I guess I must have been sleepy this morning, as I titled my first post "Kicked Up Christmas Cards" and then showed you the simpler versions! This post will show you the cards after the class was over and I "kicked 'em up a notch!" (to quote Emeril Lagassi!)
This first card was again inspired by a design by Cathy Indelicato. To spruce this one up a little, I cut out the panels for the main image with long, rectangle Nestabilities, and embossed the edges (although my bad photography doesn't show it!) I added a silver gemstone to the center of the snowflake, and some sheer dotted ribbon.
To dress up this next card a little bit, I added a layer of cardstock to the card base, and swiped some gold metallic ink around the edges of the designer paper panel. I added a piece of gold mirrored cardstock behind the main image, and a row of scallops from my Threading Water punch.
This card doesn't look a whole lot different from the first, but if you look closely (and sorry for my blurry photo... my photography skills took a dive yesterday!) the trees are all stamped and embossed with clear embossing powder, and then were cut out and mounted to the white background. I also embossed the white background with the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder, and added an extra layer of green cardstock behind the white.
This last card didn't really have a whole lot of room for being kicked up. I simply added an extra layer by making a base of green cardstock, and added an extra poinsettia!
So, I hope you like my kicked up cards! The original versions are perfect for quick-and-easy and can be mailed economically. These kicked-up versions are some possibilities if you need a card to be a little extra special, maybe for gift-giving.
Thanks for stopping by again today! Be sure to check in tomorrow for another fun challenge with Sharon and the Stamp Simply team!
Supply lists for all cards can be found on this post.
Wow Tammy!!!!
What a cool post! Your simple cards are all great ... but, boy.... you really show what a little bling here and strip of paper there can really do to "kick it up" and turn a pretty card into a FABULOUS CARD!!!!! :D
Posted by: maria | November 20, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Wow, these are fabulous Tammy! As usual, you did an amazing job! Don't forget to get over and enter for my blog candy! Best, Curt
Posted by: Curt OBrien | November 20, 2008 at 12:41 PM
These are all so beautiful Tamy!! Wow!! Love the bling too! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Posted by: Alexandra Hobson | November 20, 2008 at 02:06 PM
These are all wonderful. I really love the Nativity Scene and the Joy card.
Posted by: Ida | November 20, 2008 at 02:26 PM
AWESOME!!! And you've posted them so well ... certainly gives me some great ideas ... thanks!
Posted by: Darlene (SCS:akronstamperdpk) | November 20, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Love how you kicked the cards up a notch , they look great!
Posted by: Lastel/STAMPINSTEL | November 20, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!!!!!
The first ones were fantastic, but the kicked up ones-WOW!
Posted by: Kimberly | November 20, 2008 at 09:03 PM
these are fabulous, i can't decide if the tree one is my fave or if it's the joy card.....okay both!!!!
Posted by: Maria | November 21, 2008 at 10:32 AM
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A LITTLE BLING AND A LOT OF IMAGINATION CAN DO!! My cards are always like your "before" cards. I get it DONE, and that seems to be my main goal! That's BAD BAD BAD.
Posted by: dana | November 21, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Some really great cards. Love the Christmas trees. tfs
Posted by: Bev James | November 22, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Really love all your kicked up Christmas cards. Every one is simply gorgeous.
Barb
Posted by: Barb | November 23, 2008 at 11:18 AM
These are all gorgeous Tammy! I especially like the one with the tress! WOW. :)
Posted by: Mary G | November 25, 2008 at 03:48 PM