Start your Holiday Plans – Christmas Cards In July

Christmas Card - Grand Sentiments
Hi there blog friends!  I know you just saw a 4th of July card from me, but I’m switching gears to bring you my first Christmas card of the year.  Each year I say I’ll start my holiday plans early and inevitably I come in with a last minute frenzy to make hand made cards. Every year I have hope and none more than this year!  We’re celebrating Christmas in July so I put together a card using elegant die cuts and a new set of Christmas stamps from JustRite Papercrafts called Grand Christmas Sentiments.  The filigree die cut is Spellbinders A2 Filigree Delight and the bib that you see inside the oval is a die that’s being made available to the public, by request.  It came from one of my kits this year and we sold out of them so now they have been remanufactured.  JustRite Custom Die Filigree Corners was designed by me and I’m tickled they are coming out as part of JustRite’s August release  – I can’t tell you how many people emailed to ask how they could get their hands on this set.  Lastly a timeless favorite is back in the mix with Spellbinders Layered Poinsettia – it’s a staple in my Christmas crafting toolbox.  By the way, the lovely detail on the Poinsettias is made a clear stamp set that matches the die called Festive Poinsettia.

Christmas Card Grand Sentiments (closeup)
As always, I try to recap the card I’m showing, so you can make it yourself – this one is an absolute breeze!  I really hope you’ll give it a try!

So to recap the layers from the bottom up, cream card base 5-1/2″ x 7″, foam tape, red matting layer 6-3/8″ x 5-1/8″, design paper layer 6-1/4″ x 5″, foam tape, die cut layer of Spellbinders Grand Ovals (with sentiment) and JustRite Filigree Corners (small corner) and A2 Filigree Delight stacked together, Spellbinders Poinsettia.  Bow and flowers placed on appropriate layers.

SUPPLIES I USED
Stamps: JustRite Papercrafts – Grand Christmas SentimentsFestive Poinsettia
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Smooth Natural White 80lb, Bazzill – Red, The Paper Studio – Gold Foil, My Minds Eye – Print
Ink:  Amuse – Cherry
Accessories: JustRite Filigree CornersSpellbinders A2 Filigree DelightSpellbinders Layered PoinsettiaSpellbinders Grand Ovals, Seam Binding, Recollections Pearls, Sewology button, Darice Pearl, gold embossing powder, Becca’s Bow Maker

Peek in and see what the remainder of the design team ladies are sharing today!

JustRite Design Team 
JustRite Inspiration • Becca Feeken • Eva Dobilas • Barb Schram • Marisa Job • Angela Barkhouse • Michele Kovack • Kristi Schurr •  Darsie Bruno • Sheri Holt

More to come this week from JustRite and please be sure to come and check in on me on Wednesday (oops) Thursday, when I’ll be sneak peeking something new from Spellbinders.

Edited to Add:  In the early hours this morning, I came to learn that longtime, dear friends of mine are missing at sea off the coast of New Zealand.   I’m in a state of shock, I knew they were traveling but did not know they had gone missing.  New Zealand authorities have given up the hunt but there’s still some thought that the boat could be drifting slowly with torn sails and will reach the coast of Australia soon.  Please if you have a moment, say a prayer for my friend Rosemary Dyche, her husband David and son David Jr. as well as four other crew members.  Their boat, the Nina, is one that my late husband John crewed on during a sail up the Gulf of Mexico during his time off about 15 years ago.  They invited us to sail to the Azores with them but kids, work and demands at home put that out of reach.  I hope you don’t mind me sharing, I feel helpless and would be ever so grateful if positive voices could come together in hope – here’s the latest update I know of .  A favor, if any of you in the South Pacific hear news, please email me through my contact page.

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  • Desiree YoungJuly 8, 2013 - 9:55 am

    Ah, my friend…my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope your friends turn up safe and sound.

    And the card, as usual for you, is gorgeous! :-)ReplyCancel

  • Regina M. HamiltonJuly 8, 2013 - 10:02 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, will be praying that everyone on the boat will be found safe and sound.
    Your cards is stunning. I’m pinning it, for sure.ReplyCancel

  • Anne (UK)July 8, 2013 - 10:03 am

    So sorry to hear this news and pray that there will be a happy outcome for your friends and the others on board.
    Fabulous card!
    Sending hugs
    Anne (UK) xReplyCancel

  • KathyJuly 8, 2013 - 10:08 am

    Gorgeous card Becca!!ReplyCancel

  • DeniceJuly 8, 2013 - 10:09 am

    Oh my goodness, I am so sadden to hear about your friends. I stopped immediatly and prayed and will continue. Be conforted in knowing God is with them, for I believe they must also be Christians as I know you are. Generally, we flock together. Only venturing out among the world to shed His light and seeds of His word to those we believe need Him. Your card is absolutly stunning, as always. Be still and find peace in His presence. God bless… DeniceReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterJuly 8, 2013 - 10:12 am

    Gorgeous card, just love the gold on the poinsettia’s , lovely framing!

    So sorry to hear of your friends, praying God leads them to someone soon that can help them and you hear from them!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa RoskamJuly 8, 2013 - 10:13 am

    Oh my goodness – please know that I will be praying for their safe return!ReplyCancel

  • Liz S.July 8, 2013 - 10:15 am

    Wow! Love your card. I always start thinking Christmas in July too. I’ve already been cutting out Christmas die cuts in preparation. Very sad about the schooner that has gone missing. My heart goes out to those people when it was their trip of a lifetime. Really awful…and now the airplane crash in CA. It’s so important to make God the most important person in your life because you never know.ReplyCancel

  • Wanda McGheeJuly 8, 2013 - 10:17 am

    Oh Becca…All things are possible to them that believe. Lifting prayers up for this prayer request. Be encouraged, keep the faith and keep looking up! Awesome card!ReplyCancel

  • ann robbinsJuly 8, 2013 - 10:29 am

    What terrible news, my heart aches! Will keep them in prayer and pass forward.
    Just another outstanding creation – from your exceptional (personal) die! Have most of what I need to replicate -haha! they never seem to come out as perfect as yours,. my friend.
    Hugs,
    Mstgane
    AnnReplyCancel

  • Ita O'Byrne O'KeeffeJuly 8, 2013 - 10:37 am

    Hi Becca what terrible news I will pray for a good ending to this story,on new is good news at times.
    Hugs
    Ita in IrelandReplyCancel

  • Fran LJuly 8, 2013 - 10:43 am

    Oh, sweet Becca! My heart goes out to you. I pray for your friends safe return. I pray you can find peace and comfort in the Lord. He is with your friends, and He is with you. God bless you.ReplyCancel

  • Kathy RJuly 8, 2013 - 11:00 am

    Oh, Becca. I am so sorry to hear that your friends are missing. What a sad time for you. I read the story of the missing Nina a few days ago and said a prayer then, and will continue to pray for them. May God bring you comfort during this worrisome time.ReplyCancel

  • Alice IsenbartJuly 8, 2013 - 11:15 am

    I pray that the Nina and her entire crew will be found and that they are all safe. Hugs, Becca.ReplyCancel

  • MickieJuly 8, 2013 - 11:27 am

    A beautiful card for Christmas preparation. Prayers going up for your friends and crew!ReplyCancel

  • DebbiJuly 8, 2013 - 11:27 am

    Praying for your friends right now and hoping to hear the good news that they’ve been found very soon! Keep us posted.ReplyCancel

  • Jean BullockJuly 8, 2013 - 11:29 am

    When I saw that card, all I could say was, ” My mom would love it if I made her a card like that.” Gorgeous.ReplyCancel

  • Tina EldridgeJuly 8, 2013 - 11:41 am

    Hi Becca

    I really can’t put into words how sad this news is. My thoughts are with you, and their families. May god bless and keep them safe, and a big hug for you I hope you can feel it.

    Kind regards

    Tina XReplyCancel

  • Clare WJuly 8, 2013 - 12:15 pm

    It just doesn’t seems right to me to comment on your joyous card at this time – so I wont on this ocassion. Think positive and Believe – miracles do happen.ReplyCancel

  • Sharon RoselliJuly 8, 2013 - 12:16 pm

    Agreeing with you in prayer that they will be found soon. In Jesus name. God is with them where ever they are. will keep lifting them up whenever God brings them to mind.ReplyCancel

  • Jennie-WrenJuly 8, 2013 - 12:17 pm

    Oh I am so sorry to read this. I will add them to my prayers and am sending a big hug for you. Many kind regards Jennie – Isle of Man UKReplyCancel

  • charleneJuly 8, 2013 - 12:55 pm

    In the name of Jesus, Lord I pray for answers and Peace for Becca…AMEN!ReplyCancel

  • MelanieJuly 8, 2013 - 1:00 pm

    Stunning card may have to try this the only thing I haven`t got is the stamp but loads of other Justrite stamps ,my prayers are with you at this moment hope your friends sail into Austrial soon .Melanie UKReplyCancel

  • Victoria C.July 8, 2013 - 1:13 pm

    BEAUTIFUL CARD! I can’t even start to think about Christmas yet…I will start my cards and finish those I have left over from last yr, probably at the end of August…when is dies down to a dull roar around here…I cannot wait until fall…but your getting me in the mood, Becca….thank you, blessings, victoriaReplyCancel

  • Dottie DavisJuly 8, 2013 - 1:16 pm

    Add my prayers too, to our wondrous Lord who can do all things and hears every prayer and sigh. He is especially good in times like these. (Your Christmas card is stunning; so very beautiful.)ReplyCancel

  • CherylJuly 8, 2013 - 1:59 pm

    O Becca. I live in New Zealand, and there has been so much news coverage about the Nina lately. But having a ‘real’ connection with someone makes it so much more poignant. I will certainly let you know if there are any further developments. God bless. CherylReplyCancel

  • Jean CJuly 8, 2013 - 1:59 pm

    First, I join you in lifting up your friends in prayer that they are limping along and due to the storm are not in the projected path that has been searched. It is my prayer that they may soon dock safely.

    Secondly, I love your Christmas card. It is so beautiful and the colors are so rich and elegant. Thank you for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Patricia HowarthJuly 8, 2013 - 2:21 pm

    Hi Becca, My thoughts and prayers are with you in the hope that your friends are found safe and sound, here’s hoping our power of prayer will bring them home safely. I’m sending huge hugs to you and all their family.
    Your card is beautiful, as always, loving the Christmassy colours.
    Lots of love from Patricia xxReplyCancel

  • Becky GreenJuly 8, 2013 - 2:35 pm

    OH MY BECCA!!!!!!! The sea is NOT one of the places I would like to visit! It is SO VAST & UNPREDICTABLE! I am SOOO SORRY to hear of your friends missing! I will pray for them! And pray you will SOON HEAR from them!

    Your card is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! :) LOVE the printed paper behind everything! LOVE the Vintage feel!!!!:) HUGS!!!!!!! :)ReplyCancel

  • Beth NormanJuly 8, 2013 - 2:36 pm

    I am so sorry for your friends that are missing. Please keep us posted. You are all in my prayers,

    I love your elegant Christmas card. I’m working on Christmas cards for my sister as we speak.ReplyCancel

  • Diana DJuly 8, 2013 - 3:35 pm

    I too love your card, but the joy of seeing such beauty is put into context when someone you love is in danger. My prayers are with those lost at sea, as well as those that are on land waiting for word, full of worry.
    Hugs, DianaReplyCancel

  • LenoriaJuly 8, 2013 - 3:53 pm

    Becca, I am saying a special prayer for your friends that God will send them home safe and sound and to be with them and their friends and families until they are together again.ReplyCancel

  • lisa808July 8, 2013 - 3:56 pm

    Beautiful card. Love the filigree frame.ReplyCancel

  • SherriJuly 8, 2013 - 5:10 pm

    Hi Becca, another wonderful card! so sorry about the news of your friends. For more recent info you could try the New Zealand web site http://www.stuff.co.nz it is a media site so will have any info released in NZ media.
    Prayers for you all!ReplyCancel

  • kathy/NorthCarolinaJuly 8, 2013 - 6:30 pm

    Becca…I was going to gush about your beautiful card, but then I read your edited addition…and my heart just goes out to you. I pray that where ever your friends are, they are free from fear and hidden in the Shadow of the Almighty. A prayer for peace for your heart….hugs…ReplyCancel

  • Lynn G.July 8, 2013 - 7:09 pm

    Oh my…..I am so sorry to read your news. I pray that they will be found safely soon! May the good Lord bless you and yours!!!ReplyCancel

  • Sue AshtonJuly 8, 2013 - 8:09 pm

    Thoughts and prayers for your friends and all aboard the Nina.ReplyCancel

  • D IdletJuly 8, 2013 - 8:23 pm

    Becca, beautiful card, I feel a case coming on. So sorry to hear about your friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends.ReplyCancel

  • Becky DJuly 8, 2013 - 9:20 pm

    Oh Becca! I’m so sorry to hear about your friends and others aboard the Nina! I am praying for this to end well. Thanks for the link to the story – I read several other stories about it too. This card is gorgeous of course :)ReplyCancel

  • Jo Anna GrimsleyJuly 8, 2013 - 9:21 pm

    Praying for your friends on the Nina.ReplyCancel

  • Miss GJuly 8, 2013 - 10:26 pm

    Becca
    So sorry to hear about your friends and their crew members. I am praying with and for you, your friends & crew member as well as there families.
    God is able.ReplyCancel

  • Elaine SJuly 8, 2013 - 11:08 pm

    Dear Becca,
    Praying for you and your friends. May the prayers and support of your friends help you through this difficult time.ReplyCancel

  • Lynne IbergJuly 9, 2013 - 12:13 am

    Your card as always is exquisite, don’t know how you can continually make the best designs anywhere! Love to check your blog each day, a real treat for me and I so look forward to it. We will certainly pray for the safe return of your dear friends. What a terrible piece of news to receive, pray God will give them strength to hang on and that help will come soon. We do believe in miracles! God bless you Becca.ReplyCancel

  • ChelseaJuly 9, 2013 - 12:52 am

    Firstly, Becca, let me tell you I took a moment to pray for your dear friends. I’m sure your heart is heavy with concern for them. Keeping them is prayer is a privilege, and I will continue to do so.
    Secondly, your card is chill-bump-worthy. Sooo, so very beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement to try to create our own cards with your guidance. You are such an amazing and generous artist.ReplyCancel

  • MaryannJuly 9, 2013 - 1:07 am

    Oh Becca, I´m sooo sooo sorry to read about your friends, and I can only imagine, how horrible you must feel right now. I know, I´m getting the mailnotices soo late, so hopefully they´ve been found by now, but know, I´m keeping you all in my heart and prayers here too.
    Your card here is absolutely over the top stunning as always hun, and I´m sooo impressed by the beaytu in every little detail. Everything is so gorgeous and it´s always such a joy to watch your stunning work hun. I absolutely LOVE it hun.
    I hope, you´re able to have a wonderful day filled with good news and joy and happines. Take good care sweet lady.ReplyCancel

  • Carole HodginsJuly 9, 2013 - 5:12 am

    Oh Becca how heavy your heart must be. I will keep your friends in my prayers and my heart while sending you big warm bear hugs. Thanks for sharing your stunning card.
    Kindest regards from Carole in South AustraliaReplyCancel

  • Marion TurnerJuly 9, 2013 - 12:54 pm

    Hi Becca
    So sorry to hear about your friends and their crew hope they are found safe and well soon.sending Prays for them.
    Your card is beautiful.
    Hugs Marion xReplyCancel

  • diana gJuly 9, 2013 - 7:20 pm

    Sending up prayersReplyCancel

  • cindy ClickJuly 9, 2013 - 7:25 pm

    Prayers for your friends and family. I can’t imagine not knowing about their well being. I pray they feel His embrace as well as ours.

    Card is absolutely stunning. I almost could smell “Christmas in the air!”
    Please keep us posted.

    Sincerely,
    CindyReplyCancel

  • CindyJuly 10, 2013 - 1:48 am

    Becca – I’m so sorry to hear that your friends are missing at sea. We’ve actually seen stories of their ordeal on the news. It’s hard enough just to see it on the news, to know that someone you “know” knows them, makes it that much harder. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and them, and we hope they are found safely tucked somewhere and that you hear good news soon. Back to crafting – as always – a beautiful card. My goal is to start Christmas early this year, but that will have to wait until I finish unpacking and get the new craft room set up.ReplyCancel

  • Sandra SmithJuly 10, 2013 - 9:43 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your friends. I will be praying for them as well as the family and friends of all involved. I strongly believe in the power of prayer.

    I think this card is utterly amazing and I think itbis my favorite Christmas card ever. I am fortunate that I purchased all your kits so I have this beautiful die. Did you use the larger of the two dies or the smaller? Thank you for your creative inspiration. Blessings to you.ReplyCancel

  • Sandra SmithJuly 10, 2013 - 9:46 am

    I had not looked at the layer recipe before posting but I see you used the smaller die. Please ignore my earlier question. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Maria MendozaJuly 10, 2013 - 9:56 am

    love your cardReplyCancel

  • Teresa HornerJuly 10, 2013 - 11:42 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your friends and will say lots of prayers and hope they they will come safely home soon. I love your cards as always… they are gorgeous :)ReplyCancel

  • Charlotte ZweigoronJuly 10, 2013 - 1:25 pm

    Done and done, dear lady… I do not watch news so I was unaware that this was happening. My prayers would have gone up immediately if I had heard. Thank you for bringing this to light and getting your friends on our hearts.ReplyCancel

  • Ann LindJuly 10, 2013 - 2:00 pm

    Becca I am so sorry about your friends. I will add them in my prayers for their safety.ReplyCancel

  • SuziJuly 10, 2013 - 4:27 pm

    Your card is beautiful as always. You are my hero in card making! I am so sorry to hear about your friends. I will pray they are in the watchful hands of our Lord.ReplyCancel

  • MaryJuly 10, 2013 - 5:20 pm

    Ahh Becca you have done it again ! :) You have shown me yet another stamp and die set that I just had to have. As an enabler you have no peer. :)
    Love the card btw LOL it is stunning, Your creative ability is awesome.ReplyCancel

  • MaryJuly 10, 2013 - 5:23 pm

    Didn’t see the news about your friends before I posted Becca. Saw it on the news a while ago, Im so sad that there is no news, will keep them in my thoughts.ReplyCancel

  • Michelle CoonJuly 10, 2013 - 10:20 pm

    Becca – Praying for your friends. So very sorry.ReplyCancel

  • Judy GoodwinJuly 11, 2013 - 11:49 am

    These are great new dies and I love how you’ve used them. Your work is always so beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Plain JaneJuly 11, 2013 - 12:30 pm

    Beautiful. Just beautiful. I always look forward to what you do next. I would love to have your creativity.ReplyCancel

  • Plain JaneJuly 11, 2013 - 12:39 pm

    I will be praying for Rosemary, David and David, jr and also the crew.ReplyCancel

  • Debi WilliamsJuly 11, 2013 - 2:14 pm

    Your work is beautiful and inspiring I love to see it when I have the opportunity. I an sorry to hear about your friends and will keep them in my prayers.ReplyCancel

  • Jan LiaJuly 11, 2013 - 2:47 pm

    just gorgeousReplyCancel

  • CarmenJuly 11, 2013 - 2:50 pm

    You always make the most amazing projects!ReplyCancel

  • LesiaJuly 11, 2013 - 7:31 pm

    You never fail to make the simplest of dies come alive with splendor. Keeping my fingers crossed for a lucky start.ReplyCancel

  • Sue MJuly 11, 2013 - 8:52 pm

    Your anniversary card is breathtaking. I can hardly wait to make my own version for my wonder husband. And the cheese box? It’s a treasure!
    Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Judith WillisJuly 12, 2013 - 2:33 am

    Dear Becca, My Prayer Sisters and I pray daily for travelling mercy for all that are out and about, that they will arrive at their destinations safely, and without hurt or harm coming to them. We shall pray now that the Lord has instructed their guardian angels to keep them, until help arrives. Be encouraged.ReplyCancel

  • Elaine RicoJuly 12, 2013 - 10:15 am

    Beautiful cards.ReplyCancel

  • Joanna DicksonJuly 13, 2013 - 9:20 am

    Your cards are absolutely stunning Becca. You are a very talented and clever lady.
    Love
    Jo xReplyCancel

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