Ho {cubed}; It's Christmas

~ photo heavy post ~

The paper crafting continues {smile}.  I was struggling earlier yesterday, and couldn't figure out where to start.  So, I simply just started {smile}.  I used the current sketch from Cardabilities, to get the creative juices flowing.  And it did!  I created a pair of holiday cards using some sweet vintage-y style pattern papers from Paper Studio.  And I purchased these pattern papers on sale.  Cha-ching!

current sketch:

I'm also entering the current challenge over @ the Papertake Weekly Challenge.  Their current challenge is: Christmas; it will soon be here.  Check out their creative design team.  Very talented!

and what I created (the red version):

and the green version:

and yeah, I did stamp the inside:

The sentiments were stamped on very vanilla card stock.  I used two new holiday stamp sets by Stampin' Up!. (outside the card, uses Oh What Fun stamp set, and inside the card, uses Cozy Christmas stamp set.) They were hand-stamped with basic black classic ink.  All the pattern papers are from Paper Studio.  For the inside of the card, I cut a narrow strip of the margin pattern paper, and tore the end to resemble washi tape.  

I sponged all the edges, of the various papers, with crumb cake classic ink.  I also added machine stitching along the bottom portion of each card.  And machine stitched the cotton trim and cotton ribbon.  The cotton trim was purchased from a local sewing store.  The cotton ribbons are from Stampin' Up!

I added buttons from my stash (red corduroy and garden green button) are retired from Stampin' Up!. And a silver reindeer charm is tied to the bow with cream twine.  

Thank you for looking.  I'm planning on making a few gift card holders and gift bags using this festive holiday pattern paper.  Stay tuned {smile}.  And these cards will be for sale in my Etsy shop.