Now that the days are getting shorter it definitely feels like the garden is starting to wind down. We’ve been leaving some of our windfall apples on the ground and they regularly attract the deer. At this time of year I love seeing the velvet covered antlers as the small group visits the tree closest to the house. There’s something very calming about seeing the wildlife in the garden just being themselves. It certainly sets me up for a happy start to the day. So when I was working on my marathon World Card Making Day Challenge last weekend I couldn’t resist making this Christmas card.

TREES AND MORE TREES

With a deer theme in my head I began my project by looking for a suitable background. In the Tidings of Christmas 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack I found a pattern covered in trees that I thought would be perfect.

First I cut a 2-1/4″ x 6″ piece of the DSP and with Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I attached it to the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Then taking my Paper Snips, I trimmed off the excess paper using the edge of the flap as a guide.

Next I cut a 3/4″ x 5-1/4″ strip of the DSP and glued it down the edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card.

For my card base I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Thick Basic White Card. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Then I glued the Basic White layer on the inside.

For my sentiment I wanted something quite big and chose “Merry Christmas” from the Snowman Season Stamp Set. Using Evening Evergreen ink I stamped it directly onto the card base in the bottom right corner.

Now I was ready to put together the focal point for the card.

PEACEFUL DEER

The Peaceful Deer Stamp Set includes a number of different deer images. Two of them coordinate with the Deer Builder Punch and I wanted the one with the plain outline. Using Soft Suede ink I stamped the deer onto some Crumb Cake Card and then punched it out.

For the antlers I found a scrap of copper coloured card in the Brushed Metallics Cardstock and punched them out. With that done I used a spot of liquid glue to add the antlers to my deer.

The Deer Builder Punch also punched out a tiny circle which can be used to add a coloured nose, but I had a different idea. I used a single Red Rhinestone Basic Jewel instead.

Going back to the DSP I cut a 3″ x 3″ square and mounted it onto a 3-1/8″ x 3-1/8″ piece of Soft Succulent Card. Then with Stampin’ Dimensionals I added the assembled layers to the card front.

Finally I attached my completed deer and the project was complete.

I love how the metallic cardstock antlers and red rhinestone nose add a special touch to this simple card. What do you think?

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Peaceful Deer Stamp Set and coordinating Deer Builder Punch using a single ‘bundle’ item number. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included both options in my product list in case you want to look at this further.

Sadly the Deer Builder Punch is currently out of stock and cannot be ordered (this also affects the bundle). More stocks are due in the week beginning November 1st, and I’ll let you know as soon as they arrive.