My Christmas crafting has officially commenced and I'm delighted to welcome glitter back into my life!
I was most fortunate to win a beautiful stamp set ('Woolen Mittens' by Oxford Impressions) from lovely Lynne and it is finally getting its first inking. The stamps are wonderful to use with fab deep etching. Isn't this little sweetheart cosily attired?
I stamped mdf bell shape (by Creative Expressions) with bells and text using Ranger 'Vermillion Red' (having masked off area for figure) and then overpainted with well watered paint (Paper Artsy 'Nougat'). Stamped and embossed the little Girl (EP is Sparkle & Sprinkle 'Japanese Lacquer'). I wanted a lovely deep red for her coat and it took several tryouts to get it right! Made her booties a tiny bit darker. Added glossy accents over both and left to dry overnight. Stamped and embossed snowflakes on the bell (EP- WOW White). I'm no use at colouring in faces so just added a hint of blush to her cheeks from one of my own blushers (Chanel). Painted her bonnet, ribbon and socks with white Paper Artsy paint (again tried out other white products but they kept sinking into the mdf - guess I should have sealed the surface first). Glued twine around bell's rim and dabbed it with gold and red Stickles.
Stitched around the backing paper with my handy IKEA sewing machine having lightly stamped some green mistletoe at paper edges. The paper is by 'My Mind's Eye'. Stencilled Snowflakes over bell and background paper with Memory Box 'Tiny Snowflakes' stencil and coated the paste with my go to choice of sparkle (a girl has got to have one!). Added more stamped bells (both distress 'Candied Apple' and 'Festive Berries' were on my table at the end so not sure which one I used for which. Then the little girl went and grabbed one of those new Distress Crayons and scribbled 'Snow' - just as well she drew in the right place!).
Added bunting (by Melissa Frances I think) to top having dabbed them with Stickles along with some Tim Holtz greenery that I've given snowy effects to. Stamped some stockings too and splattered white paint around generally. Decorated further with teddy and mittens charms plus little wooden stars with a toothpick stick for little one to hold. Finally, a red bow and two jingle bells completed the picture.
As always, your visit and any comments that you leave are most appreciated.
Nicola x
I wish to enter card to the following challenges:
Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes with a Stamp and Ribbons
That's Crafty - Feminine challenge
Inky Chicks - Christmas in Summer
Crimbo Crackers - Anything Goes
ABC Christmas Challenge - N for No rules
Winter Wonderland Christmas challenge - Make It Cute
Sparkles Forum Christmas - Snowflakes
Christmas cards all year round - Anything Goes
Aud Sentiments - For a Girl + sentiment
Deep Ocean Challenge - Christmas in July
Hi there, this is a beautiful Christmas card. The image is gorgeous and I love how you have coloured her and added such exquisite details. I really love this. Thank you for sharing your beautiful card with us this time at ABC Christmas Challenge.
ReplyDeleteSue...xxx
Such a lovely card with sweet image and lovely details. Thanx for joining us at Winter Wonderland and the Inky Chicks.
ReplyDeletexxx Plony
Oh wow, Nicola, this is absolutely stunning!! I love the sweet image!! The stitching and texture are fabulous!! The banners along the top are so beautiful!! The jingle bells are a perfect touch!! Gorgeous my friend!! I love it!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Beautiful Christmas card. Thank you for playing along with our Challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round. We would love to see you again ... Anet DTx
ReplyDeleteWonderful card and I love the addition of glitter. :) Thanks for joining us at ABC Christmas Challenge. Lisa DT
ReplyDeleteI always love your Christmas cards Nicola and this one is no exception. The little girl is beautiful with her Chanel tinted cheeks!! I love the stocking hanging on either side of the bell and also the banners at the top and, of course, the jingle bells! I had a similar experience recently with things soaking into the MDF, so now I just give it a coat of watered down gesso and that seems to do the trick (I just hate waiting for things to dry...!).
ReplyDeleteI apologise if I missed it on my last visit, but your blog header is quite stunning, I could sit and look at it for ages! Hugs, Anne xx
Thanks for the gesso tip Anne, will def use as I spent ages building up the red. Thank-you for noticing new blog revamp too. Glad u like. Nx
DeleteBeautiful Christmas card Nicola! I love the vintage feel to this, and the many layers of design elements! Such a lovely little banner with the tinsel strips, so festive! Great stamp, what a fabulous prize to win! Hope you are enjoying your summer my friend. hugs :)
ReplyDeleteI love this Christmas card! If I were to receive it, I think I would keep it out all year round! I'm so glad you shared this with us at CCAYR ! :)
ReplyDelete~Marie B -DT
GORgeous! I LOve your colours and design.. Thank you so much for joining us at ABC Christmas Challenge happy to see your Christmas crafting has officially commenced.
ReplyDeleteChrissyxx
I've been studying your card, very impressed by all the detailing on here. Love the image and how the metal charms just go so well with this image.
ReplyDeleteSuch a delightful design Nicola, I love the stamped bell, the gorgeous background and banners always draw me in. I'm in the middle of a Christmas project too, never been known before for me to get Christmas stuff out in July lol xxx
ReplyDeleteI love your gorgeous vintage style! Thanks for joining us at Stamping Sensations.
ReplyDeletePinky
Oh, I hear you, Nicola, lol, I will also invite glitter in, soon :-)
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas piece is so wonderful, the girl looking adorable inside the bell, and so sweet with the things in her hands.I love the banner and stockings ,too- A beautiful Christmas design.
Hugs, Dorthe
This is gorgeous! Love it! Thanks for sharing with us at CCAYR.
ReplyDeleteAmazing creation! Wow! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it over at ABC Christmas Challenges! :)
Oh look - red for you too! So happy it was you that won the OI stamps - I can't think of a better home for them, and this Christmas card proves my point. I love the fluffy hat and bootees, and those mittens are treat. Gorgeous banners at the top too - altogether charming.
ReplyDeleteAlison x
This is just the cutest card ever and just perfect for our challenge over at Sparkles Christmas Challenge "Snowflakes" good luck and hope to see you again next time Dt Member Sandra H xx
ReplyDeleteAn absolutely beautiful Christmas card Nicola x love the stamps you have used. OI stamps are amazing and you have certainly showcased them here
ReplyDeleteSending my best wishes to you
Annie x
Fabulous card Nicola, love that vintage style image and she looks so lively with her Chanel blushe
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Christmas Sparkles this month
Joan
Beautiful Christmas card. Thank you for joining us at CCAYR.
ReplyDeletePam x
Fabulous card Nicola. It's so pretty and I just love the composition. Kay xx
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola, a beautiful Christmas card with a lovely vintage feel to it.
ReplyDeleteShe's such an adorable little girl and looks really at home in her little bell. Gorgeous embellishments and details.
Avril xx
She is so precious and puts me right into the holiday spirit! Fantastic work, sweet friend. <3
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautifully vintage. Your snowflakes are a subtle addition. Thank you for joining the Sparkles Christmas Challenge.
ReplyDelete