I Think I Like It!

I had an idea for a card last night so I started playing around with a few punches to see if it would work.  It was pretty close for my first go but I'll be making a few changes to get the look I'm really hoping for.  My idea was to make a Christmas tree branch with hanging ornaments and a touch of garland.

A little background information here.  I was taught years ago when creating your Christmas look, always begin with a good foundation.  I wasn't sure if it applied to a card but I was willing to give it a try.  I'll get more into the foundation thing as we approach the holiday season but with that in mind, I began to lay out my foundation.

The branches are not fully glued down allowing me to slip smaller pine branches between the layers.

Wire used to create hook and covered with designer paper to secure

I cut ornaments out of white cardstock using the Stampin Up ornament punch and then with scrap pieces of gold paper cut only the very top of the ornament out as shown.  This gave the ornament a cap.  I ran each of three ornaments through my Cuttlebug using different embossing folders and with fine gold wire created a little hook for the top.  I glued the hook between the ornament and gold paper as shown finishing off the top of the ornament.  I thought I would use my new bubbles and gold beads (Thanks again Marianne) so, one was added to each ornament for a little extra detail. 

I had some 1/8th of an inch ribbon trimmed in gold which I thought we be quite nice added to the top of each ornament.  I cut about a 6 1/2" piece of ribbon, created a bow and secured it with the same fine wire used to make the hook.  I cut the excess wire and tucked the twisted piece back underneath the bow and out of sight. 

A picture of the detail on the card

I punched several little pine branches out using a Martha Stewart punch and using three different shades of green to add contrast.  I placed the ornaments on the card where I wanted them and began to glue all the little pine branches on, tucking them between the layers of the foundation to give the branches depth.

Garland placed between the branches

I then took approximately 7" of small gold beaded rope and weaved it between the branches for the garland.  I finished off the ornaments by gluing a bow on the top of each.

Photograph did not do this card any justice

Here is a picture of my finished card.  I was pleased with my first attempt of getting my idea onto a card but having done it once, I would probably change a few things and the order in which I did them.  I would begin by stamping my card with VersaMark and then emboss with the gold embossing powder.  This would ensure proper placement of the sentiment and probably a better balanced card.  I may try more of the darker branches on top to add a bit more depth to the look, I'll have to figure that out as I go along.  It was a lot of fun creating it, I hope you like it!

Wherever you are in your day, I hope you're enjoying it!
Wishing you many wonderful creations