Materials List:

• Trinity Stamps Christmas Magic Stamp & Die Set
• Brutus Monroe Ho Ho Ho Stamp and Die Set
• 140# coldpress watercolor paper
• Hero Arts Hero Hues 111# Cardstock – Pitch Black
• Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Spray Stain – Antique Linen, Chipped Sapphire, Salty Ocean, Black Soot
• Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Oxide Inks – Rustic Wilderness, Salvaged Patina, Aged Mahogany, Ground Espresso
• Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Mica Stain – Winter Frost
• Wow! Embossing Powder – Twiggy
• Sizzix Detail Embossing Powder – Clear
• Ranger Perfect Pearls – Perfect Pearl
• Ranger Perfect Medium

This, my first ever attempt at a slimline card, honestly had me thinking that a card could be cursed. Let me elaborate…

I always make at least one “test” card before filming for YouTube. I am a Girl Scout kinda girl and being prepared is very comforting. Well, this card really threw me for a loop. Starting with my unfamiliarity with slimline stamps and dies…just the sheer size adds a few curve balls to the mix. Now throw in a slight manufacturing issue with Santa (kudos to Customer Support at Trinity Stamps, thank you Taniesa!) a camera malfunction, a faulty memory card, metallic thread that hated my sewing machine….6 hours into filming I was really starting to wonder if I should move on to something….less problematic. I had to leave the studio to ponder my life choices. A cup of tea and a few episodes of Yellowstone later (now that’s a family with problems) I was ready to dive back in with a new attitude.

The thing that I really love about this card is that the ink-blended background is so versatile. A dark purple, blue and black color scheme suggests a very dark and chilly night. The frosty blue and silver make me think of fresh snow and a full moon….you can totally create a mood with the background inking. And that tree stamp? Super fun and so festive. With the huge range of greens, blues and brown inks, there is virtually no limit to what you can do with ink and that tree stamp. And of course it is no secret that I love to showcase beautiful ink colors with a black card base.

I can say my first attempt at a slimline card was frustrating but rewarding. If you decide to make this card (or any 9×4 slimline card) be sure to check out my upcoming blog post for a slimline envelope template using 12″ x 12″ patterned paper.

I have another holiday slimline card in the works. Slimlines will not defeat me! This one involves Copics and watercolors and the cutest tall snowman stamp I’ve seen. Check back soon for all the details.

Cheers!

Cynthia