Jingle Belles Stars & Stripes Challenge

With the year flying by as quickly as it is, I’m definitely starting to think about making some Christmas cards. And a great way to get motivated to do this is to play along over at Jingle Belles. It’s a challenge that’s new for me, but one that I definitely need to be participating in if I’m gonna be ready for Christmas this year.

The theme this time around is appropriately stars and stripes. I ran with this idea, but creating a Christmas card instead of a patriotic one. I really like the finished product. I think it will make a great card, especially if it’s just going to a guy.

Here’s my supply list:

• Stampin Up! Cherry Cobbler  Card Stock
• Little Yellow Wagon Patterned Paper
• Michaels Silver Paper
• SU! Square Dies
• SU! Star Dies
• Silver Embossing Powder
• Spellbinders Scalloped Dies
• Verse mark Ink
• Lawn Fawn Sentiment 
• Misc. Silver Fringe Trim
• Misc. Silver Embellishments 

This card originally didn’t have the strip of silver on the right hand side or the fringe next to it. I tilted the patterned paper to make it look a little bit more whimsical, but I didn’t like the bare edge. After adding the strip of silver, it looked funny from the side because you could see the dimensional dots underneath. To fix that I used the silver tinsel and hot glued it on. It’s funny how cards develop through mistakes.

One last little note, this card looks a lot more red than it really is. I find it so difficult to photograph shiny paper. In order to get those little stars looking just right I had to compromise on the color of the card stock. Working on photographing my cards better is something that’s on my mind too.

This was a really fun challenge and I plan on participating in it a lot more often. Getting our minds on Christmas and winter is a perfect way to deal with the heat too. Apparently, it’s going to be a “feels like” temperature of 111 over the next few days. 😮‍💨 

Wherever you are, stay safe and happy crafting!