Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Rustic Christmas

Life got busy and I haven't been able to play along with the Merry Monday Christmas challenges lately -  but was so inspired by this week's rustic theme and photo - I quickly made two cards!
Birch trees are one of my favorite trees with their white/tan/brown bark that is often peeling off here and there.   And having just learned a new technique on Splitcoaststampers of swiping ink over a panel with a used gift card (see yesterdays cards here) - and having seen my stamping friend, Bonnie's wonderful card she made for this challenge here -  I knew I wanted to give a shot at re-creating the look of the birch as well!
I rubbed Ranger Distress Oxides in Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo on my craft mat, spritzed them with a little bit of water, then dipped the edge of my gift card in one ink and dragged it over a panel of white card.  I continued one color and then the other until I was happy with the look.   
I flicked some water onto the panel  to create some water spots.  Then I pushed my gift card edge into some Archival Jet Black ink and pressed the edge onto the panel randomly.  I die cut Christmas out of red card and stamped the MERRY above it.
Every background you create using this technique comes out differently - you never get the same thing twice.
I added 3 little wood veneer stars to each card.
I'm glad to be back on track in adding cards to my Christmas stash!

You'll find the Merry Monday Christmas challenge here
Stamps:  Christmas Cheer - PTI
Paper:  White, True Black, Pure Poppy - PTI
Ink:  True Black - PTI,  Archival Jet Black, Ranger Distress Oxides Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo
Accessories:  used gift card, glue pen, Christmas Cheer Dies - PTI, wooden stars - Studio Calico/American Crafts, water, nonstick craft mat.

8 comments:

Marcia Hill said...

Beautiful cards Julia! I saw that technique yesterday but have not had a chance to try it yet. Yours definitely reminds me of Birch trees and I love just the simple addition of the sentiment! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday!! :0)

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Cool effect with the gift card, Julia, and I love the pop of the red sentiment die!!

Bonnie said...

I love the way your panels turned out and how each time we do this, it's different! The red die cut Christmas is perfect on this background! Such a pretty font! And the little stars add extra dimension and texture! Thanks for the shout out!

Loll said...

Your birch tree backgrounds turned out beautifully, Julia! Love the pop of red. xx

Colleen said...

Wow, Julia, glad you mentioned the technique...this is really cool and definitely gives it a rustic look. Thanks for playing along with us at Merry Monday!

Amanda said...

Love your card. The Birch background is great, perfect for Rustic. x Amanda

Notes by Nina said...

Wonderful card Julia, I love the fabulous background and the red sentiment pops. So glad you could join us for Merry Monday.

3treescreations@gmail.com said...

Beautiful cards - love your technique!! Thanks for playing along with us at Merry Monday.