Friday 2 October 2009

A Beary Merry Christmas!

I like to make at least one Christmas card design with a non-Christmas stamp set each year. I've cheated just a little bit here by using one of the stamps from "Winter Vintage Signage" on my wooden sign but mostly this is elements from the Kim Hughes "Bear Hugs" set. I was so pleased to find that Christmas tree signage was a perfect fit on Kim's wooden board - score!

I've used a stair step fold to fit today's Daring Cardmakers folding challenge and created a little wintery scene.

I painted the tops of the mountains white first (with acrylic paint) and then added the ice glitter over the top. I've used glitter to make little crunchy drifts under the bear's feet and at the base of the sign, too. Just scribble a little clear-drying glue to make a pleasing snowy swirl and dump your glitter on top.

I remembered Sherrie's technique for adding texture to an image coloured with Copics using blending solution and an old towelling cloth so I gave that a whirl here. I actually used isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and it worked just fine. Hopefully you can see both the effect of that technique and the crunchy snowdrift in this detail shot. I left the bear's nose uncoloured until I'd done the texturing so he didn't end up with a blotchy nose!

Stamps (Cornish Heritage Farms):
Bear Hugs (Kim Hughes Collection)
Winter Vintage Signage (The Rummage Bin line)

Paper:
Bazzill (blue) and smooth white

Ink:
Adirondack dye ink by Ranger (Espresso)

Other:
White acrylic paint
Copic markers
Isopropyl alcohol
Deko Ice glitter (Efco)
Scor-It

Scotch Quick Dry adhesive

If you've arrived by way of the World Card Making Day blog tour I hope you've enjoyed an introduction to my blog. If you'd like the discount code and link to the PaperCrafts/CK store, they're over in the side bar at the left.

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate you taking the time!

20 comments:

Janice said...

You know, I think this is my favourite yet, I love the snow effect. Thanks for the congrats on the Guest Designer thingy, I've had to be patient and not tell anyone, difficult to contain the excitement!

Hels Sheridan said...

Love this card! That bear is soooo cute and thanks for the info...will give that a try :O)) Love the style too..the folds look fab x

Marcy said...

This is such a great card, Joanne! It's nice to see a stair-step fold card with a scene that's not overly elaborate - makes it less intimidating. I appreciate, too, that you always throw a twist or two into your designs, like the texture on the bear's fur and the snow effect. Shows that CAS can be creative and vice versa.

Hazel said...

As you say, Joanne, that sentiment fits perfectly - made for each other - fab card x

Jean Franks Beck said...

Awesome card, Joanne!! I've so enjoyed your WCMD extravaganza - everything looks amazing!

Kaz said...

Love it Joanne!

Hearts Turned said...

Hi Joanne! Great card--love the step-style and the wonderful snow scene--fabulous job! I love doing a non-traditional Christmas card or two--fun! Thanks for visiting me!

Darlene said...

This is toooooo cute Joanne!

Karen said...

Brilliant!!! X

tracy said...

he's very cute joanne :)

Lynda said...

Wow I love your card - so many folds! That bear is just the cutest. Thanks for your kind words too I really appreciate it.

Love Lynda xxx

brenda said...

Fabulous card Joanne, such fun and a lovely christmas card.

B x

Jackie said...

Fab card as always Joanne :)

Anonymous said...

Stunning - love it. :)

Vanessa.

Carol Ann said...

Great card very effective x

Kathy said...

Fantastic - I love it.

That little bear is so cute!

aardvarkpest said...

Fabulous card. Love the textured effect and snow drifts.


Glenda

Lythan said...

this is an AMAZING card. Thanks for being Daring this week :)

Keryn Campbell said...

Your folding stepper card is just perfect with the snow. The bear is the perfect image to finish it off.

Traceyr said...

Fantastic card Joanne. I love the effect the folds have to recreate depth. Have you used one piece of A4 cardstock for this?


:)