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Christmas Card Challenges #42: Photo Inspiration

20 Sep

Good afternoon!  This week we have a fun inspiration photo for Christmas Card Challenges!  It’s an unusual palette and a pretty image!  Of course, the only real rule is that you create a holiday card…and as we’re closing in on the end of September it’s time to get started on your holiday card stash!  Here’s a close-up of this week’s inspiration photo:

September 20 -- night time Christmas tree (1)

I love this photo…it’s unconventional but the colors are gorgeous!  I decided to use the colors and the swirly shape of the tree for my inspiration!  Here’s what I created:

I’ve been doing a lot of work with my distress inks this week and when I saw the inspiration photo I realized that the colors were almost identical matches to distress ink colors!  So I started off by blending distress ink in Seedless Preserves, Dusty Concord, Shaded Lilac, Blueprint Sketch, Chipped Sapphire, and Salty Ocean onto a piece of watercolor paper.  I applied a lot of distress ink to get a really vibrant coverage that would match the inspiration photo.  Next I stamped the flourish stamp from Rubbernecker stamps with versamark and then heat-embossed it with ultra high clear embossing powder.  I let the melted powder cool for a minute or two and then I swiped my Memento tuxedo black ink pad over the paper until it totally saturated the un-embossed areas.  This allows the blended colors to show through under the embossed design.  I adhered that panel to a black card base and then I stamped the sentiment from Hero Arts onto a piece of vellum and heat-embossed it with silver embossing powder.  I adhered the sentiment banner to the card with vellum tape and added a few sequins for a little more sparkle.

I hope you’ll play along with the challenge this week!  I look forward to seeing how you interpret the inspiration photo!  For even more inspiration, check out what the rest of the design team has created!

  • Carol
  • Donna
  • Gail
  • Heather
  • JoAnn
  • Margo
  • Marsha
  • Monica
  • Shirley Anne

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:

Interested in the products I used?  To make them easy for you to find, I have listed them below. (Affiliate disclosure can be found here). Your purchases help keep my blog running and I thank you for the support!)

Rubbernecker Stamps Flourish Background
Hero Arts Rubber Stamps, Under The Mistletoe
Once in a Blue Moon iridescent sequins
EK Tools Powder Tool, New Package
Milwaukee Model 1400 Heat Gun
Wow! Embossing Powder Large Jar 160ml-Clear Gloss Ultra High
Ranger Embossing Powder, 1-Ounce Jar, Super Fine Silver
Plus Permanent Vellum Glue Tape Dispenser-.33
Ranger Multi Medium Bottle, 0.5-Ounce, Matte
Canson Watercolor Pad For Beginners 9 in. x 12 in.
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk
Strathmore 598030 20-Sheet Strathmore Inkjet Translucent Vellum, 8.5 by 11-Inch
Ranger Ink Blending Tool, 1-Inch Round
Ranger 1-Inch Ink Round IBT40965 Blending Replacement Foams, Mini, 20-Pack
Ranger July Blueprint Sketch Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad
Ranger DIS-27119 Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Chipped Sapphire
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Dusty Concord
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Salty Ocean
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Seedless Preserves
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Shaded Lilac
Tsukineko Full-Size Memento Fade Resistant Inkpad, Tuxedo Black
Tsukineko Full-Size VersaMark Pigment Inkpad, Clear
InLinkz.com

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You May Also Enjoy:

  • Christmas Card Challenges #22: Photo Inspiration
  • Christmas Card Challenges #19: Photo Inspiration
  • Christmas Card Challenges #25: Photo Inspiration

Comments:
11 Comments
Categories:
card-making, challenge, crafting
Tags:
joseph's coat, rubbernecker stamps

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Comments

  1. Rubeena says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    Love how you create these effects on dark cardstock!

    Reply
  2. KT Fit Kitty says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    It’s gorgeous! Love the DI colours you chose.

    Reply
  3. Lisaerica says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Jess, it’s beautiful and your AMAZING!

    Reply
  4. Victoria Dent says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    A stunning card for sure. Beautiful work!!!

    Reply
  5. Shari says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Gorgeous

    Reply
  6. Ashwini says

    September 20, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    Stunning!! Fantastic card!

    Reply
  7. Michael Bakeler says

    September 20, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    Gorgeous!!

    Reply
  8. Lou Wittmer says

    September 20, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    speechless…….unbelievably gorgeous!

    Reply
  9. Gail Townsend says

    September 22, 2015 at 3:26 am

    Stunnng creation

    Reply
  10. Traci Starkweather says

    November 4, 2016 at 1:44 am

    Hi Jessica! I just stopped by on Kathy R’s 3 day blog hop for the 30 Days of Coloring Challenge.

    I saw this image when I was trying to find my way back to the list of people on the hop and I had to look and take it in!

    GORGEOUS! And I love the use of unconventional colors for Holiday cards unless it is a very traditional image. You sure ROCKED IT!

    He-IS-Able!
    Traci Starkweather tracistarkweather@gmail.com

    Reply
  11. Candace says

    December 20, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    very pretty card Jessica! I like the technique…something I have not tried before, but I am definitely going to do! thank you 🙂

    Reply

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Jessica About Me Photo
Hi, I'm Jess! Thanks for visiting my blog where I share my adventures in cardmaking and papercrafting! I hope I can inspire you to craft with a little sparkle!

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The new My Monthly Kit from @heroarts is now available and it’s Bee-utiful!! 🐝💛🐝 I’m sharing four cards from one watercolored background over on my blog and YT channel! Head over for more details and snag your kit before it sells out!! 💛💛💛 ••• LINK - https://shrsl.com/2ph6v (clickable link in profile) ••• #heroarts #mymonthlyhero #mijellomissiongold #hydracolour #watercolour #watercolor #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 4

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Instagram post 17980797202329692 The new My Monthly Kit from @heroarts is now available and it’s Bee-utiful!! 🐝💛🐝 I’m sharing four cards from one watercolored background over on my blog and YT channel! Head over for more details and snag your kit before it sells out!! 💛💛💛
•••
LINK - https://shrsl.com/2ph6v (clickable link in profile)
•••
#heroarts #mymonthlyhero #mijellomissiongold #hydracolour #watercolour #watercolor #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

We have a new Lawn Fawnatics challenge to kick off the new year and we’re creating cards for Outstanding Occasions! 🎉❤️🎉 Today I created a wedding card featuring an adorable squirrel party! 😉 Head to my blog for more details and join the challenge! 🐿🐿🐿 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/lfch92/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #lawnfawn @lawnfawn #lawnfawnatics #inkblending #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 4

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Instagram post 18184726213057099 We have a new Lawn Fawnatics challenge to kick off the new year and we’re creating cards for Outstanding Occasions! 🎉❤️🎉 Today I created a wedding card featuring an adorable squirrel party! 😉 Head to my blog for more details and join the challenge! 🐿🐿🐿
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/lfch92/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#lawnfawn @lawnfawn #lawnfawnatics #inkblending #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

🐝 Today we’re kicking off the countdown for the @heroarts January My Monthly Hero kit and it’s the perfect cheery way to welcome a new year! 🐝🌸🐝 Head to my blog for a closer look and comment for a chance to win a kit before you can buy it! 💛🐝💛 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hacd121/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #heroarts #mymonthlyhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 2

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Instagram post 17938042399439973 🐝 Today we’re kicking off the countdown for the @heroarts January My Monthly Hero kit and it’s the perfect cheery way to welcome a new year! 🐝🌸🐝 Head to my blog for a closer look and comment for a chance to win a kit before you can buy it! 💛🐝💛
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hacd121/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#heroarts #mymonthlyhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

Starting off 2021 with a clean and simple card featuring one of my very favorite companies! 🖤💛🖤 I love the new Lovely Letters alphabet set from @concordand9th and how nicely it pairs with the other alpha sets to create this card! Lovely Letters is a stand-alone alphabet set that looks like hand lettering and it’s designed so you can stamp and build whatever sentiment you want! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hny21/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #concordand9th #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb #happynewyear

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Jan 1

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Instagram post 17856831182398826 Starting off 2021 with a clean and simple card featuring one of my very favorite companies! 🖤💛🖤 I love the new Lovely Letters alphabet set from @concordand9th and how nicely it pairs with the other alpha sets to create this card! Lovely Letters is a stand-alone alphabet set that looks like hand lettering and it’s designed so you can stamp and build whatever sentiment you want! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hny21/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#concordand9th #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb #happynewyear

jessicafrostballas

🎆 HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! 🎆 Today I’m sharing a look back at my favorite cards from each month of 2020 and hosting a $50 crafty giveaway over on my blog! I am honored and thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with so many of my favorite crafty companies this year! These companies are the heart and soul of this industry and I love to support them! ❤️❤️❤️ Swipe for a closer look as well as a look at my favorite cards from 2015-2019! 😳 It is really fun for me to look back and see my growth as an artist and cardmaker (and it shows me that there’s always room to keep growing)!! 😉 I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you in 2021! ❤️❤️❤️ ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/mfc2020/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #allthesparklejfb #inkblending #alcoholink #distressoxideinks #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas

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Dec 31

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Instagram post 17866448675260868 🎆 HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! 🎆  Today I’m sharing a look back at my favorite cards from each month of 2020 and hosting a $50 crafty giveaway over on my blog!  I am honored and thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with so many of my favorite crafty companies this year!  These companies are the heart and soul of this industry and I love to support them! ❤️❤️❤️ Swipe for a closer look as well as a look at my favorite cards from 2015-2019! 😳 It is really fun for me to look back and see my growth as an artist and cardmaker (and it shows me that there’s always room to keep growing)!! 😉 I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you in 2021! ❤️❤️❤️
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LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/mfc2020/ (clickable link in profile)
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Today I’m sharing a card over on the @heroarts blog for the newest Stay Crafty with Hero challenge! We’re challenging you to create a card using a creative team member’s card as inspiration for your card! If you swipe you can see the beautiful card @thecardgrotto created that I used as inspiration for my card! ✨🌌✨ I hope you’ll play along with the challenge! 💙💛💙 ••• LINK - https://heroarts.com/blogs/hero-arts-blog/galaxy-focal-point-inspired-by-michelle-short (clickable link in profile) ••• #heroarts #staycraftywithhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Dec 30

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Instagram post 17915304478546934 Today I’m sharing a card over on the @heroarts blog for the newest Stay Crafty with Hero challenge! We’re challenging you to create a card using a creative team member’s card as inspiration for your card!  If you swipe you can see the beautiful card @thecardgrotto created that I used as inspiration for my card! ✨🌌✨ I hope you’ll play along with the challenge! 💙💛💙
•••
LINK - https://heroarts.com/blogs/hero-arts-blog/galaxy-focal-point-inspired-by-michelle-short (clickable link in profile)
•••
#heroarts #staycraftywithhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

So earlier today I posted the most liked alcohol ink work from 2020 and here are the cards you liked the most this year! ❤️ There are definitely some surprises in there 😂 but it’s fun to see what you liked best! It appears that ink-blending is popular! 😉❤️😘 ••• #allthesparklejfb #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas

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Dec 30

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Instagram post 17855338049408350 So earlier today I posted the most liked alcohol ink work from 2020 and here are the cards you liked the most this year! ❤️ There are definitely some surprises in there 😂 but it’s fun to see what you liked best! It appears that ink-blending is popular! 😉❤️😘
•••
#allthesparklejfb #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas

jessicafrostballas

It’s always fun to look back and see what posts you liked most over the year. And often I’m surprised by what is or is not liked. I’ll be sharing my annual favorite cards series in a few days but I thought I’d share your favorite 2020 alcohol ink posts and cards today! ❤️ Surprisingly alcohol ink art and ink-blending are more liked than most of my cards 😅 so I thought I’d share them separately! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 It does make me wonder if I should change a bit of my art focus for next year! 😂🤔😜 ••• #alcoholink #alcoholinkart #alcoholinkartist #fluidart

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Dec 29

684 34
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Instagram post 17893561561794477 It’s always fun to look back and see what posts you liked most over the year. And often I’m surprised by what is or is not liked. I’ll be sharing my annual favorite cards series in a few days but I thought I’d share your favorite 2020 alcohol ink posts and cards today! ❤️ Surprisingly alcohol ink art and ink-blending are more liked than most of my cards 😅 so I thought I’d share them separately! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 It does make me wonder if I should change a bit of my art focus for next year! 😂🤔😜
•••
#alcoholink #alcoholinkart #alcoholinkartist #fluidart

jessicafrostballas

It’s always fun to check out my @yearofcolour at the end of December and see how it’s changed from the previous year (swipe to see 2019)! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Apparently I’m getting a little bolder in my color choices and still avoid greens and browns as much as possible. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️😂 #yearofcolour #yearofcolour2020

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Dec 28

262 21
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Instagram post 17889601042865245 It’s always fun to check out my @yearofcolour at the end of December and see how it’s changed from the previous year (swipe to see 2019)! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Apparently I’m getting a little bolder in my color choices and still avoid greens and browns as much as possible. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️😂 #yearofcolour #yearofcolour2020
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Disclosure

I design for several companies because I truly love their products! Anything I recommend on my blog is something that I genuinely love and regularly use. I do not get paid for product reviews and I will never recommend a product that I do not like or would not use.

I am affiliated with several of my favorite crafty companies which means I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!!) when you click on one of my links and make a purchase through the store.

You can find my full disclosure as well as a list of the companies I am affiliated with HERE. Thank you so much for supporting me!

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