Saturday, December 5, 2015

You've Got Happy Mail! #8 at Anything But Cute

Can y'all believe it is December already!?! December is too cold for me where I live but Christmas is my favorite holiday! The lights, the atmosphere, the cozy fires, and the Happy Mail all make this time of year special. With that in mind I wanted to create a challenge for you lovelies to share some of that Happy Mail. I am your hostess this month over at Anything But Cute and our challenge #8 is:

We all like Happy Mail right? That feeling of being spoiled rotten when you receive a handmade card from someone is better than being wrapped up in a soft blanket near a fire, sipping on a hot latte. So, for this challenge I would love to see some mixed media Christmas cards, tags, ATC's or whatever papercraft you are mailing to a friend, inspired by the spirit of the season! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! 

I'll be completely honest here-making Cards scares me! There, I said it. I have no rational explanation for this but it is true. I have done a few in the past but nothing crazy. So, I wanted to challenge myself and cards it was! For this design I decided to go non-traditional for Christmas. Black/White/Red are my fave color combo (I even used it for my wedding) and the Damask print is my fave as well (also used for my wedding).I started by painting some cardboard pieces with Black Gesso and then applied DecoArt Liquid Glass to get the shine. I kept telling my mind I was making a plaque. :)


The Damask background was inspired by Samra's design (HERE) and also my love of the pattern. It is a TH stencil, with DecoArt crackle paste applied through it. I added some Distress Rock candy to the paste while it was wet and set it aside to dry naturally. 
The wreath is part of a feather boa than I cut apart and glued to a round template I made. I just used the bottom of a cup and traced around it. :) I then used my new MS branch punch and metallic red cardstock to create the blinged branches peeking through the feathers. The snowflake in the center is a BoBunny design that is heat embossed with Red Tinsel EP. 
Here is a close up of the Damask crackle and Distress Rock candy. Awesome sauce! 
The back of the card was heat embossed with a TH stamp and Black Tinsel EP then edged with Black Soot DI. My thoughts are still with Paris and the horrible attacks. They stood behind America during our September 11th attacks and we stand by them. 

I made the base of the card with some matboard, not sure if this is suitable for cardmaking but it sure is sturdy! The inside of the card has a sentiment stamped and this will be mailed out to a dear friend. I don't seem to have the best of luck with the parcel service. Lol!

Spread the Happy Mail cheer and join in on the fun! I know how happy I get when there is a package in the mail for me. A big thank you to all of my peeps and to my new peeps! You all are so very sweet and the positive reinforcement comments sure make me happy as well. Hugz! Happy Crafting and Carpe Diem!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS 

I would love to share this card with these amazing challenge



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22 comments:

  1. PamelliaDecember 5, 2015 at 5:25 AM

    Wow Doc, for someone who is sort of afraid of doing cards, you sure as heck nailed this one on the head...with Thor's hammer!!! I just love the white damask on the dark background, I can see how Samra's card would inspire you, and you added your own twist and made it yours!! The feathers create a sense of movement, like a single snowflake floating in the night sky!! The touches of red bring that festive cheer that I just love!! Your 'plaque' turned out incredible my friend!! tee hee. Love it. hugs :)

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  2. VintagehandmadeDecember 5, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    Oh boy, Niki, I adore the way how you used feathers here! That black and white damask background is fantastic! it's so festive and elegant with beautiful addition of red color! Absolutely fabulous, my friend! Hugs to you! Branka xxx

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  3. sarasclosetDecember 5, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    Consider yourself reinforced, Punkin! Your card is one of the most amazing, creative ones I've seen this Christmas season, my dear! So you can stop feeling like a deer in headlights over the card making bit, because YOU GOT IT GOIN' ON!!! There, did I say it loud enough??? I think it was a great idea to visualize yourself making a plaque!

    I love that black and white dazzling background! (what Rock Candy Distress did you use--glitter, Crackle paint?) Your stenciling is immaculate and those cracks tickle me pink! Pure genius to use the feather boa as a wreath, and that red tinsel-y (just found mine last night--you'll be seeing it soon!) snowflake and the red foliage punches really sets it off!!! Truly a wonderful, festive and unique card--the lucky recipient is going to freak when they open their Happy Mail! Big hugs, my card making friend! Stay warm!

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    Replies
    1. sarasclosetDecember 5, 2015 at 8:03 AM

      I think it may be the US mail service...I have horrible luck with mailing, too!

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  4. experiments in paperDecember 5, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    This is beautiful, Niki! Really love how you created that Damask on the background - one of my favorite patterns as well, and it is stunning in the black and white. Your little wreath is so sweet - that pop of red is perfect! Well done, girl! xxx Lynn

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  5. JytteDecember 5, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    Wauw, this is soooo pretty! Love it!

    Thank you for joining us at Card and Scrap.

    Jytte, DT :)

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  6. Cathy - CMP DesignsDecember 5, 2015 at 11:24 AM

    Love this card!! The feather wreath is gorgeous and the background looks amazing! Thank you for sharing with us over at Emerald Creek Dares!
    Cathy - DT Member at Emerald Creek

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  7. Valerie-JaelDecember 5, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    What a very gorgeous and decadent card, love it! Hugs, Valerie

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  8. RedanneDecember 5, 2015 at 1:55 PM

    Well, you are certainly not new to cardmaking now Niki, your card is fabulous!! Red is my favourite colour and combining it with red and black just enhances it. The damask background is fantastic in black and white - perfectly executed too! The feather boa is such a fun addition too - amazing, just amazing! Hugs, Anne xx

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  9. Felix the Crafty CatDecember 5, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    Gorgeous card Niki, lovely Christmas colours too. Sending hugs, Angela x

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  10. Mrs.BDecember 6, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    Gorgeous card Niki, love the striking colour combo and the background looks fabulous.
    avril xx

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  11. Claudia N.December 7, 2015 at 3:20 AM

    "Festive" has never looked better! LOVE your card, Niki! Especially the fact that it really "pops" and yet still is festive! Very cool!

    Thank you for sharing it with us at Emerald Creek Dares!

    Hugs,
    Claudia xxx

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  12. SamraDecember 7, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    Interesting non traditional color combo and choice of embellishments for a Christmas card, but it sure is an attention grabber :)
    Hugs

    Samra
    Paper Talk with Samra

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  13. SewPaperPaintDecember 7, 2015 at 7:38 AM

    This is definitely a happy project! How fun and creative!

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  14. Karen CDecember 7, 2015 at 3:15 PM

    Ooo, awesome! Very pretty! So glad you came Through ‘The Craft Room Door’ to play! Can't wait to see more of your talent! Just as an FYI – the TTCRD magazine is out! Make sure you check it out!!
    Hugs,
    Karen C

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  15. UnknownDecember 7, 2015 at 5:41 PM

    Gorgeous! I love the black & white background and your use of the white feather boa is stunning! Thank you for joining us at Emerald Creek Dares!
    ~~julia~~ Emerald Creek DT member

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  16. CecDecember 7, 2015 at 6:36 PM

    Absolutely stunning. The feather wreath is gorgeous and so creative, especially when combined with the black and red.
    Hugs!
    Cec

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  17. KaronDecember 10, 2015 at 6:25 AM

    This is stunning! Love the wreath. Thanks for joining us for our Festive Emerald Creek Dares Challenge

    Karon DT

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  18. KatelynDecember 11, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Beautiful card! Love how you created the wreath. Thanks for joining us at Emerald Creek Dares.
    -Katelyn DT member at Emerald Creek

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  19. Words and PicturesDecember 18, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Definitely a card for a glamour puss! Fabulous!
    Alison x

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  20. LineDecember 19, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    What a beautiful card. ♥
    Thank you for joining us at Card and Scrap.

    Be sure to check out our DT Call as well.

    Hugs Line.

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  21. UnknownDecember 29, 2015 at 7:07 AM

    Love these colours together too, I bet your wedding looked magnificent in this theme as well. I can see Samra's influence but definitely heaps of Niki in there too, you have such a gorgeous style hun and very inspiring yourself xx

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