Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by today! I have a fun idea for a holiday photo card to share with you today! Tis the season to start that holiday card making, especially if you are planning to make all of your holiday cards this year.
Sometimes it's hard to think of ideas for handmade cards that incorporate photos. I want to share something that's not only easy, but very realistic in terms of mass producing.
My card today features the Diagonal Window Die from the Essentials By Ellen line. This adds a fun interactive element to the photo card as well. It almost feels like opening a present when you untie the flaps at the front and open the card to reveal a family photo inside. This die measures 4 1/4 x 5 /12 inches, so it's perfect for adding to an A2 card base, or for using on its own like I did today. I like that these measurements are measurements I use all the time, so no extra brain power involved.
To add some texture to this die cut, which will essentially be the card front, I stamped it using the Hero Arts Bold Prints Woodgrain background stamp. I stamped it in white pigment ink. Love the look of white on kraft.
I had my family photo printed at my favorite photo printer. You could also print these at home if you choose. I used a regular 4x6 size and cut it down to 4 x 5 1/2. The width is narrower than my Diagonal Window Frame, but that's okay. The base frame of the Diagonal Window Frame will cover that up and no one (except you, me and the rest of the internet) will ever know that we cheated. I mounted the photo on some heavy weight Neenah to add some sturdiness to the photo.
To embellish the photo, I used some fun dies and stamps from the Essentials By Ellen line, along with some black and white striped Shape N Tape from We R Memory Keepers. Love that stuff.
I chose to use red glitter paper for the Brushstroke Joy die cut. This gives the card a bit of sparkle...and no card of Carissa Wiley's is complete without a little bit of sparkle. If you wanted to make this slightly more economical, you could use plain red card stock and add some sparkle pen over the top. But really, this die requires so little...I think it's totally worth it.
I also cut some holly leaves from the Mistletoe and Holly die set. Tin order to keep them from blending in to each other and the background too much, I inked the edges with the Hero Arts Moss ink pad. I used a direct to paper method to cut down on time. You could use an ink blending tool to ink the edges if you choose.
I finished off my little decorative grouping at the bottom of my photo with an embossed sentiment from the Brushstroke Christmas stamp set. The Brushstroke Joy and Brushstroke Peace dies coordinate so beautifully with this stamp set. There are lots of options for combining these.
I love this card design, but I thought it would be fun to take it up one more notch and make it a shaker card. It's really very simple. It only involves one or two more steps and makes for major WOW factor.
I simply backed the Diagonal Window with a piece of Crystal Clear Window Plastic. I added a double layer of foam adhesive around the frame edge of the Diagonal Window and added some Sparkling Clear sequins from Pretty Pink Posh. It makes for such a fun surprise when the recipient opens the window.
I finished both cards off with a bit of twine and a small red tag embossed with a greeting.
Fun right? And easy. I've included a video tutorial below walking you through the creation of this card. Be sure to check it out.
I've also included links to all the products used in this project below.
This blog post is a part of a fun Holiday Photo Card Blog Hop. You're next stop along the hop is Kelly Griglione. Be sure to hop along for more inspiration. This Holiday Photo Card Blog Hop also includes fun prizes. And Ellen Hutson has been a generous sponsor of this blog hop! Be sure to enter to win by leaving a comment here and at every stop along the hop.
Prizes up for grabs include:
- Two yearly subscriptions to LiveLoveCards.com
- $25 gift certificate to Simon Says Stamp
- $25 gift certificate to Ellen Hutson
- $30 gift certificate to Altenew
- MISTI (or mini MISTI!) from My Sweet Petunia
- $25 gift certificate to Paper Smooches
- $25 gift certificate to Lawn Fawn
- $25 gift certificate to My Favorite Things
Winners will be selected at random from the comments left on each blog hop stop. Be sure to leave a comment on each stop to increase your chances to win! Leave your comments by Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 11:59pm CT. Seven winners will be announced on LiveLoveCards on Wednesday, November 23rd, just in time for Black Friday. :)
Here's the complete blog hop order for your convenience.
Ellen Hutson <---You Are Here
Thanks for stopping by today. I really hope you've enjoyed these projects. Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!
Watch The Video
You can watch this video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE. Don't forget to subscribe while you're there!
