47th to 50th Cards for Christmas 2010

Oh my gracious! These cards were made last 24 November and I totally forgot about it plus these cards were already sold.

I made these cards one dawn when I woke up to go to the toilet and just couldn't get back to sleep. You will notice that each card was done with the help of embossing folders and no stamping except for the sentiments which are just left-overs and found under my table hahahahhahahahaha.

It may not be categorized as beautiful cards but happy to say that these 4 cards found a new home ... a client find each card very very festive and bought all.

Once again THANKS for dropping by!

24th Card for Christmas 2010

Ornaments

Snow-covered evergreens standing in the woods are merely trees. Once decorated, they become Christmas trees. Over the centuries people have adorned their Christmas trees with many different kinds of objects. The very earliest ornaments tended to recall the religious significance of the holiday. At one point people decorated their Christmas trees with good things to eat and gifts for one another. In more recent times Christmas ornaments have served primarily as pretty decorations for the tree.

Sometime around 1870 a new fad in Christmas tree decorations began. Instead of decorating the tree with gifts and things to eat, people began to buy commercially made decorations designed solely for use as ornaments. Most of these early commercial ornaments came from Germany.  Early German designers fashioned novel ornaments out of tin and wax. In the city of Dresden, artisans specialized in making ornaments
out of embossed and painted cardboard. Only some of their designs featured Christmas symbols. They also crafted numerous ornaments shaped like fish, birds, ordinary and exotic animals, or recent inventions, such as the steamship and the motor car. In 1878 artisans from Nuremberg devised thin strips of silver foil that could be strewn over the tree’s branches like icicles. They called the thin strips engelshaar, which means “angels’ hair,” but we know them today as “tinsel.” German printers also adopted recently invented color-printing
techniques to turn out thousands of color illustrations of Christmas themes. Popular designs included angels, St. Nicholas, and the Weihnachtsmann. People collected especially pretty images and began to use them to ornament their Christmas trees and, sometimes, even to decorate their Christmas cookies.

Materials Used:

CEF - Asian Bundle: Lantersn
Stamp image - unknown
Sentiment stamp - unknown
MS Edge punch - Picket Fence
Panduro printed cardstock
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer

Copic Markers:
skin - E00, 35, 53 and R00
hair - E33, 35, 53
denims - B12, 45, 93
sweater - G000, G00, 21, YG63
shoes - warm grey 3 & 4 (promarkers)
ornaments - BV13, 63, VR02, 07, 16, G14 plus promarkers Apricot, Meadow Green, Cyan, and Agean

23rd Card for Christmas 2010

GIFTS

Europeans have exchanged midwinter gifts with one another since ancient times. Until relatively recently, owever, most of these gifts traded hands around New Year’s Day rather than on Christmas Day. As Christmas became an increasingly important holiday, people began to exchange gifts on Christmas rather than on New Year’s Day.


The custom of exchanging Christmas gifts among friends and family became widespread during the nineteenth century. In this same era Europeans and Americans began to adopt the German Christmas tree. At the same time Santa Claus became a popular mythological figure associated with Christmas in the United States. Both of these innovations encouraged the growth of Christmas gift giving—the tree by providing a beautiful location to display the gifts, and Santa Claus by serving as a new Christmas gift bringer. Unlike the medieval New Year’s gift, or the English Christmas box, the nineteenthcentury Christmas gift circulated between family and friends and expressed the affection of the sender. Although charity had for centuries been a theme of Christmas celebrations, it became increasingly important in the nineteenth century. Charitable gifts linked Christmas gift giving with the spiritual celebration of the holiday. Finally, in the twentieth century many American companies adopted the custom of distributing Christmas bonuses to their workers at Christmas time. Reminiscent of the English
Christmas box, these gifts of cash rewarded employees for their hard work in the past year.

Julklapp
Another old tradition of Christmas gift giving comes from Sweden. The Swedes called these gifts Julklapp, which means “Christmas knock.” This name comes from an old Swedish custom whereby Christmas gift givers would knock on doors, toss in their gift, and run away. Recipients then tried to guess who had delivered the gifts. In addition, Julklapp usually arrived in some form of trick packaging. These surprise gifts added a dash of humor to the Christmas season.

Materials used:

CEF - Textile Texture
Stamp by Rubber Stampede (thanks Claire for this great stamp)
Grossgrain ribbon by Tilda
"God Jul" charm by CChobby
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer

Copic Markers:
skin - E00, 95, 93 and R00
hair - R59 and promarker Maroon
blouse - R37 and promarker Berry Red
gift packs - R27, RV34, E04, BG05, G14 and 17, plus promarker Emerald

22nd Card for Christmas 2010

Boy Bishop

In the Middle Ages the Christmas season offered a special delight to a few lucky boys. On December 28, Holy Innocents’ Day, religious communities, cathedrals, colleges, schools, and parish churches throughout Europe permitted an ordinary choirboy to take over the role of the local bishop. Known as the boy bishop, these kingsfor-a-day were enormously popular with the people, in spite of the reservations of some Church authorities. They wore episcopal robes and rings especially made for boys, led processions, officiated at services, preached sermons, made visitations, and received gifts. What’s more, the administrators of local cathedrals were  sometimes expected to entertain the boy bishop and his entourage in a manner befitting their assumed rank. These festivities came to an end around the sixteenth century, when Church and state officials finally prohibited
boy bishops. In some areas, however, the custom lingered on. One French diocese supported a boy bishop until 1721. In recent years some English cathedrals have revived the medieval custom of sponsoring a boy bishop at Christmas time.

Materials Used:

CEF winter bundle : tartan
CChobby ofr the cardstocks
Reindeer bought in Thailand
"God Jul" cahrm by CCHobby
SU photo corner punch
Stickles by YouDo - Iris yellow

Copic Markers:
skin - E00, 93, and R00
hair - E33, 35, 53
sweater - B12, 93, 95
scarf / cap - Y8, 11, 15
gloves / pants - YG11, 41 and promarker apple
boots - W5, C5, 7
ski - W1, promarkers agean and warm grey 3

21st Card for Christmas 2010

White Christmas

“White Christmas” is the most popular Christmas song ever recorded. Written by Irving Berlin (1888-1989) and featured in the 1942 movie Holiday Inn, it soon inspired a large and loyal following. Bing Crosby (1904-1977), one of America’s most popular mid-century crooners, sang the tune in the motion picture and also recorded it as
a single. It sold so many copies that the die press used to imprint the records literally wore out. Crosby recorded the song again in 1947, once more in 1952—as part of the sound track for the movie White Christmas—and yet again in 1955. By 1968 listeners had snapped up 30 million copies of the song. For decades “White Christmas” reigned not only as the best-selling Christmas song ever recorded, but also as the best-selling single ever recorded. In 1997, pop star Elton John finally toppled this achievement with his musical tribute to Princess
Diana, “Candle in the Wind.”

CEF Winter Bundle - large snowflakes
Ribbon by IKEA
large clear beads by Panduro
Edwin on a Sleihg rubber stamp
Sentiment stamp - unknown
Ranger distress ink pads: milled lavander, chipped sapphire, and tumbled glass

Copic Markers:
skin - E00, 93, 95 and R00
hair - E33, 35, 53
winter overall - W1, 3, 5
hood / boots - B97
sole of boots - Warm Grey 3 (promarkers)
gloves / cap - B24, 45
sleigh - E43, 31

20th Card for Christmas 2010

Legend of the Snow Maiden

Snegurochka is the Russian word for “Snow Maiden.” Many different versions of her tale can be heard across Russia. The outlines of the story remain the same, however. Once upon a time an old, peasant couple were watching their neighbors’ children romp in the snow. The couple had always wanted children of their own but had reached old age without having any. As they watched the youngsters play, their longing inspired them to build a little girl out of snow. They rolled, patted, and shaped the snow, creating the image of a beautiful little girl with long braids. She was so life-like that they spoke to her, beseeching her to come to life and live in their house as their own daughter. Moments later the snow girl seemed to breathe, then her lips and cheeks blushed pink, and her braids turned from white to golden blond. Their wish had come true! The girl told them that she had come from the land of winter to be their daughter. The astonished couple hugged the girl and took her home with them.

The Snow Maiden was cheerful and good as well as beautiful. Everyone loved her. The old couple took great joy in making a home for her and in watching her frolic with the other children. But as spring approached the Snow Maiden began to change. Little by little, she lost her good spirits and seemed to grow tired or ill. One day she announced that the time had come for her to return to the far north, to the land of winter. The couple begged her not to go. The old woman hugged her daughter tightly and felt drops of water on the surface
of the girl’s skin and clothes. This alarmed the old couple, but neither knew what to do. In a few minutes the Snow Maiden had melted away completely.

Her disappearance broke their hearts. They mourned for her throughout the spring and summer. They tried to shut their ears to the laughter of children playing in the sunshine, since it only reminded them of the sweet Snow Maiden. The old couple passed a gloomy autumn, and, soon, winter returned to the land. One evening, as the snow swirled around the eaves of their house, they heard a knock at the door. The sound struck fear into their hearts because they could not imagine who would visit them on such an evening. Soon they heard a familiar high-pitched voice cry, “Mama, Papa, open the door!  The winter snows have returned your daughter to you!” The old man flung open the door and there stood the smiling Snow Maiden. The old couple wept and embraced her. Just as before, the three of them passed a joyful winter together. As spring approached the old couple resigned themselves to the Snow Maiden’s disappearance. They did not grieve for her when she melted, though. They knew that the winter snow would return their Snegurochka to them next
year.

Materials Used:

CEF Winter Bundle - Flurries
Stamp by Slojd-detlajer
Colorful ribbon - freebie
Cardstocks by CCHobby
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer
Spica pens

Copic Markers:
YR68, 02
B00, 05
BG09, 01
and promarker Apricot

19th Card for Christmas 2010

Peace of Christmas

In past times people took the Peace of Christmas quite seriously. In old Norway the Peace of Christmas began on St. Thomas’s Day, December 21. So strong was the desire for harmony that appointed guards roved the towns to insure that peace reigned throughout the season. The penalties for violent crimes doubled during this period, adding extra incentive to comply with the seasonal declaration of peace.

Materials Used:

CEF - Joy and Cheer
CChobby for all the cardstocks
ranger distress ink pads: Frayed burlap and vintage photo
stickles . crystal
crystal beads by slojd-detaljer
Black embossing powder

Copic Markers:
B24, YG67, RV07, R37, E29 and promarker canary yellow

18th Card for Christmas 2010

Shepherds

The Gospel according to Luke tells that an angel announced Jesus’ birth to some humble shepherds who were spending the night in a nearby field. Many Bible commentators have remarked that this incident shows that God’s favor rests with the poor, since they were the first to receive news of Christ’s birth. After receiving the angel’s visit, the shepherds journey to Bethlehem in order to pay homage to Jesus, the newborn king. They find
the Holy Family lodged in a stable. Since Mary had no crib, she laid the baby Jesus in a manger, or trough used to feed animals. Thus in Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, the Holy Family lodges with the animals and is visited by shepherds.

The Gospel according to Matthew offers a different version of events (see also Gospel Accounts of Christmas). In that account, educated and well-to-do men from the East, the Magi, are the first to learn of Jesus’ birth. Matthew’s story implies that the Holy Family lives in Bethlehem. No shepherds appear in Matthew’s account, just as no Magi appear in Luke’s account.

Materials Used:

CEF - Winter Bundle : Flurries
Cardstocks by CCHobby
Stamp Image by Sarah Kay
Sentiment "'tis the season" - unknown
Grossgrain ribbon by Tilda
checkered bow bought in Thailand
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer
Balck Embossing powder

Copic Markers :
skin- R00, E00, 93
B95, 93, 97
W-1, 3, 5
YG63
R22, 27, 29
E57
G21, 07

17th Card for Christmas 2010

Wreaths

Americans recognize the evergreen wreath as a Christmas symbol. Many people hang them on their front doors at Christmas time or display them in other parts of the house. No one seems to know the exact history of this custom. Some speculate that the front door wreath evolved out of the older, German Advent wreath. Others suppose it to be an old Irish custom. The English word “wreath” comes from the old Anglo-Saxon verb writhan, meaning “to writhe” or “to twist.” Indeed, Christmas wreaths are made by bending or twisting branches of greenery into a circular shape.

Wreaths have served as powerful symbols for millennia. In ancient Greece and Rome wreaths of greenery worn as crowns sat on the brows of those believed to have won divine favor. Thus, wreaths adorned the heads of sacrificial animals, winners of athletic and artistic competitions, participants in religious festivals, and kings. The type of greenery used to make the wreath also sent a message. Winners of athletic and literary contests donned wreaths of laurel. Wreaths of ivy circled the brows of those honoring the wine god, Dionysus or Bacchus. Those whose achievements brought about military victories or peace wore wreaths of olive.

Materials Used:

CEF - Tim Holtz : Retro Circles
CCHobby for the plain colored cardstocks
Printed cardstock - leftover for short unknown hehehehehehe
Satin ribbons bought in Philippines
Sentiment "Merry & Bright" - unknown
Girl with Wreathe Stamp by - unknown
MS Edge punch - lace hearts
Black embossing powder

Copic Markers:
skin - E00, 93, 95, R00
hair - E33, 35, 53
dress / headband - YG11, 63, 95, R29, 59, and RV29
shoes - YG00, 23
Wreath - G02, 28, 94
ribbon /bow - Y17, 38

16th Card for Christmas 2010

 One of the first embossing folder that I was able to acquire few years ago thru a great friend.

CEF - Holly & Berries
cardstocks by CCHobby
Papermania for the rubberstamp used
black embossing powder
stickles : silver, black, and green
pearl beads (red) by slojd-detaljer
Ranger distress ink pads - fired brick and shabby shutters
printed cardstock (left-over)
"God Jul" charm by CChobby

15th Card for Christmas 2010

 CEF - Birlds and Swirls
Papermania for the stamp image (reindeer)
Sentiment stamp "Season's Greetings" - unknown
Ranger distress ink pads : shubby shatters and tumble glass
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer
Flower on a sequin assembled by me
Cardstocks by CCHobby
Black embossing powder

14th Card for Christmas 2010

I just love this embossing folder called "Cardinal Snow" which is part of the winter bundle =)

CEF - Winter Bundle : Cardinal Snow
"God Jul" charm by CChobby
Sentiment stamp - unknown
blue brad by Reprint
colored cardstocks by CChobby
Elsblau Glitzer embossing powder

13th Card for Christmas 2010

Luckily on this particular cuttlebug embossing folder numbers 2 and 4 are just beside each other.  I know there's a new version of this folder and I've seen it but 2, 4, and 5 are far from each other.

CEF - Number Collage
Sentiment stamp by slojd-detaljer
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer
Golden angel sequins given by Maryann (thanks)
"Argyle" EK Success edge punch
Stickles - Candy Cane
Cardstocks by CCHobby
Ranger distress ink pads - fired brick and shabby shutters

12th Card for Christmas 2010

CEF - Allegro
Stamps by Slojd-Detaljer
Sentiment "Angels We Have Heard on High " - no idea which brand :(
Mini ribbons bought in Thailand
Crystal beads by slojd-detaljer
Cardstocks by CCHobby
Ranger distress ink pads : Chipped Sapphire and Tumble Glass
Black embossing powder
Stickles - gold

11th Card for Christmas 2010

CEF - Love Bundle
Basic Grey "Indy Grab" printed cardstock
Colored cardstock and base card by CChobby
SU photo corner punch
Papermania for the stamp image
Stickles
Sentiment "Merry & Bright" - I really don't know from which brand :(
Ranger distress ink pads : chipped sapphire, peeled paint, tumble glass
Black embossing powder