Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Holiday...

I hope you didn't mind the break from holiday cards. It can be overwhelming to create Christmas cards on a TIGHT deadline. And, being the classic overachiever that I am, I must finish. Not sending cards isn't an option for me.

A few things that I do to make life simple:

1. Create mailing labels for all my family and friends. It only takes the investment of time once to create a database of the addresses.


2. Determine which cards are going to get a personal letter or handwritten note and which ones are going to just be signed with your name and best wishes. This creates a "fast" and "slow" pile. Get the bulk of the cards done quickly and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment.


3. Make simpler cards. I know... it's tempting to make that really knock-out, kicked up card to impress your family and friends. But remember, not everyone saves every card sent to them. I know... let the shock of it absorb for a second. Breathe in, breathe out. OK, better now? The truth of the matter is that friends will just be amazed you sent them - in the age of emails and e-cards. Keep it simple.

So, with those thoughts / ramblings on Christmas cards, I'll share with you a really quick card:

The elements of this card that make it fast are the designer paper (Blitzen Basic Grey), punches or dies that make the central image pop, and an embellishment like ribbon (cut for many once you've determined the length needed). When I made a stack of cards using this three step image from Kitchen Sink Stamps, I lined up each step image on their own acrylic blocks next to their ink color. I was able to do a production line operation with a complex-looking image... and no one will be the wiser!

In this card, I've kicked it up a bit, without adding much to the time invested in the project. I used my new Copic marker airbrush system that I bought from Ellen Hutson LLC. This was a first attempt for me, so it's a tad blotchy... but oh, so cool. And FAST! I also added some of the clear Dew Drops I bought from Ellen and colored the backs with my Copic so they would match the paper perfectly. I love those darn things!

The last piece was to add the sentiment, which highlights two of the words in the Never a Loss 4 Words set by Kitchen Sink Stamps. Great variety of words to select...

I hope this helps someone... but now, I'm off to make more Christmas cards! Yikes!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa

---------------------

Supplies:

Stamps: 3-Step Holly & Mistletoe by Kitchen Sink Stamps and Never a Loss 4 Words set by Kitchen Sink Stamps.

Paper: Blitzen Basic Grey, Old Olive cardstock, Shimmery white, Cranberry Crisp (retired SU), Creamy Caramel

Ink: Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Stazon Timber Brown

Embellishments: Dew Drops, stitched ribbon, Copic airbrush system