Merry Christmas everyone!
2016 was the fastest year EVER - I truly can't believe it's Christmas already. I guess that means it was a fun, full year.
This was the first year in a long time that I wasn't too frazzled to "do" Christmas and Thanksgiving. This year, I enjoyed the real holiday season without feeling rushed or behind on life. I think Falliday Fest at Splitcoast really helped me enjoy the season in its own time. I made tons more holiday themed cards too, which I never get to do. It just has been a great fall and winter. The tree is up, the outside lights are twinkling. I hope I do it right next year too because this has been very fun.
Now, as is my custom on this day, I will show you my Christmas card. This year I made 200 of them, and I really enjoyed every one.
To start with, I created large backgrounds on watercolor paper with fluid acrylic paint, I did this in a marathon crafting session at my sister's house one day.
I really like to do backgrounds and cut them down for my cards. It ties them all together, but still each one is unique. Then I pick a size so that I 'm not wasting any of the background, and cut them into small, uniform panels for the cards.
Then, when I saw the November Paper Pumpkin kit - I knew how to finish them! I ordered enough refills to get 200 of the little tree die cuts, and I used the rest of the kits for my customer thank you cards for the year. So it was an incredible value and perfectly timed.
Over Thanksgiving and the weeks that followed, I assembled them during TV time after dinner - it was strange to watch Bates Motel while making holiday cards, but I love that creepy show. Right now we are also watching The Crown, of course Longmire, and Timeless and the Returned.
The fun part for me is that each card is different, so I oohed and aahed my way through the stacks of them during assembly. I love the way they turned out.
We will be doing this fluid acrylic technique at my June retreat so I can't spill the beans on exactly HOW I made them, but what I will tell you is that I used the same three colors the same way every time, and every one is completely different. (PS - I will open public registration for the retreat at the end of January, after the alumni registration closes.)
My favorites were the brights, like this one. The sentiment is from the Paper Pumpkin kit as well. Inside I stamped the "Merry Everything Happy Always" from Suite Seasons.
links to all supplies used
Some came out very muted and beautiful.
On some, some colors became more dominant.
This is just a tiny sample of how unique they all were. Since it's acrylic paint, the watercolor paper became very thick, so it's a pretty sturdy card.
Because of the size of the watercolor paper I used (link above in supplies), I was also left with little strips from each one, so I used those to make my team thank you cards for the year so I got nearly a hundred more from using up those leftovers. In the end, there was very little waste - and when the scraps are this pretty that's a good thing - and the cards were super economical, even though the paint was pretty expensive.
I cannot begin to tell you how much fun this was, and how much I enjoy sending out a little piece of happy mail every year.
To finish them off, I put them all in Audrey Blue envelopes, with round address stickers, and sealed with a piece of glitter washi tape. All that is linked above - and check out the labels - they are SO much cheaper than Avery, and they use the standard Avery templates built into Microsoft Word, or whatever label program you use.
In case you missed it, we did a Crafty Chat on holiday crafting and holiday cards and you can see that here.
Now it wouldn't be Christmas without gifts, right? Taheera Atchia was kind enough to include me in her fun Advent Calendar Extravaganza hop that has been going on all month - and my day is today!
Each day (and you can go back through the other 24 days for a chance to win) there's a designated sponsor, and today's sponsor is My Sweet Petunia - YAY!! So she will be providing today's prize which is winner's choice of a mini or an original MISTI.
This is especially awesome because Christmas cards is really where the MISTI saves me. Prior to this tool - I threw away between 25 and 30 percent of my Christmas card attempts because of stamping issues - uneven inking, crooked sentiments, etc. Now I can not only stamp them quickly, but totally accurately. It has eliminated the waste I used to have - incredibly valuable.
Here's how you can win - leave a comment here on this post telling me your favorite thing about this time of year, and also a comment at Taheera's blog for a chance to win the My Sweet Petunia prize. Then, to win the other prizes, leave a comment on each blogger's post and also on Taheera's to win the previous prizes. How fun is that? There's a ton of amazing sponsor goodies - it's a really spectacular series of giveaways. and you have until 23:59 EST on December 31st to enter for all of them. Check back on Taheera's blog on January 1 for winner info!
I hope your holiday season has been fun, full of cookies, and restful. I am off work for the next week so I'm hoping to be back with some fun cards for you after the break!
Merry Christmas!
Absolutely beautiful. That effect is sooo pretty!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Wow - those are fantastic coloured backgrounds - the white silhouette trees make a nice contrast
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Lydia! My favorite thing about this time of year is the collective mindfulness and intention of honoring traditions, making new traditions, and spending time with people you value the most. I love the web of interconnectedness that is strengthened at this time of year. Love you XOXOXOX, Meg
ReplyDeleteMy most favourite thing to do is spending time with family and friends. Joy, laughter and love!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! I'm really intrigued by the process you're mentioning, hope to read more in late January! Happy Holidays, Lydia.
ReplyDeleteLove the bold colors to make the amazing tree line.
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful backgrounds. Your strips made beautiful cards,as well..
ReplyDeleteLove love love your cards!! My favorite thing about this time of year are all the Beautiful light displays and Décor. Our Church used PAPER chains for the stage decorations this year. The picture is on my blog today.
ReplyDeleteWow, these are all awesome! Love their uniqueness. And love the cards with the leftover strips.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love the Bates Motel. Hubby thinks I'm strange. lol Oh well. I like what I like.
Merry Christmas!
Love the beautiful backgrounds and how you used the leftover strips. My favorite thing about this time of year is being around my grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteFun technique. Hope you will share it after your retreat. These cards are beautiful. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love your backgrounds!
ReplyDeleteThose are super unique and beautiful! Thank you so much for such great ideas :)
ReplyDeleteI love getting up early on Christmas morning, turning on the lights on the Christmas tree, and relaxing with a cup of coffee. All the cards are made and sent, all the gifts are wrapped, and it's CALM!
ReplyDeleteI love to see my mom's handmade ornaments. Love your cards! Merry Christmas dear Lydia!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas cards and Thank You cards are beautiful! I love all the different backgrounds you created with the paints.
ReplyDeleteI love that background!
ReplyDeleteFantastic cards! Love how you achieved different looks with the same colours!!!
ReplyDeleteYour watercoloring always inspires me. I'm hoping to get the knack of it someday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletewhat amazing backgrounds you created - love that every card is so different and unique!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful backgrounds! Looks awesome with the white die cut!Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI love the crisp clean air, How the mountains look right after a snowstorm.. There's this blanket of snow every where. Being able to spend more time with my beautiful grandchildren and crafting with them!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely coloring!Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletethe choral music is my favorite part of Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWow, those are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing and I'll have to go watch the crafty chat because I missed it. Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and a wonderful idea about making large backgrounds and cutting them down. My favorite things is seeing all of the Christmas lights when we're out driving around in the evening.
ReplyDeleteThose backgrounds are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing is the calm after all the Christmas rush!
ReplyDeleteI love that the cards are "the same" and yet unique. And using leftover scraps is a plus. Both card designs are beautiful and refreshing.
ReplyDeleteIngrid
Oooh this is gorgeous - the white trees really show off the wonderful background:)
ReplyDeleteWow this is cool! I love the contrast and how the background makes the tree scene pop and I love the thank you card idea very classy to just have the one line of color down the card. Beautiful! thank you and Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS cards, Lydia! Love the white trees and the colorful backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteStunning Christmas and thank you cards; definitely infused with joy! My favourite part of the season: spending time with my mom (I'm at her place now!) and my family. My niece and nephew (6 and 4) are highlights of my life; love their wonder and awe over all-things Christmas! Thank you for being part of Taheerah's Extravaganza; you've sent my festive spirit soaring!
ReplyDelete~carol
Both card are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love the white trees against the colorful background!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting into this technique.
ReplyDeleteLet the colors go where they want and enjoy
the end product - don't be so uptight.
Love the cards. Great to have pre-cut
trees - really speeds up the process.
thanks for sharing this year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Great idea for your cards and the use of the left overs! Mass producing 200 cards made easy, I would say and they are gorgeous! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about this time of year is that so many of the holidays revolve around family. The cards look great. Love the jewel like tones of the background and what a great idea to use the pretty leftover strips. Well done.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards! I love making backgrounds even more than the finished cards!! My favorite thing about Christmas is being with family and enjoying our time together.
ReplyDeleteI love how even though people are rushing about they are, for the most part, in a cheerful mood looking forward to being together with family and friends. It's lovely to see more smiles. Great looking card.
ReplyDeleteGlorious backgrounds! Here's to hoping you'll share the technique with those of us not in your neck of the woods. My sister and I started a new tradition this year and really enjoyed it. Our mother died this summer, so we're spending time with her elderly friends. Since her death, several have scattered to foster homes, assisted living or gone to live with family. There are still many in the independent community where she lived, so we visit them, too. It's been fun. There are a lot of lonely older people out there. It's a great way to honor Mom and to help a senior. We'll be doing it not just at Christmas. Happiest of holidays to all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! Love your amazing backgrounds!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing cards! Love the how each card is unique, love when you see magic in a technique. My favorite part of the season is time with loved ones. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLovely!! What a great way to create Christmas cards!! And matching Thank-You's to boot!! Awesome idea!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful and unique backgrounds! Beautiful cards - and I love that you use every piece! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSo very pretty.
ReplyDeleteHaving my kids and grandkids at our house is my favorite part of the season! Thank you for sharing your beautiful cards. I get Paper Pumpkin, also, and was wanting to play with the parts separately.....now, I'm inspired!! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI've yet to assemble my Paper Pumpkin kit, but love the kit. Your cards turned out fantastic! I just got some yupo paper...I'm thinking that doing a similar background with that and alcohol ink would be a good facsimile. And I love the thank you cards! I keep thinking I should cut down my big sheets of watercolor...and then think about your technique of creating a full page. I'm so torn! lol And thank you (and Jennifer and Kristina) for Crafty Chat. I love that series!! Happy holidays!
ReplyDelete200 cards, WOW! They are beautiful. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous backgrounds for your beautiful cards! I love that each one looks so different! The die cut trees are awesome! Pretty sentiment too!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of the season is that my daughter and her boyfriend will be coming later today! :) Looking forward to seeing them!
Lydia, Thank you for sharing your beautiful cards and the video was also fun to watch and be inspired for next year. I like your idea of either make it yourself or regifting. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLove these cards! They are beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteOh so pretty!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Beautiful cards and I really like the technique you used on them.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! And thank you for the beautiful cards and inspiration!!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous result and the technique sounds like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! I like the family time and the christmas music at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful backgrounds on your cards! Love spending time with family this time of year. Could not imagine making 200 cards...you are way more dedicated than I ever could be... Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful
ReplyDeleteWow! Your cards are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your techniques!
ReplyDeleteLove your wonderful cards and great technique. Love the Thank you cards too.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are amazing. I love that background and how you used the leftover strips.
ReplyDeleteSuch a striking effect in your backgrounds. The rich colours and patterns make them a perfect contrast with the stark white silhouettes. Really beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteoh wow! such a cool effect!! LOVE them as backgrounds and as strips on the cards!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful cards. I'm sure your receipents love them. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeletewow! These backgrounds are gorgeous!!! My favorite thing is the magic!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! love the backgrounds and it sounds like a lot of fun to do since they are all different. Magic.
ReplyDeleteStunning cards, and I love how you used the leftovers for the thank you cards. 200 cards though?! WOW! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a cool technique! Great cards. I can't believe you made 200 of them!
ReplyDeleteBackgrounds are so much fun to make and I have a pile of them that need to be used! Your cards are lovely and that is a perfect use for your beautiful backgrounds! Thanks so much for sharing and Merry Christmas to you!!
ReplyDeleteLove your cards! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYour technique on the cards is really great because it's not only pretty but significantly different for each one. Even when I'm making the same card over and over, I always try to put something unique to each one. This technique would help accomplish that in new ways. I also like just the strip on the thank you cards. It is perfect! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAmazing card! Love the background!
ReplyDeleteWow what a gorgeous set of cards! I think I will have to try this technique and medium!
ReplyDeleteWow! These are so unique and totally inspiring! I love this time of year because it brings out the best in humanity!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful background colors thanks for sharing your cards
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Christmas cards, love the backgrounds! One favorite part of the season I love is our Christmas tree: I love putting up the tree early and enjoying it while baking, cooking, crafting and hosting get togethers.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful backgrounds you created! I love that you had leftover strips that made another set of gorgeous cards! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLove your backgrounds and how different each one is.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! I also really enjoyed the crafty chat and took the advice of you and Kristina and found come Butterkase cheese - delicious! My family had fun with our cheese tasting - maybe a new tradition for my family! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting technique! Beautiful cards! My fave thing about this time of year is seeing the joy and magic on my little ones face every day as she counts down to the big day ;) Watching her track Santa online last night was so special, as it will probably be the last year she believes. Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI adore all your cards! My favorite thing about this time of year is making homemade gifts for my grandchildren and my mother!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Love the colors you used and such a great idea creating more with the scraps!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. Love the colors you used and such a great idea creating more with the scraps! Love decorating the tree and all the memories that come with each ornament.
ReplyDeleteThese backgrounds are stunning.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are gorgeous! Love the white trees against the beautiful and colorful backgrounds!
ReplyDeleteThe backgrounds of the cards are very beautiful!! Love the different color schemes you have used!! Stunning designs!
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards Lydia, can't wait to see a tutorial on that technique.
ReplyDeleteAlso I enjoyed the crafty chat. Its fun listening to the traditions/stories you ladies shared.
I guess my most fav. thing about this time of year is having a few days to just hang out with loved ones and making memories. It seems that today we are all so busy we don't get to do that as often as we used to.
Great cards! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteLove the cards! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteWow...awesome cards!
ReplyDeletestunning cards! can't wait for you to spill the beans!
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL LYDIA!!! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! ;) LOOOVE the bold colors & the design it made! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the background! Vivien
ReplyDeleteThe backgrounds are just stunning!!! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. Really like the use of color and how it makes a change for every card. Thanks for sharing your work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards with lovely backgrounds!
ReplyDeleteSimply Stunning cards! thanks so much for sharing/
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the cards!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all your cards are beautiful! Love the look of that technique!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about the holidays is catching up with family and friends through the letters and cards that we receive and send each year. I love the cards and letters especially when the sender has made the card!
Thank you, Lydia. I have never seen backgrounds that make a scene stand out brilliantly like yours. So cheerful. I love and thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteThese cards are beautiful and I love it when you can use pretty scraps in another card.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat a great technique...the mix of colors are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about Christmas is time with family and friends. It seems more people take the time to see their friends, family coming to visit during, or just sending a card... And the lights..love the lights.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed and merry Christmas. Dear Lydia.
Love your cards, amazing how you used the same technique yet they all turned out different.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations with us!
Such a beautiful array of cards awash with gorgeous colors of your acrylics! My fav' part is that every one of them is unique!! Simple elegance too!
ReplyDeleteI just love the usefulness of this technique. Your color choices are perfect! I think my favorite thing about Christmas is sending and receiving cards and making lots of phone calls to refresh friendships.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely simple cards - I bet it was so much fun to do the large background pieces and see how unique they were all turning out. I love that part of creating backgrounds...Thanks so much for sharing these! I am certain whoever received these treasures them!
ReplyDeleteLovely cards,great color combos!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your cards are striking and amazing and such an individualized gift. My favorite part of Christmas is getting together with my 2 kids, and their spouses, and my 6 grandchildren, and that all the grandkids went to Christmas eve church service with me this yer.
ReplyDeleteLove your commentary and the beautiful cards you made. I can't imagine making 200 cards. I make about 100 and vary the cards. Your cards all look beautiful with the variations in color. Watercoloring a large sheet of watercolor paper and cutting it down to card size makes so much sense. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome colors for the background. They kind of have a autumn feel to them. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding backgrounds and the simple white scene is perfect! WOW, great idea to make the backgrounds like that and then adding your die cuts!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully unique backgrounds. They really make the tree die cuts pop!
ReplyDeleteWow, these are stunning. I love the way that you describe your process, and the way that everything fitted together with very little waste. My kind of crafting! But above all, I love the finished results!
ReplyDeleteI love everything about Christmas - the snow and the food, the rush to get presents wrapped, my son's excitement, and finally the quiet days at home - just us, catching up on reading and shows, hunting Pokemon in the cold, having indulgent dinners and treats... I am grateful for all of it.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are amazingly beautiful!!! I LOVE that background!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely card! The backgrounds are stunning!
ReplyDeleteI love your backgrounds and that you used up your "leftovers!" Thank you for a lovely card example (well...multiples, actually!)..I could totally spend all my time making backgrounds! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAmazing colours !!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards, thanks for sharing:-)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part is cooking, can´t help it:-))
Great card.
ReplyDeleteWow, so pretty and I really love that you were able to use the scraps for thank you cards!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are spectacular!!! LOVE that they are similar yet just a little bit different!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about CHristmas is being with my grandchildren and sons! Without them around it wouldn't be Christmas! TFS!
Lydia so thoughtful and what a fab fab bunch of cards - really chilled and peaceful. I can't believe you made 200 - I was done at 40!! Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely! I used a similar technique with watercolors and rainbow colors and I liked how they were all similar but unique as well. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of Christmas is sharing it with my family & friends! I really love your card--the colors are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! (Peg)
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful!! One of my favorite things about this time of year is "allowing " myself to eat the cookies and other treats that I would normally avoid!! :)
ReplyDeleteThose are really interesting background strips!
ReplyDeleteElegant!
Simply beautiful cards!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card!!! The effect is AWESOME
ReplyDeleteYour background painting is fantastic. Reminds me a bit of "starry starry night"/ You're an artist!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun cards. Great backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are so so beautiful! I LOVE the background and hope you'll let us in on some more details in the future (for us international folks who can't join the workshop *sniff sniff* ;))
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
The backgrounds are a work of art! I can think of lots of non-card uses for such beautiful paper.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about this time of year is getting to spend time with family!!! Your cards are so unique! So pretty!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! My favorite thing about this time of year is a house full of friends and family.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, love
ReplyDeletethe colors on all. My
fave things is seeing
the sparkle of fresh
snow in the moonlight.
Carla from Utah
Love the gorgeous backgrounds......and I love that they are all different!
ReplyDeleteThere could be no greater thrill than to have your post be the final one . I read for the Advent Extravaganza. Gorgeous cards, as ever. Thanks for the inspired design.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. Amazing that you used the same colours for such different results.
ReplyDeleteThe back grounds are very interesting and I am sure were great fun to create.
ReplyDeleteThis card is so different and so appealing.
ReplyDeleteOH my goodness...so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards! Those background are great and I like how you used the stripes of background to create matching Thank you cards.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! Love the effect of the paint.
ReplyDeleteWow!! Amazing backgrounds!!
ReplyDeleteLovely cards! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVery cool backgrounds!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are fabulous! Love them, Lydia! Amazing the variety you have achieved with the same colours!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love that some are muted, some bold, some.... Perfect! And then using the cut strip onto the Thank Yous? Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful backgrounds to your cards and the white tree silhouettes are a lovely contrast! My favourite thing of this time of year is time with family and friends and all the special baking that people do!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. 200 cards!
ReplyDeleteWow! Wonderful technique and great idea! Love your cards! I was reading your blog from the previous post and laughing...you got it!
ReplyDeleteOooh, fun backgrounds and using every last scrap...I love it! My favorite thing about this time of year is staying inside where it's warm and cozy, and having every excuse to craft my heart out!
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely - I think I like the leftover scraps the best!
ReplyDeleteWhat awesome backgrounds. Love seeing family and friends at this time of year
ReplyDeleteLove your artsy backgrounds with the white die cuts. I like spending Christmas with my husband and pets. No obligations, just time to relax. This year, we had a friend coming over for a coffee and after she had walked her dog, she came back for dinner. Loved every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteWow, what amazing backgrounds, Lydia ... such cool effects ... gorgeous with all that glorious white! My favourite thing for this time of year ... celebrating the most important event of all ... the birth of Jesus Christ, Our Saviour. Anita :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool cards! It's fun how each one is the same, but so unique :)
ReplyDeletelove gatherings with friends and family and the general holiday spirit!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those backgrounds are stunning! I love the wat you used the strips to make your thank you cards! It gives them just thd pop they need! Also, thank you for your informative card video!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Beautiful cards!!! I love fall colors on Everything!!!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful! And I love that each one turned out different. My favorite thing about this time of year are the twinkling lights and the time spent with family and friends!
ReplyDeleteThe background color technique sounds fantastic and can't wait to see how it was done. The card layout is simple and is perfect for for your background. Using the extra strip of the background o make thank you cards is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThose backgrounds are simply amazing! Such gorgeous rich colours & every one looks different! Lovely CAS design for the thank you cards. Such a great way to use off-cuts.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. Love how you did the background.
ReplyDeleteInteresting & pretty background for your card.
ReplyDeleteThe backgrounds are beautiful. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning cards with amazing backgrounds. My favourite thing about this time of year is seeing the sparkle in everyone's eye as they get into the festive mood.
ReplyDeleteDebbieC
What great card ideas, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThose backgrounds are just spectacular....can't wait to see how you accomplished those!
ReplyDeleteWish I had gotten that kit, I vet seen so many great cards made with it. Yours are really pretty.
ReplyDeletelove your use of the leftover strips!
ReplyDeleteLovely cards. My favorite thing of this time of year is the togetherness this brings and the realization of how important family is.
ReplyDeleteWow I like the combination of your backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulously gorgeous backgrounds and strips!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful bg!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow! Your backgrounds are outstanding! I LOVE the colors you achieved with your top secret technique. So impressive! I love seeing all the beautiful decorations and lights this time of year. Everything looks so sparkly and pretty!
ReplyDeleteLove this look and technique, the cards are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had spent a beautiful Xmas! These cards are really amazing!!! My favorite things of this time of year are decorations and spending more time with my family!
ReplyDeleteOh wow these are gorgeous and I'm so curious about this technique now! Also love how you used those extra strips - they're way too pretty to go to waste. :)
ReplyDeleteOoooh so cool! I love how you created the background and how you used even just a strip which had such great visual impact!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible technique - can't wait to hear more about it when you can share!! Love how you used the extra strips too - so resourceful!!! My favorite thing about this time of the year is spending time with family, making cards since I seem to work best under pressure (LOL), and being surrounded by twinkle lights. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous backgrounds! Love this technique!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and unique looks on these cards. My favourite thing about Christmas time is the cheerfulness and festive songs and attitude.
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards!! Can't wait to know how you achieved this effect.
ReplyDeleteWow such a pretty card. Favorite thing about this time of year is how festive the air gets!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteOoohhhh, aahhhhh is right - these are so very beautiful! Pleased you found a way to enjoy the holiday and accomplish so much, that's no easy feat! If you can figure out that recipe, I'd love to have a copy lol (but seriously) 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so pretty! I love to make my Christmas cards and to chose gifts for my family and friends - it makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and unique cards. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery unique cards, love them, the decorations and lights are one of the best things of this time of year.
ReplyDeleteGreat backgrounds wonderful cards.
ReplyDeletePretty cards! Great technique! 🙂
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I love the stark white against the colors. Great job!
ReplyDeleteNice effect!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to make lots of backgrounds in advance. I like the way you used the "scraps". They were much to pretty to discard. Thanks
ReplyDelete