Monday, 20 November 2017

Dear Santa, I can explain ...

Hello from Santa

I made this stand up card as a sample for my demonstration session at Ministry of Mixology and I'm also using it for my project sample for Country View Crafts. Di at Tando Creative cut me the boards the exact size I wanted them and I'm hoping she will be able to make me some stands too.

I had decided to use decoart chalky finish for a change and for this technique I pulled out the brayer and had some fun layering the colours thickly so that I achieved alot of texture. Of course all the colours are opaque so we have to be careful where we brayer the colours as each one blocks out the one below, but by being careful and using less of the colours as we go we can achieve texture and colour. I finished this one with some subtle stippling using a natural sponge and then lightly brayered some white over the top.


I sanded the edges and inked them and dipped in some vintage photo DI before stamping with the chalky finish paints.


I brayered some white card with titanium white, titan buff, light grey and raw umber to achieve a light and slightly textured look for Santa's beard. This is the St Nick bigz die by Tim Holtz.


A shabby bow, stamped and cut out holly and some berries with a self generated sentiment and we're done.


I love the retro look to this card.


Thanks for popping in, how are your Christmas preparations going? We're still in the throws of decorating the bedrooms and have also done the dining room and changed it round as well, so I will get to Christmas preparations at some point!!!!

Take care and have a great week ahead.

hugs Brenda xxx


Products used -




8 comments:

Gina said...

Fabulous "frosty" look to this piece...and love the sentiment lol XXX

Words and Pictures said...

Oh, that's very festive! I always love the detail and depth in your backgrounds, and this one is no exception - gorgeous! - and I love the subtle paint effects giving texture to Father Christmas's facial hair too. The berries look great, and that stunning ribbon is the perfect finishing touch. A brilliant sample for Mixology.
Alison x

Patty O'Malley said...

Love your retro card, Brenda!

froebelsternchen said...

I love your festive creation ! So beautiful Brenda!

SewPaperPaint said...

I'm always amazed at what beautiful backgrounds can be made with a simple brayer! This is such a lovely and fun design. Hugs, Autumn

Meggymay said...

Its a beautiful cheerful Christmas card, a great brayer background.
Yvonne xx

crafty-stamper said...

Fabulous background and love the die-cut Santa
Carol x

Mrs.B said...

A great card Brenda, love the background. He really is a jolly Santa and his beard looks great with the paint effects.
Avril xx