I suppose I am giving some of you a big SHOCK by designing Christmas cards.

If you’re surprised about this, it’s because you know I don’t make many cards and have even been known to buy the Hallmark variety…Gasp!

I’ve always admired cardmakers who create spectacular pieces on such a small canvas.  So, when I was invited to teach a card class at Urban Scrapbook,  I thought, “Heck, yes! I’m going to give it a whirl!”

Using the new Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium collection and the Tim Holtz Mini Paper Rosette Sizzix die, I designed 5 cards and thought I’d share a few of the details with you.

The Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium paper pack…beautiful vintage papers!

Here is the first card….

On Santa’s Knee

The background is inked and embossed kraft paper, plus I used real Wood Veneer paper (Thin) from Creative Imaginations to design the mantle.

I used Fired Brick Distress Ink and the Prima Brick mask/stencil to alter the piece of kraft paper.

Then I embossed the “brick wall” with a Tim Holtz “Gridlock” embossing folder to create more texture…

After embossing, I lightly inked the raised design with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

I also embossed the top of the wall with a Tim Holtz Wood Grain embossing folder…

…and inked the raised design again with Vintage Photo.
Close up of Wood Grain wall and wreath

The wreath is made with two medium rosette flower strips attached together.  I found it helpful to create a stable base for this wreath to sit on, so I made a “donut” out of scrap paper….

Here is the Paper rosette die I used on each card

The red ribbon is actually plain cream rayon ribbon (seam binding) coloured with Fired Brick Distress Stain.  Crumple it while still wet with the Stain and let dry in a crumpled ball to obtain the worn out vintage look.

Distress Stains come in so many different colours and allow you to transform any piece of seam binding!

The second card is called “JOY”…

I used 3 Tim Holtz dies to create this card….

I was a little sneaky with the “upon a time” alphabet and actually used the “Y” as the letter “J” because I didn’t like the shape of the J in the original alpha.  Just cut off the arm of the Y and you have a J!! I should have been a rocket scientist…or a brain surgeon 🙂

The third card is named “Wishful Window” ….

The mother with children looking into a store window is an image from a piece of the Graphic 45 paper, which I fussy cut.  Then I framed the window with real Wood Veneer paper, inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  The small mini rosette is accordion folded and adhered as an awning across the top of the window.

Off-white cardstock becomes swirly snow with a Tim Holtz “Swirls” embossing folder.

The snow banks are cut and layered below the window. Then I added clear Stickles to the raised design to add some sparkle…

This time I coloured the plain ribbon with Stormy Sky Distress Ink.

To do this, you press the ink pad randomly on the ribbon (I didn’t want solid coverage, so I missed some spots), put it in a plastic sandwich baggie, mist with water, then crumple and let dry.

Voila!  A lovely vintage blue ribbon is born!

The fourth card is “Christmas Carols”…

To age the carol music paper pieces, I used Crackle Accents and Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

With a paint brush, add a medium thick coat of Crackle Accents and let dry completely, about an hour or more.

When the Crackle is dry, ink the whole surface with Walnut Stain, mist with water and wipe off with a tissue or paper towel. The dark ink stays in the cracks, making them more visible.  Now you have beautiful vintage music paper!

The die cut elements are from the new Tim Holtz Festive Greenery Sizzix die…..

I cut the pieces from off-white Bazzill cardstock

….and then transformed them with a variety of Distress Inks….magical!

All the inked pieces and a small paper rosette are adhered to a piece of black cardstock and sprayed with Perfect Pearls “Heirloom Gold”.
I love this Festive Greenery die…so pretty and versatile!

The fifth and final card is titled “O Jolly Christmas Tree”…

I wish my kids looked like this on Christmas day 🙂

The Christmas tree is made with 2 medium rosette strips, separated into pieces…

TIP:  Ink all the pieces before you assemble and layer into a tree.
Sookwang tape is the best adhesive to adhere the tree layers together.
Stack up your layers and adhere along the accordion folds.
Adhere the sides of the tree rosette pieces so they lie flat and you get a tree shape.

Also, I cut a 4″ x 2″ triangle shape to use as a base for the tree…adhering the rosette tree to a base will stabilize it and help it keep a nice shape. Oh, and the tree trunk is a little strip of real Wood Veneer paper inked with Walnut Stain.

Side angle of flattened sides of tree.

Fabri-Tac liquid adhesive by Beacon Adhesives is wonderful for this because it dries VERY quickly.

I also use Fabri-Tac as the adhesive for all the rosettes.  Some people prefer a hot glue gun, but I’m not a big fan of burning off my fingerprints 🙂

Hope this inspires you to make some Christmas cards….or at least start your shopping 🙂

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
And my early Christmas present to you….if you comment on this post and are a “Follower” of my blog, you will be entered to win a kit to make ALL these cards!! I’d also love to hear which card is your favourite 🙂  Thanks for visiting!

77 Comments on Tim Holtz Meets Graphic 45

  1. Luz Maria Bruna
    November 7, 2011 at 5:15 am (12 years ago)

    Woow girl,what fabulous cards you made all are so very pretty!!!! Fabulous work!

    Reply
  2. Michelle
    November 7, 2011 at 6:54 am (12 years ago)

    Holy smokes Kelly ! these are frigging GORGEOUS! I can NOT believe how many techniques you have incorporated in these cards! Seriously!And while you know the window /blue one is my fav , I gotta tell you that the way you used the rosette die cut to make that Christmas tree is astounding. It amazes me how you keep coming up with unique ways to use these products..YOU should send that one to Tim himself…I bet he’d be mighty impressed with that use for his diecut! Outstanding work my friend!

    Reply
  3. Char
    November 7, 2011 at 7:08 am (12 years ago)

    Wow! Talk about impressive! It never fails to amaze me how many different techniques you use to create. I can’t wait to soak up some inspiration from you!

    Reply
  4. Sandra D
    November 7, 2011 at 9:54 am (12 years ago)

    Hi Kelly,
    What beautiful cards. You must be so proud of how you challenged yourself and came up with such a magnificent result. Michelle’s idea is brilliant – Tim would love to see what you have come up with!

    Reply
  5. Miae
    November 7, 2011 at 10:04 am (12 years ago)

    Geez Kelly, you’re not a cardmaker?! Could’a fooled me:D Your creations are stunning and all so different incorporating so many cool techniques!! Tfs!

    Reply
  6. g45papers
    November 7, 2011 at 1:03 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelly, All five of these cards are unbelievably adorable. I have shared this post on the Graphic 45 Facebook business page. Our followers are going to love this. Thanks for sharing your great techniques.
    Happy Papercrafting!

    Charee Filimoehala
    Graphic 45, LLC

    Reply
  7. Daisy Sparks
    November 7, 2011 at 1:10 pm (12 years ago)

    THOSE are gorgeous creations! Creative juices were overflowing, too.

    Reply
  8. centralNYscrapper
    November 7, 2011 at 1:14 pm (12 years ago)

    Awesome cards. Just beautiful. Now I need to go shopping to be able to scraplift. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Vic
    November 7, 2011 at 1:23 pm (12 years ago)

    Beautiful! I love how you used the rosette dies so creatively!

    Reply
  10. scrappinlil
    November 7, 2011 at 1:25 pm (12 years ago)

    Oh Wow…you did an amazing job on all of these creations…I love them all and all the different techniques…I will have to try them. I am now a follower…TFS

    Reply
  11. Jolanda
    November 7, 2011 at 1:45 pm (12 years ago)

    Wow!!!!!! stunning cards – I love them all!! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Anonymous
    November 7, 2011 at 1:54 pm (12 years ago)

    Wow! Double wow! Love all of your cards. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Gail in Oklahoma

    Reply
  13. Anonymous
    November 7, 2011 at 1:56 pm (12 years ago)

    Wowza,I am so glad I found your gorgeous cards! Fantastic work. It makes me want to go get inky.

    Reply
  14. Sherry
    November 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm (12 years ago)

    Great cards, wonderful creativity.

    Reply
  15. MimiBeth
    November 7, 2011 at 2:24 pm (12 years ago)

    OMG!! These are fantastic! I can’t say which is my favorite because I love them all. Wonderful job!

    Reply
  16. orfanannie
    November 7, 2011 at 2:26 pm (12 years ago)

    My favorite is the “Joy” card, but it’s really hard to pick one. Just found your Blog via G45…They’re really smart at finding artistic talent! I will continue to follow your postings! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  17. inkyfingers
    November 7, 2011 at 2:28 pm (12 years ago)

    Fantastic cards, what great ways to use the rosette die. I’m actually sitting putting some rosettes together right now!

    Reply
  18. Anne
    November 7, 2011 at 2:47 pm (12 years ago)

    Great creative ideas to use Rosettes in so many new ways! Thanks for the jumpstart!

    Reply
  19. Elena Pana
    November 7, 2011 at 2:48 pm (12 years ago)

    I love Wishful Window! I am really impressed with embossing you are using to illustrate the snow! And I am definitely becoming a follower 🙂

    Reply
  20. Tami Ruth
    November 7, 2011 at 2:56 pm (12 years ago)

    I love wishful window if we really need to pick just one. Awesome cards.

    Reply
  21. Vickie_M
    November 7, 2011 at 2:57 pm (12 years ago)

    Beautiful cards. I am now a follower. Can’t wait to try some of these techniques. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent.

    Reply
  22. Carole
    November 7, 2011 at 3:01 pm (12 years ago)

    Just lovely = thanks for the tips and techniques you used

    Reply
  23. Anonymous
    November 7, 2011 at 3:36 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelly! I didn’t realize what a “Star” you are!!! I love these cards. Thanks for showing us all of your tricks to make them. Gotta love Graphic 45…everything!
    Rochelle
    Cricut OCD

    Reply
  24. Liane
    November 7, 2011 at 3:45 pm (12 years ago)

    What imagination you have and I’m so excited with the Santa with kids art and teh idea for the tree is wonderful. Love your ideas! Thank you for sharing your artwork and for a chance to win.

    Reply
  25. Cindy Gay
    November 7, 2011 at 3:50 pm (12 years ago)

    Hey Kelly, I came to this via Facebook’s Graphic 45. . . beautiful cards. Very professional!

    Reply
  26. Theresa
    November 7, 2011 at 4:07 pm (12 years ago)

    Wow

    Reply
  27. Johanne
    November 7, 2011 at 4:12 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelly, my jaw dropped when I saw your beautiful creations. Sure puts my cards to shame. Now I have to work harder to make them almost as nice as yours. Thank you for sharing! And I agree, you have to let Tim know about the Tree!

    Reply
  28. jen
    November 7, 2011 at 4:13 pm (12 years ago)

    I am in awe of all the beautiful cards you made and all the different ideas you came up with for one theme. Now to try and pick one card, well I love the first one with Santa and the little ones, but I also love the window scene, so I can’t pick a favorite they are all beautiful, and yes I am becoming a follower as we speak so I can keep up with all your ideas tfs

    Reply
  29. barbara johnson
    November 7, 2011 at 4:47 pm (12 years ago)

    Totally awesome!! Love your designs. And the techniques are GREAT!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

    Reply
  30. Stacey Wilson
    November 7, 2011 at 4:55 pm (12 years ago)

    Wow! These cards are just gorgeous! I love how you used the papers and the dies. Great stuff!

    Reply
  31. Laura
    November 7, 2011 at 4:57 pm (12 years ago)

    I like the first one the best — I really like the brick wall!

    (following with my Twitter ID, which is the same as my Typepad ID)

    Reply
  32. bonnie bird
    November 7, 2011 at 5:10 pm (12 years ago)

    wow!! Hallmark should be calling you!! what beautiful cards!! it’s hard to decide which is my favorite, but i think i like the Joy card the best. and, i really like how you share your techniques!! even Ms 5 thumbs, like me, can give this a whirl! thank you for sharing such wonderful ideas. You Rock!!

    Reply
  33. Pamela
    November 7, 2011 at 5:11 pm (12 years ago)

    I think the Christmas Carols card totally ROCKS!!! but wowzer! they are all AWESOME!

    Reply
  34. olamama
    November 7, 2011 at 5:19 pm (12 years ago)

    Stunningly amazing cards! You are an inspiration, the blue window is my favorite!

    Reply
  35. Beth
    November 7, 2011 at 5:21 pm (12 years ago)

    I love the JOY tag card – but it was hard to chose just one as they are all very vintage Christmas. Thanks for the tips and inspiration.

    Reply
  36. Anonymous
    November 7, 2011 at 5:29 pm (12 years ago)

    I love how you step out of the box with the rosette die. You definately have a creative genius mind. It makes me want to get creative and make some cards. My fav is the first one because of all the different components to it. Awesome job
    Paula

    paulachiz@gmail.com

    Reply
  37. Barb
    November 7, 2011 at 5:46 pm (12 years ago)

    I love all the cards–hard choice but Wishful window is my favorite

    Reply
  38. Trisha
    November 7, 2011 at 5:52 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelly, your cards are amazing. I love the Christmas Carols card the best. Love how you color your own ribbon with distress ink. This is a great tip. I subscribed to your newsletter, however, your follow button did not work, so I could not follow. Love your work. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

    Reply
  39. Trisha
    November 7, 2011 at 5:55 pm (12 years ago)

    Well, Kelly–see the above post. Once I signed in with google to post I was able to become a new follower by using the follow on the top bar. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

    Reply
  40. Anonymous
    November 7, 2011 at 6:29 pm (12 years ago)

    Beautiful cards!!Love the victorian children around the wonderful christmas tree! These are all so creative and outstanding.Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  41. melminor
    November 7, 2011 at 6:50 pm (12 years ago)

    These are just beautiful and so inspiring!!! Not a cardmaker – WHAT???

    Reply
  42. marilyn
    November 7, 2011 at 6:58 pm (12 years ago)

    These are all simply amazing! My very favorite is the first one–love the wreath!

    Reply
  43. MELINDA TATE MCCALL
    November 7, 2011 at 7:31 pm (12 years ago)

    These are Great,the forth card is my favorite,since I had to pick one! Love them all!!

    Reply
  44. gail
    November 7, 2011 at 7:37 pm (12 years ago)

    Your cards are simply amazing! I love how you incorporated so many techniques in each card. The first one blew me away…by the time I saw the last, I was literally speechless. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  45. Jackie H.
    November 7, 2011 at 8:19 pm (12 years ago)

    You are very creative!! I love the card with the music paper and the look you gave it. I also like the Christmas tree. So much fun.

    Reply
  46. Liz
    November 7, 2011 at 8:31 pm (12 years ago)

    The mother with children looking into a store window is my fav – love how you used Stickles on the swirls – and that blue distress ink – I neeed me some of that. Right after I finish this, I’ joining your blog – you have used almost all of my favorite products in your post today !

    Reply
  47. sharon g
    November 7, 2011 at 9:01 pm (12 years ago)

    How cute. Don’t you love Graphic 45? Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  48. Rene'
    November 7, 2011 at 9:10 pm (12 years ago)

    Very Nice!! I like the first one, the Santa with the embossed backgrounds – just lovely!!

    Reply
  49. Vicky Alberto
    November 7, 2011 at 9:19 pm (12 years ago)

    OMG, I am not a card maker but am soooooo inspired to try a few of these techniques. Love the Santa’s knee one but all gorgeous. I recently started using that glue too – LOOOOOVE it!

    Reply
  50. Debbie
    November 7, 2011 at 11:00 pm (12 years ago)

    these cards are amazing esp for the first time. my favorite is the Christmas Carols, I have never used Graphic 45 papers thanks for showing
    upnurse at aol dot com

    Reply
  51. Elle
    November 8, 2011 at 3:07 am (12 years ago)

    I love the use of the rosette in so many ways. That is a die I never thought I would buy…rethinking that now. Awesome work. Thanks

    Reply
  52. karennarelle
    November 8, 2011 at 3:10 am (12 years ago)

    I enjoy making cards but mine are nowhere near as good as this!! I think my favourite is the tag card, but they ar e all stunning.

    Reply
  53. Anonymous
    November 8, 2011 at 3:21 am (12 years ago)

    I love your cards! Following you now & can’t wait to see what else you create. These are stunning.
    Pam
    panuttingatgmaildotcom

    Reply
  54. Anonymous
    November 8, 2011 at 5:37 am (12 years ago)

    Love all of the great looking Vintage Cards! Love this paper pack.
    –DawnGail

    Reply
  55. Annie
    November 8, 2011 at 6:59 am (12 years ago)

    These are so beautiful! So very hard to choose a favorite, but I guess either the first or second, but really they have all given me ideas!

    Reply
  56. ferrellgraph-x
    November 8, 2011 at 1:12 pm (12 years ago)

    I am your newest follower! I found you from a post on Graphic 45’s Facebook page. I love every single card you made! Brilliant! I am especially fond of on Santa’s knee!
    Kindest regards,
    Jennifer

    Reply
  57. fairkat
    November 8, 2011 at 2:17 pm (12 years ago)

    These cards are marvelous!! My favorite is the ‘Christmas Carols” one. i love your innovative use of the embossing folders and of course the Tim Holts dies. Wonderful work!!

    Reply
  58. Anonymous
    November 8, 2011 at 3:58 pm (12 years ago)

    now thATS THE WAY TO USE TIMS STUFF. I AM SO SICK OF PEOPLE BUYING ALL THIS STUFF AND NEVER USING IT. NOW YOU SURE USED ALL OF IT . SO CREATIVE YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF.JUST GORGEOUS. I LIKE THE KIDS LOOKING THRU THE WINDOW LOVE THOSE STICKLES.
    TRACY

    Reply
  59. Lisa :)
    November 8, 2011 at 6:59 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelly these are absolutely amazing!!! I really love the rosette tree but they’re all just gorgeous! You’re so creative–Love it!

    Reply
  60. Izzyb
    November 8, 2011 at 7:54 pm (12 years ago)

    Oh, sure, just a few simple cards…..These are works of art. Just amazing. You did Tim proud! So creative. The first card is especially exceptional. I couldn’t love these more. Beautiful, Kelly. Loved the tip, too, on using distress stains to color ribbon. I usually use mists, but I like the look of the stains better. Great job, too, with all the photos. Just wow.

    Reply
  61. Cindi Estes
    November 8, 2011 at 8:41 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelley, I love all your cards, and my favorite is Christmas Carols!

    Reply
  62. Anonymous
    November 8, 2011 at 9:45 pm (12 years ago)

    For not making many cards these are fantastic. Tim’s products AND Graphic 45 are two of my favorites. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  63. A SASSY SCRAPPER
    November 8, 2011 at 11:16 pm (12 years ago)

    Kelly, all of these cards are so beautiful….cannot BELIEVE how much detail you added to each one! Maybe you should hand deliver each one….don’t know how the Canadian postal service is, but I would be scared to death to put it in the U.S. mail!!!! OMGosh!!! Love them ALL!

    BTW…after your comment….thanking me for my comments over at SB.com, I had to go back and see what I had written…..LOL…..you are so funny, honey bunny!

    Reply
  64. StampDancer
    November 9, 2011 at 10:17 am (12 years ago)

    I think these are amazing! I’ve probably missed your giveaway but just wanted you to know how outstanding I think these are.

    Reply
  65. kelscrapsallnite
    November 9, 2011 at 11:43 am (12 years ago)

    Hi Kelly! Your joy card is brilliant–love it 🙂

    Reply
  66. Lisa Barrie
    November 10, 2011 at 6:12 pm (12 years ago)

    I just love the storyteller feel to your cards. Wishful window is definitely my favorite! They are all so pretty and festive!! Well done

    Reply
  67. Rosita
    November 13, 2011 at 3:16 am (12 years ago)

    I’m here to deliver a cup of hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows. It is so hard to choose a favorite, they are all so pretty! But I think that the ‘Joy’ card is my favorite!

    Reply
  68. misty
    November 13, 2011 at 3:51 pm (12 years ago)

    crappy doodles! I totally thought I would never get to the end of your comments! Thank you so much for the how to’s…you are such an ispiration! that sounds a little overly sappy but it is the truth!

    Reply
  69. WillieburgScrapper
    November 13, 2011 at 7:29 pm (12 years ago)

    Misty always makes me laugh with her expressions crappy doodles? I’m So gonna use that! I was gonna say YOWZA!!! 68 comments? Not even during a blog hop do I get so many comments! Goes to show- being talented AND sweet AND friendly counts- a LOT! Thank you for swinging by my blog today- it was a huge honor and I really appreciate the feedback. LOVE your card! It’s FABULOUS- the woodgrain and brick embossing are so perfectly well thought out! Pinning it for future inspiration!

    Reply
  70. Anonymous
    November 15, 2011 at 12:52 pm (12 years ago)

    Hi I love love those cards, is it too late for the contest? hope not Mitzi Graves

    Reply
  71. Kay
    November 18, 2011 at 9:54 pm (12 years ago)

    OMG what pretty cards! I love them all…so many little details to admire…I love how you share tips/tricks…they are all so perfectly thought out…beautiful work–lots of inspiration here!

    Reply
  72. Pendra
    November 29, 2011 at 11:27 pm (12 years ago)

    Wow, Kelly these are amazing! I am always in awe of what you come up with and I can’t thank you enough for always sharing how you came up with it! You have a wonderful way of thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways to use our supplies! Thanks Kelly… and I love each and every one of these beautiful cards!
    Crafty Hugs my friend,
    Pendra

    Reply
  73. Maggy_Tronche
    December 8, 2011 at 4:22 am (12 years ago)

    Wow super cute cards projects!!! Loveee all of them!!! You are very creative girl!! Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration!!! Hope has a chance to win for make this amaizing cards!!! Hugs.. Maggy 🙂

    Reply
  74. Charlene
    December 9, 2011 at 4:11 am (12 years ago)

    Gorgeous one and all…Thanks for the tutorials, too! Off to buy some Crackle Accents!

    Reply
  75. WillieburgScrapper
    December 12, 2011 at 10:13 am (12 years ago)

    WHOA! Number 76!!! Well O LOVE these cards!! The paper wreath and cubed hearth on the santa card are FABULOUS!!! I also like how you printed music notes on the wood- beautiful cards- you knocked these right out the park!

    Reply
  76. DB
    December 14, 2011 at 12:43 am (12 years ago)

    Awesome cards, love them all! Thanks for sharing the techniques, I can’t wait to try some of them.

    Reply

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