Tuesday 13 September 2016

Countdown to Christmas Begins!

Hello and Welcome!

Did you know that there are 103 days left till Christmas? Just Sayin'! So I'm getting my skates on (!) and really getting stuck in to Christmas crafting.

I've made 3 very similar cards by using up most of my leftovers from the gorgeous Melissa Frances paper collection 'Countdown to Christmas'...

I've used very little media and just concentrated on utilizing the papers with dies.
Dies Used are: Sizzix Ice Skates, Sizzix Tabs, Simon Says Stamp Ribbon Banner, Dienamics Stitched Fishtail Flags and Memory Box Precious Stars


I coated the skates with Ranger crackle paint in 'Clear Rock Candy' for that icy surface. The heels are inked with Krylon Silver gilding pen and the blades are covered with Krylon Gold gilding pen. Blades and other parts of cards have been sparkled up with Ranger Distress Glitter in 'Festive Berries'. Also dotted red stickles around.


For extra texture I added twine in red/ white and green/white as well as a plain white cord, some pom-poms at top of skates and some lace too. Various elements are layered up on foam pads for extra dimension.

I hope these cards bring you cheer even if it is still only September.
Thank-you so much for your visit, it's always lovely to see someone has taken the time.

Nicola x

I wish to enter cards to the following challenges;
Simon Says Stamp - At The Movies (White Christmas)
Scrapyland - Anything Goes (with brand carried by Scrapyland - Sizzix
The Crazy Challenge - Burlap and / or twine
Scrap + Craft - Red, Green and Yellow
Winter Wonderland - Lots of Layers / Wish Upon A Star
A gem of a challenge - Ribbon, Lace or Twine
Christmas Card Challenge - #40
Christmas Cards - All Year 'Round - Shabby Chic or Monochromatic
Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes plus optional sketch
Crafty Cardmakers - Layer It Up

37 comments:

  1. Now that is scary Nicola !!

    Another lovely creation and your treatment of the skates really draws the eye to all the pretty elements and your attention to detail.

    B x

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  2. Love the rustic feeling of this make! I am not in the Christmas mood just yet since I am counting down days to Halloween :)
    Hugs
    Samra
    Paper Talk with Samra

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  3. Fabulous crackled skates, and I love the papers you've used here - a wonderful way to make the most of your leftovers. 103 days, you say? Oodles of time!!
    Alison x

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  4. Awesome card!!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Creative Inspirations! Good luck,
    Rene

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  5. These are all so gorgeous, Nicola!! I love the beautiful ice skates!! You've decorated them so perfectly!! I love the crackle and the pom pom trim!! The papers are fabulous!! Thanks so much for playing along at Scrapy Land!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  6. Beautiful cards Nicola, and a great way of using up leftover papers.
    Love the crackle on the skates and the red lacing gives such a vintage feel.
    I keep seeing Christmas cards around blogland - maybe I should make a start!
    Avril xx

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  7. Oh wow, well done, what a great start! (I am jealous, have not started with cards at all yet).... Love how you put these together, the crackled skates look so cool!

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  8. Beautiful Christmas card Nicola, i like the skates the papers and the design
    Kevin xx

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  9. Such a pretty card Nicola! Love the pretty papers and the beautiful ice skates! So fun and festive!

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  10. Beautiful Christmas card. Thank you for playing along with our Challenge at Winter Wonderland. We would love to see you again ... Anet DTx

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  11. Awesome set! I too love what you did with the skates, makes them look so realistic! Thanks for sharing these beauties with us at CCAYR! :)

    ~Marie B -DT

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  12. Beautifully Christmassy card, love those skates with the fabulous crackle. Great design Nicola, love it xxxx

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  13. Nicola, I adore every precious inch of these creations... they are gorgeous and whimsical. I am filled with happiness with every visit to your sweet blog. Thank you for continually inspiring, sweet friend. :o)

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  14. Wow! What a wonderful card!! I love the skates and 'laces' and all your embellies!! Beautiful!!
    Thanks for playing along this week at Christmas Card Challenges!!
    Debbie (CCC DT)
    Debbie's Dash of This and That

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  15. I didn't know we had so little time left - yikes! I love your gorgeous crackled, red laced skates, they really do look ice cool. Such a great way to use those fabulous papers - I really love the pom-poms - such a lovely finishing touch to your beautiful cards! Hugs, Anne xx

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  16. A wonderful creation! Thanks for playing at Creative Inspirations! xxx

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  17. Gorgeous card !
    Thanks for joining us at SCRAPY LAND Challenges blog and good luck !
    Maryvonne DT Member

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  18. Very nice indeed, I look forward to seeing your next creations for Christmas. Have a beautiful day.

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  19. Good for you to get started on your cards. I LOVE your skates...great crackle, and what a fun background...festive and bright!

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  20. Beautiful cards Nicola. Love all the layers.
    Thanks so much for joining us at Winter Wonderland.
    Lou DT xo

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  21. This has a really lovely Nordic feel to it. I love the touches of red and your skates are fabulous. Tracy x

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  22. Nicola, they are so gorgeous. I love your use of old fashioned papers, and the wonderful T.H. skates die. Such great Christmas cards. xoxoxo

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  23. Absolutely beautiful thanks for playing at agoac. I have some candy on offer

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  24. Beautiful card! I love all the texture and wonderful design. Thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.

    Cathie ♥

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  25. Beautiful designs - love those skates!

    Thanks for joining us at Winter Wonderland.

    Helen x
    (DT)

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  26. Really fun card. Thanks for sharing with us at Winter Wonderland.

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  27. The skate die is adorable with the laces and that trim on the top is so darn cute. Lots of neat elements in this sweet card. Thank you so much for sharing your design in our Layer it Up Challenge at Crafty Cardmakers.
    :) Pam

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  28. Fabulous Christmas card, love all the pretty elements you've used. Thank you for joining us over at Scrap & Craft Inspiration. Good luck! Hugs Suzi x

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  29. they are similar - but it's fun to spot the differences in all the gorgeous details! Fabulous Christmas cards and I love those skates, tempted to buy .... aren't we all late starting the Christmas cards this year!! only cardmakers can relate!!!

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  30. Beautiful card and fab layers. Thanks for joining us at Crafty Cardmakers.

    Bec

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  31. Great designs for using scraps and I do like the aged look of the leather for the skates and fun pompon trimmings! Sorry I'm a bit late visiting. We've had good weather and plenty of activities after work and on the weekends, enjoying the wonderful weather while we can...

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  32. Lovely assortment of festive cards - perfect for Christmas. Beautiful papers. Love the skates!
    Thank you for playing along with us at CCAYR.
    Have a wonderful day!
    ♥ Lena - DT
    Lena’s Creations

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  33. Nicola...I love your assortment of retro/vintage Christmas cards! Tim's ice skate die cut is so perfect on these! I love your background papers and the little details you've added to each card. That is your specialty...the perfect details! It's always such a treat to see your Christmas creations! I also wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment!

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  34. Beautiful Christmas card, thank you for joining us at CCAYR.

    Pam x

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  35. This is such a pretty card! Love the crackle paint touch on the skates! Thanks so much for sharing with us at CCAYR! -Lori, DT

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  36. Beautiful card. Thank you for joing to us in Scrap&Craft challenge

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  37. Beautiful!! Thanks so much for participating in our CHRISTMAS CARDS ALL YEAR ‘ROUND challenge. Hope you participate in our next challenge!! Have a happy crafty day!!! *Sorry this comment is so late! I am struggling to keep up with commenting and have trouble with the "proving I'm not a robot" stuff :O(
    Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper

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Thank-you! Your visit and comment is very much appreciated. Nicola x