Christmas cards 2023

I have been playing with my new Christmas 2023 options that Close To My Heart has and I am loving the results.  

Card#1

The first thing I had to play with was the Christmas Florals embossing folder with coordinating floral stencils. I then added the Holiday Banner stamps and thin cuts. 

I used a couple different color combinations and some fun new techniques to create some beautiful cards. For sparkle I added. Some silver glitter paper and clear sparkles gems.   I used the color of the year Journey and also Lagoon and Glacier. I also used a silver glitter gem in the center of the Poinsettia flower.

Card #2

The next card I used was the color of the Year Journey and another new color Jade. I also included Lagoon, Evergreen and Mocha and Mist.  The Mist ink I swiped inside the embossing folder before I ran it through the die cutting machine. It made the rustic gray color in the background. 

Card #3 

I used the Home for Christmas paper collection. The background technique I used was the Pine cardstock and Christmas Florals embossing folder, then sanded the paper to enhance the debossed side of the design. Then I die cut a 3.25 inch circle from the floral paper and a 5”x1-⅜ inch ribbon cut and a 2.5 inch white circle that I stamped my sentiment on. I inked the edge of the white circle with Scarlet ink. The embellishments were stamped on White Daisy cardstock. I used a combination of Scarlet, Evergreen, Jade Candy Apple,and Mocha to stamp and a water brush and ink to add color. To add some sparkle I used Gold Glitter Gems and some gold thread. 

Card #4 

 I used the Scarlet cardstock and embossing folder for the background. The center strip is Daisy white cardstock, embossed and stenciled with Candy Apple and Wintergreen and Scarlet and Mocha ink. Then embellished with stamped and die cut images from the Holiday Banner stamp set. I also used Gold Shimmer Trim and Gold Glitter gems. 

Card #5 

background is just like card #3 except with the Scarlet Cardstock. The 2” x 4” piece of floral paper. With two ¼” by 4” pine cardstock. Banner die cut and gold glitter gems. 

Card #6 

I used the Christmas plaid for the background. Made the embossed layer like the others and then cut down to 3 ¾” x 5” panel the punched out a 2 ½” circle and embellished with ribbon die cut 5” x 1 ⅜” cut down on one side to 3 ¾” length and die cuts. 

Card#7 

This is a slimline design card size 8.5” x 3.5”. The other cards are all standard 4.25”x5.5” card bases.  The embossing folder has a slit in the top hinge so you can emboss longer pieces of cardstock.  The background is an 8.25” x 3.25” piece of scarlet cardstock. The embossed piece of pine is 8.25” x 2” with ribbon cut. Embellished with die cuts and gold glitter gems and gold shimmer trim.

Card #8 

This card is also a slimline design. The Scarlet panel is 2.5” x 8.25” and the Pine cardstock is ½” by 8.25” panel. Then I cut the ½” shimmer trim in half to make it ¼” x 8.25”.  The circle is 3.25 out of White Daisy cardstock. Also added gold thread and gold glitter gems. 

Unfortunately CTMH no longer has the Gold shimmer trim or Gold glitter gems. I had these items in my stash, but you can easily use the Silver Gems and trim. Another option is to use gold glitter paper and use a hole punch to make round gold glitter dots.  One of the great things about crafting is improvising with what you have.  If you have any questions feel free to message me or email me.  

The circle dies and ribbon banner die cuts are from dies I ordered from Amazon. I have a list of recommended craft supplies where you can find these products.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ITCFTNLOWYI6?ref_=wl_share

If you are looking for sentiments to stamp inside your cards CTMH has you covered. There is an awesome special right now with a stamp.  The Joy of the season stamp set.  There is a bundle with the Cut Above Card kit and stamp (CC102314)that is a 20 % savings.  Please check it out at my maker website at SandraBrahm.CloseToMyHeart.com

 I have included some screenshots of items you may need to make these cards

You will also need some sort of die-cutting / embossing machine. CTMH has on Z5038 I really do like mine, but there are more options on my Amazon list.

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Please note the side kick die cutting machine is a small version and can’t do cuts wider than 2.5” but it is a great way to introduce you to die cutting and see if it is something you want to invest in.  I like the side kick because it is small and great for small dies. 

Have fun and if you decide to order from CTMH I really do appreciate your business and look forward to answering any of your questions and assisting in your concerns.