Friday 1 September 2017

Sunshine, Tinsel and Glitter.

Way back in the 90's, we visited my parents who were then living in Sydney, Australia. It was New Year and therefore summer. The schools were enjoying their long summer holiday and quite a few of the smaller independent shops were closed, enjoying an extended break after a frantic Christmas season. Consequently, when we left towards the end of January, there were still some Christmas decorations to be seen when out and about. It taught me two things: - tinsel collects dust just like every other damn thing, and it looks sad. And that in my opinion tinsel looks a bit tawdry in the sunshine. Roll on a decade or two and I'm at my desk, ruefully trying to add glitter to cards that I'm making at least 3 months early.
Dies: Marianne and Stampin Up,  Cuttlebug emboss folder. Patience and fiddly, time consuming stuff by ME.

I'm not unfamiliar with making Christmas cards this early, but I never seem to have the sparkle or tinsel mood and I wondered if it was just me? I can make a dozen different cards and forget to put anything vaguely sparkly or glittery on them. I know it's not necessary all the time, but it is pretty unusual for a Christmas theme not to have something, even if it's just a swipe of Stella's winking. Although my cards tend not to be classy enough for the 'less is more' option! I suspect that my favourite cards for Christmas will be the handful I make in December; you know the ones I'll forget to photograph, post off in a panic thinking that as I'm so pleased with them I'm bound to remember how to repeat them. I know making Christmas cards at this time of the year is a bit divisive; some of you throw your hands up in horror at the very thought, and others are quietly getting on with them. If you're in the latter camp, don't forget the glitter!


13 comments:

Annie said...

I have actually got my box of Christmas fabrics out this afternoon, turned the contents over, pulled many out then put them all back in cos there was no way in my world I could find any enthusiasm towards any of it.....glitter or no glitter 😂😂😂😂
Hugs,
Annie x

shazsilverwolf said...

Loving your cards Julia. I've not been as organised as I was last year, so I need to make a start again.I shall be trying to make a start, shoulder allowing. Seems I've got inflamed ligaments in my right shoulder and a trapped nerve! Bit like having sciatica in your arm. But, onwards we'll plod. Love & Hugs, Shaz XxX

Sue said...

Julia, I love the cards.

Hope you have a lovely weekend. Sue

Helen said...

I'm definitely with you, I can't get into full on Christmas mode when the sun is shining and the days are (vaguely) warm... and I know glitter isn't only for Christmas, but it seems that way!!

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Well if these aren't classy I don't know what is! Very elegant.

Lynn Holland said...

Please don't mention that word yet. Saying that I have sorted some Christmas presents out already. I'm not making cards though sorry xx

Andrea said...

Love the cards Julia I haven't started yet but once I do I'm on roll.im still on holiday but fly back tomorrow so by Thursday should be back to normal and plan to make a start next week . Christmas is my fav time of the year and would have decorations all year round if hubby would let me crafty hugs Andrea x

Heather M said...

The cards look lovely Julia. I watch Christmas movies on Movies 24 to get me in the Christmas spirit! I had a month off work in December 2015 following an operation (that's when Mr M bought me a cardmaking magazine and my crafting journey began). I spent most of my recuperation watching movies or making cards. I couldn't garden, it was too cold! Hope your Christmas mojo comes back soon x

misteejay said...

Lovely design Julia.
I was at a workshop on Saturday playing with heat embossing techniques and you'll be pleased to know that the resulting Christmas card (one of several projects on the day) is well and truly 'blinged' with glamour dust and gold embossing.
Toni xx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Loving your card design Julia. Wish I could get started with mine but keep getting distracted. Happy crafty week, Angela xXx

Ohhh Snap said...

Beautiful, sparkly cards! I agree about the seasonality of things and the forgetting to photograph the good ones lol.

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

I love your cards. I agree with the holiday sparkle, but I too forget, I can't get thru the current season much less think about Christmas..it has to be age. For years I took part in Holiday Craft shows and they started in October, so I was working early spring with my crafty items AND kids were in school and busy every night. Just don't understand it.

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Love your cards Julia and your post, always gives me a chuckle. Thnaks for being bekssing in blogland.
Praying for you,..and other unwell WOYWWers too.
Shaz.x