The last of 2008

To finish out my 2008 creations, here are the only Christmas cards I made. I made 8 of each for a grand total of 24 cards. Needless to say, I did not mail out hand made cards to everyone on our list. Mostly we sent out a single letter that included pictures of the kids. Maybe next year I will plan better and have fresh made cards ready to go in December. I used left overs from last year and these beauties for the RE Catechists, co-workers and a select few fellow crafty ladies. Please don't be insulted if you didn't get a hand made card!!!! It was very slim pickings this year!

Anyway, here's the three new ones:

This represents my first efforts at faux stitching. I think I need a thicker marker, you can barely see it! But it is a nice effect and actually kind of fun. Patterned paper is from a great stack of Christmas papers, pretty sure it's DCWV. This stack of paper was HUGE with all Christmas prints and then some solid textured cardstock AND some stickers and cut outs. I shouldn't have to buy Christmas paper again for about 5 years....and it was a STEAL at JoAnns. With a coupon and the after Thanksgiving sale it was only about $7 for 3 inches of paper. FUN. The stamp is, of course, retired TAC.

Love the TAC Snowman Nativity set! And it's CURRENT. (You could get it for HALF PRICE). the patterned paper is from DCWV. The card base is burgundy and then stamped with Gold Brilliance ink background stars which are retired TAC. This is my favorite card of the three, I think. It's really pretty elegant.

Very little stamping on this one. I purchased some white and this kraft cardstock from PaperTrey Ink and I must say it is very nice, very sturdy paper. I used white core textured paper in a Cuttlebug embossing folder and sanded the top so more white would show through. I love that look! The sentiment is from Verve, I forget the set...I never notice until I upload my pictures how often things are just a little crooked or smudged or something! IRL you would never notice it! And if you did, that's the beauty of being hand made, the little imperfections add "Personality."

So, that's it. Pretty simple stuff but I was really crunched for time. I admire those stampers that make a few Christmas cards each month and then - low and behold - come Christmas they are ready to roll. Maybe next year...as in 2010...

Have a great week!