Thursday, December 15, 2016

Totally Feminine and Totally Masculine Christmas Cards

I'm all done making Christmas cards for this year, and it's funny how my spirits lifted almost immediately.  I do enjoy making them, but the all-consuming last-minute hurrying gets to me.  It's not as if there's nothing else to do during the season.  I had to take most of a day to create our 2017 Golden Retriever calendar and our yearly photo book (Shutterfly), plus I had to select nine 5x7's for a wall unit that's been waiting forever for me to get that done.  Now, most of the (minimal) shopping is done, as well, and I think I can actually start enjoying myself.  Happy dance!

The first card I'm sharing today isn't even going anywhere this year.  It's a jump start on my 2017 Christmas cards, and I sure hope I can keep it up.  It's all pink and feminine with flowers and a bird and soft colors.



Flower centers have Pale Gold Nuvo Crystal drops in them.  I did my best to keep the drops fairly flat.  The flowers look all fluffy and dimensional now, but they'll probably be flat as a pancake by the time it reaches its destination since I'll mail this in an envelope.  They may retain some shape, and they'll still be pretty.  Card size is 5 1/4 x 4 1/4.

The "Joy" and the dark gray area of the bird are covered with Wink of Stella, all softly shimmery.  I colored the snowflake die cut with a B0000 Copic.  Color was added to the poinsettias with ink and a sponge dauber.  Dies are as follows:

  • Poppystamps Stitched Poinsettia Trio
  • Poppystamps Snowflake Breeze
  • Elizabeth Craft Birds
  • Die-namics Stitched Rectangle Frames
  • Stampin' Up! Wonderful Wreath Framelits




The next card is all guy, made for our son.  Lots of wood grain and very simple.



All on a kraft card base, I used Tutti Designs Scrolly Deer Edge and a Die-namics Stitched Rectangle Frame.  Black embossed a retired Stampin' Up! sentiment.


My first card with the bird is playing along in City Crafter's "Christmas Things that Float or Fly" challenge.




I think that wraps it up.  Have a good day!


23 comments:

Hannelie said...

Leslie this is 2 amazing cards!
Wow, those flowers look amazing, so soft and elegant. A truly beautiful card!
Love the look of your son's card too! LOVE the wood grain and gorgeous layout!

Glenda said...

Both cards are gorgeous! I have to say the first one just grabs me and pulls me in...snuggled back behind everything is the die cut of snowflakes. Those snowflakes just speak to me this morning as we are sitting at 28 degrees...my toes are cold!

Ros Crawford said...

I cannot stop looking at your pretty poinsettia card ... It is stunning!! Oh my... I'm going to have to pin it so I can keep looking... And your masculine card is fabulous!! Gorgeous array of woodgrain! Thank you so much for playing along at CCCB too!

Yogi said...

Absolutely love the feminine one. They are both gorgeous. And I know how you feel... Have a great day

Darlene said...

OMG I can't stop looking at these cards! That feminine card is AMAZING and absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful arrangement of everything so beautifully placed! What a great idea to make the flowers pink ... (wouldn't have thought to do that ... will now! lol) Just gorgeous! And the masculine card is equally awesome! What guy wouldn't love receiving this card ... love the framing on both creations! Amazing inspiration for sure ... thanks so much! Now take a break and have a hot chocolate ... you deserve it! LOL

pam said...

Two gorgeous cards Leslie! talk about great minds! think alike lol.. my next posting for poppy are pink Poinsettias, thank goodness I have`nt used my stitched ones..(my favorite).
Love your card with the pretty paper and die cuts.
Fabulous Christmas card for your Son, brilliant deer die.
Hugs Pam x

Kathy Krug said...

I absolutely love both cards. The framing from the dp is very cool and I love how you tucked that bird in the flowers. The snow flake breeze in the background adds just the right amount of texture and sets the stage for the gold joy. You masculine card is fabulous also I love the two shades of wood grained paper. Oly problem I have with these cards is that I don't own one of these dies.

laurie said...

These are gorgeous! I love the combo of dies and colors you used on that first card...wow its SO pretty!

Conniecrafter said...

Your first card s just stunning!! Love the softness of the flowers, and pretty papers to compliment them so well, the bird nestled in is so sweet!! Your son is going to totally love that card, terrific deer die and the wood background is very cool with it, totally love them both!! How nice to already have started your cards for next year, maybe starting this soon you will be ready for next year and less stressed :)

Diane said...

WOW, I am drooling over those Poinsettias and I own the die and have yet to cut it..sigh...so at least I can admire yours..so very GORGEOUS!! I love how you used the frame, well heck I love how you have used everything.....you are a wonderful designer!! I need to go to shutterfly and make me a Nellie and kitty calendar, maybe after Christmas I can get to it!! Oh, the masculine card is fabulous as well...he will love it for sure!!

Sherri said...

These are both absolutely "WOW" cards! I just drooled over the pink one! I've never thought of using non-Christmas paper on a Christmas card & this is just stunning! And your son will adore his card! Totally a guy card & perfect in every way! Have a wonderful Christmas!! Put your feet up & relax! Hugs!!

Margaret said...

Wow! and Wow! These are both gorgeous. I do really love the non traditional colors for the feminine card. Then again, the deer card is simply fabulous. So nice that you are done with your cards. I'm still trying play catch up and hopefully I'll get the rest done this weekend. At least my shopping is all done and packages mailed to those not in Texas.

Traci M said...

Wow, the first card is so dreamy in blush pink...love the petite print combined with those poinsettias!! Such a great layout and looks like you had fun with this one. The masculine is very clever using the woodgrain papers...both highlighting your creative talent.

Stacy Morgan said...

I am glad you are getting started on your 2017 cards. ;-) These are both awesome. I ADORE the one for your son, very masculine indeed. Great die cuts and I like the feminine feel with the pink flowers. They are both wonderful and I see a case coming on. ;-)

Evelyn S. said...

Omigosh, Leslie! That pink poinsettia card is out of this world! Super feminine, super beautiful. The deer card is such a great masculine card, too! I sent packages to both of our boys...no cards at all. :-(

Marina said...

Two gorgeous cards with wonderful colour and pattern choices.Thanks for joining in at City Crafter.

Maureen Chandler said...

I love both of your cards! The feminine one is just beautiful and the masculine one would make a great guy birthday card too! Thank you so much for sharing!

Pam Sparks said...

Both are gorgeous Leslie! Love them! WOW! Stunning cards!

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

I like both cards, but I think I'm partial to the bird one. I love pink and gold together especially with your cute little bird peeking out of the flowers! And to think you are making this for next year - what a wonder woman!! I'm still working on the Wellness Groups goodies! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Lynette said...

How cool that you have started on cards for Christmas 2017!! That first card is so, so beautiful. I love the wonderful poinsettias, along with everything else, of course. And the card for your son is so perfect. I'm glad you have time to "enjoy the season."

Stella said...

My oh my your take on our theme; breathtaking! Your layered design is gorgeous and the soft colours are adding an elegant touch that I love. Perfection. And a card with a deer as gorgeous as this is right up my alleye. Thanks so much for joining us at CCCB! Your take on our theme is fabulous!

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Leslie! WOW! I absolutely love the first one that has captured my eyes...I can hardly get my eyes off it! I love the beautiful poinsettia array and especially love the stitching. And what a lovely way to nestle that sweet bird in there with the perfect floral frame and "joy" die! Stunning card! And I love the masculine for your son...he's going to LOVE it! Very manly. And I am assuming that you are using the wonderful new window to show the light striking the second photo of your first card, right? It's wonderful! Oh, I so admire that you are working on your 2017 Christmas cards. With all that is going on with me, I've not even working on thie year. It's been one of those years again, but there is always next year. I wish you and your family a blessed and joyous Christmas, sweet friend, and thanks for sharing the beauty of your work this year. You are a joy, my friend! Sending warm hugs your way...xoxo

Pauline said...

WOW, these are amazing, jaw dropping gorgeous! I've just spent the last few minutes starring at them. Leslie the first card is stunning. I"m lost for words! It's so feminine- love the soft pink pointsettia, and the complete layout. Love how you tucked the little bird in behind, so sweet. And for your second card - so masculine. Love the deer - I think I need this one as well. The wood grain paper is so perfect, I love your layout. I know your son will love this. Leslie, I'm so glad I had a chance to stop by your blog to catch up otherwise I would of missed seeing these gorgeous creations. I admire you that you are now working on your 2017 Christmas cards. My attempt at this years Christmas cards did not get executed as planned. Only thing to do now is start on next years cards! Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing you and your family all the best over the holiday season.