Christmas in July - July 31, 2015

MADE it finally!  July 31st.  Another month of Christmas cards done.. 

I do so love this technique.  I call it Triple-Double stamping.  It's a double layered stamp, on a triple layered card.
Please enjoy... it's one of my very favorites.

Christmas in July - July 30, 2015

There is one NEW product on this card!  I used the Washi Tape Label Punch for the sentiment.  

It's true that in my Christmas in July stamping of 31 cards in 31 days I dig into my Christmas stamp stash - which by this time you must know is quite extensive... but I used one new punch on this card.

The embossed background is the poinsettia background, and I also used another favorite stamp set "Watercolor Winter".  Love that stamp set!

Christmas in July - July 27, 2015

In person, this card does not look like a Union Jack!  It's funny how the photo really gives that impression!

The music stamp is called Composer's Dream - the rest of the stamps are SU!
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Christmas in July - July 26, 2015

 Here's another example of a 'simple' card with lots of great details.

I really love the sentiment and wanted to highlight it.  Lots of works all crowded together with meanings of the Christmas season, with Christmas showing right through.
I'm using more of the Be of Good Cheer (ret.) DSP I love so very much.
I also added some red/green flowers and foliage to the side.
Simple, but very nice in person!

Christmas in July - July 23, 2015

 I added some fun embellishments to this card.  I didn't add too much (as per usual) because I wanted to keep the card clean, but the make-your-own brad and Washi tape added to the card nicely.

 On both the card front and inside, I used some 'over' stamping to give the trees some more interest.
I really like the verse that fits so perfectly over the tree.

Christmas in July - July 22, 2015

This card has some of my absolute favorite Christmas pieces on it.
I'm using retired DSP - Be of Good Cheer.  I went crazy over it the year it was out, and when I found it on the Stampin' Up! clearance rack, I ordered MANY packs of this paper.  To me, it's the perfect Christmas themed paper I've seen.

 I also added some images from Jolly Bingo Bits, my favorite Merry Christmas stamp, and a bow using the Bow Builder punch.  FUN!!! :)

Christmas in July - July 21, 2015

 I've always loved this stamp set.  It has so many options.  Using with the embossing folder also adds so much detail to what looks like a very simple set.

I am usually pretty lucky in lining up stamps.  This one above with the green mistletoe and bow is always a little stressful.  I just try to keep my wits, and use the 'courage of my convictions' to get it stamped.

Here's an inside view. 
Sending Christmas Wishes your way!

Christmas in July - July 19, 2015

 Here I'm back to some of my favorite Stampin' Up! stamps.  I love this version of a Christmas card. 

I call this card Musical Trees.

The background music stamp is named Alegro.

I also used the stamp sets; Lovely as a Tree, and More Merry Messages.

Christmas in July - July 13, 2015

This is another one of the long-retired Stampin' Up Christmas sets.  I really enjoy the nostalgic feel of this set.  The inside of the card features the dove that accompanies this set. 

I used quite a few techniques with this card - Watercoloring as per the week's theme, marker work for some fine detail, and Stickles.  I used the holly instead of diamond on this card for the trees.  It's a mix of Christmas green and Christmas red. 

Christmas in July - July 12, 2015

 This stamp set is long-retired from Stampin' Up.  It lent itself perfectly to some watercoloring since that seems to be the theme this week. 

Another of my favorite Christmas movies is Scrooge (1970) with Albert Finney.  It's one of the many adaptations of the Charles Dickens tale.

Christmas in July - July 7, 2015

 This is another one of those Christmas cards I just love!  We made these in my stamp club a few years ago, and I make them again and again each year.  Last year, I believe I made a set of 6.  This year, just one for today.

I'll tell you one trick I use.  I keep that strip I cut off to expose the Merry Christmas, and adhere it to the back of the front flap to cover the back of the brad.  Then no one knows it's a brad, and it has no way to fall off.  It's a heavy brad.

Christmas in July - July 4, 2015

Oh, I LOVE this card!  Was it as tedious as it looks?  Yes and no.. I CASE'D this one off Pinterest, and counted EACH rhinestone.  How many large, medium, and small in each color?  Lots!

 Why was it not so tedious?  At times, I enjoy working on things in high detail.  This certainly qualifies!  I go into zen mode, work towards small goals of each row of colored rhinestones and all of a sudden it's finished.
In the end it was all worth it!  It's a spectacular card in person.