Well it’s time for another super challenge over at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown. I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying being part of the design team. It’s good fun coming up with a different Christmas card each week – I love that!

This week, Jacqueline has set a colour challenge – I chose to use red, green, black and gold …

I made a 6″x6″ card base of textured cherry cobbler core-dinations card, which is currently in the Stampin’ Up clearance rack sale and is an absolute bargain at £2.49 for a pack of 12”x12” cardstock – get it while it lasts!
I added a layer of Season of Style dsp, which is retired but the tartan pattern is just too nice not to use. Then, something a bit different for me, I made my own textured paper – really easy and simple to do – which I then ran through my big shot with the petals a plenty embossing folder.

I stamped the verse from the More Merry Messages stamp set in black stazon ink onto whisper white cardstock, and then used the deco labels framelits to cut out the verse and a piece of gold cardstock, to matt and layer together.
To add a touch of green to the card, I punched holly leaves from old olive cardstock, and sponged them with matching ink. The berries were punched from cherry cobbler cardstock, and I added highlights with a white gel pen. The first line of the verse is “hanging the holly”, so this fitted in beautifully.

Finally, I added a strip of whisper white organza ribbon across the card, and popped 3 gold sequins in the corner with tiny adhesive pearls in the centre.
I hope you like my take on this week’s challenge. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the design team have been up to – come take a look …
We’d love to see your designs, so hop on over and join in our challenge!
Here’s what I used to make today’s card – all supplies from Stampin’ Up!:
cardstock: whisper white, cherry cobbler, old olive, gold foil; stamp sets: more merry messages; inks: black stazon, old olive; punches: large oval, 1/2″ circle, small circle; accessories: adhesive pearls, stampin’ dimensionals, tombo multi-purpose glue, gold sequins, season of style dsp (retired), white gel pen, whisper white organza ribbon, bigshot, deco labels framelits, petals a plenty embossing folder, sponge dauber; additional: handmade paper.
I love receiving your messages, so if you have any questions, or you just want to say hi, do please leave me a comment.
Thanks for dropping by today


Love this card so simple but very effective, enjoying all the ideas for next year
Thank you Annette. The verse was the star of the show, but I loved making the embossed paper too. Gill x
Another great card Gill and off for a look at the other design team’s work x
Thanks Peg – hope you enjoy looking at the rest of the design team’s creations! Hugs, Gill x
Such a lovely card
Hi Faith – I’m glad you like it. I’m enjoying building my Christmas card collection! Hugs, Gill x
I absolutely LOVE this, Gill!!! The faux mulberry paper is GORGEOUS and I LOVE the textures on this! A beautifully framed sentiment, too–I adore that holly accent! HUGS and have a great rest of your weekend! 🙂 Mynn xx
Bless you – thanks Mynn! I loved how the handmade paper turned out – I was quite addicted, and now have a little stash to use on my cards 😀
Hope you have a great weekend too, hugs, Gill x
LOVE the torn paper backing for the sentiment….really makes it pop. Such a clever idea. An all round beautiful card, Gill. Have a great weekend!
hugs, Asha – Sunny Summer Crafts
Hello Asha – I loved the effect I got with the torn paper too – so pretty in real life with all that texture. So glad you liked my card.
Hope you have a good weekend too. Hugs, Gill x
I love the warm, rich look of your card. The textured backing paper and the sentiment along with the holly accent is absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you Deborah – I’d not made my own paper before so was pleased with how it turned out. Gill x
Hi Gill, just popping by to tell you how gorgeous your card is. I love the paper you have used and your embossed panel is stunning – Jacqueline xx
Hi Jacqueline – I’m so glad you like it. You set a great challenge this week, so I had to step up! Hugs, Gill x
So so pretty Gill! LOVE the torn paper panel and the terrific layered sentiment. Hugs! D
Thank you Danielle 😀 Gill x
cette touche dorée est la touche qui termine ta carte en beauté! biz
Merci beaucoup Fabiola! Gill x
Hi Gill, love that handmade paper look you achieved with the central panel, it looks fabulous. You also reminded me that I had some of that tartan paper-look out for it real soon! Gorgeous card, love the highlights on the berries-nice touch!
Louise xx
Hi Louise – thank you for your lovely comments. The tartan paper is one of my favourites – I’ll be sad when it’s all used up! Gill x
I’ve never thought to tear the edges of embossed cardstock, but it’s a great look! I like all your layers, and the way the plaid and metallic papers give visual texture to go along with the actual texture of the embossing. Nicely done!
Hi Patricia – tearing the edges of the paper gives a really pretty effect – do give it a try. Glad you like my card. Gill x