Autumn's last smile

Before we jump full force into the Christmas season (full confession - I already started decorating for Christmas which is a break from my usual tradition of waiting until after Thanksgiving) I have one last fall card for you using one of the stamps from the Autumn Collection.

I started by clear embossing the leaves from the set Leaves on white card stock.  I then sponged different shades of yellow and purple distress oxides over the embossed leaves.  The background was pretty boring still so I cut an inch off one side and adhered it back on upside down.  It made the background a lot more fun visually I thought.

I don't normally use purple for the fall colors but I think I really like it.

Autumn Collection

Leaves

Stamping over watercolor background

My friend brought over this beautiful landscape silhouette stamp set by Sweet and Sassy Stamps and we found a card we wanted to case.  The original card looked like it might have been brayered or sponged but I tend to have a very heavy hand when I use inks.  So I used watercolors instead.  My friend Kelly and I also have learned that we should make more than one card of the same design (especially if we mess up on any one of the steps!) so on this we made two.  

The first one inked up much crisper on the mirror stamping (I used the Stamp of Life one) but for I could not get it to do it again for the second card.  So the water was not as calm on the second card. Lol!

The Bible verses are by Verve and Our Daily Bread Designs.

Let the Christmas card making begin in earnest

A Hobby Lobby opened about 30 minutes from my home months ago.  Somehow I never got around to going (which is a good thing for my wallet) but I finally was in that area on a Saturday and got this large alphabet die set from Momenta.  They are so big and bold - I love them!  The down side is that I can't get more than 3-4 letters on an A2 card unless I get really creative.  However, I did start on my Christmas cards combining them with this super adorable mini mistletoe wreath from Lawn Fawn.  I had a play date with my crafty friend Kelly and she is always kind enough to share new toys.

I stacked the J and Y on this one for a chipboard look - I love how it pops against that grey background which actually has a perfect touch of shimmer to it.

On the last one I used a technique I saw on Jennifer McGuire's blog but I couldn't get a good picture.  I stacked layers of the white heart with the roses after I colored the bottom layer with Copics.  I then added Crystal Effects to the colored portion for a beautiful stained glass look.  The JOY is also stacked 5 times to match the thickness of the heart.

Challenges I am playing in:

Simon Says Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes

With every leaf a miracle

The leaves are changing colors brilliantly - some still green but the yellows and red are there too!  Know what else is out there?  Cherry blossoms!  How crazy is that the cherry blossoms blooming in November?  It made this sentiment every more apt, don't you think?

I cut the shorter of the Elizabeth Craft Designs Pair of Leaves out of watercolor  paper that I had used Zig Markers on - I find those markers very vibrant and easy to use.

I added the sentiment on a fish tail banner on the card to complete it.

Leaves - Set of 6

Challenges I am playing in:

Simon Says Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes

Replenishing my card stash

A few more cards using various Our Daily Bread Design scripture stamps.  It's always good to have a few on hand to send or give to someone.

Background stamp from Sweet and Sassy Stamps.

Die from Memory Box and a Tombow Marker on photo paper background

I love this oldie but goodie Cottage Cutz grapevine wreath.

Gotta use those stamps I lettered for ODBD!  :)

Challenges I am playing in:

Simon Says Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes