Anything But Cute - #8 - You've Got Happy Mail

Hello Everyone!

I'm excited to be here throwing my hat in the ring for the new challenge over at Anything But Cute. This month our lovely and talented hostess Niki, has chosen an amazing theme that everyone can jump in on "YOU'VE GOT HAPPY MAIL". I do hope you will all join me this month, I can't wait to see what gorgeous creations you come up with!

Here's what Niki had to say about our challenge theme: "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 your mixed media Christmas cards, tags, ATC's or whatever you are mailing to a friend! Just make sure they are inspired by the spirit of the season!"

I decided to do a card with some colours and textures inspired by the wintery outdoors. The whites and shimmers of the sparkly snow, and the purples and blues of the skies and the ice. Not your traditional Christmas colours, but wintery and frosty all the same. Hope you enjoy.

I deeply apologize for not having some tutorial pics for you. There was a bit of a mix up and my memory card with the images on it, is now on vacation in North Carolina! Oops! All the layers were coated with a thick Gesso and then I smooshed a piece of acetate on the gesso while it was still wet to create the texture. A very simple yet effective technique.

Dies: Simon Says Stamp - Eliza Snowflake, Memory Box - Lindeman Snowflake, Tim Holtz Tag Collection. Inks: Distress inks - Dusty Concord, Chipped Sapphire and Peacock Feathers. Mixed Media: Liquitex - Ultra Thick Gesso, DecoArt Snow Writer and Glamour Dust Crystal. Stamps: IndigoBlu - Script stamp, BoBunny - Powder Mountain, JustRite Vintage Ornaments.

I had no luck tracking down the original source of my inspiration, but here is the Pinterest photo. Thanks to the original artist for sparking my creativity.

UPDATE:
my card won awards in the following wonderful challenges:

 - Southern Girls - A Bit of What You Fancy

- Just Us Girls - #322 Work Week - Merry

 - 4 Crafty Chicks - #275 WINTER
- Mod Squad - Ingredients Challenge

  

  

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So the weather here remains wet and overcast, but I do still manage to get outside the odd time. Without the snow though, I find it quite drab so here's hoping the white stuff starts falling soon!! We had this very amazing day this week when the entire world just has the loveliest blue glow about it right around dusk. Since we all know how stuck on blue I am this year, it's no surprise that I thought it would be a great opportunity for some outdoorsie type shots!

I decided to decorate the balcony in front of my craft room. I know it's not very fancy, but I've never been able to have decorations outside like this before, so it's quite a treat for me! I'm totally buying more for next year!! This is how it looks from the main entrance.

  

Let me know how it's coming with your own holiday decorating!! 

That's it for today. Thank you for stopping in and for all the amazing comments. I read and appreciate every single one! If you have any questions, please let me know.