I was digging through my ribbon stash for a really wide ribbon to use on the front of my card, and wasn't having any luck finding a ribbon as wide as I wanted. So, I decided to create the ribbon I wanted out of paper! A layer of designer paper, topped with a narrower strip of solid card stock, both with a quick edging of faux stitching provided just the look I was hoping for.
I then stamped the Christmas Cuties candy cane image on the same colored card stock as I used for the card base, colored it very simply with red and a very light grey, cut it out and embellished it with a pretty ribbon bow and button. Once assembled, the entire card got a little spritz of silver spray craft glitter and now it sparkles just right!
The candy cane card was so fun and easy to make, I made a similar card using the Christmas Cuties holiday bells image.
I purposely only adhered the faux ribbon layers at the top portion of the card, so the tail ends would lift a bit from the card base. What a quick and easy way to add dimension!
And oh by the way, these cards aren't your typical A2 size. Instead, they're 4.5 x 3.5. Try it -- it's a fun size!
LOVE the design! I just pinned it on Pinterest !
Posted by: Mustangkayla | November 08, 2011 at 09:00 AM
Okay, I am dim. I thought that the ribbon tying the candy canes and bells was faux and was like HOW DID SHE MAKE IT LOOK SO REAL? Heeee! Your cardstock ones look real, but the real ribbon looks really real. OMG, I had too much coffee today! Did I mention I love this layout? :)
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | November 05, 2011 at 11:03 AM
These are so darling, Anna. I wish I could leave blank space. I love it when I see it, but when I create it, I am just not happy and end up doing so much more work filling it in than is necessary!! What wonderful samples to tempt me to try again! Thanks for the smaller size tip, too.
Posted by: Michele Ghent | November 03, 2011 at 07:20 AM
I finally figured out faux stitching! :) Thanks for posting this card. I needed one more idea for our card exchange next week at our Christmas party. I'm going to use a pair of die-cut mittens.
How is the bronchitis?
Posted by: Shala Carter | November 02, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Beautiful!!
Posted by: Dee in N.H. | November 02, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Simple + beautiful = perfect! Love these.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | November 02, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Great faux ribbon! Also love the spritz of sparkle. Now to try some 4.5 x 3.5 cards.
Posted by: Beth Matson | November 02, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Hi Bev,
I pick up the craft spray glitter at WMart, and Ive seen it at JoAnn, Ms, Hobby Lobby, etc.
Its in an aresol spray can, like paint. But its just glitter. :)
Comes in silver, gold, and pearl ... those are the colors I see locally, anyway.
Be careful if youve used Stazon ink on your project tho ... the alcohol in the spray will make Stazon ink bleed.
Cluck, cluck!
-Anna.
Posted by: SweetMissDaisy | November 02, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Neat ribbon idea, trick! Where do you get your craft glitter spray? Thanks.
Posted by: Bev J. | November 02, 2011 at 09:25 AM
What a clever way to replace ribbon! These are adorable.
Posted by: Sarah Jay | November 02, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Adorable!!! :)
Posted by: Lesa Rapp | November 02, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Oohh I love this! The faux stitching adds so much dimension and depth to the paper and really looks like ribbon. Again, you've presented a technique I would like to try. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Woodward | November 02, 2011 at 08:23 AM
You are BRILLIANT! Thank you for directing me to that awesome tutorial! *mondo squishy hugs*
Posted by: Julie Ebersole | November 02, 2011 at 08:23 AM
These are such adorable cards! Makes me not wanna go to work today--I want to stay and play in my craft room.
Posted by: Renee M. | November 02, 2011 at 06:29 AM
I love the look of these. The candy cane being my fav! I really should make my cards this size too, as I have 2 boxes of envelopes that size. (They where much less expensive than the A2 size!) Have a wonderful Wednesday, hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | November 02, 2011 at 04:42 AM
Hi Julie!
I sure do have a favorite tool for faux stitches!
I use seamstress tracing wheels. I wrote a short tutorial for High Hopes about them, and you can find it here:
http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/2011/08/tutorial-faux-stitching-by-anna.html
Its a tool that NEVER gets put away .... its ALWAYS on my desk, ready at a moments notice! :)
Cluck, cluck!
-Anna.
Posted by: SweetMissDaisy | November 01, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Totally love these, Anna!!! Hey, what do you like to use for your faux stitching? I sometimes use a pen, sometimes I use the EK Success Piercing Bug, yadda yadda. Do you have a tool you like?
Posted by: Julie Ebersole | November 01, 2011 at 10:12 PM