My Christmas 101 class this week was so much fun.  The point of the class was cards that are easily duplicated but that still feel special.  Yesterday’s card had the sparkle of the wreath.  Today we are working in a more subtle but elegant palette.

This card is perfect for the new stamper or if you want to limit your costs on creating your cards.  The beautiful detail on the Bright Hopes tree adds a certain elegance that is elevated by the bow.  The bow is created with my trust potato masher (instructions here).  My class looked at me with a bit of skepticism when we started these but all their bows ended up looking just like mine.  I may have some converts!  We talked a lot about visual triangles and how they make a card look complete.  We also discussed layouts that can use interchangeable stamps.  Imagine this card with Dasher in Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso or in this same color set using the tree from Season of Joy and the matching sentiment from the set.  The card would feel different but you haven’t had to do any extra work.  All these are elements I use when designing my own Christmas cards.

I hope this helps you as you approach the holiday card making season.  It is not too late to start!!  I’ll be back next week with lots more…a new SUO Challenges, the Creative Crew November Challenges and of course a new Freshly Made Sketch.  Off to work on finishing those projects….  Have a great weekend!

Stamp:  Bright Hopes; Paper:  Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Natural Ivory; Ink:  Always Artichoke; Accessories:  Artichoke Seam Binding, Dimensionals

All products are Stampin’ Up!