Merry Christmas 2012: A Family Photo Christmas Card Idea

 

Make a Large Christmas Card

I was so excited when I found the perfect envelopes for our client who prefers to send out big Christmas cards.  What I mean by "big" is that he prefers the cards to be 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" instead of the usual 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".  I came up with this card, which is based on a card that is featured on page 20 of Stampin' Up's 2012 Holiday Catalog.
He was thrilled!

Make a Large Christmas Card with a LOT of Bling

Most handmade cards are made by using 1/2 sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock.  This makes the card end up measuring 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  (Like the size of an invitation.)

One of my clients requested bigger cards this year.  Hmmmm....that is a challenge!  I'm just so used to making standard-sized cards that it is difficult for me to "think bigger."

What I decided to do was to use a smaller card and just add some additional background elements to make the card bigger. 



I used an entire sheet of cardstock for the card, so the final card measures 5-1/2" x 8-1/2".  Yes, it is a lot of paper, but I like the results!

For the bling, I used glittery cardstock, which meant no messing around with glue and glitter.



A nice little touch of bling at the top of the card to pull it all together and balance the colors:



Coming up on Tuesday:  supply list.  There are tons of supplies for this card, but don't let that scare you!  Promise?

Change of Address Christmas Card: Tutorial (Part III)

Here is one final version of the change of address cards.  This one is my favorite.  It's also the easiest to make because for the accent pieces, all you have to do is use scraps of coordinating decorative paper.  No matter what version you decide to use, I'm sure your family and friends will love receiving these cards.  They are meant to give the illusion of a front door.  When they open the card, it's like you are opening your door and welcoming them into your life.





Join me all next week when I show you how to make a 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" card from start to finish, including decorating the envelope.  In the meantime, have a fun and safe weekend while you are out-and-about!  See you Monday.

Change of Address Christmas Card: Tutorial (Part II)

Let's take a look at another idea you can use for your handmade change of address card.  (Or any card, for that matter!)  The design for this card was a result of the 'ole "necessity is the mother of invention" crisis.  I only had one red panel left and I didn't want to waste an entire sheet of cardstock to make another one, so I grabbed a scrap of satin ribbon and came up with this:





The bottom flips down and then the top flips up to open the card.



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Visit yesterday's post to see the list of supplies and to view the measurements. 

The most important element of this card is the use of the ink-to-paper technique.  Take a look at the edges of these pieces:



To achieve this look, all you have to do is rub the edges of the paper directly onto the ink pad.  It's that easy!

Change of Address Christmas Card: Tutorial (Part I)

If you've moved recently, you've probably been contemplating sending out change-of-address notices with your holiday cards.  My parents moved over the summer, so I came up with this design as a way for them to announce their new address.  This is a great card to work on while your watching TV.  There are several steps to make it, but you will be thrilled with the results.  As long as you take it one step at a time, it's a pretty easy card to make! 

Here is a look at three slightly different variations.  The first column shows a small satin bow tied on the side of the card; the second column shows a piece of satin ribbon wrapped around one of the panels and features a flip-down/flip-up card opening; the third column shows decorative paper as an accent piece.



Today I will focus on the card in column one.

Here are some close-ups:







Supplies:

Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla card stock

Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green Classic Ink Pads

Northern Hearts (retired) and Perfect Punches stamp sets

2-1/2" and 1-1/4" circle punches

Circle Scissor Plus (set at 3" size) and Circle Scissor Plus Glass Mat

Very Vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon

Tutorial:







Come back tomorrow for the tutorial for the card in column two.  It's even more fun to make than this one!