I used the Martha Stewart Pine Branch punch to punch out all the branches for the wreath - I love this technique so much that I actually bought myself a second punch in case the first one I bought many years ago decides to pack it in! Crazy, eh?
For the little branches, I used a variety of green decorative / patterned papers. They are usually photos of grass or leaves that people would use for scrapbooking. If you want to see what I mean, look at this example and this one on the scrapbook.com website. I pick them up when patterned paper is on sale at Michaels or JoAnns. Using them gives me nice colour variation in the branches and makes it look more realistic and even as if some of it is speckled with snow.
I cut a very thin circle base using two sizes of Spellbinders circle dies and then glued down the punched branches, overlapping each one.
For this card, I decided to leave the wreath with just a red bow. Sometimes I add red or white gemstones for berries. But I like the CAS look of it this one without embellishment.
The background is a Tim Holtz brick stencil and Ranger Texture Paste just covering an area slightly bigger than the wreath. It left me with a perfect little spot to stamp my sentiment. I trimmed the panel and popped it up on fun foam.
Here's a close-up to see the paste embossed bricks and the patterning and colour variation in the little branches:
We'd love to have you join us at CAS Christmas. Your card needs to be clean and simple, and must follow the theme. You have until September 24th to link up. There's lots of inspiration from my fellow Design Team members and our wonderful Guest Designer, Birgit (Rapport fran ett skrivbord).
I laughed out loud when I read your blog because I also have two of these punches on purpose. (Usually I just forget I already have something and buy another!)
ReplyDeleteLove the brick background and the clever way you positioned it so that the sentiment has its place on this wonderful card. A CAS version is definitely on my Christmas card list.
I have done the same thing ... bought two of my favourite MS punch ... just in case! :) I LOVE how the patterned paper adds so much to the overall look of the wreath. Just those little bits of colour variation add so much. And what a great way to use up patterned paper as well! The wreath is so pretty on the brick wall. Lots of texture and dimension on this card. The red stain ribbon gives a big punch of colour and shine. AMAZING design, my friend! xx
ReplyDeleteYour wreath is so full and pretty, Susan! Thanks for the tip on the patterned paper. I'll look for some of that! Love the stenciled brick wall behind the wreath! Great texture and dimension! This will go fast at your sale!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved your wreaths, Susan! Tried to do a small one the other day and almost emailed for help. Just never succeeded with something as neat as you do. I was all thumbs. Love how perfect this one is as all as so full too. I also love that you just used the red ribbon and let your craftsmanship take center stage.
ReplyDeleteterrific background to display this lovely wreath!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous wreath, Susan! I can see why you bought a second punch just in case. It is full of fabulous dimension and texture. Adding the brick wall behind it highlights it beautifully. Love it! xx
ReplyDeleteYour wreath is just so lush and thick Susan! so pretty against the white brick!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning. So effective and so textural. No wonder these sell well x.
ReplyDeleteWhat a realistic and pretty wreath, Susan! I loved it so much that I searched online for the MS's punch, but the only item sold was at $36 on eBay!! Good for you that you bought two of them! :-)
ReplyDeletePunching out from grass/leaves paper is a clever idea and it works fantastic! The texture pasted bricks in the background is perfect for showing off the gorgeous wreath. I agree that the red bow is just enough, nothing else needed. Hideko xx
Love your pretty wreath using green pattern papers. So creative, Susan And your brick background is perfect for your wreath. Hope you are having a great week.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of your DP for the wreath and love the texture paste background. Reminds me to pull out my punch :)
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