'Tis the season!

I've been a terrible blogger the past several weeks! Getting back into the swing of school was a bit of a challenge for me. I also have a little one growing inside who likes to steal all my energy! ;) Anyhow, on to the goodness!

I have to say that I absolutely LOVE the October Stamp of the Month from CTMH (S1110)! The card I made today uses the tree image from the set so you can see how beautiful the set really is!

To start, I cut a piece of Colonial White cardstock (1388) down to 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". I decided I wanted to make a postcard style card today to save on paper since the number of Christmas cards that I need to send out seems to grow each year! I then stamped the tree images using what's called generational stamping with Olive ink (Z2137). The two trees to the left and right were stamped in 2nd generation. To do this, I inked the image up, then stamped it once onto a scrap piece of paper. I then stamped it a 2nd time directly onto the card giving me the faded appearance I was looking for. I wanted the two side trees to look like they were farther away. The middle tree was stamped in 1st generation. I just inked it up then stamped it directly onto my card. I did this same process for the Chocolate (Z2111) trunks on the base of the trees, using both 1st and 2nd generation stamping.

I then added a few finishing touches to complete the card. I added some Cranberry Grosgrain ribbon (Z1103) around the base of the trees and added a little sparkle (Z1104)! Next, I distressed the edges using a sponge dauber (Z726) and Chocolate distressing ink (Z1296). I would suggest doing this BEFORE you add the ribbon as it's much easier when you don't have to avoid the ribbon! To finish the tree's I topped them with Bitty Sparkles (Z1263). The "'Tis the season to..." sentiment is also from the October SOTM (S1110). It is stamped in Cranberry ink (Z2116) to match the ribbon. The back of the card is stamped with "celebrate" from the same stamp set. I love how this card turned out and it was very quick and simple to make! :)

You can only purchase the October Stamp of the Month from Close to My Heart in October! Don't miss your opportunity to purchase your own today! With a $50 purchase, this gorgeous stamp set can be yours for only $5!!! Check out the remainder of the images this set has to offer below and contact me to purchase yours today!