Merry Christmas - To Shaker or Not To Shaker - A Step Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Makers!

As we near the end of 2019, I am feeling great about the progress of my 2019 self-challenge.  I successfully refrained from purchasing stamps, dies, etc., I have significantly reduced my stash, I have created cards that were out of my comfort zone, and I was able to relaunch A Place To Start, a challenge blog I hope to expand into a crafter's resource site.  This month, it seems that I am facing a different kind of challenge...Christmas Cards.

I normally don't make Christmas Cards.  Last year, I received a rather substantial order for Christmas Cards. This year, My sister-in-law has asked me to create custom cards for her church and for her personal use.  My supplies are limited but this image, I thought would work well as a generic holiday greeting.

Merry Christmas - The Tutorial

Shaker Version

Tools Needed

Die Cutting Machine or Circle Cutter

Metal cutting dies -Circle (2)
Blending brushes or other blending tools
Stamping Platform

Paper Trimmer

Craft Knife

Paper Piercer

Self-healing cutting mat
Small circle punch or die (3/4")

Supplies Needed

White Cardstock - 2 Sheets - 8.5" x 11"0

   Card Base - Cut to 4.25"x 11.0", Scored at 5.50" 

   Window Panel - Cut to 4.25"x 5.50"

   Image Panel - Cut to 4.25" x 5.50"
White Craft Foam
    1 pc cut to 4-1/8"x 5-1/4"  (you can use double-sided foam tape to create your shaker window if you do not have craft foam.) 
Distress Inks/Oxides (or other ink pads)
    Tumbled Glass, Iced Spruce, Stormy Sky, Salty Ocean, Blueprint Sketch, Faded Jeans, Squeezed Lemonade, Weathered Wood, Broken China    

Acetate - Must be large enough to cover the smallest circle size.
Sequins, Chunky Glitter or other shakers materials
Image Stamp or Die
Double-sided tape
Wet Glue
Wink of Stella (or some other glitter brush)
Stickles - Diamond
Image Stamp or Die
Post It Notes
White Paint Pen

Step--by-Step

Helpful Hint:  Before you start your project, create a template that can be used to make sure your image positioning is correct.  I used a scrap piece of Kraft card.  Use the smaller (window size) of your two circles.

Step 1

Cut your cardstock down to the proper sizes (See above).   Use your small die to cut a circle shape. This is your window.  Position your sentiment and stamp it onto your window panel.  (if you are making multiple cards, I would suggest cutting and stamping all of your window panels at this point.)

Step 2

Next, use the larger die to cut a circle in your craft foam. Later, this piece will be added to the back of your window panel.  If you place your craft foam on the back of your panel it should look like this.  Your craft foam may stretch a little when you run it through your die cutter.  Trim the excess.  It will also be flat but will regain its fullness. 

Step 3

Apply double-sided tape to the back of your window panel. Remove the release paper.   Adhere the acetate sheet to the back of the panel.  Apply tape to the back of the acetate sheet.  Now attach ds tape to the back of your craft foam.  If you are making the shaker version of the card, it is important to create a tight seal so that none of your shaker elements fall out.  

Your taped pieces should look something like this.

Remove the release tape from the acetate sheet and place the craft foam on top with the taped side up. This will be added to your card base.  For now, set this assembly aside.

Step 4

Use your remaining A2 panel to color your image.  If you are going to use watercolors, you will want to use the appropriate paper.

Snowdrifts

Create templates for your snowdrifts.  You can do this by tearing/cutting across the sticky edge of a Post-It note.  You may also used curved dies.

Use your 3/4" round punch or circle die to cut a circle from the sticky edge of a Post-It note.

Using your circle template, position your moon and the first layer of snowdrifts where you want them to appear in your card window.

Use removable tape to secure your panel to your work surface.

Begin coloring around your moon.  I used Weathered Wood to create my halo, however, Tumbled Glass is probably a better choice.  Work your way outward from light to dark colors.

I used Iced Spruce Distress Oxide to create my snowdrifts.  Keep positioning your templates until you achieve a pattern that you like! 

 Use your template to define the area that will be in the window of your card.

I stamped my image onto a scrap piece of paper to help me determine where I wanted to place my cabin.  If you are using a clear stamp, this step is not necessary. 

Place your stamp on your platform and position it.  

 Remove the yellow sticky and stamp your image with black ink. I used Momento Tuxedo Black.  Clean your stamp and then stamp the image again using Versa Mark Embossing Ink.  Heat emboss using "CLEAR" Embossing Powder.

 Decorate your image.  I added stickles to the trees, the wreath on the front of the house and the Christmas tree in the window.  I used "Wink of Stella" and Iridescent Watercolor Medium to add frost to my snowdrifts and the roof of the cabin.  I used a white Sharpie Paint Marker to color the snowflakes.

Next, apply double-sided tape to your card base. Add the image panel to the card base. If you are making a shaker card, place the shaker materials on top of your image before proceeding to the next step.

Remove the release paper from the back of your window panel and adhere it to your card base.  You are done.

Thanks for stopping by!  

Challenges Entered

A Perfect Time to Craft - Always Anything Goes

Classic Design Design Team Challenge - Always Anything Goes

Merry Little Christmas Challenge - Christmas Theme

Pearly Sparkles Challenge - Christmas

As You Like It Challenge -(This stamp creates such a peaceful scene)