It’s the 25th and time for another Christmas card. So far, so good, but, of course, I’m only two months into the year. For this card I used Flourishes’ Forest of Trees stamp set. I usually reach for the fluffy evergreen tree when I use this set, but I felt like something a little different this time.
I made a simple scene, nothing real sophisticated. I’m sure it doesn’t make sense to have so much snow on the ground and none on the trees, but this is how I pictured it and I probably would have made a mess of it were I to try to make it more realistic. Here’s the “how to”:
- I cut a hill shape from plain cardstock and held it in place on the glossy cardstock image panel while I stamped three trees along its edge in Versamark ink.
- Still holding the cardstock hill in place, I sponged Soft Sky ink along the top edge of the hill. Then I was able to remove the hill mask and finish sponging the sky. The Versamark trees became ghostly shapes in the background. Can you see them? They would have been more distinct if I’d let the Versamark dry before sponging.
- I stamped three more trees in Memento Tuxedo Black, and the sentiment (Flourishes Paperwhites stamp set) in Blue Bayou.
- The falling snow was stamped in Versamark with a stamp from retired Stampin’ Up! Itty Bitty Backgrounds, then embossed with white embossing powder.
That’s it! Quick and easy and no extra postage required. I’m feeling optimistic about getting the cards in the mail a little earlier this year. Have a great day!
I love this type of card. It has a quiet elegance about it and to be able to mail with no extra postage is a bonus! Well done my friend!
Posted by: Glenda | 02/25/2013 at 12:42 AM
This is beautiful and I love the bare tree image. It looks like it is made of vellum, so very soft!
Posted by: Lenoria | 02/25/2013 at 03:19 AM
Beautiful Christmas card! Thanks for the 'how' description.
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 02/25/2013 at 03:38 AM
I love the simplicity of your beautiful card, Leslie! And I'm so glad you wrote a description of how you made it, or else I would have missed the "ghost" trees! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Lynette | 02/25/2013 at 03:45 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! This is so elegant, love the softness of the soft sky ink. Thanks for your little tutorial. Well you are further along on the Christmas cards than I am, I think I need to start. Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Pauline | 02/25/2013 at 03:47 AM
Leslie, this is GORGEOUS! I love the Versamark trees in the background. I have this set and have always passed it up. I definitely need to get it out again. You are amazingly creative!
Posted by: Cheryl Lea | 02/25/2013 at 03:52 AM
Your tree silhouettes are perfect! As is your Blue Bayou sky and falling snow. I just love this card. Good for you!
Posted by: Gabriela Divine | 02/25/2013 at 04:00 AM
What a beautiful scene you created. Love the soft freshly fallen snow look. :)
Hugs~
Posted by: Heather Jensen | 02/25/2013 at 04:19 AM
Wow! Just gorgeous. I love the shadow trees in the background and the softness of the scene. It looks so quiet. Great job.
Posted by: Maggie S | 02/25/2013 at 04:34 AM
Really love the look of your card. Thanks for detailing how you made the card-especially the snow!
Posted by: Bev J. | 02/25/2013 at 05:46 AM
Love everything about this card - in fact I'm going to
give it a try! Of course it won't be as lovely as yours -
anyway I appreciate the "how to do it."
Posted by: Joanna McDonald | 02/25/2013 at 06:22 AM
Beautiful. Love the simplicity.
It was a very windy day after the snow fell. BIG GRIN
Have a great day
Posted by: Yogi | 02/25/2013 at 06:38 AM
Serenity was the first word that came to mind when I looked at your card. Soft, gentle snow blanketing the hill; a sense of quiet and peace. The ghost trees speak volumes in an indirect proportion to their visibility. I just love to look at it. Thanks Leslie.
Posted by: Francie in Montreal | 02/25/2013 at 06:43 AM
Leslie,
Beautiful card!! It is so peaceful!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gerri K | 02/25/2013 at 08:08 AM
This is so beautiful! I do love the stark trees against that fabulous snowy hill and soft blue-green sky. Truly lovely.
Posted by: Evelyn in Oregon | 02/25/2013 at 08:46 AM
Such a soft pretty card Leslie! I love the sponged sky and the tree just barely showing in the background...one of my favorite techniques!
Linda
Posted by: Linda Nicholson | 02/25/2013 at 12:23 PM
What a gorgeous card Leslie!!! In its simple elegance is sophistication!!!
Posted by: Willow | 02/25/2013 at 12:39 PM
Beautiful Christmas card and yes I can see the ghostly trees. Wonderful Leslie.
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy | 02/25/2013 at 12:41 PM
so calming and lovely, love the look of fresh fallen snow, pretty stamping and sweet sentiment!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 02/25/2013 at 01:56 PM
This is a lovely card - thanks for sharing it! What a good idea to start Christmas cards now and just make a few at a time!!!
Posted by: Maureen Chandler | 02/25/2013 at 02:25 PM
Oh Wow Miss Leslie!! This is Really Beautiful!! Love the Soft Elegant wintery scene you created!! Love the sentiment too! Wouldn't mind being inside looking out on a lovely scene like that! 8-)
Hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | 02/25/2013 at 03:50 PM
I really love this card! It's just the perfect soft wintery scene & gets you in the Xmas mood. That sentiment is beautiful & just the perfect touch.
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 02/25/2013 at 04:32 PM
The coolest thing I have seen today...all that work and looky how pretty! Love the sentiment stamped in BB too!
Posted by: Sue Kment | 02/25/2013 at 06:50 PM
I am so happy that you are creating a Christmas Card each month! I really enjoyed doing the same idea last year. You will be feel "joy" when you send the card that you made in February at Holiday time.
Are you listening to Christmas music as you color? One of my favorite parts!
-Elaine
Posted by: Elaine Lisle | 02/26/2013 at 05:49 AM
Oh so beautiful!!!!! I absolutely love this card and thanks for the inspiration!!!
Posted by: June | 02/26/2013 at 06:33 AM
Leslie, such a lovely, serene setting - so pretty!
Posted by: Donna Ellis | 02/26/2013 at 12:27 PM
This is such a soft and beautiful card. TFS
Posted by: Carole Centers | 02/26/2013 at 05:06 PM
I like this card. Very calm and soothing.
Posted by: Leigh | 02/26/2013 at 05:44 PM
It's the beautiful simplicity that makes it sophisticated!! This is just gorgeous... such a serene and still scene. Love it.
Posted by: Susan (rainy) | 02/27/2013 at 01:07 AM
Simply Beautiful Leslie. Almost makes me wish we had snow....occasionally! TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 02/27/2013 at 04:02 PM
Kuddos to you for keeping up with
Christmas cards. I should really do it (and I say that every year), but I can't get motivated to play with wintery stamps right now.
This card is really pretty, Leslie. I love your stamp choice and the soft colors.
Posted by: Denise M. | 03/01/2013 at 06:32 PM