to set), I cut a mat panel from Gina K cardstock in Cherry Red. This card panel is a full A2 size (5 1/2” x 4 1/4”) while the stamped panel was cut to 5 1/8” x 4”.
After layering both card panels to my A2 card base (cut from Neenah 110lb Classic Crest) my card was complete. I love the simplicity of this card, and though I’m still enjoying my summer quite a bit, it did get me a little excited for the holiday season. A little excited. Did any of you get crafty with holiday themes during Christmas in July? Are you now excited for the holidays too, or still wrapped up in summer?!
