Christmas in July? Not around here.

One or two of you, clever readers, spotted the Ornament dies on my kitchen table on Wednesday. Not much of a jump to assume I was doing a little seasonal crafting, but no. I needed some balloons to decorate a Card in a Box and was originally planning to use an oval punch. But mine isn’t quite the right shape and I wasn’t happy with them. I thought I’d use circle punches instead…..and then…..

I had a brain wave…..Ornament dies! Turned upside down they gave me a ‘neck’ to tie the string around. Perfect. If you’re a regular, you’ll know I like to get plenty of mileage out of my craft supplies. There’s something especially satisfying about alternative uses for Christmas themed products, don’t you think? I stamped the balloons with chevron designs and pulled out my old favourite, Gorgeous Grunge, for the panels. Added a Frame to the front for a sentiment and I was done. I left the largest balloon at the back plain so that the card could be personalised.

One of the ladies who comes to my class had requested a Shaker card. I’d never made one before so I watched a few Youtube videos on the construction and then created one in my own style. As you can probably tell, I used what was already out on my desk for the previous card. Not that I’m lazy or anything.

Gorgeous Grunge for that ink splattered look and the wonderful Positively Chevron background stamp. I punched out lots of small circles, from the scraps leftover after die cutting the balloons, and added a pinch of sequins for a bit of sparkle.

Colours used were Pacific Point, Pool Party and Whisper White, with the addition of Daffodil Delight for the Card in a Box. I was thinking of putting together a tutorial for the latter. There are lots online already, I know, but I do mine a little differently so that they fit a standard 6” x 6” (15cm) envelope. If you’d be interested in that, just let me know in the comments.

We’ve had some spectacular storms here, the last couple of nights and I love to watch them, as long as I’m safely tucked up indoors! I’m hoping for a quiet one tonight though. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.