AWOL from Crafting!

I have not been at my crafting table yet during this month of February, 2015 due to numerous appointments and a bit of mouth surgery called a sinus lift and bone graft a few days ago.  Not really feeling quite up to getting out of my recliner much right now, so I apologize for the skimpy blogging, and my family has totally missed receiving their Valentine cards since I was not working ahead far enough to get them done before this little medical event.  

I received a pretty card from one of my cardmaking buddies who lives just down the street from me.  I didn't really hear the doorbell in my groggy state, but fortunately my husband found it waiting on the doorstep.  I wanted to share this "feel better" card with you because it is one that is handmade.

This card uses the three-panel technique (not sure that is the official name) that has been around several years, and one that I have admired but not tried myself yet, though I have been thinking of it.  I've seen it with stamped images divided into three panels and also embossed panels.  Probably time to "get the lead out" and try it, right???  Charlene also used her new Sizzix Ornate Labels dies, which she sound while we were out shopping one day last month.  I admired it greatly, but they only had one left :-(.

 Thank you, Charlene!  Your card bought just the right touch of cheer to my heart.

Santa's New Suit!

I went to a cardmaking event this past August and made over 12 Christmas cards for the coming Christmas.  One card was depicting Santa's bright red suit with belt buckle.  After completing the card, I decided it would be just right for my oldest son, David, but it just need something more added.  

I went to work remaking the idea of the card with just a bit more flair.  My Santa suit would have the white fir edged in scallops to create the idea of a furry white trim.  Straight sides just didn't suggest fir to me.  I decided rather than a "belly band" belt, it should be a real belt, so I trimmed the overlap in a "V" shape to represent the end of the belt and attached it directly the the card so that it was no longer a slip off/ slip on "belly band." Then, I dropped my belt and its buckle lower as one would usually sees on a fat man, because the belt just won't quite fit around his jolly fat middle.  I felt the coat buttons were too small and too plain, so I chose larger black faceted buttons with a silver rim, and I spaced them further apart.  Now, it was looking like I thought it should! I know David will really like his Santa's festive red suit.

Here is a peek below at the inside design and the computer verse that I composed to suit the card's exterior design.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks - Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Basic Gray.  Punch - Decorative Label.  Embossing Folder -  Petals A Plenty.  Dazzling Details - Silver Sparkle (glitter glue).  Candy Dots w/silver brads).  Brads - mini black.  EK punches: Scalloped Scallop Edger; CardCreators - Interlaced Corner.  Computer verse.