Forest of Trees

You're going to have to use your imaginations to get the full affects of my cards, as they are a pair that the camera (or photographer) didn't do justice. Both cards were made with Flourishes beautiful Forest of Trees set.

This first card was truly a "create-as-you-go" project. I stamped my trees, sponged the background with Twilight ink, and then outlined the branches with first white and then a silver (that you can't see) gel pen. With that done, it was "Now what?" Not wanting to take away from the focal point image, I used textured Twilight cardstock and a piece of retired (still miss that stuff!) same color Background & Texture paper. Silver mini brads and a metal-rimmed tag with a simple sentiment finished the uncomplicated design.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy and Twilight cardstock; Retired CTMH Winter Cozy Background & Texture paper; Twilight ink pad; Flourishes Forest of Trees, Impression Obsession Holly Days, and Technique Tuesdays Words We Love stamp sets; Silver mini brads; Metal-rimmed tag; 3M foam mounting tape.

I used textured cardstock for my second card as well, cutting an oval "frame" using a Nestabilities die. My trees were stamped on white cardstock. The background was sponged with a bit of Sunny Yellow ink in the center followed by New England Ivy. I was a bit disappointed with my gold embossing powder, even though it shows up better in person than it appears in the photo. It says: "Christmas. The very word brings joy to our hearts." I sponged the punched snowflake lightly with green ink and added a clear acrylic disk to the center. I added a little glimmer to the punched branches that I tucked behind the snowflake with a clear glitter gel pen. Again, a card that's much prettier in person.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy and textured New England Ivy cardstock; New England Ivy and Sunny Yellow stamp pads; Flourishes Trees of the Forest and CTMH Peace on Earth stamp sets; VersaMark ink pad; Gold detail embossing powder; Acrylic disc from Michael's; Martha Stewart Snowflake and Branch punches; Clear glitter gel pen; Mini Glue Dots; Round sponge; Heat tool; Cuttlebug/ w Nestabilities Classic Ovals set.

I'm glad I had a couple of cards from my weekend stamping spree, because I sure as heck haven't had enough gumption to spend much time in my corner this week. I don't know what's going on with me this week - if I'm recovering from the events of the past couple of weeks or simply overwhelmed by the thought of all I need to accomplish in the next few weeks. Whatever it is, I'm hoping a good night's sleep tonight will help. I hope, too, you're having a great week. Tomorrow's Friday. Hooray! I'll talk to you again then. In the meanwhile, take care.