CottageCutz: Christmas Hope

Hello Scrapping Cottage friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with us today. It's Mary Marsh here bringing you the Saturday edition of the Blog.

We have the new release of Christmas Part 2 in the online store and they are all in stock and available for delivery. There are 34 new designs in this release.

This release has something for everyone. So if you prefer a more religious tone to your cards- we have you covered. If you like a more whimsical design featuring Santa, reindeer, gnomes, moose or even a hot chocolate theme you will find some really cute dies.

I actually do a combo of religious and whimsical for my Christmas cards. Today, for your viewing pleasure, I am going religious with the new Hope Nativity die. It's from the Christmas Part 1 release.

Once I selected my die for this week's post, I decided to use a pattern from a stargazer paper that I bought at Hobby Lobby earlier this summer. I selected this pattern because I liked the colors and the silver swirls. I paired it up with a coordinating grape cardstock and then my card base is a silver metallic.

Silver Card Base: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Grape Layering Panel: 4 1/8" x 5 3/8"
Designer Paper Panel: 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"

I cut my image with grape cardstock. I decided (after I took the photo) to double cut the image to give it more dimension.

I started card assembly at this point. I had two different thoughts on how I was going to finish up this card. So I thought it best to assemble and then make my decision. My cards are always a work in progress. I adhered the designer paper to the grape layer with double sided tape.

Next, I added the Hope Nativity image to the designer paper. For this I used Ranger multi medium matte. I like this adhesive because it dries clear. Behind the manger scene I cut a small circle and sponged with wild honey ink.

Originally, I was going to use the phrase "Christmas" on the card for a sentiment that would read Christmas Hope. Then I thought about adding some some stars as well and thought the stars from the Snow Village die would work.

When I cut them and laid them across the top, I liked the look so that's what I used instead. My camera was acting wonky and the silver metallic swirls in the photo somehow turned to gold (lol)!!!

To finish up my card I attached my image panel to the card base and I am done. I hope I have given you some inspiration on a way to use this new die. And, the card leans more to the clean and simple side so it would be easy to mass produce.