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12/22/2016

Hero Arts - Layered Cardinal

Good Afternoon. I expect most of you are scurrying around with last minute shopping, wrapping, baking, etc. We've been busy, but I surely don't know what it is that we've accomplished! Didn't do any decorating, aside from hanging wreath on front & back door. Nada on the baking as well. Weren't just sure until last minute if we'd be able to go to Florida so didn't do a lot of shopping, thinking we'd be sending $$$$ instead of gifts. Then found out we will be able to make the trip, so a bit of scurrying then, and you know, it's really difficult to think of gifts for adult kids. They buy things that they want, have enough dust collectors, can't buy them clothes, and gift cards seem like a cop-out (but some got purchased!) Found out you can do egift cards at Amazon too, so I hope my first try at that will work out with no hitches!

Before any more blah-blah, let me give a very warm welcome to a new follower, who joined about 2 wks ago, but I just didn't have a chance to introduce my new friend, Camille S. of Short on Ideas. Thanks for becoming a follower here, and one of these days, maybe I'll get to the 350 mark, and have a bit of New Year Blog Candy. I hope I haven't missed giving a welcome to any new followers, but if I have neglected to welcome you, provide a link to your blog so that my friends can visit you, please do let me know! Hope you have time to visit Camille, and enjoy her work.

OK, before today's card, I want to share a Halloween tag that was sent to DH, by my sweet (and so-talented) friend, Anne R. (Redanne).  Anne loves Halloween, and so does DH, and she has sent him some awesome Halloween cards. He is just so thrilled that someone - so far away, that he's never met, is kind enough to do such.

 
So why am I sharing this just now? Anne had given me the heads up that she had sent Mr. a Halloween treat, but it didn't come, it didn't come, and we just thought it was lost in the mail. In collecting a packet of Christmas cards from the mail box quite recently, lo & behold, I saw an envelope from Miss Anne. We'd already gotten a lovely Christmas card, so I happened to glance at the franking date. It was Oct 15! How excited I was to hand this one over to the Mr, and say "Here's your Halloween card!" Both of us said, bet this envelope could tell some tales of where it's been for over 2 months!!!
 
Now for the Hero Arts Cardinal: (this will be DH's card this year).
 
 
 
H.A. Layered Cardinal - stamp & die set. Used some of the Altenew colored cube sets along with some Distress Inks to do the color layers. Even using the Misti, I had some frustration with this stamp set. The bird worked out ok, but tried to place his feet on the branch, add the greenery, and it was a mess. Finally just used the die set, cut all parts out, and assembled as shown here. Was tempted to do some hand cutting around the elements, to eliminate the 'white' from the die cut, but time was running out.
 
The background embossing was done with a rectangle die set that has a leaf pattern* (thought it was PTI, but can't locate it to provide a link.) Had seen Jennifer McGuire use dies to emboss, using this layered cardinal as the focal image.  Tried using the circle infinity dies as she does in the video, but even with 140# watercolor c/s, the c/s was being cut more so than embossed. Finally used the sizzix emboss mat (the black one) rather than the thicker tan one that I normally use, and got a decent emboss. However, this die arrived in the mail, decided to try it on the technique, liked it much better. I can provide the die company if anyone is interested .. was pretty sure it was Paper Trey Ink.*
 
- Tim Holtz Sizzix 661597 Thinlets Holiday Greens for the holly and branches. (cut from white snippet c/s and colored with copics.). After placing the holly in the corners, thought the holly needed some branches, to make the greenery more lush. Holly berries are Nuvo Crystal glitter.
 
- SU sentiment, stamped with DI festive berry, and used SU punch.
 
That's it folks. Will have a scheduled post tomorrow. Trying to finish a couple of Crazy Birds cards to take along. Just added a lot of lovely Christmas cards to the Cards by Friends section, so if you've time, enjoy these right along with us.
 
Ya'll take care, try not to get too stressed with the coming holiday, and thanks for joining me. Prayers & good thoughts going out to my friends who are in need of that just now. Big Hugs, and hope you are not being Naughty!!!
 



29 comments:

  1. Super cute cardinal design Mary. Who knows where the Halloween card has been all this time.

    Happy Holidays

    Diane

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  2. Hello Mary, love your Cardinal card,it's gorgeous and beautifully coloured. Don't have a proper Mistie, made my own.
    You and DH have a wonderful Christmas with your family, Kate x

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  3. How lovely to receive the card that you thought was lost. Sure would love to know the explanation behind it. I'm still waiting to hear if a parcel I posted out to India back in August ever arrived!! I so hate for things to go missing.
    Your card for Hubby is lovely. Knew there would have to be a Cardinal on there. Have a safe trip and a lovely break. Hugs Mrs A.

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  4. What a great Halloween card Anne sent to your DH and that gentleman with the top hat could tell a few tales of his adventures I'm sure..lol. What a fabulous card you have made for the him too, that Cardinal is beautiful and love the holly and pine branches which go beautifully and love the die embossed background too. So pleased for you that you are able to go to Florida after all so have a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful cards during 2017. x

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  5. What a surprise to get the Halloween card after so long. And makes it even more special that it arrived after it's long journey! :)

    Lovely card for Joe ... he's going to love that cardinal. Have a safe trip. Merry Christmas! xx

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  6. Super cardinal card, Mary. I so wish we had cardinals in the UK, they always look stunning when I see them on your cards. Great Halloween tag too, I wonder where it's been. Fifteen months ago, a friend sent me a handcrafted anniversary card and we're still waiting for it! It only had to come about 6 miles. Fortunately, she put a photo of it and put it on her blog, so at least I know what it looks like!! Perhaps it will turn up one day. xx

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  7. ......forgot to say, have a great time in Florida. xx

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  8. The embossed background looks beautiful with this cardinal! It reminds me of a warm winter white sweater my mother would have hand-knitted. Loving the greenery and pretty bird too. That's a great Halloween make from your friend, and I think the mail is delivered in the same crazy way everywhere these days. My neighbor gets delivery confirmation and the letter/pkg is never delivered. A week or two later it magically appears in her mailbox. I have my own thoughts on that one! Do have a safe trip and enjoy your time in FL! Merry Christmas!!

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  9. Just popping by to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas Mary.

    See you again after the festivities.

    B x

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  10. Hi Mary, Lovely card.

    Blimey that did take a long time, but better late than never.

    Have a wonderful time in Florida.

    Happy Christmas
    Sue

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  11. Beautiful cards.
    I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas.
    Valerija xx

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  12. WOW!! Your Hubby's Halloween card is late.. Better late than never. Love your cardinal card!! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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  13. This post just made me smile all over again! I am so glad that it finally arrived, especially as Joe loves Halloween almost as much as I do!!

    Love your gorgeous Cardinal card too, he will love that for sure (and a big thank you for your beautiful card too my friend!). Love and hugs to you both and wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your family. Anne xxx

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  14. He will love your beautiful cardinal card, Mary. Safe trip to Florida! Just a brief not to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, and to thank you for your on-line friendship. I hope that 2017 is especially good to you, and that the promise of new beginnings creates wonderful journeys! hugs, de

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  15. Your card for hubby is so pretty, even if it gave you headaches! The Halloween one is very cool for a guy. She did a great job. I'm sending you both warm wishes for a wonderful, safe trip and holiday with your daughter. Also enjoy the warmer weather. Hugs to you my sweet friend.

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  16. That's so fun getting the Halloween card!! I love Halloween, but know many people that do, so I don't send out hardly any Halloween creations. I love your cardinal creating with that embossed background it looks amazing!! Such wonderful details!! Hope you have a fun and safe trip. Merry Christmas to you and yours! :) HUGS

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  17. Anne's tag is fabulous, Mary and so is your gorgeous cardinal card! I love the texture on your card base as well as the tasteful arrangement of foliage in your corners. Beautiful! Drive safely, Mary and have a Very Merry Christmas!

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  18. In Italy we said "Better later that never..." but such a treat an Halloween card so stunning and scary for Christmas!
    Your cardinal card is so sweet and lovely, great colouring and layering with your stamp. Love the embossed background!
    Hugs Mary, have a Wonderful Christmas!!

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  19. A beautiful card Mary, a super Cardinal and lovely die cut details.
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
    Pauline
    x

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  20. Worth the wait Mary, that`s a fabulous Halloween card!.
    Wonderful Christmas card you have created Mary, fabulous image and green`s
    Love the embossed background.
    Wishing you A Wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year..
    Safe journey.
    Pam x

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  21. What a marathon to get this card made Mary, but it was worth persevering as it is a beauty!!
    Christmas blessings to you and yours
    Maxine

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  22. A gorgeous cardinal as always Mary. Love the Halloween tag too...a stamp order from the states once went round by the Bahamas before arriving to me! I've got a catch up post for CCC tomorrow. Have a lovely Christmas. Carol x

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  23. Two simply fabulous cards...so in love with your fabulous Halloween card, just amazing. And your Christmas card is so beautiful, love your sweet bird. Merry Christmas.

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  24. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas in Florida and hope the New Year brings you lots of good things! Your cardinal card is beautiful and I am so glad the Halloween tag found its way to your mailbox! Better late than never! I always get so mad when my cards get lost. Happens unfortunately too often....

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  25. Oh my! Where has the Halloween tag been I wonder? I'm glad it found its destination and just in time for a (different) holiday smile. The Cardinal card is fabulous. I'm sorry it was such a pain to make. Sometimes it just goes like that. Enjoy your time in Florida.

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  26. What a beautiful cardinal, Mary! I always think of you when I see a cardinal! Love that embossed background!

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  27. Gorgeous texture and such a lovely cardinal set amid the branches, Mary! How fun for your DH to get his halloween tag ... and to discover it wasn't lost in the mail after all! Hugs, Anita :)

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  28. Merry Christmas Mary! I enjoyed reading your blog so much today! And I always have problems finding presents for my parents and parents in law!
    Your card is fantastic and matches very much your blog style! I'm sure your DH loved it!
    Xoxo Olga

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  29. Amazing scene you created!
    xoxo Olga

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