I have been watching You tube again, whilst trying to conserve my spoons (I feel like someone stole them all again… ) one of my favourite videos is by Justine Hovey about not copying cards but using them as inspiration. You can find the video here
I have used this inspiration before for one of last years Christmas Cards using the gorgeous Peace and Joy stamps and dies (they are still in my craft room, I loved those dies, so perfect for Christmas.) I actually used Gorgeous Grape on my last card, this time I thought I would be more traditional.
I was struggling to create a card with the pine cones, when I use a stamp set, I try to use every stamp in the set on at least one card. Some stamps are easier than others, I usually use Pinterest, but there are limited ideas most examples use designer series paper and the punch. I therefore thought of this card, as the ink blending added interest to the pine cones. My original test cards were in Poppy Parade (one of my favourite Christmassy reds, for a bright Santa-esque look) and Night of Navy which is one of my favourite Stampin’ Up! colours.
Measurements
My Metric
10.5 cm x 14.5 cm (10.5 by 29cm scored at 14.5cm)
Inside White Panel - 10cm x 14cm
Outside gold Panel – 9.5cm x 13.5cm
Outside layer – 9cm x 13cm
Metric
10.5 cm x 14.8 cm (10.5 by full length scored at 14.8cm)
Inside White Panel - 10cm x 14.3cm
Outside gold Panel – 9.5cm x 13.8cm
Outside layer – 9cm x 13cm
Imperial
4." x 5.75" (4” by full length scored at 5.75”)
Inside White Panel - 4” x 5.5”
Outside gold - 3.75” x 5.25
Outside layer – 3.5 x 5”
My original cards were a bit round as I was being a bit specific with the placing, I am not sure that it works, my Shaded Spruce card was more random. I was trying to avoid the circular placement of the pine cones.
You could use this idea for snowflakes from Snowman Seasons or most other Christmas stamp set. I think I like the Night of Navy and Silver the best. Which is your favourite?