Blessed is the Season

Yes...I keep saying that I've finished making all of my Christmas cards.  Well - I can't seem to stop.  What can I say...I love creating Christmas cards!  I don't know how I'll "change gears" once the holidays are over...lol  :o)   *** Edit *** This card won titles in all 3 of these challenges...very exciting for me!!!!!

I saw the color challenge over at the Play Date Cafe, and knew that I just had to play along.  Take a look at the inspiration photo that Sarah posted for us.  I love it!

Then, I saw this fun sketch on the Unscripted Sketches blog...and decided I would combine both challenges into one card.  Take a look at the sketch, below.

 * oops, I'm back with an edit *  I forgot that The Paper Players challenge #26 is to use heat embossing!  I meant to include this card in this challenge also.  You know what they say about the memory....hmmm...I guess they're right!  Here is Jaydee's Paper Player Plus Challenge ~

I was so intrigued by the colors combination of brown, gray and silver.   But...oh my...I struggled for a while.  My first idea just would not work.  I finally realized that I just needed to let go of it, and head in a completely different direction.  Ah-ha!  That worked...lol !
Anyway ~ on to the card.
I really wanted my focus to be on the color silver.  I ran some brushed silver card stock though an embossing folder (I love the texture!).  I also used sterling silver embossing powder for my sentiment, and on the brown card stock that I used in the 3 brads (these were made using the pewter build-a-brad kit from SU).  Oh, I also used a piece of silver cord for my bow.  I am SO pleased with this card!  Once I let go...and let my stamping mojo take a different direction, it was so much more fun!

I'm including several photos.  I had some difficulty getting the silver color of the sentiment to show.  I've also included a couple of closeup pics of some of the details.

Thanks for stopping in to take a look.  I hope you'll leave a comment.  I love reading them!

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The recipe:

Stamps: Blessed Is The Season (Gina K Designs)

CS: basic gray, brushed silver, chocolate chip, whisper white (SU)

Ink: close to cocoa (SU), Versamark

Emb. Powder: sterling silver (SU)

Punches: border and 1/2" round (SU)

Other: silver cord (Hirshberg Schutz & Co.) vintage lace trim (from an estate auction), emb. folder (Cuttlebug), silver metallic marker, used to edge the white cs (American Crafts)