Hi there. Another challenge has started at Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge. Kylie has chosen the theme – most appropriately – of ‘Christmas Characters’. Here is my card:

Even though this is a CAS make – it took quite a bit of planning. Why? Well – the placement of each stamp and which ink to use for which layer. I definitely took Tim Holtz advice on one of his lives about layering Distress Oxides and Distress inks when stamping. I knew I wanted to use the fabulous Santa from one of his stamp sets, but what to put around him? How to make it look whimsical and fun?

I used his swirly thing stamp, and Salvaged Patina Distress Ink, then I inked up Santa with Candied Apple Distress Oxide, before turning to the sentiment.

I chose to stamp this in black, but also heat embossed in clear to give a little shine, and to make it stand out.

I really need to play more with Tim’s stamp sets. I always tend to think they need to be used on a mixed media project with lots of techniques – but I really like the simplicity of this card.

I hope you can come and join us with your CAS Christmas Characters – I look forward to seeing you in our gallery. xx

I shall be entering the following challenges:

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge – anything goes Christmas

Lil Patch Of Crafty friends – anything goes

Lemon Shortbread – anything goes

TTCRD – anything goes