Thursday 3 December 2009

Christmas Card Ideas


Warm wishes
The winter images shown here have been discontinued but the basic card design is a fun one that shows a great way to use the mini clothespins. Stamp the solid bar with chocolate brown ink and then attach the clothespins with crafter's pick. It's our favorite glue for a project like this, the paper will tear before the clothespin will fall off.
Items used:
Crafter's Pick
4813E - thick stripe
Clothes Pins - natural
Encore ink - honeydew
Three Presents
We love to use the blocks in creative ways. Here three different sized blocks were stamped with gold and merlot inks. After masking each block, word stamps were stamped over them. Notice how the words are offset so they appear to wrap around the box. Slits were made for the ribbon and each box was then wrapped with different but coordinating ribbons.
Items used:
4546A - small rectangular block
4545C - rectangular block
4547B - block
4835B - holiday cheer
4831B - merry christmas
Happy Holiday tag
These tag cards are quick and simple to make. Stamp the snowflakes and blocks with a gold pad. Then go back and stamp the fun winter images over the blocks of gold. Finish off the card with a bit of ribbon to add a festive touch. These tags fit in Memory Box slim envelopes.
Items used:
4547B - block
4821D - happy holidays
4723B - snowflake
Encore - gold
Colorbox ink - merlot, alpine
Swirl Star Tree Card
Don't forget to use the idea of attaching a tag to a card for an embellishment. We love to use our favorite silver metallic cording to further enhance the project.
Items used:
Impress Ink - olive green
Metallic Cord
Sticky Stuff
Create holiday magic using a fun product called Sticky Stuff. It's a powder that when heated, becomes sticky. To make this card, first stamp an image and color it in. Then take a block stamp and stamp it over the image using Versamark ink. Apply the embossing powder as usual. Heat it until it gets shiny and then sprinkle on the prisma glitter for a perfectly shaped oval that sparkles!
Items used:
Sticky Stuff
Prisma Glitter
4838E - Oval Stamp
Heavenly Joy
To make a card like this, use canvas white PolyShrink. First lightly sand the Polyshrink. Then stamp your image onto it using black Brilliance ink. Color the image with prismacolor pencils and cut it out. Use a heat gun to shrink the plastic. A stencil was cut out of paper and blue ink was applied to the edges to create the clouds.
Items used:
PolyShrink - Canvas white and Sanding blocks
Silver paper
Prismacolor pencils

(Source: impressrubberstamps.com)

Christmas Gift Ideas-In Low Budget

Here's a few of favorite inexpensive gift ideas...

1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. Pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustards
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbeque or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sourwood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. Small clock or radio
51. Pretty box for keepsakes
52. Colorful Post-It notepads
53. Address book
54. Christmas ornaments
55. Puzzles
56. Blank video or cassette tapes
57. Sewing supplies
58. Flashlight with batteries
59. Favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
60. Makeup brush set
61. Expensive socks, still under $10
62. Special soaps and bath puff
63. and don't forget my absolute favorite... home baked cookies!
Hope you will be inspired by this list, after all, it's not the amount of money you spend for a gift that matters the most, but that you cared enough to give something special.

(Source: www.betterbudgeting.com)