Monday 17 June 2013

Cosy plaid pattern!

I'm rubbish at doing the "make throughout the year" Christmas card challenges! I really should try as I just gave up last year and only sent about four handmade cards. I've been meaning to try building a plaid background for ages and when this month's Waltzingmouse Stamps Christmas card challenge had the theme "snow" I decided a nice snuggly plaid background would be just the thing - warm blankets on a sleigh ride and all that!

Of course, having done the stamping, I discovered that Claire has really good instructions on the WMS blog - that'll teach me to look before I start! I did basically what she describes though, I just used the lines on my cutting mat as a guide rather than marking with a ruler and pencil as she does. I think I did OK for a first attempt.

I threaded the sentiment strip through a little slit cut in the background and added a crazy stitched border round the plaid panel. One of the snowflakes has Stickles smeared on for a bit of festive sparkle.

Stamps:
Pic-nic Patterns (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Compliments of the Season (Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Paper:
Cryogen white
Bitter Chocolate

Ink:
Toffee and Crimson Red Versafine by Tsukineko
 Antique Linen Distress ink by Ranger

Other:
Snowflake die by Hero Arts
Frosted Lace Stickles
Sewing machine and thread

Since Christmas usually involves sending loads of cards, I kept this reasonably flat so it won't need extra postage.

Thanks for stopping by!

12 comments:

Kathy said...

This is soooo clever, Joanne. I'm trying to look past those white shapes ;)

Karen said...

WOW Joanne...I really thought that was a piece of fabric on your card! I really like the idea of a snuggly plaid behind the snowflakes! Well done xxx

sam21ski said...

WOW Joanne this is fabulous

Sam xxx

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Gorgeous plaid pattern Joanne, love it!

Warm hugs
Maarit

Deborah said...

Wow, that looks so effective - I thought it was patterned paper.

gardenpinks said...

Love the plaid pattern and snowflakes on top - very clever and a lovely Christmas card:)
Lynn x

Traceyr said...

It does indeed look like a cosy blanket Joanne. Super. :)

Kath said...

Love the plaid. I thought it was fabric. A great card. I might need that stamp! I didn't know anything like that was available.

Super Jen said...

Ha! You sound like me the first time I ried the kissing method of stamping. Glad you got started. I've made two Christmas cards myself.

Scrapmate said...

That's a lovely card , I love the plaid BG and am going to have to check out the instructions.

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is great. I love more unusual Christmas cards,

Lucy x

Viv said...

Such a great effect on the card with the plaid, love the pretty snowflakes too. I also keep all my Xmas cards flat for posting :) Viv xx