Monday, November 10, 2008

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas



The Verve holiday sets are in the store and officially available for purchase! There are a whopping SIX new sets and three beautiful new Scripture plain janes. I was playing around this weekend with the Ornamental Christmas set, and came up with today's card. The layout is from one of the sketches that Julee put together for last week's Verve Holiday Release Sketch Blitz. It's such a cool one!

Before I talk too much about the card, I'll just say up-front - my card is one of those that's a little off the beaten path in terms of the stamp set. Ornamental Christmas is primarily a Christmas ornament set. The evergreen branch image on my card is really more of an accessory to the ornaments, but I was so drawn to its clean and simple, graphic lines that I decided to give it center stage. Both patterns of dp are from Basic Grey's Wassail pack. When I first saw the pretty red pattern, it looked so elegant. But when I started laying it beside some of the other patterns, it began to look more rustic, even "country." It kind of reminds me of a calico fabric pattern. I bet I've never mentioned before that I grew up in an area with a pretty sizeable population of "old-order" Mennonites who drove around (and still do) in horse-drawn black buggies. Just like the Amish. As you might imagine, they do a lot of quilting and they sew their own dresses, so the fabric stores back home are always stocked with oodles of different calico fabrics. Sorry to get off-topic ... just a little tidbit for today.

Back to the card: I continued the rustic, country look with some distressed edges, sponging, and machine stitching, along with some burlap string and the Martha Stewart branch punch. Let me briefly mention how much I LOVE this burlap string! I've been getting mine from Pink Hedgehog Paper Crafts. And seriously, friends, count the layers on this baby. I'm so proud of myself, LOL!

Be sure to visit the Verve Gallery to see all kinds of projects from the Verve Divas and Guest Divas. I think this month's release has been one of the best ever! Should any or all of it strike your fancy, the Verve store is open 24/7.

Thanks for stopping by!



Stamps: Ornamental Christmas (Verve Stamps)
Paper: SU True Thyme, Basic Grey Wassail
Ink: Always Artichoke, True Thyme, Sahara Sand
Accessories: classic square Nestabilities and label die (Spellbinders); sponge daubers, distressing tool, dimensionals (Stampin' Up!); green ribbon (unknown); burlap string (Pink Hedgehog Paper Crafts); Martha Stewart branch punch; sewing machine
Size: 5 1/4" square

27 comments:

Jennifer Love said...

Beautiful! Simple, rustic and STUNNING!

Ashley Cannon Newell said...

This is a great simple layout with a lot of pizazz! Fantastic!

Danielle said...

Gorgeous card Amy - love this simple but stunning layout!
Danielle

Julee (Vervegirl) said...

Beautiful Amy! I love the distressed edges. The pine sprig was a last minute addition to the set, but one of my favorite parts of it, so I'm glad you gave it center stage!

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous! I love its rustic simplicity.

Catherine said...

i just love this sketch and i know that i'll be using it a lot. I love the PP that you

Shari said...

I love this card, beautiful job!

Cindy Haffner said...

Stunning Amy, i always love your work girl.

Jody Morrow said...

beautiful card! I love the spriggy embellishment. I don't have one of those and I think I need it. LOL Beautiful work as always!

Jami said...

Amy this is gorgeous!! I love the old country look, especially with the distressed edges!! hugs, Jami

Jessie/knightrone said...

So gorgeous Amy!! I love this!!

Chrisd said...

This is wonderful. If I were to receive this beautiful card, I would frame it.What a treasure.

BLJ Graves Studio said...

This is a beautiful card. I love the rustic look.

Desire Fourie said...

This is a lovely Xmas creation with a difference. Lovely colour combo as well. Warm regards

Cindy Lawrence said...

Gorgeous card, Amy! Love the way you used the branch as the focal image...BEAUTIFUL!

Wendy said...

Wow Amy. Found your blog from Marcy's. I am so in awe of your talent for card making. Hope you are doing well. Tell Cole "hello" from Jonathan. I am going to be spying on your blog for some great card ideas. Wendy Feid

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't have thought to use the sprigs on there own, fabulous job, love the distressing!!!!!!!!!!

Brandi Wiggins-Côté said...

Your cards always just gobsmack me. Your attention to detail is impeccable. Thanks so much for sharing.

Brandi

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog yesterday-- I always LOVE your cards on SCS!! Glad I found your blog now!!

Tori

Angel said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Amy. I can't believe I won the new Verve line-up. I hope you won't mind if I CASE this creation. It's so pretty!

Darlene said...

Ohh I LOVE this. It says "rustic" to me. Thanks for sharing

Maren said...

So stunning! Love all the little details! Perfection~

Anonymous said...

Amy, this is a beautiful simplistic card but with lots of vavavoom!
I have given you an award. Pop over to my site.

debb said...

This is such a great card- I love the country feel

Debbie Olson said...

Amy, this card is deliciously vintage--I adore it!

Silke Ledlow said...

Amy - this is a gorgeous card for the holidays!!! I love the colors, the stiching and the distressing - just perfect touches to this beauty!!!

dpkennedy said...

Oh I love this! The color combo, the dp, and that pine image trio! Wonderful card!