25 Days of Christmas Tags with Tracey McNeely

I'm feeling very honored today to be taking part in a fun event with my friend, Tracey McNeely.  This is the third year for her popular "25 Days of Christmas Tags", and this year is even more special because she has invited guest designers to join her each day of the month.

I'm sure Tracey needs no introduction for most of you, but not only is she one of my teammates in The 12 Kits of Occasions and at the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge, she is also one my favorite designers.  I am always drawn to Tracey's ultra-CAS, fresh designs and her beautifully balanced use of color.  But more than that, she is one of the sweetest people I know in blogland, and she always leaves the most genuine and encouraging comments on my posts.

For my tag, I had actually planned to use the more recent holiday set from WPlus9, Merry & Bright.  Then I looked back at Tracey's previous tag posts and saw that Kara had used it for her gorgeous design.  There's no way I'm competing with that beauty, so I pulled out one of last year's Christmas sets, Iconic Christmas.

The tag and frame, patterned paper strip, twine, and gems are leftover supplies from The 12 Kits for November.  I stamped the tree on the solid tag, then layered the frame, silhouette image, and paper strip on top with foam tape.  The sentiment is from WPlus9's Silver Bells.

Cardstock:  Papertrey Ink (White)

Patterned paper:  Echo Park (Tis the Season)

Stamps:  WPlus9 (Iconic Christmas, Silver Bells)

Ink:  Stampin' Up! (Garden Green), Memento (Tuxedo Black), Sakura (silver gel pen)

Tools:  Papertrey Ink (Tag Sale #8), WPlus9 (Iconic Christmas die set)

Other:  rhinestones, baker's twine

I can't wait to see the tag Tracey created for today, and rumor has it there's a prize up for grabs at the end of the month.  Stop by her blog, In My Creative Opinion, to get the details!

Thanks to Tracey for letting me join her today.  And thanks to you for stopping by!

The 12 Kits of Holidays--June

It's time for another edition of The 12 Kits of Holidays, and this month has a Christmas theme.  Our hostess, Jeanne, sent a box overflowing with beautiful supplies:

Photo by Kara

I have two cards to share today, but I'll be back with a couple more later in the week once I get them photographed.

The papers in this kit from Basic Grey were so lovely, I wanted them to be the star of the show.  Isn't this intricate die cut beautiful, too?

Cardstock:  Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, Aqua Mist)

Patterned paper:  Basic Grey (Aspen Frost)

Stamp:  Stampin' Up! (Tags 'til Christmas)

Ink:  Stampin' Up! (Real Red)

Tools:  Spellbinders (Fancy Tags Two die), Stampin' Up! (label punch)

Other:  gems, thread

My second card is also clean and simple, which makes it great for mailing.  The tips of the tree branches have been dusted with a glitter pen.  I adore the look of the birch patterned paper!

Cardstock:  Papertrey Ink (Vintage Cream)

Patterned paper:  Basic Grey (Aspen Frost)

Stamps:  WPlus9 Design Studio (Iconic Christmas)

Ink:  Stampin' Up! (Real Red, Gumball Green), Versafine (Onyx Black)

Tools:  WPlus9 Design Studio (Iconic Christmas dies), Spellbinders (Nested Pennants die)

Other:  May Arts (twine), Zig Wink of Stella glitter brush

After visiting the rest of the 12 Kits gals, I always find myself saying "Why didn't I think of that?", and I know you'll be just as inspired as I am!

Joyce: Cards-by-the-Sea
Renee: ItsAPatchworkLife
Tracey: InMyCreativeOpinion
Sharron: OnPapillionWings
Marybeth: Marybeth's Time for Paper
Jeanne: AKeptLife
Amy: Stamp-n-Paradise
Kim: CupcakesCardsandKim
Kara: KandRDesigns
Kelly: GinghamGirl
Jessica: The Paper Parade

And as a special treat, we have Cathy Weber joining us this month as a guest!  Be sure to check out her beautiful creations, too.

My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary today, and we have some wonderful friends coming to stay with us later in the week, so we have lots of fun things planned!  I hope you have a fantastic week, too.

Thanks for visiting!