Thursday, November 17, 2011

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

Hi blogging friends, Thank you for stopping by and visiting me.
Are you getting into the Christmas Spirit?
Do you like making gifts and cards?
I like to make gifts and this year I'm starting early!

I have a very easy step by step tutorial on a Christmas card design to show you.

Here are the basic materials.  Heavy cotton or linen fabric and a plain 210gsm card.I'll show and explain the other materials as I go along.

 I pulled some threads out of the edges of the fabric because I like the frayed look.

I basecoated the card in All Purpose Sealer.

Then using a large flat basecoating brush I applied a couple of coats of Soft White or Warm White acrylic paint.

I used a stiff hog hair brush and painted the fabric with Napthol Crimson.  The hog hair is easier to push paint into the weave of the fabric.

 When the Soft White was dry I applied a thick coat of Decor Crackle Medium using a hog hair brush.

When the fabric dried, I used a Kaisercraft Christmas Stamp and patted into the VersaMark stamp pad.
While the stamp is still wet, I gently shook White Embossing Powder over the top.  Shook off the excess powder and heated the stamped area with a heat gun until I had the shiny, embossed look. 



When the Decor Crackle Medium dried I used a dry sea sponge and heavily sponged Pine Green paint all over the card. 

Using a dry sea sponge loaded heavily with paint, will give you larger more defined cracks.  Make sure your sponge is loaded with paint and start in one corner and work your way across the card.  Try not to go over wet paint as this will lift paint off rather than make it heavier.

To add a bit of lust, I used Rich Gold and a dry brush technique over the crackled green surface.

 I sewed the fabric to the card using a swirly pattern with a mixture of gold through a coloured cotton.

 This is a close up photo of the finished card.  I hope you have fun making your Christmas gifts.

All the paints and mediums used were
Chroma, Jo Sonja brand I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding these paints or mediums.
Please feel free to share this tutorial with your friends.
I'm linking this blogpost to Kerryanne's 'Simply Christmas' at Shabby Art Boutique.
Creative Hugs, Anna

22 comments:

retdairyqueen said...

Wow Lovely card

Robynartdesigns said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely card with us Anna, I'm hoping to make some this year, it's always good to try something new, hugs Robyn.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

What a stunning and very festive card Anna. It is beautiful!!

Great tutorial - I hope you'll pop over and add this post to my link party tomorrow.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Vicki ♥ said...

How clever you are Anna :) it has turned out really lovely :) Hugs Vicki x

maddyrose said...

Wonderful tutorial Anna. The card is beautiful and will no doubt become a keepsake. Hugs Maddyrose

Serena Lewis said...

Fabulous card, Anna...and a great tutorial. Thanks so much! :)

Something Special said...

I like this idea, and I think it would also be great on a block of wood for a fun decoration to keep for a long time. I really think I am getting into the Christmas Spirit! Thanks for sharing!

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh wow, Anna, this is so gorgeous!!! What an exquisite card and amazing tutorial--you are so gifted, my friend!
XO
Cindy

Maggie said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Anna! Your tutorial is very clear. I love the card!

Janet said...

You're so generous to share this card with us. It's beautiful! Your tutorial is easy to follow so I'm sure there will be lots of these handmade cards arriving in mailboxes all around the world.

ArtfulLee Designed said...

Gorgeous card Anna, and I like your step by step. You have such a great way with the crackle medium and that stamp is fab. See you Sunday
Lee:)

suziqu's thread works said...

Anna you are so clever with these paints - they come so naturally to you. The effect of the Christmas card looks great. Thank you for putting this together for everyone -
I know is takes time and preparation!
Hugs,
Suzy

Gail McCormack said...

Love your card Anna! Love the way handmade's coming back into Christmas
Thanks for sharing!

Gail xo

Uniquely Ella said...

You come up with the best ideas, love the card.
xxx
Marlene

Anonymous said...

Anna thats so creative and looks amazing, what an incredible and gorgeous piece. thanks for steps taking us through the process too
hugs June x

Lynn Stevens said...

Ohhh Anna, Its Gorgeous. Love the crackle background and the tree looks stunning on the red! Bravo!
hugs Lynn

Donna said...

How pretty, Anna! Thanks for the great tutorial. I love the tree stamp, and I've always wanted to try crackle paint. You've inspired me:)

Jonny J Petros said...

Hi Anna, Love your card, beautiful work I think its wonderful to make your own cards,I always make mine. I bought the gold embossed powder never used it cant wait to try it one day. Sincerely,Jonny

Magic Moonlight said...

Thank You Anna, WOW love Your Card! And Your Blog!

Christy Amular said...

Great technique!Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. The card is beautiful. :)

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Anna,
Thanks so much for coming to visit! I hope you're having a great creative day! xo Cindy

Kerri said...

Great idea! I love having so many creative friends in blogland. Thanks for stopping by for a visit and compliment on my gingerbread santa. Yes, I'd say we are in the Christmas spirit for sure!