Trending Trees

I have two creations for holiday cards that were inspired by some challenges that are out this week, combined with an online class that I signed up for a few weeks back.  The class is thru Catherine Pooler - Creativity Grows Here, and it is the A Very Trendy Holiday 2.0 class which combines the latest trends in paper crafting with the creation of holiday cards.  Check it out!

So one of the trends out there right now is geometric stamps.  I swear the trend started with the hexagons that were all the rage a year or so ago.  But now there are all sorts of geometric stamps.  So two challenges were calling to me.  The first was this week's Muse challenge post which had a very Clean and Simple creation (shown below with my supply list).  I have been trying to stretch my stamps, and so I decided to create a tree using a smaller tree stamp . . . a tiny triangular stamp becomes a bigger triangle.  I used supplies from my September card kit from The Stamps of Life to create this card.

I was concerned that the little tree trunks would be a bit annoying within the tree, so I stamped a small snowflake over them and placed my ornamental rhinestones on top.  Definitely a fun way to stretch that tiny little tree stamp! 

For my second card, I was inspired to stretch my stamps again.  Avery Elle has a holiday challenge, and while I wanted to use one of their new holiday sets, I pushed myself to go geometric and use the triangle from the Bright Days set with the sunburst stamp in that set being used to highlight the shine of the star on the tree.  I also wanted to showcase another trend - the use of metallic elements.

I used Avery Elle pigment ink for the tree, so the shine is actually clear embossing.  The washi tape and the silver embossed sunburst are the metallic elements to the card.  I love that washi tape . . . it was in a gift bag that I won, and I have no idea who makes it.  It has a fabulous shimmer! 

I highly recommend that you take a look at your stamps and find different ways to use them.  Not only is it fun, but it has this feeling like you pulled a fast one on someone, something . . . well, you know what I mean.  It feels like an accomplishment of sorts. 

Hope you find some time to be trendy and create today! 

Supplies Used

All supplies from The Stamps of Life (September Card Kit used along with The Stamps of Life ink)

Supplies Used - Avery Elle Tree

Cardstock:  Bazzill

Stamps:  Bright Days and Joy to the World by Avery Elle

Ink:  Avery Elle, Encore, Ranger Embossing Powder

Other:  Metallic Washi Tape (no packaging); rhinestones from The Stamps of Life, Sequins from Pretty Pink Posh