Magic & Wonder With A Pretty Poinsettia

As part of my recent World Card Making Day challenge it was inevitable that I’d make some Christmas cards. In fact I surprised myself by making fewer than I expected. Sometimes that’s the way it goes when you’re trying to design and make 24 different cards in 24 hours. Today’s project was number 6 of the 24 and for instant inspiration I couldn’t resist the gorgeous Poinsettia Petals Stamp Set.

POINSETTIA PETALS

I began by choosing the large complete poinsettia image from the Poinsettia Petals Stamp Set. This would be the focal point of my project and also the coordinating feature.

First, using Cherry Cobbler ink, I stamped the poinsettia onto a 3-5/8 x 4-3/8″ piece of Basic White Card. Next I stamped the image across the bottom right corner on the front of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Finally I stamped the poinsettia across the bottom right corner of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card.

Colouring the images was a simple task using Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers. For the ‘petals’ I used just dark Real Red, with a second layer of colouring towards the centre to darken it. Then for the tiny flowers in the centre I used a only the dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends.

Once all three poinsettias were done I chose my sentiment, “May magic & wonder bloom this holiday”. I stamped the sentiment on the smaller of the two Basic White pieces using Cherry Cobbler ink. With that I was ready to start putting everything together.

SIMPLE LAYERS

Using my Paper Trimmer I started by cutting and scoring some Cherry Cobbler Card. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the larger of the Basic White pieces on the inside.

Inside of "Magic & wonder" Christmas card created using the Poinsettia Petals Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! #simplestamping #papercraftwithme

Next I needed a background for the front of the card. For that I turned to the Tidings of Christmas 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper Pack (DSP). From the design I eventually chose a simple but striking striped pattern. After cutting a 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ piece of the DSP I glued it onto the card base, completely covering the front.

Then I cut a 3-3/4″ x 4-1/2″ piece of Cherry Cobbler Card and glued the second prepared Basic White layer to that. To add extra interest I added some Rhinestone Basic Jewels and pressed them firmly into place using the attached glue dots. Finally I fixed the completed layer onto the card front at an angle using Stampin’ Dimensionals. In next to no time my project was complete.

This is the perfect example of #simplestamping. There’s no special tools or techniques needed so it’s ideal for a beginner stamper. Covering the whole card front with patterned paper means I didn’t have to worry about getting an even border around it. Even the angled layer avoids the stress many new card makers feel when trying to get a layer level. Can’t tie a bow? Don’t bother. Add a scattering of pretty embellishments instead.

For some more Poinsettia projects see these earlier blog posts: