Monday, November 21, 2011

Christmas Down Under

What does Christmas in Australia (or where you live) mean to you? Growing up, and even to this day, Christmas in my family has always been a very 'English style' celebration. Not for us the prawns on the barbie followed by a fresh, perhaps tropical, fruit salad. Oh and I no complain LOL ... hmmm the taste of roast turkey, roast potatoes and gravy, followed by traditional Christmas pudding with custard (and sixpences!!), no matter the temperature outside, or inside for that matter, on Christmas day!!

When it comes to Christmas cards 'a la Australian' though, Christmas in my home gets a little trickier. Rather than going the 'obvious route' of Santa Claus surfing, wearing boxers and thongs, or carrying a swag, or emus (or other native animals) wearing Christmas hats, although admittedly all loaded with bags of character, I've chosen to express Australia in the following Christmas cards with my use of colours. I hope you approve ...

Deck the Halls
Stampin' Up! products used:
colours - Barely Banana, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive
cardstock - Confetti White, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive
stamps - French Filigree, Creative Elements, Merry & Type
other - Textured Impressions Stripes, Linen Thread
other products used:
patterned paper - Basic Grey Fruitcake - Holly Berries, Sugar Cookie; German Glass Glitter - Lime Green; mini pearls; Inkssentials Crackle Accents; dies - Sizzix Stars Primitive, Label Ornate #3; chipboard and JAC paper

Merry and Bright Baubles
Stampin' Up! products used:
colours - Barely Banana, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Crumb Cake
cardstock - Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Barely Banana
stamps - Delightful Decorations, Merry & Type, French Foliage, En Francais
other - Linen Thread, VersaMark stamp pad, Ornament punch
other products used:
patterned paper - Basic Grey Fruitcake - Sugar Cookie; German Glass Glitter - Rose; mini pearls; Artee Clear Detail embossing powder; die - Sizzix Label Ornate #2

Something for Christmas
Stampin' Up! products used:
colours - Barely Banana, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive
cardstock - Confetti White, Barely Banana, Riding Hood Red
stamps - Something for Christmas
other - Textured Impressions Stripes, Taffeta Ribbon - Riding Hood Red
other products used:
patterned paper - Basic Grey Fruitcake - Twinkle, Holly Berries; German Glass Glitter - Copper; Hooked on Craft paper doily; Inkssentials Glossy Accents; die - Big Shot Thick Cuts Circles; chipboard and JAC paper

Okay, so on my calculations, having made six of each of the cards I've shared so far, that's a total of 54 Christmas cards made in the past three weeks. Phew! I guess that could explain why I'm feeling a little over Christmas already. LOL ... just kidding of course!! But I am a tad tired; and my house is a tad dusty and in need of a thorough going over. But I still have Christmas card ideas coursing through my veins. I'm eager to have a go at some cards in pinks and golds. Plus some cards with 'character' so to speak, a little fun perhaps.

One of my most special girlfriends (heh Sandy!!) is coming to stay this weekend so the question is ... do I let Sandy see my home for the first time ever in it's natural state (ha ha ha) and keep making the cards I'm feeling so inspired to make ... or do I prepare the 'palace' for the imminent arrival of our 'state visitor'? ROFL ... I can hear Sandy's response now and no I won't (or more to the point, can't!!!) share it with you!!!

I guess we'll know around about next Monday which path I chose to follow ...

3 comments:

  1. OMG Alz these look awesome.
    I think they look very Australian, the colours are just so perfect for our Aussie Christmas.

    54 cards in 3 weeks!!!! well done.

    Hugs xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Alz your cards are just gorgeous. I particularly love the blue and white ones but they are all so beautiful. I think Sandy might understand you wanting to keep creating, don't you?
    PS: Thank you so much for keeping u with my blog and commenting :) You are a darling. xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow Alz, you are a card making machine - lol. Gorgeous cards.
    Now will you clean or won't you clean? - lol - I guess I shall see when I get there - but you know I wouldn't want you to go to too much trouble for me.

    ReplyDelete