Sunday 6 November 2022

We Love Stamping November Challenge

Today is the first Sunday of November so time for a new challenge over at we love stamping where the theme is:
** Christmas **

That should be easy as we are all going to be extra busy making Christmas cards this month.  Our wonderful guest designer this month is Pia from Norway. I hope you have time to pay her a visit.


I started by making my background with chalk pastels (I decided I really ought to use them more) and after making a mask for the moon I blended different colours until I was happy. Then I stamped and heat embossed the image onto white card and fussy cut it out, leaving a white 'apron' under the trees. I die cut the background panel and the lower edge of the tree pieces so it would line up along the edge. The edge was glued down and I used foam pads under the trees to lift them off the background and give some dimension. I added loads of stickles to give some sparkle and the illusion of snow. Apologies for the slightly out of focus picture above.


I took this photo to try and capture the shine, not just from the stickles but also from the heat embossed trees. Don't you just love those trees? I do anyway. The sentiment was cut 3 times and stacked, I coloured the white card with an alcohol marker.


Don't forget there is always a prize to be won and this month the prize is the complete At Home with Santa range that will be split between 2 winners. Why don't you head over to the challenge blog to check it out? The prize winner is selected randomly and in addition the DT will choose one entry to join us as a guest designer for a future challenge.

I hope I have inspired you to join us this month, all you have to do is follow the prompt and ensure stamping is the main focus on your card. The challenge will close at noon (UK time) on Wednesday 30th November

I am looking forward to seeing you in the gallery.

Finally, I just thought I would share a couple of pictures from my morning walk yesterday (Sat 5th Nov). Most mornings I walk along the river into town and sometimes I am moved to take a photo. Today it was really still and quiet and the tide was in, so lots of lovely reflections. About an hour later it was completely overcast and raining! I would miss it so much if I couldn't walk, so every day I am grateful. It keeps me fit too.

River Deben looking east towards the river mouth.




Supplies:
Cardstock: Bristol Board; White stamping card; Adorable Scorable coated card
Ink: Versafine Clare, green oasis
Other: Chalk Pastels; Stickles; Clear embossing powder
Stamps:  Chocolate Baroque Christmas Tree Tangle
Dies: Sentiment Creative Expressions; Stitched rectangle Create a Smile

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 

26 comments:

brenda said...

Pleased you used your pastels (Pan's I wonder) Hilary, they make such seamless backgrounds and the trees really sit nicely against it.

Awesome photos, there have been some lovely sunsets lately as well.

B x

Rainey's Craft Room said...

Those trees are gorgeous, what a fab Christmas card scene.
Lorraine

Sarn said...

A lovely treescape full of Zentangles.

Wonderful pictures of the River Deben too. It's been chucking it down in my neck of the country ALL DAY, and a thunderstorm is imminent! x

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I really like this beautiful card Hilary, a fabulous background, it could have been copied from your lovely walk sky. And such lovely trees, super stamps.
Faith x

Mervi said...

So peaceful scene, love the fabulous background;-))m

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such a beautiful background and I adore the proud trees Hilary.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Leslie Miller said...

I'll say it again, you have the most interesting stamps and they do really appeal to me. Your soft chalk background is beautifully blended and I like how you lifted the tree tops. Hilary, you are so lucky to have such a beautiful place for your morning walk. I feel the same about being mobile, especially when it comes to the great outdoors. I crave the fresh air and exercise. Thank you so much for sharing these pictures!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Hi Hilary, I have never tried chalk pastels, but they seems amazing! Absolutely love your muted background and the stickles look great, as well the beautiful embossed trees and the big red sentiment with the touches of sparkling!
Your photos are so scenic with the sky mirrored in the river!
Hugs

I Card Everyone said...

Your trees have a delightful design, Hilary! Love the setting you've created with the chalks - something I've never tried - and the glistening stars and moon!
I love seeing the world from your walk! How wonderful!
=]

nancy littrell said...

OMG..Gorgeous stamped and heat embossed trees for your Winter scene Christmas card, Hilary. TFS your close up photos and detailed description of your card too...such a beauty! Loved your photos of the river and sky...such a beautiful area for your daily walks, my friend...I am a walker too and walk along our river with forests, pastures, cows, 2 goats, deer and more for entertainment:-) Thank you for sharing your wonderful post. I am off to check out your challenge...perfect for adding more Christmas cards to our stashes:-) Love and Hugs...Nancy

crafty-stamper said...

Love the soft chalk background and embossed doodled trees - what a beautiful place to take a walk!
Carol x

Bonnie said...

I love the patterns on these trees, Hilary! A gorgeous background for them too!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

What a forest of pines, Hilary - love, love, love!! Great photos from your walk too - lucky you!!

Christine Alexander said...

love your Zentagle trees such a cool stamp, and I've just started playing with my pastel pencils and chalks so great to see your background.
Beautiful pics by the river ♥

aussie aNNie said...

This is fabulous! I always love your creations and all of the techniques that you use.

Linby said...

The lovely trees really pop against your pastel background. It's a lovely Christmas card. Beautiful pics too.

papierelle said...

Your card is stunning and I loved the design. It looks spectacular, with the green trees in the foreground and the background designed like a sunset.

Cat Craig said...

Beautiful card, Hilary. Love the ink blending. Your photos are amazing as well.

Loll said...

Beautiful card with your lovely background and those amazing patterned trees. You are so blessed to have a lovely view like that on your morning walks, Hilary. Thank you for sharing. Love, Loll

R's Rue said...

So beautiful. I love it. Many blessings.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

ionabunny said...

Lovely card. Those trees are stunning. Hugz

Ashwini Rao said...

The trees are really absolutely awesome!! I love the sparkle and shine on the background and how you've mixed the traditional colors with a modern looking design - a nice twist. :)

My Paper Epiphany said...

Stunning card! I love the patterned trees and your beautiful background! What a lovely view you have on your morning walks!

Julia Aston said...

What a beautiful moon lit winter sky you created for your lovely trees Hilary! Love the patterns on the trees! xx

coldwaters2 said...

Stunning festive make Hilary I love those trees superb card
hugs
lorraine x

Greta said...

Love the fancy trees on your great card! Fun to see the beautiful place where you live!