A Simple Merry Christmas to All

And, to all a good night. Yes, this is my final post on the Inspiration/Design Team Blog. With that in mind, I thought I would make it short and sweet, as they say. I created a couple of greeting cards using the Brutus Monroe Holiday Sentiment Stamp Set and bits and bobs of scraps I had just waiting for their starring role in my paper drawer.

I started by cutting a few printed pattern papers that match two of my planner sticker designs into “gifts” of varying widths and heights for the three packages on each card. I tied the packages with a combination of baker’s twine and 1/8 inch wide satin and grosgrain ribbons, making the bow land on top of each gift. On both card backs I spritzed Brutus Monroe Liquid Elements in Sterling. I do like the vintage mercury glass feeling the spray gives. The Christmas backing got two layers just to darken it a bit. I attached the gifts to the card back with double-sided tape. At that point, I wrapped baker’s twine around the top of the card back and tied a bow. I rounded the corners on both the card backs and the bottom of card blanks with that old hop-along paper punch of mine. 

The final steps — using the double-sided tape, I attached each card back to a 4.25 inch by 5.50 inch card blank. With Brutus Monroe Detail Ink in Raven I stamped the sentiments and a few snowflakes. After fussy cutting, I used bits of foam tape to nestle and secure the sentiments right under the top bows. Inspired by the snow falling outside today, on the Christmas card I placed a few of the snowflakes. Just a side note — there are digital cut files for the sentiments in the Brutus Monroe online store; but since I was making just one today and I like fussy cutting, I went the old-fashioned route.

I do like how the finished cards look. I also like the idea that they are a great size and design to be included in planner spreads! Planner gals can punch them for their Happy Planners and attach those coil tabs that work with the Erin Condren planners. It’s a great way to use up all those little bits of paper that we hold on to for way too long. It’s also a great design if you find yourself in a rush and heading out the door. With a couple stamps and great ink, some ribbon and a few scraps of paper you’ll have a card for that special occasion and no one would ever guess that it took just a few minutes to pull it all together.

In signing off, I want to say that I have enjoyed sharing my designs with all of you. It has been fun documenting my adventures as I came back into the world of stamping and card making. As a planner gal myself, I enjoyed combining the fun new techniques with items that work in my planners. I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of the Brutus Monroe team. With that being said, I am wishing you all a happy holiday season and a bright, cheery and healthy new year. 

You can also find me:

Tanya Lochridge Jewelry

Online Store: www.tanyalochridge.com

Instagram: @tanyalochridge

Pinterest: @tanyalochridge

Twitter: @tanyalochridge

Blog: www.tanyalochridgejewelry.blogspot.com

Planner Stickers & Printables

Etsy: www.trlplansandprints.etsy.com

Twitter: @trlplansandprints

Instagram: @trlplansandprints

Blog: Stay tuned!