Holiday Cards 2: Part 2

So, have you put together your card kit to get busy making some cards? :-)

Once I started using my kit, I just couldn't stop! Yes, it was a big kit but I ended up making 10 (!) extra Christmas cards for my collection. I think I'm done now for this year and that feels great.

The secret to my success of Christmas cards is to use the fortnightly inspiration offered by the very fabulous girls over at Jingle Belles. A fresh card challenge every two weeks with inspirational designs offered by the Belles, Lauren and Stephanie is simply the best way to make the task of producing hand-made Christmas cards easy, manageable and fun.

Jingle Belles 

So this was my first starting point when I picked up my mini-kit. I went through some of the recent weeks and found this great sketch by Stephanie.

I say it often, but I'm really not much of a card-maker. I find the mini format difficult to design and be creative with so if I'm going to the effort of making one card, I usually try and just run off a second one at the same time. They may be identical, or they might just be variations on a theme such as these two.

And then, via the supportive community I've found at Jingle Belles, I've found myself so very inspired by Lisa over at 'Tis the Season card challenge. Again, sketches and challenges which are great jumping off points for this non-card-maker!

'Tis the Season

This card is actually almost identical to two I made for a Jingle Belles challenge back in the summer. I had the die-cuts left over from that time and was going to make two more replicas. But when I saw Lisa's sketch, I realised that if I just flipped my design over, then not only would I have created something a little different to the first two cards, but it would also fit the sketch. The sequins on the wreath add an extra something to this simple design.

And of course, then there's Pinterest! I've got a whole board devoted to those wonderfully designed cards I come across on-line and while there's not one particular pin behind these cards, the overall feel of a number of my pins - with all the layers and elements - can be found on these two makes.

And last but not least, I just wanted to use up a few more of the bits and pieces left in my kit.

Now, the internet is literally overflowing with card making ideas and it can feel overwhelming, but if you look around, I'm sure you will find a place where you feel comfortable to stop at regularly to fill up your cup of inspiration - much like we all use the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog to shop our stash and then use it!! Bringing together the kits you make over here with some of the card-making challenges over "there" - wherever that might be - can be a great combination.

We'd love to see your card creations over at our December Mr Linky so why not get making and sharing?!?