Have an X-tra Sweet Christmas

Today's card is another one that I had no idea where it was going but love the end result.  We're up to alpha 'X' in the November challenge with Beccy's Place - not a super easy letter but several options.  I had decided on candy canes and being blessed with knowing how to use photoshop elements really helps when you want to turn or alter images.  

But not all images can be altered without a lot of extra work, then you spend time either fixing them or seeking others that will work.  I love the design part of digital stamping, building scenes with several stamps, etc. but sometimes I end up loosing all my coloring time working on just the designs. 

Today's Candy Canes came from Jan's Digital Stamp Shop, where I've been on the Design Team for several years.  This image was one that I could flip over and I could alter the 'excess' to merge them into this image.   This is always done in a copy, never altering the original image and never doing any thing she wouldn't approve of.  I always respect the artist greatly and wish I had the ability to draw like they do!  

I flipped the bottom candy cane over and then 'erased' the extra pieces of bow and leaves that weren't needed.   Once completed I sized to about 3" and printed on Neenah 110# cardstock.  The image is colored with Copic markers and the decorative edge was done using Craft Essentials Deco Squares die.  

I love the coordinating Christmas paper with fruit on it!  What fun is that with the candy canes!  This turned out to be a 5" square card, I cut the card base myself since it's not a standard size.  I secured the patterned background paper, then added the candy canes just above the center point.  Randomly I added the small enamel dots that coordinated with the image,  The sentiment is from the Taylored Expressions, Simple Strips Christmas Sentiments and I added a foam strip behind it before securing across the bottom of the colored image.  Lastly, I added the mint colored 'Merry Christmas' wax seal at the top left that I made for an additional handmade touch. 

Thank you for stopping by today to view my blog. I enjoy sharing my work with you and invite you to 'Follow' my blog and to visit my site - "Not Just Scraps' on Facebook - where you can purchase my cards. 

I will be entering this card in the following challenges: 

Beccy's Place ~ November Challenge ~ Month of Holiday Cards  

World Wide Crafters and Colourist ~ November

Just Add Ink ~ Challenge 680 ~ Alcohol 

CD Sunday Plus ~ Challenge 124

 

Pam's Pearls

 

Copics 

Candy Canes: R21, R22, BG09, BG15, Bow: R24, R27, Berries, R24, 

Leaves: BG72, BG18

 

Products 

Jan's Digital Stamp Shop, Candy Canes

Craft Essentials, Deco Squares