It's Stamp of the Month Time

Where in the world did September go? Seriously. Just a moment ago it was summer, now it's almost Christmas. Well, maybe not quite, but it's starting to feel that way. I *DO* know that it's almost October, and almost time for the release of Cornish Heritage Farms' Stamp of the Month, which is The Pines. This is such a pretty image - I was raised in the mountains of PA, and just love the huge old pine trees beautifying the landscape up there. For my card today, I chose to make a holiday card from the image, but really, this stamp is very versatile - no need to think "Christmas." I think it would be especially wonderful in creating a stamped scene, or for a masculine birthday, a sympathy card.... anything, really. I'm just itchin' to make holiday things, LOL!

I started by embossing The Pines image with Ranger Distress Embossing Powder in Peeled Paint. This stuff is so cool.... if you've never used it, I can tell you that it does NOT leave a glossy finish, but rather a roughed up, matte finish. Perfect for a tree, I think :). I cut out the image with my Nestabilities Labels Four dies. The background paper is from the Basic Grey Wassail line, and I stamped the Fir Branch image from CHF to continue the piney theme. I used mica flake glitter to edge the panel and give it a frosty feel. (Just place your panel on a non-stick mat, go around the edge with a nice thick craft glue, and liberally shake on the flakes. Press them in just a little, to make sure lots sink into the glue, but don't press so hard that you squish all the glue off the paper.) For the sentiment, I just punched out the stamped words (from Christmas Expressions) with a circle punch, added a mat, attached a little clip to the top, and tied on the bow to make it look sorta kinda like an ornament. Nothing too complicated. If you'd like more details, you can check out my supply list below. :)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Sources:
Stamps:
The Pines SOTM for October (Cornish Heritage Farms - release date 10/1)
Fir Branch (CHF)
Christmas Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments - CHF)

Paper:
Basic Grey Wassail 6x6 paper pad
Bazzill cardstock

Ink:
Versamark
Ranger Distress Ink in peeled paint

Other:
Ranger Distress Embossing Powder in peeled paint
Martha Stewart Crafts mica flake glitter
7 Gypsies clip
Offray ribbons
Nestabilities Labels Four Die (Spellbinders)
K and Co. Quick Dry Craft Glue
Circle punches