I had about 30 cards ready to post off to Caring Hearts, when I reread the instructions, (always a good idea that!). I realised that they were required all to be an A2 sized card, and mine weren't all that size. Also, the instructions regarding writing in the card is vague...I just assumed that the cards would be personalised for each resident once they were received at the facility...but there is a note in the American instructions that they can be sent from anyone...seemingly requiring a personalised message inside...I am quite sure I did not do that last year...whoops! I have left a query on Linda's blog so hope to get clarification soon. Also there are some labels this year to attach to each card, and I have already popped all of mine into cello bags...hey ho! Why don't I read properly first...I am sure no-one else in the world would do this (;)).
Anyhow, the NON A2 ones are now all relegated to the pile for local folk and I had to make a few new ones for sending off.
Anyhow, the NON A2 ones are now all relegated to the pile for local folk and I had to make a few new ones for sending off.
I have never used this tiny holly leaf die although it has been in my die box for several years...it's time has come! The holly berries are a bit of a pain, they are no bigger than full stops when die cut!
I don't have a wreath stamp so coiled some hairy garden twine onto a stamp block with repositionable adhesive. I inked with a kraft ink, then a mid brown and finally a rich cocoa, stamping each onto the card front and varying the position each time.
This gave me a circle shape to be able to apply the holly leaves without worrying too much about the positioning.
Most of the leaves are on, just starting on the berries...dratted little things! Next time I will use red liquid pearls, although these do look nice!
The finished card...I added some glossy accents onto the berries and a PTI tiny gold bow and stamped a sentiment in black Archival ink. Almost a one layer card.
We have a visiting Goldfinch, it must be nesting quite nearby, as it appears with clockwork regularity each morning, sitting on the fence outside my bedroom, preening and chirping so beautifully. I never recognised their song before, but it is sweetly melodious...I understand now why Charles Dickens's tubercular little heroines, dying in their attics, had cages of these birds as their companions...They are an introduced bird from early settlers, as are the skylarks. Both are wonderful songsters.
The candying of the angelica is almost done...it has had it's final immersion in the (now very) sticky syrup mixture and is reposing in gleaming splendor on some baking paper, hopefully about to dry into firm glossy sticks...watch this space! I certainly hope it is good to go as the plant really does not have enough stems left for a second batch...and I have set my heart on angelica tarts for a Christmas treat.
Speaking of which, time is running out, first of November today...still haven't made the puddings or even thought about what we will be eating, who is to be invited...all that Christmas build up fun and hysteria!
Personally I think I'd rather just go for a picnic somewhere, but with Helen and James staying I guess I am really going to have to make an effort, besides one can really never rely on the weather here...maybe I will start the planning tomorrow...maybe...
Bye now,
Di
Speaking of which, time is running out, first of November today...still haven't made the puddings or even thought about what we will be eating, who is to be invited...all that Christmas build up fun and hysteria!
Personally I think I'd rather just go for a picnic somewhere, but with Helen and James staying I guess I am really going to have to make an effort, besides one can really never rely on the weather here...maybe I will start the planning tomorrow...maybe...
Bye now,
Di
RSS Feed