Yesterday I started a 15 day Christmas Card Making Challenge with my accountability partner, Christy. The challenge is to blog one Christmas card each day for 15 days. I am planning a variety of cards at different levels, some using dies, some with techniques and also some that will be simple stamping. So join me in my challenge!
For today’s card, I will focus on showing you how to create the Aurora Borealis background. I am using the Quite Curvy Variety Bundle (#158396) which includes the Quite Curvy and Curvy Christmas stamp sets, as well as the Curvy Dies and some Classic Christmas Designer Series Paper.
Measurements: Whisper White Card Stock (CS) card base: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches with a score line at 4 1/4 inches; Whisper White CS: 2 x 3 inches, and two 5 1/2 inch long curvy “snowdrifts”. The snowdrifts are made using the Curvy dies.
The Aurora Borealis Technique
The first step is to prepare some sponges. I cut the Stamping Sponges in half, then cut the half to make a quarter. Some folks like the 1/4 sponge but I have found I can cut the quarter in half again and get 8 pieces from one Stamping Sponge. I cut out a square of card stock in the same color as the ink I plan to use and staple it to the top of the sponge.
I do not rinse the sponges out, but rather I store them in a compartmentalized craft box.
To prevent the ink from getting on the back of the card, I used sticky note tape at the 4 1/4 inch score line. Dab the sponge in the Daffodil Delight ink and then make horizontal streaks in a random pattern to cover the top 1/3 of the card front.
Dab a sponge in the Granny Apple Green ink and make some more streaks. Follow the same procedure for the Magenta Madness ink and the Pacific Point ink. I know it looks pretty weird right now.
I sponged the Night of Navy ink more heavily around the edges. Using the Pacific Point ink I then sponged over the other colors.
Next I sponged some more Daffodil Delight ink and Magenta Madness ink to make the colors more vibrant. You can keep adding colors and the Pacific Point or Night of Navy over the colors until you are satisfied with the look. Don’t worry, it will look much better once we add the snowdrifts.
Carefully peel off the sticky tape and let the ink dry before trying to fold the card.
Putting it all together
Tip: When using a curvy sentiment, put the stamp on the card stock and position it how you want it, then put the clear block over it. Stamp the sentiment “Thinking of you at Christmas” on the larger snowdrift in Misty Moonlight ink. The sentiment is in the Curvy Christmas stamp set.
I stamped the birds from the Quite Curvy stamp set in Memento Black ink and then colored with the Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers in Light and Dark: Balmy blue, Misty Moonlight and Night of Navy. I always have the Color Lifter handy so I can lighten the colors as well as cover any marks out of the lines. Fussy cut the birds.
I used the Light and Dark Balmy Blue to color the edges of the snowdrift and add some dimension. Glue the two snowdrifts together.
Adhere the snowdrifts to the card front. Position the birds and use the Light Balmy Blue to make small shadows before you adhere the birds.
Adhere the birds to the card front. Tip: I find it easier to position smaller images by using some tweezers.
Add some Rhinestone Basic Jewels to the sky for extra sparkle and Viola! you have a unique and extraordinary handmade Christmas Card!
Thanks so much for visiting. I am excited about my 15 Day Christmas Card Challenge and hope to see you back tomorrow!
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Have a wonderful start of the Holiday Season and best wishes on your crafting projects!
Theresa