Christmas in April with Graphic 45

Every so often, Graphic 45 gets overwhelmed with design team items and some things don't end up getting used on the blog. I created a few Christmas cards in December that "fell through the cracks" and I figured I would hold on to them for Christmas 2013. Well, the Graphic 45 Blog decided to have a Christmas party today, so here they are!

I also created a simple sketch. This is an easy one, with just a few layers. It was really to encourage the "late Christmas card makers" to get busy back in December, but how it can encourage all you "early birds"!

I created two cards from this sketch, one using Nutcracker Sweet and one using Christmas Emporium. I wanted to show you some different looks for your cards, both non-traditional and traditional.

The purple and blue of the Nutcracker Sweet collection adds a fantasy feel to Christmas cards. I kept things easy by using images cut from the paper and chipboard elements.



I love the ombre ribbon! That was a prefect find!

A stamp from Christmas Emporium is perfect for the inside.

I chose Christmas Emporium for my second card to show you a more traditional color palette. I just love this older paper line. I am sad that it's retired. If you NEED to buy this collection, try HERE or for this and other older lines, try HERE.

You can see I used the sketch for the foundation of my card.



The cards are both 5x5 inches and are not too thick. If you wish to reduce the thickness, you could eliminate the chipboard and other lumpy elements.

I used the same stamp on the inside of the card. (It's so pretty! I had to use it twice!)

I hope this inspires you to get your cards started. Be early (for a change!) 

Graphic 45 paper:
Nutcracker Sweet: Nutcracker Sweet, Snowflake Waltz, Enchanted Journey, Festive Fairytale, Endearing Sentiments, Chipboard
Christmas Emporium: Special Delivery, Happy Holidays, Santa Express, Chipboard

Graphic 45 Stamp: Christmas Emporium

Ink: Clearsnap Colorbox Chalk Warm Violet; Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa
Cardstock: Bazzill Butter Cream; American Crafts Pomegranate
Ribbon and twine: Really Reasonable RibbonBorder punch: Martha Stewart
Embellishments: craft supply
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape; white glue