More Beauty of Christmas . . .

Beauty of Christmas is a CTMH stamp set that goes back a long way. It was a Stamp of the Month as a wood-mounted set. When CTMH went to acrylic stamps, I initially had a problem purchasing acrylic sets that I had previously purchased as wood mounts. This set, however, is a favorite so making the second purchase wasn't all that difficult. While I suppose it's time, it's nonetheless kind of hard to see it being retired this year. It's like an old friend.

I used the new Creative Basics - Holiday paper packet for this card. I was so happy to see a paper packet especially for card makers in the fall/winter catalog. If you're not familiar with it, it's pictured on page 26 of the catalog. You get 16 12x12-inch sheets of paper, eight of each design along with 12 yards of Cranberry grosgrain ribbon. Close To My Heart has announced that this paper is available only as current supplies last. On the up side, it has also announced that there will be a seasonal Creative Basics paper packet introduced with each new catalog. While I hope that's not all that's coming in the line of card-appropriate background paper, it will be a start at least.

The remainder of this card design is simple. I used a Stampin' Up ticket punch on three corners of the stamped image and covered a bookplate with the dotted paper and embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder. The "Peace" stamp is from the Faith set. The brads are gold. You've probably figured out by now that brads are my favorite embellishment for cards. I tend to favor the Dimensional Elements chipboard pieces, too. The bottom line is that I like embellishments that add to but don't overpower the stamped design. When things get too cluttered up, the message one's trying to convey becomes confused. Don't you agree?