Whimsy Stamps ~ Christmas In July Hop

Hey crafty pals, I'm popping in with a make today that I stole the last rays of daylight to photograph yesterday. I spent the day with my mumma, so was racing to get this finished, but I had an image in my head of how I wanted it to look and I have to say I love how it came together. We have an Instagram Hop going on right now at Whimsy Stamps, celebrating our Christmas in July makes and trying to get ahead with our Christmas crafting. I could do with a little more time for that, for sure!

I made a Criss Cross Card for my hop card. I used two square card bases 7x7 inches. I cut one card front diagonally from top left to bottom right, corner to corner, then did the reverse on the second card, to create the criss cross card design. This leaves a little pocket opening if you glue just the very base of the card down and tape the crossover flaps down. Then I created the pull-tab insert to go into the pocket. I don't have exact measurements, because I always just wing these things as I'm going along. But the insert needs to be slightly shorter than the card length to allow for the section that sealed closed at the bottom creating the pocket. It also needs to be a tiny bit narrower to slide freely in and out of the pocket. 

The insert I used an older digital paper from the now retired Making Cards and Papercraft Magazine which toned well with the lovely Digital Paper Set I used for the front two crossover flaps. I also add some lace to the front crossover flaps for a little extra touch of texture and interest. For the insert, I added a circle the same size as the image panel from the front of the card. I printed the sentiment before diecutting the circle and then added some little snowflakes afterwards from a clear stamp set. I added some lace around the sentiment again for texture and interest. The message for the recipient will be added to the reverse of the insert, which is just a white page, perfect for adding a handwritten message.

I coloured the sweet image Little Helper from the Sylvia Zet Digital Collection at Whimsy, with Copic Markers. Another thing I tend to wing, so I've not noted the marker colours I used, sorry. I probably could figure them out if you really wanted to know a combo. I felt the image panel was too bare and white around the image once I'd finished, so pulled out the little snowflake stamps and added some falling snow around her and her sweet lil' mousy friend. I used Memento Summer Sky, a lovely pale blue, perfect for the snowflakes. I'll add a video to IG soon to show the sparkle, because it's just not well captured in the stills. Her wings and the snow have lovely sparkle on them.

I used a Whimsy Tag Die Set to add the little pull tab at the top. I added a mix of gold cord, blue satin ribbon and a cute gingham bow to finish off the pull tab design. It lifts easily with this little tab to pull on.

The image above is linked to the Whimsy Instagram Account so you can click right through, if you'd like to come hop with us. The Hop kicks off at 3pm EDT and will run for only a few days. There is an amazing Digital Sale running at the same time. The discounts will be automatic and very generous! So do stop by to check the range out. You can click through to the store on the banner below.

Thanks for visiting and do pop over to the Whimsy Instagram Channel to hop along with us or you can click through here to my hop post on IG. I'll be back again soon with another crafty adventure. Hugs, Wends xoxo

(I share thumbnails to the elements I design with in order to make your search for them easier, in case you like something I've used. I do use affiliate links where possible, which gives me a tiny commission but costs you no extra whatsoever. It helps the companies I design for to improve their marketing practice and track my contributions. I am deeply grateful if you use them for these reasons. I am proud to design for the companies I do and always feel happy to share where my inspiration and where my crafty stash comes from. I am occasionally gifted products to use, but I only design for companies whose products I absolutely love and buy for myself. My opinions are always my own.)

Challenge Entries:

Creative Inspirations Challenge: July ~ Anything Goes

Crafty Gals Corner: #257 ~ Anything Goes with a Twist - Christmas

Krafty Chicks Challenge: #726 ~ All Occasions. I've made a Christmas card.

Little Red Wagon: #766 ~ Two Steps Behind. I've made a Criss Cross card with pull out insert.

Simon Says Monday Challenge: Add A Sentiment - mine is tucked inside the criss cross front on the insert, but it's a bold sentiment and takes centrestage when the insert is lifted out.