Dec 13 2008
Just a “Hello”, Some Thoughts, a Card, and Blog Candy Reminder
Hello! I’ve been enjoying your comments on yesterday’s blog candy post. The general consensus is that most of us do send Christmas cards but receive fewer every year in return. As stampers, I think we’re more likely to hold onto this tradition for the pleasure of our craft, but some have curtailed the practice, at least temporarily, with the most frequently cited reason being that of time constraints. It seems the modern world has given us freedom in some areas and constricted us in others.
When I say “modern world”, yes, I’m thinking about washing machines, electric or gas ranges, vacuum cleaners, supermarkets, air travel . . . We don’t spend from dawn till dusk scrubbing on a washboard. A trip to town and back is no longer a day’s journey. Families can be spread across the country, yet it’s within the realm of possibility to be together from time to time. We shop for pleasure, go on vacation, take the kids to the park. And how about those craft shows, stamp clubs, parties, movies, dinners, concerts? We’re “free” to work outside the home or further our educations. We dash in and out of each other’s lives through high speed electronics. These are good things . . . right?
We’re fortunate to have these options — the opportunity to make choices within the scope of our circumstances, and that’s a very individual matter. As long as we know what fits within our boundaries and don’t willfully cross them . . .
Today, I came home from work, caught my second wind and made four of these exceedingly simple cards. I layered white on white, with only a stamped sentiment (Flourishes’ Holiday Greetings), 2″ of designer paper, and a glittery snowflake embellishment. The snowflake center is a ribbon slide. I threaded the ribbon through the slide, then the ribbon ends through a hole in the center of the snowflake - front to back, and taped the ribbon ends behind the card-stock layer. The snowflake is held snugly flat against the card with the aid of Alene’s Tacky Glue. The card requires only 42¢ postage and can be machine cancelled with a crimped card-stock sheet protecting the front.
The 2″ of designer paper was inspired by Sharon Johnson’s challenge here. Thank you, Sharon! I needed that!
Tomorrow, my first priority will be to address and mail the 40+ cards I’ve made thus far. I was surprised to find I have so many, but it’s not nearly enough.
Thank you so much for visiting with me today! Have a happy holiday season!
- Stamps: Holiday Greetings (Flourishes)
- Paper: Neenah Classic Solar White, Diane’s Daughters Green Snowflake designer paper
- Ink: Bravo Burgundy
- Accessories: Ribbon, glittered snowflake, SU! ribbon slide
Leslie, I love your card, but I also like what you wrote. How true it is.
Leslie - this is absolutely beautiful. Have a great weekend. Janet
Oh….there you go again girl…simple and elegant…my favorite kind of card! Love the look of this one and the fact that the post office will not have trouble mailing it !!
Your card is glorious, Leslie. Such elegance! …if by any remote chance I make onto your Christmas card list, I just wanted you to know that my card does not need to be a Christmas card. I will be thrilled and honored to own ANY of your marvelous creations in any theme (if that helps).
WOW..that card is GORGEOUS !!!
Beautiful snowflake card, Leslie, and very inspirational in the quick card department! I’d better count up how many cards I’ve made already, but it’s not a lot. Five of the same one is the most production stampng I can handle this year. Ten is just too boring. Your conversation about Christmas cards (sending and receiving) reminded me of what my Collie friend Jayne said. Most years she doesn’t send Christmas cards, but some years she manages to get to it. Her observation is you find out who your real friends are when they keep sending cards every year, whether you do or not. Linda
Absolute elegance! Love it!!!!!
Merry Christmas!
Simple and elegant: I love it
What a gorgeous card. I positively love it! My cards (79 of them) finally went out on Thursday. Whew - I was so happy to get them out. Now I can think about shopping:)
This is so beautiful, and perfect for mailing!! I love the pretty papers and big snowflake and ribbon treatment!! I need to follow your lead, so I can finish up my cards (I have about a dozen or so to do). Thanks for the beautiful inspiration, Leslie!!
What great insight! So true….it making the choices, taking the time to feel the breeze on our face, and how we spend our lives, not just going thru the mothions. The card is just as well thought out. Your are a wise lady, I truly admire!
Oh Leslie, your card is so beautiful and elegant. I just love the simplicity. After almost finishing my Xmas cards last night, I discovered I needed 3 more cards and decided on using Sharon’s simple challenge too. Off to yoga 1st. BTW, we awoke to lots of white…….hail on the ground and the surrounding hill tops. Can’t wait to get back to my baking. Happy Holidays and TFS your beauty!
Love it, love it! Such a beautiful card!! TFS
I loved reading your thoughts on christmas cards today…it has been a pleasure to make my own again this year and a feeling of accomplishment to have three dozen ready for the mail…sadly they have been completed for a while now but I have been behind on getting them addressed and posted.( perhaps I just don’t want to part with them quite yet)..meanwhile several cards have arrived in my mailbox wishing me good tidings for the season. Regarding the number of cards I send…it has increased since I retired and have more time to make my own. I know my friends look forward to seeing what I have crafted and it is a way to keep in touch with those co-workers that I no longer see in the daily workplace. As always, I find your work inspirational and your style a good match for mine. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all.
Leslie, your card is so beautiful and elegant!
Where did you get the glittery snowflake embellishment?
thanks for sharing,
Pam
Wow Leslie! Sometimes simple is so beautiful! I just love this.
WOW!!! SO beautiful!!!!!! Just Breathtaking!
Vicki
So pretty… Love the snowflake.
Really pretty simple card. Love the snowflake and the pretty font on the sentiment. tfs your card as well as your thoughts.
A very beautiful card Leslie, I enjoyed reading your post. Unfortunately this year, for the first time in three years, I’m sending out Hallmark. There just wasn’t enough time for me to get them done. Our trip to Chicago really set me back . . . LOL!
Hi Leslie
You just took the words out of my mouth! I LOVE reading your blog and all you have to say to all of us each day! I find your words and work VERY comforting! Please know, I am working on my Christmas cards and will remember to send a special card your way!
Your card is beautiful, thanks for sharing your talent with all of us!
Hugs, Jennifer
I love the texture play with the snowflake image. Great job on this elegant card (and it doesn’t require extra postage! Yay!)
Jessica
Simply beautiful!! I love the simple elegance of this gorgeous card!!
Stunning! Love this beauty! Merry stampin’! Deb
Wonderful sentiment and I agree with all your post. Thanks for the details on the card as well.
Happy Holidays
Heather
Leslie these are so so pretty!!!
Very pretty card!
So pretty, I just love how you have used the ribbon slide!
Leslie, these are lovely. I love the simplicity and elegance!
So refined & elegant, Leslie — absolutely perfect holiday card!
Simple yet so classy! Love the soft shimmers in the ribbon and on the snowflake. Sharon said it well - refined and elegant!!
Leslie! This card is so beautiful! I lovr the riibon slide and snowflake! So gentle! Wow! 40 cards! How lucky your friends!
A beautiful card Lesle, and it’s wise to do simple cards for Christmas!!! Enjoyed your post — thanks for sharing!
Just GORGEOUS Leslie! Love this card, and it is perfect for mailing! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
YIPPEE!!! I actually had the good fortune to receive one of these cards in the mail — THANK YOU, LESLIE!!! It is even more beautiful IRL than on the screen — that snowflake embellishment is to die for — now THAT was a good find!!! Thank you so much for thinking of me and sending this card!!! MUCH appreciated!!!