Christmas Cards

Christmas is gone for another year! It seems we spend so much time preparing for it and it's over in a flash, which is probably why I leave my tree up so long. Five weeks this Christmas, the longest yet!

I made Christmas cards this year for my close friends and family. Even though I love making things, cards in particular, it kinda freaks me out to give a gift of something that I've made. So this is the first year that I actually did it. I surprised myself, it was way too much fun and I can't wait to do it again. However, Christmas eve I started to slightly panic...wondering if I had made the right choice. What if no one likes the cards and gifts? Maybe I should have bought something rather than making them. I am always so full of self doubt, I don't know how I get through my day, to be honest.

But I'm glad I did this. I wouldn't say I've overcome my fear...there's always the next holiday or birthday to panic about...but I got through the hurdle this Christmas. Only good things can come of it. Right?! lol

These are all my own designs...based loosely on many cards that I've drawn inspiration from all over Pinterest. I don't really have any tutorials. You won't need any, they are pretty easy to figure out. Cut some paper, glue some paper. ;) However, if you have questions, feel free to leave a message below.

I made all my envelopes too :)

And yes, picture quality is crap. Still using my phone as a camera! As I see it, I'm lucky to even remember to take any photos at all. :P

Penguin Christmas Cards

So I got a text from a friend of mine about a month ago. She wanted me to make some Christmas cards, something different and preferably with a reindeer or penguin theme. My first thought was 'oh crap...I don't have any stencils or stamps for either of those.' Then I frantically started looking online for inspiration. I decided right away it would be penguins cause I love them and nothing is cuter...I swear! And the rounder they are, the better. :)
I found soooo many possibilities...if I had a machine or punchers to do the work for me. But alas, I am a poor little crafter. So I looked for something that I could make my own stencil from.

Then I found this! Instant love! Penguin Love!

So I free handed a stencil based on this, added some bling to his hat and some googly eyes for fun and came up with this! A chubby Santa Penguin sitting atop a hill of fluffy snow! :D

I made 8 of these loverly penguins and stuck them on blue paper, which was actually stuck to white cardstock. I got the red glitter cardstock (for the hats) at Michael's. I totally fell in love with it and have promised myself that I'm going back for more as soon as I find a reason to need it. ;) I couldn't find the right color paper for his beak and feet, and my clever boyfriend came up with the brilliant idea to use one of those big yellow envelopes. It was the perfect color! Stamped some snowflakes on the blue background with white ink and that's it! A little time consuming but oh so darn cute!

I had to make 8 of these penguin cards...so it didn't take too long once the planning and cutting stages were over with. And I had tons of fun making them. And she loved them so that was what I was aiming for. :)
I stamped a Christmas-y message on the inside but, of course, forgot to take a photo of that :P

First attempt at card making!

So I went shopping for a Father's Day card yesterday and was browsing through birthday cards, etc as I always do. I browse more than I buy just to see the new cute designs and then I make my way to the hugely overpriced gift items cause I love to torture myself with the things I can't afford. lol

So I was reading this cute little birthday card, very homemade looking which is actually nice to see in a card and gift shop. And out of curiosity and habit I flipped it over and looked at the price. I'm pretty sure my heart skipped a few beats...$7.50! For one card with a simple design that I could have made at home. I went from thinking what a cute little card to outrage in about 15 seconds! So what do I do when I'm struck with such disbelief? I vent and put it as my Facebook status! Haha! Then I went into card making overdrive. I've never made a greeting card in my life. To be honest, I really never thought I was creative enough. But after seeing those simple designs on a card priced so high, I thought why not? I'll give it a try. So I made 3 different kinds (with envelopes), I can't say I love them but for basically no cost I think they are 100% better than those that cost $7.50. I really like making them so I think I'll keep it up and see if I develop a knack for it.

As always, for your viewing...pleasure? lol

regular size greeting cards with yellow envelopes

regular size greeting cards with purple envelopes

note cards (measures appr. 4" x 4") with matching envelopes
these are probably my favorite :)

note cards (measures appr. 4" x 4") with matching envelopes