Christmas Card Making Has Commenced

Hiya two weeks in a row I’ve made it so I’m doing well and on track with my goal.I have a Christmas card to show this week and I’m now almost finished my second,I’ve been a slow starter but getting into the mood now. 

My die cutting machine(Grand Calibur) went kaput last night,it’s been dodgy for a while, not cutting properly, making strange noises and was getting very difficult to turn sometimes.The handle snapped,this was a replacement, as the first one did the same a few months after I bought it. I was considering getting either a new die cutting machine or a brother scan and cut for my birthday/Christmas. This has now made my mind up for me .  

My DH has very very kindly purchased me the new TODO which should be here in the next day or two...I’m very excited. He has also kindly said I can use it straight away although is disappointed that I won't have a big pressie for birthday/Christmas when it comes but I’m more than happy with this.I have said I won't use the hot foiling until my birthday in November, but I cant make Christmas cards without a die cutting machine! I’d have no snowflakes or poinsettias and that will never do :-).

For today's card I haven't used any patterned papers although I have embossed the card using a mask its difficult to see. I used a sentiment stamp for the focal point which is stamped in red ink and embossed with clear gloss embossing powder ... although its not quite a CAS card either with so many flowers...I got a bit carried away! I've decided to make a mix this year of stamped /coloured cards and more simple CAS cards. I have seen so many great examples the last few weeks on blogs and pintrest that I'm overwhelmed with ideas.

I would like to take part in the following challenges-
FabnFunky- Challenge 269-No patterned papers 
TTCRD  Challenge August 4th -Anything Goes
Inky Chicks Challenge #54-Use a Metal Embellishment 

I've used the following products -
white 6x6 base card
red and white card stock
white vellum ( poinsettia flower)
dies and stamps used-
Heartfelt Creations christmas sentiment stamp
Heartfelt Creations Holly Berry stamps coloured with Copics
Heartfelt Creations ornamental add on- Holly Berry die 
Spellbinders poinsettia die
Justrite poinsettia stamp( pearl white embossing powder)
Spellbinders shaped square die 
Spellbinders scalloped square die
embossing -openwork mask 
embellishments 
pearls 
Metal snowflake charm
mini metal christmas bells
various paper,felt and mulberry flowers  

I hope you are having good week and getting lots of crafty time. Thanks for visiting its very much appreciated,I hope to be back again soon hugs Andrea x