Saturday, December 5, 2015

Sepia Christmas Card with Astrid

Hello Shimmerz visitors, lovely to have you visiting today.
I think like many of us, I am in full Christmas card making mode, - this time I have one in sepia tones to share with you.
I used three Shimmerz products only for this project:
I took some 5 x 7 smooth card and ran it through a Snowflake embossing folder.. I sprayed the whole card liberally with Truffle Spritz, added some water and dried it with my heat gun. I then very carefully highlighted the raised bits by dry brushing with some gesso for a wintry effect.
Next I diecut and embossed a large snowflake using the Tim Holtz Layered Snowflake die and matching embossing folder and used the same method to colour it, but darkening it in places with the Tarnished Treasure Inlinkz paint.
I just love the effect of the dry brushed gesso over the wonderful shimmering paints and sprays.
After adhering the large snowflake to the centre of my card it was time to embellish.
I coloured some white ribbon with the Truffle Spritz and threaded it through some lace as shown above.
Next I made a messy bow using the same ribbon, but I had crinkled it while still wet with the spray.

I adhered it to the side of my threaded piece of ribbon and added a little punched out snowflake to the centre.
I coloured a little wooden sentiment with the Tarnished Treasure paint, it only needed one coat, the Inklingz have so much pigment that it coloured the wood just perfectly, giving it just the right amount of silvery tarnished sparkle.
Lastly I darkened the background around the large snowflake with the Before Dawn spray, using a paint brush, - this to help it pop a bit more against the quite busy background. I adhered the card to a precut folded bit of card and that was it.

Well, I hope you like my shabby card and that you are having fun with your own Christmas and seasonal crafting. Don't forget, you can order Shimmerz products directly from the Shimmerz Paints Store. If you do,  mention my name (Astrid Maclean) in the «Instruction to Merchant/seller» part of your order form (just below your name and address). After clicking «add», you'll get a FREE product in the color of your choice. And for people from outside the US, Shimmerz do a really good deal on postage!
Thanks for your visit today and see you next time!

18 comments:

Redanne said...

Your shabby card is stunning Astrid, I love the muted vintage tones and your messy bow is superb! Anne x

Annie said...

Such a beautiful card Astrid. I adore the amazing texture and details complimented by the addition of the lace and Calico Craft Part.

TFS and best wishes
Annie x

Jackie PN said...

Absolutely stunning! Astrid!!
Your use of this palette, I would never have thought to- you work it my friend!! If you don't know who to send this card to, well, go ahead and put my name on it! heehee
Gorgeous!!
so happy Shimmerz saw your talent and snatched you up- you do their products proud!!
Jackie xx

Pamellia said...

Gorgeous Astrid! A beautiful mix of vintage and shabby, just stunning! hugs :)

Terry said...

Wow! Sepia colors with the frosty whites look stunning! I love the soft vintage feel you have captured! Hugs!

Kathy Bradley said...

Astrid - so very gorgeous and elegant!!

Sandy said...

Really so very gorgeous Astrid - I just recently bought some Shimmerz Paint products as a results of one of your posts. I certainly hope you use more of their products as I really want to learn how to use them. Love the texture and elegance of your card.
Sandy xx

sarascloset said...

So pretty, Astrid! Love the sepia tone on tone and the lace just makes this so special! Gorgeous! You've inspired me to get out my almost forgotten Snowflake duo!

mamablitger said...

Waw...Astrid you are such a gifted artist. And you did it again. Todays project is awesome, stunning, elegant and very inspiring. I love using non traditional Christmas colors.
Thank you so MUCH for sharing your beautiful art.
Hugs from Monica....Spain

Diana Taylor said...

Just stunning - I envy the people on your Christmas card list!

pearshapedcrafting said...

This is stunning! The sepia along with the lace, your lovely 'messy' bow and the gorgeous texture are the most wonderful combination! Chrisx

Words and Pictures said...

Absolutely delightful! The main snowflake is fabulous, and I love how it is echoed in the background texture. The subtle shimmer of the neutral colour tones is just fabulous, especially on the lettering. Wow!
Alison x

Juliz Design Post said...

A stunning vintage delight. Beautiful textures and colours, love your card Astrid.
Julie x

Studio Susanne said...

Astrid,
Your snowflake card is beautiful, I love the shabby vintage feel you created and the snow effect looks magical. You have such a wonderful talent for creating such adorable keepsakes.
Warmest best wishes,
Susanne
-X-

Chris said...

This is such a beautiful card Astrid! Love the colour scheme and all the gorgeous textures, I bet it looks even prettier in real life. Chris x

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Astrid this is really an amazing card, so beautiful , I love the colours and details!!!It really gives the christmas feeling!!!

Greetings
Maria

Marisa Job said...

Such a gorgeous card Astrid!!!

A Pink said...

Fabulously shabby chic! Astrid Love all those muted tones and the yummy texture you've given your snowflake . x