I began my blog in September this year. My venture into blogging was a kind of unknown as I didn't know what to expect - I could not have been more happily surprised with how it has turned out. I wish to extend my warmest appreciation for the wonderful welcome that has greeted me and to each and every one who has taken the time to visit. I am amazed at how much I have learned over the past 4 months from you all - your blogs, creations, posts, challenges, design teams and tutorials are an incredible university and a never-ending source of entertainment and inspiration! Heartfelt thanks especially go to those who have posted such lovely compliments and those who became followers - doing so makes you so much more real and your encouragement is what spurs me on.
“Instruction does much, but encouragement everything." Johann W. von Goethe.
I'm also THRILLED to advise that my card 'Oh Jingle Bells' will be shown tomorrow (21st) on the wonderful Melissa Frances Blog. I genuinely love Melissa Frances creations and products so to be published on her blog is the cherry on top of this Christmas. Thank-you so much to all at Melissa Frances.
My very first post in September was 'Starting with Santa'. I thought it would be a nice balance to end 2012 using the same stamp. So without further ado - here he is!
Ingredients for my card today;
Papers: Maja Design (It's Christmas Time)
Stamps: Inkadinkado (A Visit from Santa 98223) and Stampendous (Christmas Wishes SSC1068)
Ink: Versafine (Crimson) and papers edged with Encore Metallic in Gold. Edges also distressed with Distress Inks (Brushed Corduroy and Vintage Photo)
Embossing Powder: Sparkle and Sprinkle (Japanese Lacquer) and Ranger (Queen's Gold)
Punches: Edger and snowflake by Martha Stewart
Free vintage images printed onto TAP (Transfer Artist Paper by Lesley Riley) and then ironed onto muslin
Bunting embellishment: Melissa Frances (Countdown to Christmas)
Ribbon: May Arts Silk
Dabs of Stickles Glitter
Everything else from stash
Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Christmas,
Nicola x
I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
The Ribbon Reel - Nordic Noel
Holly Jolly Christmas - Vintage Christmas
LEJ Designs - Santa's Coming To Town
Loves Rubberstamps - Merry Christmas
Celebrate the Occasion - Christmas Anything Goes
Deep Ocean Challenge - Santa is coming to town
The Pretty Little Ribbon - Its Christmas
Simon Says Challenge - Merry Christmas
Charisma Cardz - Sanata Claus is coming to town
Craft Us Crazy - Merry Christmas
Love this! What beautiful colors!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have you in the gang! And the inspiration and entertainment is absolutely mutual - looking forward to much more in 2013, but for now, have a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Beautiful vintage Christmas card Nicola, I like the santa and the children, Merry Christmas to you and your family, and all the best for 2013!
ReplyDeleteKevin xx
Fabulous vintage style Xmas card! Love the muted tones and such a gorgeous bow :)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your holiday season and don't get itchy fingers now you've put your crafty bits away!
Such a beautiful card and closing post. So glad you decided to start a blog. Happy New Year! Best wishes, Yvonne
ReplyDeleteAnother eautiful make! Have a wonderful
ReplyDeleteCristmas hugs trace x
See you in the new year! Having a break too after weekend,
Hi Nicola, I am fairly new to blogging too but it has been lovely following you and seeing your beautiful creations. This one is no exception, it is absolutely gorgeous, love that stamp too! Look forward to seeing you again in the new year. Have a wonderful Christmas. Hugs, Anne x
ReplyDeleteFabulous card, the image is so gorgeous and the layout is fantastic. Have a wonderful christmas and all the best for 2013.
ReplyDeleteSonia
So beautiful! I love that gorgeous Santa! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLove this Nicola. It has been a joy to see your cards/projects and the long list of awards on your sidebar speaks volumes about your creative talents! So good to have you here in blogland. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, hugs Jenny x
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous and I love the big fluffy bow! Your creatins have been gorgoeus works of art! I have enjoyed visiting your blog this year. So happy you also shared this with us at The Ribbon Reel! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteExceptional card! Love all the added papers! That Santa is amazing as well! Enjoy your break...I'm taking one soon as well! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletePretty! Thanks for playing @ CTO!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so beautiful. I love it! Thanks for playing with us over at Loves Rubberstamps!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely chuck. Thank you for joining us at the Simon Says Stamp challenge and a very happy Christmas. Hugs, Dawny x
ReplyDeleteMerry X-mas to you too, Nicola!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy coming here so much! Thank you for all the inspiration you provide by showing your gorgeous cards and projects!
Have a very merry Christmas!!
Claudia xx
You have a genuine, fabulous talent and I really love examining all the wee details you use. If I did that I'd just make a mess! Wonderful Christmas n blessed 2013.xx. Helen
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful card Nicola, I love it much !!! So Merry Christmas again, and I read with attention your lovely post, I totally agree with you and feel the same as you as regards to all progresses we did in a few months, thanks in particular to the interesting people we luckily discover by chance and their lovely artworks often shared with us... In that case, Internet world reveals to be GREAT !! Hugs, Coco xxx
ReplyDeleteA Merry Christmas to you and yours. I enjoy visiting you blog :) Your card looks fabulous, love it.
ReplyDeleteThis is magnificent, Nicola! Love the vintage images and all your creative details. Gorgeous, my friend. :-D
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the wonderful world of blogging, I loved your thank you post at the top. Truly an adventure;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for playing with our Santa is Coming to town challenge over at LEJ Designs;)
Wow, that is awesome about your post for Melissa Frances! Your card is beautiful! I love the vintage feel of it! Thanks so much for joining our challenge over at Loves Rubberstamps! :)
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful! Love the vintage look.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Charisma Cardz this week.
Wishing you a merry christmas and a creative new year! :)
Magnificent Christmas card. Successful vintage effect. Bravo !
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Charima Cardz this week !
I wish you a merry Christmas !
Hugs from France.
That big bow is so gorgeous. Thank you for my lovely e-card, looking forward to seeing what you make in the New Year!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Elizabeth xxx
Gorgeous job! I love the vintage look! Such pretty colors! Thank you so much for playing along with us at Loves Rubberstamps this week!
ReplyDeletewow this is fabulous nicola.stunning vintage design and i love your colours and images :D
ReplyDeletewishing you a very happy christmas :D
xx coops xx
Wow! Breathtakingly, awesomely stunning! Running out of superlatives for you! Seriously gorgeous, Nicola!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Christmas!
hugs
A stunning vintage card, fabulous colours and such beautiful images and details.
ReplyDeletehugs
Heather xx
Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp challenge.
What a great nostalgic card. I love the santa. Thanks so much for joining us at Celebrate The Occasion!
ReplyDeleteWhat a goooorgeous card Nicola - what a lovely way to celebrate the end of 2012! Looking forward to seeing your creations in the New Year. And big congrats on being publish on MF blog - well done you!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your loved ones magical, peaceful and very merry Christmas!
Love, Joanna xx
Gorgeous! Perfectly embellished and full of vintage lovelies! Thanks for sharing with us at The Ribbon Reel!
ReplyDeletethis is so dreamy and delightful
ReplyDeletegorgeous creation! Thanks for joining in with our Santa claus is coming to town challenge this week at Charisma, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Gem :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and Fabulous card! A big Congrats to be featured on Melissa Francis blog. That says a lot.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your a Wonderful Christmas and the Happiest New Year ever.
Hugs Lynn
Totally gorgeous Christmas card Nicola. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Joyful New Year. Annette xx
ReplyDeleteBee-utifully embellished Santa card. I host a wkly challenge at Marks Finest Papers Simple Salutations in which the challenge this wk is Santa. Please enter & let them know I sent you.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
"Sunshine HoneyBee"
MFP SS Hostess
lovely Santa card
ReplyDeletethanks for joining us at Charisma this week
AllisonX
Nicola, Each and every one of your creations is a treat for the eyes! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI need to remember to come to your blog more often as your embellished cards are so lovely and inspirational. Please have a very lovely and blessed Holiday Season!
ReplyDeleteXO
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/
This is absolutely gorgeous .. so pleased I offered you know what lol xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to end your blogging year Nicola! :) Gorgeous card hun!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful new year,
hugs
xxalisonxx
Hi Nicola, A fabulous card, and a great way to end 2013.
ReplyDeleteHeres to 2013 - My best wishes,
Avril xx
Fab vintage feel, great design, thanks for joining us at LEJ, Pauline x
ReplyDeleteOh what a gorgeous card! I love the vintage look! Fab Santa stamp and I love the way you made the bow! Thanks for joining us at The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop. Happy New year, hugs, Marlies
ReplyDelete