Saturday, November 16, 2013

Card Design...Adding Another Christmas Card to the Pot

Hello my lovely peeps.  I'm here today to share another Christmas card that I managed to get finished.  Recently, my good friend Vicky, a.k.a. Crafting Vicky, put me on to a really wonderful blog.  I had never heard of Nicecrane Designs before, so I was of course intrigued by what the blog might have to offer.  If Vicky was a fan, I knew that Nicecrane Designs must be fabulous.  I wasn't disappointed and now I have to admit that I am officially hooked!
  
http://nicecranedesigns.com/

Ignacio who is the designer behind Nicecrane Designs has some absolutely incredible vintage images.  He offers many different varieties and you can find both coloured images and black and white ones plus some other really neat creations.  I've only gone through three sections of the store and I've already added thirteen items to my wish list!  Ignacio has also graciously offered up a number of freebies on his blog and it is one of them that I used to create the card I am showcasing today.

I decided I wanted to keep the background pretty clean and simple because I didn't want to detract from the beauty of the image.  It was also nice to go with non-traditional colours in creating this holiday card.  While it looks a little red in the picture, the card base is actually a salmon colour that complimented the colour of the building.

Check it out...

FRONT
Digital Image:
  • See?  I didn't exaggerate.  The image really is quite remarkable.  The choice of colour along with all of the detail, makes for a beautiful winter scene.  You can still find this image and another in the same style available for free by clicking HERE and scrolling down to the bottom of the post.  Make sure you take a moment to say thanks to Ignacio if you do grab it.  I do hope that you'll also take a moment while you are there and check out the entire post.  Not only does it feature some more awesome images available for purchase, it also showcases several of Vicky's beautiful cards.
Digital Sentiment:
  • I brought the image into Publisher and added the text 'Happy Holidays' before printing.

INSIDE
Digital Sentiment: 
  • I followed the same layout as the front and just created a simple verse incorporating the same font that I used on the front.

OVERALL
Paper Products:

  • Card base and matting for image and sentiment: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Preppy Beach collection.
  • Designer Papers:  
    • The grey plaid paper is from the Recollection's Bright & Basic Paper Pad. 
    • The grey cardstock that I embossed is from the Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Cool Water collection.
Embossing Folder: 
  • The embossing folder is the same one I used in a recent Scribbles Designs card.  It is still downstairs but I'm pretty sure that it is Goosebumpz brands.  The reason I went with the same tiny dots is because of the snowflakes that are so small they appear as simple dots.
  • I am definitely addicted to the idea of texture.  Now I just have to keep building my folder collection!
Challenges I am hoping to enter...
(sorry but in order to save me some time, I am just including the hyperlink as opposed to setting up the name and linking it to the challenge blog. Every second I save these days counts.)  

Before I go... 
As I mentioned earlier, the image I worked with is a freebie; however, if you love Asian winter scenes, there are two other sets I'd like to recommend that you check out.  First, is this wonderful set of prints called Stunning H. Kawase (Ukiyo-e).


Aren't these images simply stunning?!  The colours are just so rich and the detail incredible.  If you would like to check them out further, you can click on the image to head to its location in the Nicecrane store.

The second set of prints I'm going to recommend based on this style is called Amazing Kawase.

http://nicecranedesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=16
Another eight beautiful Asian scenes.  Best of all, these ones could be used for a variety of different cards and not just winter based ones.  Once again, clicking on the image will bring you to where you can find it in the store.

Well, that is it for my post.  I hope that you have enjoyed my non-traditional Christmas card and that if you have the opportunity, you'll pay Ignacio of Nicecrane Designs a visit.  Your time will definitely be well spent.  He has an incredible Creative Team and you'll definitely walk away inspired!

Until next time,



19 comments:

Donna Ellis said...

Lovely Asian Christmas card, Lisa! So peaceful! hugs, de

Shirley said...

Such a beautiful card and image. Thank you for the link, I am off to check it out! Thank you for joining us this week at Fab'n'Funky!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Beautiful, Lisa!

Anonymous said...

Lovely card and fab image.

Thanks for joining us at Craftyhands Challenge Blog.

Moira DT.

Edwina said...

Oh, Wow! Your card is incredible! It is so gorgeous!!! I love it. I have never heard of this company before. Thank you so much for sharing. Edwina Brown

crafty-stamper said...

brilliant image and love the colouring,love how the embossed dots reflect the snowflakes -thanks for joining us at 613 Avenue Create
Carol DT x

Karen Letchworth said...

I've never had the opportunity to work with Nice Crane Designs' images, but their owner Ignacio has been kind enough to sponsor our challenges for a few years now. Your image and card are just wonderful. THank you so much for sharing with us in our challenge this week. I enjoy it so much when you are able to join us, and I hope you will be back by again soon.
have a blessed week!
KAREN
Word Art Wednesday

Karon said...

Beautiful card and fabulous topper! TFS

Nicecrane Designs said...

Wowwwww Lisa, love it, love it,,,,,,I really love your embossing back and the way you used my H. Kawase japanese woodblock,,,,,,it really work fine as Christmas Card, and all over your sentiment on the inside is gorgeus,,,,,Horayyyyyyyyy for Lisa.

Chana Malkah said...

Hi, Lisa! This is just a stunning image and you have given it a wonderful presentation! I hopped over to Ignacio's site and downloaded the freebies. Thanks for the heads up! Wonderful work. Love the background paper that you've chosen!
Hugz,
Chana, Owner

Stephanie said...

What a beautiful card! I really like the added texture to the image panel. Your colors choices are perfect. Thanks for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday.

Dorte said...

Lovely Asian style Christmas card, Lisa, gereat design.
Thanks for joining our W challenge at ABC Christmas Challenge, and good luck,
Dorte x

mags said...

A lovely creation. Thanks for sharing with us at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges and good luck.
Mags
x

Crafting Vicky said...

That is totally stunning!!! What a great showcase of his beautiful image!!!! Love how you have added the sentiment on it... I will have to remember to try that out.

bumblebee creations said...

this is gorgeous Lisa!!

Lacey Stephens said...

Fabulous card! Thanks of much for playing along with the ABC Christmas Challenge. We will have another one tomorrow and hope you will play along again soon!
~Lacey
www.stampandcreate.com
ABC Christmas Challenge DT

Desire Fourie said...

Just gorgeous and I love the asian theme.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

CraftyGirl said...

I am very glad you joined us this week at TSB. I hope you had fun!!! See you back very soon to play in another fun challenge. :)

TTFN,

CraftyGirl
craftygirlcardsandcrafts.blogspot.com
The Stamping Boutique Design Team Member

Deanne Saunders said...

Gorgeous card!!! Thanks so much for participating in our THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE challenge!! Hope to see you again for our next challenge!!
~DEANNE~
A Little Bit O' Paper