Flourishes Friday – Merry and Bright

This is one of the simplest cards I done in a while, without the layers that are typical for me.  I was so taken with the Reindeer from the Flourishes Sleigh Ride set.  I envisioned them suited up and ready to go, bridle in and reins laced – that gave me the idea to tie a set of them together with the gold cording.  They’re all set to go. . . where’s Santa?

I started with a piece of 140lb watercolor paper and folded it in half to make the card side just shy of 6" tall and 9" wide.  Yes, it’s a big card but it will fit perfectly in a white catalog envelope.   I watercolored the reindeer and used my Spellbinders Rectangle Nestability to cut out each reindeer and backed the cut piece with a Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle Nestability.  Next I punched the border along the bottom with a Martha Stewart Lattice Arch punch.  Setting the cording and brads in place before placing the scalloped backed reindeer made things a tad easier.  I finished by tying a bow and embellishing it with one of the Spellbinders Variety Tags layered with red paper and gold foil, stamped with the sentiment  "Merry and Bright" from the Flourishes Holiday Greetings set.  The final embellishment was three gold pearls and three red crystals for the reindeer noses!

Note:  Many of you have emailed me to ask where to purchase foil paper.  I’m pleased to tell you that you can order foil paper directly with Spellbinders.  Click HERE to see the product number and colors!!

Supplies:
Stamps:  Flourishes – Sleigh Ride, Flourishes – Holiday Greetings
Paper:  140lb Swathmore Watercolor, Red – The Paper Company, gold foil paper
Ink:  Colorbox Chalk Inks – Warm Red
Accessories:  Spellbinders Rectangle Nestability, Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle Nestability, Spellbinders Variety Tags, gold cord, crystal brads, Ribbon, crystals, gold pearls, Martha Stewart Lattice Arch

We have bright new faces on the Friends of Flourishes Blog Team that  you really should stop by to see.  Betty Wright joins us from her blog, Stamping to the Wright, and Christine Okken joins us from her blog, Christine Creations.  Welcome Ladies!!!  You both make the most beautiful cards and I look forward to Flourishing Fridays with you!

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  • JanineNovember 7, 2008 - 7:53 am

    Hi there girlfriend!! This is a beautiful card!! I think the cord going from reindeer to reindeer is a great idea!! Hope all is well and that you have a great weekend.ReplyCancel

  • kimNovember 7, 2008 - 7:55 am

    Too Cute Miss Becca! Can’t you just see a little child’s eyes light up when they opened that envelope! Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Cindy LawrenceNovember 7, 2008 - 8:03 am

    This is just beautiful, Becca!!! You are SO AMAZINGLY talented, girl! ….and CONGRATS for the Spellbinders gig too (which I missed until today?!)! That is just PERFECT for you! You always do the most incredible things with your Nesties. They are lucky to have you! Big Hugs ~CindyReplyCancel

  • KarenNovember 7, 2008 - 8:09 am

    This card is absolutely gorgeous! Wow! Your coloring is beautiful and I love the layout and the way you “attached” your reindeer with the cord. Very clever. Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • JanisluNovember 7, 2008 - 8:26 am

    Your card is very absolutely stunning! I love the colors and the gold cording.ReplyCancel

  • ChristyneNovember 7, 2008 - 8:27 am

    Oh my GOSH! Becca this is just STUNNING!ReplyCancel

  • Diane HoverNovember 7, 2008 - 8:30 am

    Wow~Wow and Wow! This is a beautiful card, and it makes me want that set! So very, very nice, I just love reindeer stamps anyhow, so this was right up my ally so to speak. Beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer WoodwardNovember 7, 2008 - 8:32 am

    Oh my goodness! This is gorgous! I stop by your blog daily and drool but I don’t always comment. I do love your artwork. And this card is just too beautiful and elegant and creative not to write praises out rather than keeping them to myself.

    WONDERFUL!ReplyCancel

  • MaryNovember 7, 2008 - 8:35 am

    An absolutely beautiful card. I’m impressed! It’s such a clean, yet intricate design. Thanks for sharing with us!ReplyCancel

  • DianeNovember 7, 2008 - 8:37 am

    Becca,
    Another Stunner!!!!!
    I just love what you did with the Martha Stewart punch. Not to mention the gold cord.

    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • LenoriaNovember 7, 2008 - 8:49 am

    This card is beautiful. I love looking at your work and someday I will try to follow some of your examples I hope. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.ReplyCancel

  • Beverly JamesNovember 7, 2008 - 8:55 am

    Wow, that is such a gorgeous card. Your reindeer treatment is just so neat. I also like the spool containers you made-very creative! tfsReplyCancel

  • BetteNovember 7, 2008 - 9:01 am

    This card is absolutely stunning, its so soft and elegant.ReplyCancel

  • Jean LeoneNovember 7, 2008 - 9:08 am

    That is my very favorite stamp set and you have highlighted it beautifully. I only wish I had one little bit of your talent Becca. Thank you for sharing with us. It is just beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Abra LeahNovember 7, 2008 - 9:09 am

    That is beautiful! I love the idea of the reins! So, what is going to be YOUR Christmas card you send out this year?

    I’ve got a contest going at my blog if you want to join the fun! :)ReplyCancel

  • Jan Marie 1flourishNovember 7, 2008 - 9:23 am

    Absolutely, hands down beautiful & stunning card.ReplyCancel

  • Jerri KayNovember 7, 2008 - 10:22 am

    Becca, I have one question only! Can I come over to your house and play? Seriously, this card is just over-the-top gorgeous, fabulous, original . . . you’re inspiring me to get up to my stamping room, only I can’t because I’m flying out of town this afternoon.ReplyCancel

  • Beth NormanNovember 7, 2008 - 10:43 am

    It is with eager anticipation that I jump right over when your subscription arrives in my mailbox. I’m always eager to see your newest creations because they are all so lovely–just like this one. I ran right out and bought a punch to do the circle that you just showed us how to do. Great job on the tutorial. Have a great weekend, Becca.

    Hugs,

    BethReplyCancel

  • JeanNovember 7, 2008 - 10:46 am

    Becca,
    Your work is just so outstanding I look forwared to your posts!
    The reindeer card is terrific. I have been making cards with that stamp group also, I just love it…..thanks for sharing and inspiring. JeanReplyCancel

  • Debbie OlsonNovember 7, 2008 - 10:50 am

    Totally gorgeous, Becca! That gold cord *makes* it!ReplyCancel

  • ToshNovember 7, 2008 - 10:52 am

    Wow!! So gorgeous, elegant and creative!! Love the reins and the punched border!!ReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterNovember 7, 2008 - 11:35 am

    Lovely, those deers are so pretty, love the gold embossing and the gold cording, neat way to punch the border, Love it!ReplyCancel

  • Linda ENovember 7, 2008 - 11:41 am

    Absolutely exquisite, Becca! I love that reindeer too! While this card may have been simple to make, it will look anything but simple to the lucky recipient.ReplyCancel

  • AngelNovember 7, 2008 - 12:06 pm

    I love how elegant this card is and how creatively you added the gold cord to bring them together. SO PRETTY!ReplyCancel

  • Heather xNovember 7, 2008 - 12:09 pm

    Gorgeous card, love the reindeers, very cute :0)
    **Hugs** Heather xReplyCancel

  • AngiNovember 7, 2008 - 12:39 pm

    I love the holiday season…all the reindeers come out to play! Gorgeeousss! The gold cord really ‘ties’ it all together…

    Smiles,
    AngiReplyCancel

  • BarbNovember 7, 2008 - 12:49 pm

    This is such a happy card! I love the lattice work along the bottom.ReplyCancel

  • Troy LouiseNovember 7, 2008 - 1:27 pm

    Wow, Becca, I’m running out of adjectives to describe your gorgeous creations. Love your reindeer, which is a beautiful stamp & you made it even prettier.ReplyCancel

  • Barb FNovember 7, 2008 - 1:45 pm

    What a lovely card! The punched border, scallops, and bling… just wonderful!ReplyCancel

  • ChristineCreationsNovember 7, 2008 - 2:21 pm

    WOW Becca, it is just stunning in it’s details…the beautiful coloring, the bling on the noses…the gorgeous cording, the detailed punching…one fabulous card!

    I’m so excited to be working together! Can’t wait to chat more!ReplyCancel

  • BettyNovember 7, 2008 - 2:27 pm

    Becca, this is just gorgeous!!!!! Beautifully colored and love the layout!!!!! Of course, all of your special touches just makes this even more so. Lovely card!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • HelenNovember 7, 2008 - 2:59 pm

    What a BEAUTIFUL card! Simple you say? It looks like (and it would take me) hours and hours! Thanks so much for your creative inspiration.ReplyCancel

  • MrsHNovember 7, 2008 - 3:49 pm

    Good evening, Becca. What can I possibly add that hasn’t been said already? Another stunningly elegant card with so many innovative ideas which I shall be borrowing with your permission :)ReplyCancel

  • PattyNovember 7, 2008 - 4:21 pm

    This is beautiful!

    PattyReplyCancel

  • JoAnn BeachlerNovember 7, 2008 - 4:34 pm

    WOW, just beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • SusannaNovember 7, 2008 - 4:41 pm

    Why don’t I just give you an entire side bar of badges! Hee Hee. You just make the most BEAUTIFUL things! Seriously, girl, you’re amazing!

    You were the Card of the Week at Card of the Week.com. You can see the original post here.

    I did use a picture from your post, with links back to the site and the original post. I hope that is OK. Please feel free to email me if you need me to change anything.

    I also have an “I was featured” on badge for you if you want it :D

    Thanks again for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Nerine PNovember 7, 2008 - 5:27 pm

    Absolutely STUNNING!ReplyCancel

  • Lacey StephensNovember 7, 2008 - 5:42 pm

    Wow! This is awesome!! Thanks for sharing!
    ~Lacey StephensReplyCancel

  • LeAnneNovember 7, 2008 - 5:47 pm

    Awesome! Love all the details!
    LeAnneReplyCancel

  • Laurie HuntNovember 7, 2008 - 6:26 pm

    Hi Becca! Another gorgeous card! I love the way you put the reindeer together just like in your vision. You have such a knack for getting that ribbon to lay the way you want it to. I have this set (I loved the deer when I first saw it) and intend to use it for some of my cards, but they won’t be as elaborate (or as big!) as this one, but I truly love what you did here. And, I passed up this punch at Michael’s yesterday and of course I am sorry today. I did get a 50% coupon yesterday for weekend use so maybe I’ll have to go back. Watch, they will be sold out! Just like the poinsettia flower tin I went in there for yesterday. Why don’t I just buy the stuff when I see it? Oh yeah, cause I would spend even more than I already do!ReplyCancel

  • StefanieNovember 7, 2008 - 7:18 pm

    Such an elegant card. Oh Becca, you have out done yourself again. Every detail is just outstanding. Thanks for sharing your talent!ReplyCancel

  • Cindy HaffnerNovember 7, 2008 - 10:47 pm

    Becca your reindeer are gorgeous, I love how you tied them together.ReplyCancel

  • SarahNovember 7, 2008 - 10:58 pm

    This is gorgeous! Great details!!ReplyCancel

  • Hege-Annie SimonsenNovember 8, 2008 - 12:59 am

    Wonderful card! I just love all your creations!! :)ReplyCancel

  • CyndeNovember 8, 2008 - 1:37 am

    Gosh what a Great Card!! I love how you linked them together! Your embossing is gorgeous as well as your coloring. Well actually the whole card is!! Thanks for the inspiration…..CyndeReplyCancel

  • NancyNovember 8, 2008 - 5:15 am

    This is so cute. Like how you tied the reindeer together.ReplyCancel

  • Joan FrickerNovember 8, 2008 - 6:26 am

    Becca,
    Wow! What a beautiful card! Great colors and everything about it is just perfect! I love it.

    JoanReplyCancel

  • Monika/buzsyNovember 8, 2008 - 6:48 am

    Very pretty! Love the images, the punched border, the pretty ribbon… TFS!ReplyCancel

  • MarilynNovember 8, 2008 - 7:44 am

    Simply amazing! {nothing else to say…}
    MarilynReplyCancel

  • Amy JohnsonNovember 8, 2008 - 7:57 am

    This is one of the most stunning christmas cards I’ve ever seen. I love everything about it: the ribbon, tag, embossed ribbon, martha stewart punch, and the ‘reins’. Just a beautiful, beautiful, card.ReplyCancel

  • Gidget-TrishNovember 8, 2008 - 8:14 am

    This card is stunning. I love the way you “harnessed” the reindeer together. Very creative! I want to learn how you do that watercoloring so well!
    TrishReplyCancel

  • jami {sgtStamper}November 8, 2008 - 8:14 am

    That gold card is just too cool!! What an amazing card!!
    hugs, JamiReplyCancel

  • LazyKayNovember 8, 2008 - 9:33 am

    Oh gosh what lovely work! So inspiring.

    xxxxxxReplyCancel

  • GigiNovember 8, 2008 - 10:40 am

    What an absolutely gorgeous card! I love how you used Martha’s border punch – never thought to section them off like that with a bit of unpunched edge! Question for you – can you use those Spellbinder’s variety tags on a Cuttlebug? I only own the basic shapes (rectangle, circles) and never seen solid dies before and wondered if these are compatible to use in the Cuttlebug. Thanks again for a wonderful inspiration!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa GNovember 8, 2008 - 10:47 am

    Beautiful card!ReplyCancel

  • Marlou McAleesNovember 8, 2008 - 11:07 am

    stunning card Becca :)ReplyCancel

  • cherylNovember 8, 2008 - 2:32 pm

    wow Becca, I have never really been a reindeer person until I saw this card. I am loving it!ReplyCancel

  • Kay McBrideNovember 8, 2008 - 2:45 pm

    a beautiful stunning card. i really like that set too bad it doesnt have a santa for the sleigh!!
    hugs,
    kayReplyCancel

  • Lisa D. Atha (inspired by purple)November 8, 2008 - 3:07 pm

    Becca,

    Gorgeous card. So elegant. I love what you did with your Martha Stewart Border Punch. Very creativew. I have that one on my wish list.

    Lisa A.ReplyCancel

  • Nerine PNovember 9, 2008 - 4:52 am

    Hi Becca,

    Thank you so much for inpsiring me with your beautiful creations. I always pop in to see what you’ve made each time you update your site. I’ve left an award on my site for you, I hope you like it.ReplyCancel

  • Diane LapointeNovember 9, 2008 - 2:41 pm

    I just found your blog,and sure am glad I did! You do amazing work!
    Love this Flourishes card! Your work is fabulous,I’ll be back!!
    I came here to see your circle medallion tutorial,it looks easy peasy,something I can handle! TFS!ReplyCancel

  • Linda CrowderNovember 9, 2008 - 9:42 pm

    I think I just found the design to copy for my own Christmas card for 2008. I really like this style of card tremendously. Thank you for the great idea and the colors too. I appreciate your sharing! Linda CrowderReplyCancel

  • ChickieNovember 10, 2008 - 6:35 am

    OMG!!!! This is so beautiful. Love this set! Can you tell me where on the card you used the Red Chalk? I’ve looked & looked & can’t find any red chalk anywhere. I must be color blind!! Thanks so much for all your inspiration & for sharing your talent with so many of us stampers.
    Big Hugs,
    ChickieReplyCancel

  • Laura (scrapnextras)November 10, 2008 - 9:07 pm

    Fabulous Becca! Love the little gold cord…it is really so perfect and takes the card over the top!ReplyCancel

  • Gay FerlandNovember 12, 2008 - 10:33 am

    Becca,
    Thanks for always sharing of yourself! You do such remarkable art!ReplyCancel

  • Yvette LarsenNovember 12, 2008 - 4:30 pm

    rc11ysmx8w4ngn85ReplyCancel

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