Tuesday, December 10, 2013

WOYWW 236: the one where she shows her completed Christmas cards



Julia at Stamping Ground is once again hosting WOYWW, the best Wednesday blog hop on the planet.  Click on her name to visit and see links to many, many other Deskers.

Today, however, I'm not at my desk, but in my kitchen so I can spread these cards out.  I used six stamps I showed last week and, after cutting or tearing the images apart, sewed them onto a background.  I mounted each mat onto some green card stock.  I tried to make them all a bit different, but each had a Santa.  I made a total of 12, six of which I sent to "Holiday for Heroes," a sight that collected cards to be given to service personnel.  It is sponsored by the Red Cross, so I knew it was legitimate.

See that black pigment ink pad on the left?  It's no secret I normally only use Staz-on black, but our dear, thoughtful Julia sent this to me, thinking it might help my stamping abilities.  I admit, the ink made the stamping much clearer, but I didn't always get good coverage, because I'm so used to a larger stamp pad.  However, I can see where this ink would be far better for stamping than what I've used in the past.

Here is the front of my tip-ins, too.  Cara asked me what a tip-in is, so I tried to show what they should look like.  I only made six, and need to make four more.  Hopefully, I'll get that done in time to mail them before it's too late.  The backs are also decorated, but I forgot to show the back before these six went in the mail today.

I know some of you will feel cheated, but the only rocking horse today is the one I've stamped.

I'm not normally this talkative, but wanted to get everything in that needed to be said.

Please remember, if you came from Julia's, please, please leave your number.  It worked out really, really well last week!

49 thoughtful remarks:

Unknown said...

congrats on being number one.. thats pretty fun.. anf fun fun cards those are. wish I could find all my parts to my sewing mechine so I could sew theings. Thanks for the peek and bright blessings to you and yours. Roberta #6

Belinda said...

I love the cards. I have always wanted to contribute to some sort of card drive but hesitate wondering how to confirm they are legitimate. I did not know the Red Cross does card drives. If you have anymore information, please pass it on.

Have a blessed day my friend!

Belinda (7)

Unknown said...

Looking at these just makes me want to touch them...I love the stitching and stamping and colors and everything! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #10

Unknown said...

Your cards look amazing. I love those stamped images, especially the rocking horse. #12 or #11 later today

Unknown said...

Congrats on #1 Love the cards, I've never tried the sewing technique, just might have to try it one day. Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW DeDe #5

sara j said...

What fun cards! love the colors and the stamps...how good of you to send them to service folks...I can't even imagine how hard it would be to be in combat somewhere far from home at time when everything is about being home.
Funny how we sometimes spread around the house, huh?
Have a great week ahead.
Sara j#20

Darnell said...

Just stunning, Elizabeth, and I learned something new. I had no idea that the Red Cross sponsored anything to do with card donations. I will be checking into that, TFS!! Happy WOYWW and have a great week!! Hugs, Darnell #22

Monica said...

It is way past my bedtime. Hope Bluebeard is sleeping. Interesting how you made tip in and i love how you used the stamps.
Monica26

Janet said...

These are sooooooo cool!

peggy gatto said...

these cards are so charming!!!
Happy christmas to you!!!

Helen said...

Your cards look great, I know you don't make many so well done - and for sending some to the Heroes campaign too. Thanks for already visiting. Helen 24

peggy aplSEEDS said...

Congrats on getting the top spot this week, Elizabeth! I spotted the rocking horses in your cards today. I love the stitching and the stamps in them. Happy WOYWW!
Hugs,
peggy aplSEEDS@3

BJ said...

So glad my WOYWW post prompted you to yours. Love the sewing on your cards and tip-ins (not sure you really explained what one is though - LOL). Not really a Johnny Depp fan but like a bit of eye candy all the same. BJ#37

Annie said...

Love your cards Elizabeth....looks like a real production line :-)
Hugs,
A x # 41

Julie Lee said...

Many congrats on the number 1 slot, Elizabeth! Those cards look fabulous! Love how you got the signature rocking-horse on there! Have a great Wednesday! Julie Ann xx #45

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Congrats Elizabeth on being numero uno and well done on the stamping ... love the wee rocking horse the best though!! Happy WOYWW Shaz in oz.x #30

Anonymous said...

So arty, those cards, and a million miles away from the standard mass produced ones people just buy. I love the design too!

Happy WOYWW!
Mary Anne (15)

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

What lovely cards and such a great idea to support our troops. Well done for being No 1 again. I fell asleep at the critical moment, but never mind I am in at least. I am glad to see you got your beloved rocking horses in on the act this week. xx Maggie #23

House of Bears said...

What lovely bright colours you've chosen for your cards. We feel all festive now

Bears #61

Neet said...

Congrats on your no 1 spot!
I certainly do not feel a stamped rocking horse makes me feel cheated - I just marvel that you have a stamp of one.
Great makes.
Hugs, and thanks for visiting me earlier. Neet xx 14
ps tell Bleubeard "Hi" from me too. I love his messages and don't blame him for snuggling where it is warm.

pearshapedcrafting said...

Ooooh! First - well done! Love your stitched cards - don't use my machine nearly enough! Chris 63

Glenda said...

I just love these cards. The colors are so great. Happy WOYWW!
Glenda #64

Darla said...

Your cards are great and I am always impressed with your stitching ideas. I never manage to do more than a couple cards of the same or similar design.

Darla

Nan G said...

Congrats on #1 this week! Cool cards! So 'tip-ins' are your master boards that you cut apart? Hugs to you and Bleubeard. WOYWW hugs! Nan G #69

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Happy cards there, Elizabeth! I like that you've made some for the service personnel, I'm sure they must appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Hugs, LLJ 43 xx

Dawn said...

Gorgeous cards Elizabeth, I love the style and images, beautifully done.
Huge hugs x x x x

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Your cards look great. I like them being on a theme, but all slightly different. I'm afraid I go with a design and just repeat it! Not feeling cheated at all. That rocking horse stamp is so cute x

Fiona@57

Jackie said...

Your cards would not be right without a rocking horse on them !!! Just to let you know the package is in the post to you ... Hope it gets to you for Christmas!
Jackie 40
Scrapbangwallop

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Me again! My brass band plays Winter Wonderland ALL THE TIME at the moment, so every time from now, I shall think of you!!
We are united by a common language and the way we write our dates. My nephew got married on your 11.12.13 in New York! But in the UK, we write the Day's number first, hence for us, today is the 11th of the 12th month etc!
You say tomato and I say Tomahto...oh no, another tune to sit in your head!!!
LLJ xxxxx

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Me again...again!
Forgot to say, a boozy Julia would be a fine thing to behold! Now, where's that bottle..... :-)
LLJ
I'll stop commenting now, shall I - leave some space for some others
*grin*

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Eliza said...

Congrats on getting number 1 this week, love your troops cards they are so different and such masterpieces too. I am sure they will be welcomed by the Red Cross.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda 66
Happy WOYWW

Robyn said...

Hey #!!
Love your Christmas collages!
Thanks for visiting and the snoop around.
Robyn 18

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy, pink cards Elizabeth! Yes, Julia is right with the ink, I used to use Staz-On for everything too, but found there were better choices for specific applications. I was a bit tired last night (not in the mood for complicated instructions), so I cast on a pair of sock instead lol! Congrats on the No1.

Hugs
Brenda 4

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

I am sure all who receive these will be grateful. All the years away from family as a career Army son peoples thoughtfulness was never forgotten and sometimes it was just one thing that got many of the team thru a difficult time
I like the little rocking horse!!! Just your style. Enjoy the week #27 this time around.

JoZart Designs said...

Well done to Numero Uno for making so many cards and for charity too. I love the effect you achieved and the mixed media style.
You would adore the Grasmere Gingerbread shop... it never fails to thrill me and the gingerbread is superb. Secret recipe though and I really can't get my own to taste the same. The little trees are in brackets on the building... Christmas trees with lights but the lights don't show up as it was such a dull day. We've had lovely sunshine this week but it went cloudy in Grasmere.
Jo x

Claire Grantham said...

Congrats on being number one! Always love seeing a charity make. I love the cards, the colour is gorgeous. Cx #35

Caro said...

Lovely bright and unique cards. Thanks for the explanation of the tip-in last week and showing them to me today. They look great. Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW. Caro x (#52)

okienurse said...

congrats on numero uno! How are you faring up there in the cold and ice? I am so glad the weather people are calling for above freezing temps during the day here the next week. Nice cards. I need to try sewing again. Hope you have a Happy Holiday! Vickie #62

Julia Dunnit said...

Oh these are fab...I love the collagen ness of them on the red..and yep, juicier ink pad has helped...perhaps a re inker to drip into your staton pad will do the same trick for your preferred ink, and wal-la..sorted! I'm not surprised you have a rocking horse stamp..it's a really nice one and perfect in this setting.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I'm sure the cards will be appreciated by members of the service. It is so thoughtful of you to do that.

Vicki Miller said...

These are great. You have been working really hard!

Daniella said...

You really are number 1!! I can feel the love you put in to each card! You are an amazing mixed media artist!!
xxDaniella#8

Ginny Maxam said...

Your mixed media cards are really terrific!! I'm not crazy about stayzon ink but a hint that will make a big difference, refresh your pad with about a teaspoon of denatured alcohol, the big problem with the Solvent inks is the solvent easily evaporates, laving the pad to dry to pull the ink out of. I've been doing this for a while and it really helps!!Thanks for stopping by my desk earlier, I'm really need to have order to create, disorder distracts me as I love to organize, it is a vicious cycle, my friends love to have me come over and work on their craft rooms, it is a win win!!Have a great week, TFS Ginny #16

~*~Patty S said...

Your cards look wonderful...I admire you and your creativity always dear E!

oxo

Cazzy said...

Hi Elizabeth and Bleubeard, happy WOYWW - I'm so late, and you were so early! (and yet there are a few after me).
Your cards are totally unique, wowser! I did actually stamp up a load of images ready for a batch after I blogged last night, so got to bed gone 2am, then didn't get up until 9:30 and I am sitting here still tired and not showered yet, going to do that right now.
Cazzy x #91

Halle said...

Love your Christmas tip-ins. You are always so creative with them.

Anonymous said...

Santa AND rocking horses, what could be better, these are adorable. xox

Carol said...

Those cards are great Elizabeth!!! You really put a lot of work into them and they turned out fantastic ♥♥♥♥. Time for me to drag my butt back into bed and hope that tomorrow I feel well enough to go back to work.

Rita said...

You inspire me to try using my sewing machine on paper one day! Belated WOYWW #78