I have finally started making Christmas cards...

[pootlepod]

Well, more truthfully I have spent most of the time auditing my card stuff which will be suitable to use for Christmas cards. Found some bits I got from Lakeland which I had forgotten about.

Then set about making a card using an idea I had seen over the weekend- sort of a simple mosaic idea with material/mesh/sequins/glitter/wool etc mishmashed elegantly into a rectangle. The example looked really easy to copy, but mine ended up looking a real mess. Oh well, at least I have got another 3 months to practice!

I've just done a birthday card like that - 'looked' great in my head....but not when it was stuck on the card !

Back to the drawing board !

bet it weren't that bad. i must start mine early this year

So far I have just made up the embellishments.

Made 25 xmas puddings, 30 angels, 20 reindeers and about 20 little stockings.

Still in the middle of making xmas trees, I have about 3-4 different types in my head, one of which I made towards the end of last xmas but really enjoyed making so I thought I'd do some more this year.

Said to hubby last night that I was feeling a bit down about it all as if I wasn't getting anywhere, but I think it's because I haven't actually finished a card yet!
So putting embellishment to one side for a while and trying to get a few cards actually complete!

I heard that a lot of cardmakers set themselves a target to make so many xmas cards each month throughout the year. Sounded pretty good, but I don't know that I would ever be that organised.
Although I am doing so much better than last year!

Papercraft mag has a booklet full of chrimbo card ideas with it this month. Some look so simple it makes you think - why didn't I think of that !! There is a brilliant funky foam reindeer which is along similar lines to the silly sheep card I posted in the gallery - I don't usually like copying ideas (because they never look as good as the original!) but I might 'adapt' this one !!

Do you think it would help us if we played Christmas music in the background as we stick ??

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly...."

im a learner here as so far done 2 baby cards (one boy and one girl) so will have to look for xmas stuff (best on ebay as i only buy batch ones) to get it started

I got that booklet too Whizz- thought there were some great ideas in there. I must admit, I tend to dig out the Christmas cd too for the first session- just to get me in the mood.

I have some stuff on order fron craft creations, think I will do shaker cards for my cards this year. My family have asked me to make some cards for them so will experiment with different designs for them, based on what stamps etc I already have.

We need a christmas emoticon!

I have a grand total of 4 made !
But hopefully I will get to 'play' this afternoon !!

Yes they definately stole my stringy legs idea !

(that's stringy legs on a card - not on me !!)

Hi Dingle,you are good making your own embellishments.I'd love to know how you made them and what materials you used they sound lovely?

I've got that booklet too and I liked the reindeer one also.

I've only made 2 xmas cards so far I'm struggling with ideas but I've written a few down.I made one of them by cutting out a denim tree and stitching it onto hessian with irregular gold stitches then stitching a red gingham ribbon on it and a star brad at the top.The other card is a xmas stamp on shrink plastic attached to a ribbon going across the middle of the card on a green safety pin.Might make some more tonight.

The hessian one sounds nice !
When I have attempted my version of the reindeer one I will post in the gallery !

lol about the music, people people look at me as if I am mad as I hum "rudolph the red nosed reindeer" happily to myself! Been sitting out in the conservatory, sun shining in at me..hardly inspires xmas,does it!

Quite pleased with myself, actually put together 5 cards...haven't put wording on or done inserts yet though! I leave my cards pretty blank until they are sold and I personaLISE THEM AS i GO THEN.
Oooppps...sorry about caps, trying to eat an apple as I type...all part of my diet thing. Hoping to lose about a stone before xmas!!!

I will try to take piccies and load them in gallery. Layla, my embellishmwents are really very simple..bit like me!

oooo yes, hessian, got loads of the stuff, perhaps it would work with one of xmas tree embellishments I am making!....shuffles of to tip toe over all her crafty goodies, spread all over the conservatory floor to reach the blanket box where the hessian is stashed!

Can you buy small bits of hessian anywhere ?
I have only seen huge sack sizes in shops but I think it looks really good on cards!

I got mine from Hobbycraft ages ago. I think you are able to buy as little as 1/4 of a metre. Still haven't got to mine- I was distracted by a sizzix machine that jumped out on me shouting "use me!"
I have managed to borrow some quickutz dies and I am busy cutiing more reindeers!!