Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Four Seasons Challenge -- December



Hello, and welcome back to another Four Seasons Challenge!

Our challenge theme has switched to the winter months and there's a beautiful mood board to inspire you if you wish to use it, but anything winter goes.  See the challenge blog for more information.

We don't often see any of these snowy scenes in my backyard on the southern Oregon Coast, but it's a lovely dream... as long as I don't have to drive in it.
 




My focus today was the bird on a snowy branch, and since it's Christmas card-making time I went that route, too.  The bird is a die I cannot help but bring out for Christmas cards every year.  Two parts -- the bird and the snowflake branch.  The stitched frame and the "peace" sentiment are from my spare parts drawer (yay!).  Simple designer paper behind the frame, and all parts arranged on an embossed card base.




The embossed card base was done with a new-to-me favorite 3D Lumber embossing folder by Sizzix.  I embossed the whole folded card so the wood grain shows throughout.  I can't seem to get enough of all things wood grain.   I added Wink of Stella to the bird's body for some gentle shimmer.




Come join us with your winter-themed project now through Dec 25.   The team and our guest designer, Dottie, have some lovely samples at Four Seasons.

Happy holidays, and please stay healthy and safe!


Stamps:  SU Glad Tidings (retired)  Paper:  Neenah 110 lb white, red, Simple Stories Color vibe designer paper  Ink:  Versamark (sentiment)  Dies:  Memory Box Airin Bird Background and Snowflake Bird, MFT Die-namics Stitched Rectangle Frames  Other:  Sizzix Lumber 3D embossing folder, Wink of Stella, white embossing powder

21 comments:

Ros Crawford said...

Loving the simplistic look look here Leslie... Yay to using up the scraps! Have a beautiful day!

Diane said...

I loved this card the minute I saw it! The mix of gray, white and red is a gorgeous combination and the red bird really pops! Amazing how you were able to combine all your 'spare parts' to create such a beautiful card!!

Conniecrafter said...

stunning! I love the wood embossed background and the lovely shimmer on the bird, I just love how he pops against the white and that touch of gray dotted paper, such a lovely combo, that snowflake die is great for grounding the bird, beautifully done!

Darlene said...

WOW ... what can I say? GORGEOUS!
I have this die set and had totally forgotten about it ... I still need SEVERAL holiday cards so THANKS for the inspiration! Love the layers and of course the color combo is so rich ... Beautiful as always my friend! Happy Holidays to you & yours! Feel free to come visit me or Diane during the winter months if you want to play in some snow ... they're saying we're going to get LOTS OF THE WHITE STUFF this year! UGH ... glad I'm retired so I can just sit inside and watch it come down. lol

Yogi said...

Oh I like the clean and simple design. I probably would have put a rhinestone for an eye... BIG GRIN. Have a great day

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What a great card. I love any type of birds but especially cardinals. Your color combination goes perfectly together. I will gladly send you some of our snow this year. We live in the NE section of PA.- Nazareth. Where Jennifer was skating was in Easton which had gone downhill but is working to build itself back up. We like to go to Bethlehem especially during the holiday. It is so pretty! Take care!

Lynette said...

What a gorgeous card, Leslie! I do remember that awesome bird with snowflakes from the past - very cool. I can see why it comes out at Christmas time.

Margaret said...

What a great card. Love the red bird and the sparkle you added to it. All the rest of the textures really add to it.

Cat Craig said...

What a gorgeous bird die, Leslie. You are showing it off to perfection with this fabulous card.

Evelyn S. said...

This card is a beauty. I LOVE the gray, white and dark red and the relative
"simplicity" of your card. You have such a great way of using images, whether they are stamped or die cut. It's lovely, Leslie.

HilaryJane said...

This card is just brilliant, I love it. I am going to have to look out for that die. I love the dotted paper background and the lovely woodgrain texture too. The whole thing is amazing and I bet that bird sparkles beautifully xx

crafty-stamper said...

Beautiful CAS card love the sparkly die-cut bird and spotty framed P.paper
Carol x

Bonnie said...

Such a pretty red bird with the white outline and all that shimmer, Leslie! Love how it looks against the polka dot background!

nancy littrell said...

Love your woodgrain background and dotted dsp for your Gorgeous die cut bird and Winter flourish, Leslie. Beautiful CAS design for the holidays. TFS Love and Hugs..Nanct

Christine Alexander said...

love your wood texture background and the pop of read from the sentiment and sparkly bird :)

Glenda said...

I love this! That sweet bird stole my heart right away and then there is that very pretty background embossing folder. This is going to make someone very happy when they find it in their mailbox!

Cindy Beach said...

What a beautiful mood board and I love your take on it! The die cut has such pretty detail and makes a bold impact. I love this one, Leslie!

Loll said...

Beautiful Christmas card Leslie. I love your mix of elements that are all so perfect together. Great work! xx

Pauline said...

Love this! Yes, you have used this die several times, and each time I'm in awe of how many creations you have created with this die! Love the red bird with all the white and bit of grey! Exquisite my friend. A very CAS card. Thanks for sharing. Sorry so late at commenting. Crazy week, and then we lost internet Thursday night. popped on this morning (Sunday, shortly before 11) and it seems to be running now.
Just trying to get caught up on my blog reading. Have a wonderful day Leslie!

laurie said...

Wow this is stunning...love the design and colors are so charp.

laurie said...

How beautiful! I'm motivated to get out my embossing folders after seeing how much it ads to a card. I always forget!