Wow! Another Thursday has rolled around and you know that means it is time for a Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge. I love this week’s sketch!

BEAUTY OF FRIENDSHIP
I used the tree from the Beautiful Trees Dies instead of a rectangle…and love how it looks in it’s wintery garb! And I’ve always loved red cardinals…he really pops out against the gray!

Stampin’ Details:
- The base is 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 Smoky Slate cardstock, scored at 4-1/4 and folded to form the base card.
- A 1-1/2 x 3-3/4 piece of Basic White was torn across the top and added to a 3-3/4 x 5 piece of Peaceful Place Designer Paper.
- The DSP was layered onto a 3-7/8 x 5-1/8 piece of Real Red cardstock.
- The tree from Beautiful Trees Dies was cut from Smoky Slate, then embossed with the Bark Embossing Folder. It was added to the front with slivers of Foam Strip Adhesive.
- The shadow of the tree from Beauty of tree stamp set was stamped with stamped-off Smoky Slate Ink.
- Thinking of You from Beauty of Friendship stamp set was stamped with Basic Gray Ink on scrap Basic White cardstock, then cut with the label die in the Beautiful Trees Dies. It is added with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
- The bird was cut with the Beautiful Tree Dies from Real Red cardstock and added to the tree.
- Some Subtle Shimmer Sequins were added in the background.

This would be a EASY card to duplicate for bulk Christmas cards…the dies do most of the work! Go check out what the rest of the Challenge Team did with this color combination over on Create with Connie and Mary!

Embrace the earthy beauty of nature with Stampin' Up!'s BRANCHING OUT BUNDLE. The life-like pine branches, berries, and pinecones images will bring a little of the outside to your indoors! Plus, the nested frames in the BRANCHING OUT DIES have accents of stitched trim to make them even more special. Add one of the special everyday greetings to finish off your special card or project. We've combined the BRANCHING OUT BUNDLE with the elegant hand-painted backgrounds in the SEASON OF ELEGANCE 12x12 DESIGNER PAPER with beautiful foil touches in neutral and Christmas colors. You'll get step-by-step tutorials for SIX projects...FOUR cards and TWO small gift/decor ideas perfect to showcase the beauty of the season. See more details HERE!
Be a little bold this Christmas stamping and accessorizing with the contemporary designs in the MODERN CHRISTMAS SUITE of products! You are sure to be on trend with the ORNAMENTAL CHRISTMAS BUNDLE and the classic trees, stars and ornament images! We've combined the ORNAMENTAL CHRISTMAS BUNDLE with the gold foil accents in the MODERN CHRISTMAS 12x12 DESIGNER PAPER for eye-catching designs! You'll get step-by-step tutorials for SIX projects...FOUR cards and TWO gift card holder ideas perfect to showcase the beauty of the season. See more details HERE!
You are sure to have a merry Christmas when designing your cards and projects with the darling FESTIVE FRIENDS BUNDLE! The classic Santa, Snowman and Elf images will certainly put you in the mood to celebrate! Add in the pine trees and greetings for a special touch! We've combined the FESTIVE FRIENDS BUNDLE with the TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS 12x12 DESIGNER PAPER for your festive holiday crafting! In our FESTIVE FRIENDS COLLECTION, you'll get step-by-step tutorials for SIX projects...FOUR cards and TWO favors ideas perfect for craft shows or giving to friends! See more details HERE!

















































































