Christmas Card 2021

For this 2021 card, I used one of my favorite Christmas drawings, a Madonna and Child from my 2010 Advent calendar.  It's computer-printed with a large white border on Neenah solar white card stock.  The handwritten words say "Christ the Savior is born."

Since 2010, I've used one of my annual Nativity drawings for the card fronts, with a greeting inside "Wishing you all the joy of Christmas."  To see past years' Christmas cards that I've drawn, click here, then scroll down.

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Purple and Orange Prints with White

Bright and bold with plaid, striped, and dotted prints and a crisp banner.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) royal velvet (purple) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI orange zest pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and Pink & Main not too spooky (retired) 6 x 6" paper pad.
  
• Die is from PTI keep it simple frames.
  
• The sentiment "thanks" is from PTI thanks all ways (retired), stamped with PTI royal velvet ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Red Birds on Gray Birch Trees

A few bright red birds on some tall gray birch trees.  A striped texture on the card base adds to the tree effect, and a red rectangle anchors the scene.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stormy sea (greenish gray), pure poppy (red), and rustic white.
• Embossing folder is Sizzix Tim Holtz stripes.
• The sentiment "warmest wishes" is from PTI sentiment staples: warmest wishes, and the images are from PTI through the trees (retired), stamped with PTI pure poppy and stormy sea inks.

(1252)

Stems for Autumn and Winter

Two cards with leafy stems in the same wreath arrangement, with autumn and winter color schemes. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) terra cotta tile (rusty red), scarlet jewel (burgundy), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI summer sunrise (yellow-orange) and blueberry sky (medium blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
  
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, "anniversary wishes" is from PTI keep it simple: anniversary (retired), and the stems are from Altenew warm wishes, stamped with PTI summer sunrise, terra cotta tile, and Americana (rustic red) inks for the autumn card, and PTI blueberry sky, scarlet jewel, and tropical teal inks for the winter card.
  

(1251)

Tag with Lace on Woodgrain

Many details of pattern and texture for a monochromatic fall-toned card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Essentials by Ellen tan woodgrain and Papertrey Ink (PTI) terra cotta tile (rusty red) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are from Memory Box garden folly 6x6" pad.
• Embroidery floss is DMC 3862.
  
• Dies are from PTI tiny tags, My Favorite Things scallop ribbon border (retired), and Spellbinders standard circles large (die #2 of 7.)
• The sentiment "for you" is from PTI enclosed: apple (retired), stamped with PTI terra cotta tile ink.

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Red, White, and Blue with Gold Sparkle

Bold red stripes with a handsome sentiment band in gold and navy.  The gold layer is very sparkly in real life. 

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark indigo (dark navy) and Tim Holtz deco sheets (gold - retired). 
• Patterned paper is from PTI pure poppy (red) "+ white basics" patterned paper (retired). 
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you (retired), stamped with Versamark ink and gold heat embossed.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Red, White, and Blue Thank You with Twine

Bright and crisp red, white, and blue.  The starburst print, striped twine, and layered "thank you" sentiment all add interest.

Card details:

• Card stock is My Favorite Things red hot, Paper Source royal blue, and Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Doodlebug patriotic picnic 6x6" paper pad.
• Red, white, and blue twine is by Doodlebug.
• Dies are from Trinity Stamps scripty thanks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Blue-Gray Trees on Teal

I designed today's card using some tree trunk shapes left over from last week's tree card.  A short strip of card stock grounds my scene, and the small punched dots (light bulbs? fruit? leaves?) encourage the eye to move around the card.  The light blue-gray trees stand out against the deep teal and navy. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source hydrangea (light blue-gray) and cobalt (navy) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) tropical teal. 
• Dies are Elizabeth Craft hello (retired) and PTI mighty oak cover plate. 
• The dots are punched with my very old 1/4" circle punch.
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Purple Trees on Light Blue-Gray

   
 

Two lovely cards with purple trees inlaid on a light blue-gray background (more blue in real life).  I like the effect of the slanted stars and "hello" word with the leaves radiating from the tree trunk.

 

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source hydrangea (light blue-gray) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) plum pudding (medium purple) and royal velvet (deep purple). 
• Dies are PTI mighty oak cover plate and wonderful words: hello (retired).
• The stars are cut with EK Success mini star punch.
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Red, White, and Blue Star on Shimmer Star Background

Lots of stars - embossed, stamped, and die cut.  Red, white, and blue on a shimmery gold background.  The gold in my image looks a bit grayed and grainy, but in real life it's nice and bright.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), enchanted evening (dark blue), sun shimmer (gold), and stamper's select white.
• Embossing folder is The Paper Studio tiny stars (retired).
• Dies are from PTI seeing stars (retired) and WeR Memory Keepers/ Lifestyle Crafts nesting circles (retired - 1" circle).
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI ribbon tails (retired), and the starry pattern is from PTI bitty background blocks II (retired), stamped with PTI pure poppy and spring rain (light blue) inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1245)

Multicolor Lattice with Burgundy

The colors, lattice pattern, and "hello" font combine for a handsome "retro" effect in today's card. 

 Card details:

• Card stock Papertrey Ink (PTI) scarlet jewel (burgundy), enchanted evening (dark blue), and stamper's select white.
• Die is from Altenew bold greetings.
• The lattice pattern is from Concord & 9th lovely lattice turnabout, stamped with PTI weathervane (gray), pinefeather (dark green), scarlet jewel, and enchanted evening inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Red, White, and Blue Star Circle

Lots of red, white, and blue for a patriotic theme.  The star circle's "thank you" is layered on my homemade thank-you themed patterned paper.  The medium blue strip grounds the circle and sets off the sentiment on its busy background. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), enchanted evening (dark blue), blueberry sky (medium blue), and rustic white. 
• Patterned paper is computer-printed on Neenah 65 lb bright white with red and blue inks, using American Typewriter 8 point font.
• Dies are from PTI limitless layers: 1-3/4" circles (white circle - retired) and Spellbinders standard circles small (dark blue circle - die # 4 of 7).
• The inner "thank you" star and the outer star circle are from PTI military stars (retiring), stamped with PTI enchanted evening and pure poppy inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Bicycle with Red, Blue, and Tan

A retirement card for a friend who enjoys bike rides.  The bicycle's stamp set was designed with buttons in mind, but instead I used diecut circles for the wheels.  After stamping the bicycle in dark blue, I used colored pencil to make it red.  The white wheels are stamped with red and dark blue for the spokes and hubs.  It was fun mixing pattern, color, and texture to make a special card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Essentials by Ellen tan woodgrain and Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring rain (light blue) and pure poppy (red). 
• Patterned paper is from PTI enchanted evening (dark blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• Colored pencil is Venus Spectracolor, 1403 crimson.
  
• Twine is PTI rustic cream button twine.
• Die is the 3/4" size from WeR Memory Keepers/ Lifestyle Crafts nesting circles (retired).
• The bicycle and the sentiment "enjoy the ride" are from PTI everyday button basics (retired), and the wheel details are from PTI hello sunshine (retired - spokes) and PTI land that I love (retired - hubs), stamped with PTI enchanted evening and pure poppy inks.

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Green Branch on Dark Blue

I like the rich combination of green with dark blue.  Though it's just two die cuts with no embellishments, the colors and shapes have enough interest to make the card look complete.

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue) and new leaf (green).
• Dies are PTI branching out and "grateful" from PTI counting my blessings.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Red with Twine on Muted Teal

I chose the muted teal card base to match the patterned paper, but you'd never know that from my image!  In real life, the colors are similar.  A bold "hello" font and some bright reds add energy. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red) and ocean tides (muted teal).
• Patterned paper is from Pink Paislee pen pals 6 x 6" pad (retired).
• Twine is maraschino (red) stripe from The Twinery.
  
• Die is PTI noted.
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Red, White, and Blue Stripe - Thanks

Today's card features the same borrowed "thanks" die as this card from last week.  A diagonal placement adds some movement to the design.  

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white, My Favorite Things red hot, and Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue). 
• I made the red-and-blue striped paper in PowerPoint and computer-printed it on Neenah solar white.
• I don't know the name of the die.
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Blue Flower and Butterfly on Yellow

I decided to use up some square scraps of blue, perfectly sized for the flower and butterfly, and some leftover leafy stem pieces.  Then I added more blue and green elements on a yellow background to make this cheerful design. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) blueberry sky (medium blue), simply chartreuse (green), lemon tart (light yellow - card base), and harvest gold (medium yellow - flower center).
• Patterned paper is from PTI spring rain (light blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• Dies are from PTI garden garland (using a small portion), Poppystamps blooming posie, Impression Obsession butterflies, and My Favorite Things hello. 
• The flower center is cut with my very old 1/4" hole punch. 
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Bird on Light Green

Soft and simple with a bird perched on a strip of patterned paper.  In real life, the stamped bird stands out well against the textured background. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring moss (light green), prairie grass (medium green), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI melon berry (light orange) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
  
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle (retired).
• Dies are Elizabeth Craft thank you (retired) and PTI Ink to Paper (ITP) feathered friends mini 3.
• The bird is from PTI/ITP feathered friends mini 3, stamped with PTI fine linen (tan), spring moss, dark chocolate (dark brown), and prairie grass inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1237)

Brown Thanks with Tan and Aqua

The "thanks" die belongs to a friend from my monthly card making group. Thanks for the loan, Jane!  It cuts the letter shapes and the inner horizontal, so the top and bottom borders can be any height.  Here it makes a bold statement in dark brown, with some lighter colors and a bit of pattern. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (brown) and aqua mist.
• Patterned paper is from the PTI fine linen (tan) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• I don't know the name of the die. 
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1236)

Bright Flowers with Black

I don't use much black on my cards, even for sentiments, because there always seems to be a color I'd rather include.  But here, the red and black mats bring out the brightness of my stamped folk-art style flowers.   

 Note: in real life, the "hello" is the same red as the flowers, not darkened like my image. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), true black, and stamper's select white. 
• The sentiment "hello" is from PTI textile impressions (retired), and the flowers and leaves are from PTI solid stitches & swirls, stamped with PTI new leaf (green), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), and pure poppy inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1235)

Zebra Print with Lime Green and Raspberry

A bold black-and-white zebra print in a lime green and raspberry setting.  I like the bright and cheerful mix of colors and patterns.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) raspberry fizz (pink).
• Patterned papers are a zebra print from The Paper Studio and a dotted print from PTI limeade ice (green) bitty big pattern pack.
• Die is Birch Press sugar script hello.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Green Shimmer Leaves on Cream

A softly monochromatic card with shimmer card stock and stitching detail. The printed paper echoes the die cut leaves in shape and color.  

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) leaf (green) shimmer and cream shimmer.
  
• Patterned paper is unknown, from the "free" table at our monthly card making group.
• Dies are from PTI noted: simply stitched A2 rectangles, My Favorite Things grande greenery - solid, and Frantic Stamper deepest sympathy.

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Red Plaid with Gray and Brown

I wouldn't have planned this color combination, but when I tried the red plaid print with the dark gray and then with the grayish brown, I liked all three together. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Hero Arts mocha layering paper (grayish brown - retired) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) smokey shadow (dark gray) and rustic white.
• Patterned paper is unknown, from the "free" table at our monthly card making group. 
• Die is the long wide banner from PTI sketched shapes.
  
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you (retired), stamped with PTI smokey shadow ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1232)

Deer on Light Blue

A handsome card with deep rich colors and a bit of pattern.  The blocky sentiment is a good fit with the deer.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue), Americana (rustic red), and spring rain (light blue).
• Patterned paper is from PTI fine linen (tan) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• The deer is from PTI masculine motifs (retired), and the sentiment "sincerest thanks" is from Ink to Paper/PTI just sentiments: appreciation, stamped with PTI dark chocolate (brown) and enchanted evening inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1231)

Purple and Turquoise Berries on Yellow

The berry stems were designed to be autumn bittersweet, but a purple and turquoise combination gives them a summery look against my light yellow background. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) lemon tart (light yellow), ripe avocado (dark green), and stamper's select white.
• Dies are PTI beautiful berries: autumn and Savvy Stamps hello.
• The berry stems are from PTI beautiful berries: autumn, stamped with PTI royal velvet (purple), Hawaiian shores (turquoise), ripe avocado, and simply chartreuse (medium green) inks.

(1230)

Red, White, and Blue with Plaid and Rickrack

Some red, white, and blue on the 4th of July.  I like the mix of curves and lines in the sentiment fonts, plaid print, and rickrack.  In real life, the whites are brighter, not off-white like my image.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Echo Park America 6 x 6" pad (retired).
  
• Die is PTI wonderful words: thank you. 
• The rickrack is from Doodlebug paper frills, lily white (retired).

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1229)

Blue Flower on Blue Stripes

Simple leaf and flower shapes on a striped background. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) blueberry sky (medium blue), spring moss (light green), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI spring rain (light blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• Dies are from WPlus9 folk art florals (leaves - retired) and My Favorite Things layered rose (retired). 
• The flower's center is from a very old 1/4" hole punch. 
  
• The sentiment "praying for you" is from PTI keep it simple: praying for you (retired), stamped with PTI blueberry sky ink.

(1228)

Green with Floral Print

Soft greens with a floral print for a monochromatic sympathy card.  The textured background and lines of embroidery floss add depth. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source leaf (light green - retired) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Memory Box garden folly 6x6" pad.  I edged it with G28 Copic marker.
  
• The light green card stock is embossed with the Dreamweaver faux cross-stitch stencil screen, as explained in this post.  I used the back side of the embossed card stock.
  
• Embroidery floss is JP Coats #210.
  
• Die is from PTI double-ended banners.
  
• The sentiment "with sympathy" is from PTI keep it simple: sympathy, stamped with PTI new leaf (green) and pinefeather (dark green) inks.

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Pink Blossoms on Yellow Gingham

Bright spring blossoms on a yellow gingham background.  In real life, the leaves and sentiment are the same color.

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI lemon tart (light yellow) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• Dies are from PTI spring woods.
  
• The blossoms and branches are from PTI spring woods, and the sentiment "spring greetings" is from PTI take three: spring (retired), stamped with PTI cocoa bean (brown), green parakeet (green), and melon berry (light orange/ pink) inks.

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Pink Blossoms with Light Gray

Pink blossoms with light gray for a softly pretty sympathy card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) mint julep (light green) and stamper's select white.
  
• Patterned paper is from PTI soft stone (light gray) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• Dies are from PTI spring woods.
  
• The blossoms and branches are from PTI spring woods, and the sentiment "with sympathy" is from PTI communique sentiments (retired), stamped with PTI cocoa bean (brown), vintage jadeite (medium green), and lovely lady (pink) inks.

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Thanks - Rusty Red with Golden Brown

A simple layout with strong color contrast, textured stripes, and a circle lattice print. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) terra cotta tile (rusty red) and honey nut (golden brown).
  
• Patterned paper is Pink & Main pumpkin spice 6 x 6" pad (retired).
• Embossing folder is from Lifestyle Crafts/ WeRMemoryKeepers stripe set.
• Die is from My Favorite Things many thanks (retired).
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1224)

Muted Red, White, and Blue with Star Print

A very simple layout featuring a starry print and a striped sentiment font.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Stampin' Up soft sky (light blue) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark indigo (dark navy).
• Patterned paper is from Echo Park America 6 x 6" pad.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI thank you kindly (retired), stamped with PTI dark indigo ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1223)

Two Birds on Wreath

Two birds stamped in similar color combinations.  I like the light green and tan against the deeper blue background.  I could have put a sentiment somewhere, but the layout didn't need one.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring moss (light green), blueberry sky (blue), and stamper's select white. 
• Embossing folder is Lifestyle Crafts diamonds and dots. I used the reverse (debossed) side of the card stock.
  
• Dies are PTI rustic wreath and PTI Ink to Paper (ITP) feathered friends mini 2 and feathered friends mini 3.
• The birds are from PTI/ITP feathered friends mini 2 and feathered friends mini 3, stamped with PTI fine linen (tan), spring moss, dark chocolate (dark brown), honey nut (golden brown - left bird), and prairie grass (medium green - right bird) inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1222)

Leaf Ribbon on Light Orange

I enjoyed using some leaf ribbon on this birthday card for a card-making friend.  I know she'll enjoy the colors and textures.

Note: The light orange card base is less pink in real life.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) melon berry (light orange), terra cotta tile (rusty red), green parakeet (lighter green), and new leaf (deeper green).
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• My ribbon came from a visit to Britex Fabrics in San Francisco, a huge selection of fabrics and notions, and nearly 70 years of history. 
  
• Dies are from Memory Box fancy blossoms (retired) and PTI birthday trio. 
• The flower's center is punched with a very old 1/4" hole punch.
  
• The sentiment "wishes" is from PTI sentiment staples: warmest wishes, stamped with PTI terra cotta tile ink.

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Wreath on Yellow with Bird

After I made my earlier wreath card, I tried it with brighter greens for the wreaths, the same greens shown above.  Then I had pieces of two yellowish greens (shown on the earlier card) and today's two brighter greens, left over from the inside of the large wreath die.  So I used the set's small wreath die to make another wreath card with my green leftovers, with the inner portion inlaid into the wreath shape.  Above is one of the color combinations I tried.  I like the little bird on the little wreath with the big sentiment! 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) lemon tart (light yellow), bright buttercup (bright yellow), mint julep (light green), new leaf (medium green), and blueberry sky (medium blue). 
• Patterned paper is  from PTI blueberry sky pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• Dies are from PTI/ Ink to Paper xo heart frames, Impression Obsession birds, and Birch Press sugar script thanks. 
• The bird's eye is a dot of black Micron pen.
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Green Wreath with Purple Band

Trying a new wreath die.  I like the flow of the leafy layers with the more formal look of the sentiment and dark purple card stock band.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source violet (light purple - retired) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) simply chartreuse (medium green), ripe avocado (dark green), and royal velvet (dark purple). 
• Die is from PTI/ Ink to Paper xo heart frames.
  
• The sentiment "thank you ever so much" is from PTI thank you kindly (retired), stamped with PTI amethyst allure (medium purple) ink, with a touch of royal velvet.
  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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