Hi there blog friends! My title is a little bit off :-) I very briefly introduced Elegant Christmas Swirls, but what I didn’t explain is that with the Mix and Match sensibilities of this set, you can make a serious dent in your assembly line Christmas card making! The challenge is set, the gauntlet is thrown down in this ‘Mission Not So Impossible’. I challenged myself to create a moderately dressy Christmas Card that could be reproduced in assembly line fashion, that didn’t break the clock or my wallet. That’s where Elegant Christmas Swirls comes in, did you see all the possibilities? Well, just to help you on your way I’ve created a tip sheet in .pdf format to show you options for using the set. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD then click on the disk icon to save.
I created a basic card and duplicated it six times by simply changing out the design paper and a couple of minor embellishments (while keeping it simple). I do make lots of Christmas cards through the season, some are much more elaborate but for the number that I need to make, I have to do something like this to get though my list. By all accounts a simple card! I used Spellbinders Adorning Labels Twenty Five, Spellbinders Labels Twenty Five, Spellbinders Grand Decorative Ovals One (great substitutions are Floral Ovals and Elegant Ovals) and Spellbinders Classic Ovals LG edited correction: Spellbinders Grand Ovals.
Here’s how I made it – step by step:
- Create a card base with cream card stock that measures 5-1/2″ x 7″. (Card bases are made with two pieces of 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ paper scored, trimmed and glued as in this Hinge Video.)
- Cut 2 strips of gold paper 1/4″ x 7″. With chosen design paper, cut a panel 4-1/4″ x 7″. Attach a gold strip to the longs sides of panel. Adhere panel to card base.
- Wrap an 8″ piece of ribbon around card front with opening of ribbon in front – tape in place.
- Cut/emboss Adorning Labels Twenty Five at the same time nested with Labels Twenty Five. Adhere to card base with double foam tape.
- Cut/emboss Grand Decorative Ovals One and attach to card base with foam tape.
- Cut/emboss
Classic Ovals LG(edited correction) Grand Ovals, stamp with sentiment from Elegant Christmas Swirls then adhere directly to card base. - Add bow and pearl/crystal/button embellishments.
| CRAFT SUPPLIES I USED |
| Rubber Stamps: JustRite Papercraft – Elegant Christmas Swirls Craft Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Natural White 80 lb, Gold Poster Board, Assorted Design Paper Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, Gold Embossing Powder Accessories: Spellbinders Adorning Labels Twenty Five, Spellbinders Grand Decorative Ovals One, |
Thanks so much for hanging out with me! These cards along with the other Christmas cards I did earlier in the month will put me well on the way to conquering my list. So I am really curious, when you make your cards do you change up and create several or do you stick it out and create all identical cards?
Question Parking Lot:
1. Claire Horvath, comment #17, Sarah, comment #18 and Ruthie Armstrong, comment #30 asked about the paper and die element used on the third card shown.
The die is one I designed called Heirloom Flourish Two and it can be found HERE.
The gold paper came from my stash, it is one of my favorites from K and Company is likely retired :-( I’m hopeful that there’s something similar out there that’s current.
2. Deborah Adams, comment #21 asked where I get the gold paper I frequently use.
Deborah, gold (mirror board) paper seems to me to be hard to find in the US so what I do is go to the poster board/art paper department in Hobby Lobby. This is a piece of gold poster board that is sold in a large size – I think 24″ x 36″ and runs about $4.99 (before 40% off coupon). As soon as I get it home I cut it down into a manageable size. I use lots of this :-)
3. Patricia Tumpkin, comment #28 along with Kelly Flaherty, comment #50 and March Schmidt, comment #32 asked about the papers used for each card. I love all Christmas paper but traditional ones seem to be my favorites but papers go off the market long before my wallet can afford to buy more. Luckily some of the manufacturers keep producing or they can be picked up on Amazon.com.
My goal with these cards was to show you that with a basic design and switching around some stamps, you can use your scrap paper and achieve many, many different looks. Even the newer versions of paper will work well on this card.
I’m pretty sure these are retired or only available through channels like amazon.com:
Card 1: The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby) – Christmas Traditions
Card 2: Still looking – will fill this in when I locate the paper pad
Card 3: K and Company – Christmas Cheer Specialty Pack
Card 4: Die Cuts With A View – Holiday Collection – The Christmas Stack
Card 5: Unknown – came from my stash
Card 6: K and Company – Christmas Cheer Specialty Pack
Oh my goodness Becca you have excelled yourself. Thank you so much for showing us all the possibilities of this stamp set and the lovely cards. I am not much a stamper but you have inspired me to give it another try with this set. I really must invest in the labels twenty five die set too as it is so versatile and I see it used on so many beautiful samples by yourself and Sue Wilson. Thank you for taking the time to inspire us. xx
Absolutely gorgeous cards and stamp set is divine. I love the labels 25 die, which I have, and can’t wait to get the stamp set, so I can create some beautiful cards using yours as my inspiration. I love the elegance and versatility of the stamp set, you have done a fantastic job with the design.
Cheers from the Cathster
An absolut outstanding card here again Becca. Soo beautiful and well made with some pretty amazing dies here. I just so love all your work hun.
Stunning cards Becca, I love each one. I’ll be adding this stamp set to my collection.
Cards are absolutely Stunning
Hi Becca,
What lovely cards and what a super idea! I like the idea of an assembly line! It would be great for me to perhaps do,all the stamping at one sitting , all the die cutting at another etc.etc. After first deciding on colours and ribbons etc. definitely going to give this a try. A good idea – no a super idea!
Love Myra
Good afternoon Becca,
Simply gorgeous, you must have had so much fun doing these cards. I’m going straight onto the website to order these stamps, I’ve already got the die.
Thanks for inspiration xx
All cards are gorgeous & so is your stamp set.
Thank you so much for the tip sheet! I’ll definitely print it out and save it. I always come up with one design and stick with it for all my Christmas cards as it takes me forEVER to finally decide what I want! Haha! Your cards are absolutely beautiful as always. Thank you for sharing!
Now this is the way to go for producing a large number of Christmas cards. All are beautiful and glitzy, which I adore for the holidays, and unique. Last year I hit on a fabulous idea using only black and white and gold. I used every scrap of paper I had coming up with different and smaller cards as I went along. In all I made maybe 40 cards using the same art deco theme. I was so pleased with doing a large number of cards that way that I have my theme picked out and colors too for this year. It sure does make it a lot less time consuming than having to figure out each individual card. At the beginning I make a list of the ones I want to get especially ornate cards and work my way down. The last bits of scraps of paper made perfect 3×3 cards for those last minute needs. Thanks for sharing your ideas! That is so awesome!
Oh my what a beauty! The stamp set is a MUST have. I do 4 sometimes 5 differenf Christmas cards and do simple bit pretty cards that are easy to do assembly line fashion! Hmmm heirloom show is this weekend wonder if scrap Mart will have your new set? Was not going…..but I might now, just to look for this set lol! Thanks for all you do to inspire and educate.
God Bless,!
These are great Becca..can’t wait to get stamping once my hand is back to normal from Carpal Tunnel Release. I hope it will be soon.
You have done so many beautiful cards & I haven’t been able to try any yet
I love these Christmas Cards!!!! All different but the same.
Thanks for tip sheet which I will print :) Love the Stamp Set
Fabulous, Becca!
What a fab set. definetlyon my wish list for Christmas making this year.
Christine in Darcy…xxx
Love these cards – and I have the stamp set although not used it yet. I normally make 2 or 3 designs and then a couple of special ones that are more time consuming for close family. Love the tip sheet – great idea. My 1M of silk ribbon came yday – OMGoodness me! never seen ribbon like it – so thin and light – think I can see why you use it. I am converted – I now want a reel of it – makes fab non bulky centred bows – can’t believe how good it is. Shame it’s so expensive here (in UK) though. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
What a fabulous set of stamps – and a fabulous set of cards! Simply gorgeous!
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
Love all the cards and renditions! I usually make 1 card the same for different people and different cards for other people. I get bored with making just one card usually. It depends on how much time I have to do them all. My list keeps growing though and I like this idea a lot and will probably create some of these.
Can you tell me the name of the paper that has the gold holly on it “Season’s Greetings” card? Also the name of the gold emblem at the top of the oval?
Becca, your cards are stunning, as always. I was wondering what the gold embellishment was on the third card (Season’s Greetings)? Thanks.
So glad I brought this stamp set! thank you so much for the wonderful inspiration.xx
This is a great stamp set. I like how you changed the background paper and other small changes you made to the cards. They all look spectacular for Christmas.
Deborah : )
Becca,
I always see you using the gold paper (poster board paper), where do you get that from? I like it cause its so shiny and looks like good quality paper. Could you let me know?
Thank you
Deborah
WoW!! Wonderful stamp set.
Hello Becca
This is another must have for me absolutely beautiful and love the instructions
Thank you Becca
Love it!
Take care
Love Marg
Oh, wow! Brilliant!!! This is just a fantastic tutorial on how to mix and match to get the most out of a set. Your examples are gorgeous! Thank you so much, Becca!
I love these cards (as I do all of your cards)! Christmas cards are my favorite. I often do what you did, change up design paper & embellies to get slightly different looks but keep the assembly line going. And my cards are not as gorgeous as yours but I hope, someday to get close! I have both the stamp set & dies!! I am SO gonna try to duplicate. Do I have to go to work today…??
I make and send about 80 Christmas cards (down from 135) and make 10 to 12 different designs & 8 to 10 special cards (I get bored & want to try something else :-))
Thank you for sharing & being such an inspiration!
I love this new mix and match Christmas swirls–very versatile and elegant. Your sample cards are so beautiful that I’m tempted to buy this new set. This is another mark of your creative brilliance, Becca!
Gorgeous cards, Becca!
Absolutely stunning Becca!! Wow! The paper is gorgeous! May I asked where you bought it!! Thx for sharing. I will be purchasing this beautiful set. Just love…love your work!!
Good evening Becca,
Thank you for the shopping list of Christmas cards that you have made for us to be inspired to tackle the mass that we have to make for acquaintances as they are all beautiful and it is the one Christmas sentiments stamps that i have bought this year.
Love and crafty hugs
Norah (Glenochil, Scotland)
Hi Becca! Love the cards, just beautiful!! I usually make all the same 40 to 60 card. It can get a bit monotonous. So thank you for the great idea. I cant wait to get started! What is that beautiful gold element you used on the top of the 3rd card? Loves, Ruthie
Thanks for sharing such beautiful cards!
I, too, am wondering what you used for the gold swirl at the top of the 3rd card with the gold holly leaves background and the phrase Season’s Greetings?
Hi Becca,
WOW love these stamps. Your cards are amazing, the sentiments look great on the front of a card.
Love & Hugs
Jacquie J xxx
Hi Becca. I love your selection of stunning cards, all so beautiful. Fabulous ideas on your tip sheet too – may have to order these stamps ;-) xx
Loving your cards becca, so fresh looking .
God Bless
Elaine H X
These are BEAUTIFUL Becca! I usually do all the same card for everyone! I am afraid of running out of ideas for the following years! LOL I DO enjoy making cards just for Christmas in July though. They usually go in a box for any cards needed—EXTRA cards! :)
Beautiful cards & a great idea for us to use.
Thanks Becca
Becca,
You call that “moderately dressy?” I call it elegant. They all are elegantly gorgeous. I make all the same cards for family…they used to compare who’s was best…so I put a stop to that, and I usually make them in October, after Thanksgiving cards.
You created wonderful variety with the Elegant Christmas Swirls. I get bored if I only make one card at Christmas. I make a design for the neighbors, another for people at the office, extended family and friends. I try something really cool for my card-making friends.
Is it time to start the process already?
Stunning cards! A set I have to get, especially with your name on it!!!
Just returned from a glorious Inspiration Alaska Cruise…only to find this
WONDERFUL Christmas Card info —just Beautiful and soooo wise!
Thank you so much for sharing your God given talent with us and
I wish you God’s Continuing Blessing on you,
Joyce M Anderson
These are so beautiful! Your question made me smile, because I absolutely have to make all identical Christmas cards…if I make a variety, I get too hung up on who gets which card!! :-)
Hi Becca, I have been following your blog for ages but have only just joined. I love all your cans and you are a continuing inspiration for me. I love this latest set of stamps. They are just what I am looking for in my Christmas Greetings stamps. Off to get them now if I can. Beryl (UK) xxx
p s I did mean cards not cans, these old fingers are running away me with again xx
Hi Becca, These stamps are fabulous, and each and every card you have shown is stunning !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Wedneday was busy so didn’t get to come on yesterday but couldn’t leave without saying that these are absolutely wonderful. I need to order the sentiment stamps. I do about 40-50 all the same cards for Christmas but have been asked to make some for a lady friend of mine. I told her I would only do simjple cards (all the same). But a lot of times if you buy a box of cards they are all the same. No competition between friends who receive them. LOL I too printed out the guide and will save it forever.
Hugs and Blessings,\
Mstgane
Ann
You can get either 8.5×11 or 11x17gold mirricard reflective cardstock from marcos paper (Dayton OH) They have a number of colors.
Love the cards. I do almost 200 cards for the holidays. I start in Aug @ Stampaway picking out cardstock and stamps. I do the same card for all generally snow-people related. I do them assembly line so I can do parts through out the fall. I finalize the cards and mail by Dec 1st most years. One year my granddaughter and I finished putting the pieces together and in envelopes as we flew to Hawaii for Christmas. Got lots of comments about Christmas cards postmarked Dec 23rd from Honolulu.
Hi Becca
I bought these stamps as soon as they came out,but didn’t realise the flexability of the set.I love the baubles card,I will certainly be giving that one a try this year.Thanks for all your inspiration.
Love Angela x
Amazing cards Becca, i have just made three cards the same and i think last year i did do 6 the same but mostly they are individual.
Thank you for your inspiration you are a special lady.
Becca, these are beautiful cards! To answer your question, I actually did the assembly line thing last year. I had only recently found your site and fell in love with all of your many gorgeous cards. I didn’t have much money so I picked one and purchased the Spellbinder die and JustRite stamp. Because I have a lot of paper, I changed up the background paper and switched sentiments. I did all of the cutting first and then stamping, lined everything up and started gluing! It was a huge help. Everyone got a “different” card and I got all of them out with time to spare!
Now, I have a question for you…the second card has the most beautiful background paper – do you have any idea who made it, or whether or not it’s still around? Thanks so much! P.S. I’ve learned so much from you this year – thank you so much!
This one of my favorite APG BF posts! So inspired by the designs.
I was so struck by the beauty and the flexibility of this set so was very excited to pick it up at a papercrafting show on Saturday! I can’t wait to get it inky….absolutely stunning design!
Love your cards Becca! The tips sheet is wonderful!!!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your stunning cards throughout the past years. They have been a true blessing and inspiration. Please tell me how you created the 4th element on the bottom of your tip sheet. Did you draw it? I cannot figure out how it is made.
Becca your talent is mesmerizing. When I think elegant card, I look to you first for inspiration. Love, love, love these cards; and how you used slight changes to vary their presentation. Saved the PDF to my ‘Becca’ files. Wish I could get each of the patterned papers you used. They are so gorgeous.