Country Christmas Cards with Gloria Stengel

Hello everyone! Gloria here with you today. I recently received the NEW Wrapped in Joy embossing folder set and I decided...why not make some quick and easy cards - and get a jump-start on my holiday card making?! I actually have two cards to share today in a "country Christmas" theme. I wanted the cards to be fairly easy to mail. I also wanted to create some cards that use embossing folders and just a few, simple items so that you could make a bunch at one time. (Both cards for today are standard size - 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 or A2.)

For this card, I simply made a dark red card base and lined it with kraft cardstock (for adding a sentiment on the inside of the card). I then embossed another piece of kraft cardstock with the Christmas Lyrics Embossing Folder.

Using a Sponge Dauber, I gently rubbed white ink over the embossed cardstock. I love the "snowy" look of the white ink on the kraft cardstock. After I trimmed the panel to size, I rubbed more white ink around the edges.

To finish the card, I added some twine and a faux vintage button.

The card has a lot of texture and interest, but is actually quite flat, and easy to mail. If you are worried about the button making the card too bulky, you could just add the twine and leave the button off. I decided to create a second card using the "chalk ink" technique. This is one of my all-time-favorite embossing techniques. It's an oldie, but a goodie!

I created an off-white card base and embossed red cardstock with the Moonlit Berries Embossing Folder.

This time, I rubbed the embossed cardstock with a creamy white ink for a softer look. To add some extra fun to the card, I placed Self-Adhesive Pearls on a few of the berries. (This makes the card a bit bulkier. You may need to add a sheet of thin cardstock to the inside of your envelope when mailing this one.) I also created a flower from a scrap of leftover lace. To make the little blossom, simply use some thread to place a running stitch across one long edge of the lace. Pull the threads to gather the lace, and tie off the ends. I added a pearl to the center of the flower. I also die-cut a swirl using the Mimi Decorative Die. I cut the swirl from green cardstock and trimmed a bit of it to use behind my lace flower.

I hope you are inspired to create some quick and easy Christmas cards! Thanks for joining me today!

Couture Creations Supplies:
CO723607 Wrapped in Joy Collection - Christmas Lyrics Embossing Folder
CO729596 Wrapped in Joy Collection - Moonlit Berries Embossing Folder
CO723476 Sophia Collection - Mimi Decorative Die
CO721998 Moonlight Self-Adhesive Pearls
CO721956 Sharp Point Scissors
CO721986 Handheld Essentials Tools
CO723061 Sponge Daubers
CO721965 Double-Sided Tape
CO721961 Foam Mounting Tape
CO721957 Cutting Mat
CO723039 Precision Trimmer