Three minute card using designer paper

I'm rushed off my feet this week because as well as all the usual business of life, we have a French exchange student visiting us AND it's my wonderful daughter's birthday today and naturally we must pull out all the stops to help her celebrate! I'm not going to show you her birthday card because it's very personal to her, but I did manage to squeeze in the quickest Christmas card for my Three Minute Thursday slot. Come and see:

This speedy design is based on Natasha's sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping this week (although I've completely abandoned the idea of scalloped edges, sorry Natasha!)

It's a great way of using designer paper  - strong geometric designs work well as would a bold floral.

I chose a punchy, stylised tree paper from the Be of Good Cheer range, added some seam binding ribbon in Cherry Cobbler and stamped the sentiment. Seam binding is the easiest ribbon for tying fast bows and it's quickest if you stick a length of it round your card stock with snail adhesive and attach a separate bow with a glue dot.

Here's what you'll need to make today's fast card
Stamps: Merry and Type (sentiment)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler (I used a marker)
Card stock: Whisper White
Other: Be of Good Cheer designer paper, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, corner rounder, stamp-a-majig
I'd be delighted to order any of these items for you and have them delivered straight to your address in the UK, France, Deutschland, Nederland or Osterreich. I'm committed to providing excellent customer service and am always happy to offer help and advice. To place your order, just send me an email or give me a call on +44 (0) 1280 820593. Check out current special offers here.

I think giving gifts is an important skill to learn so I've encouraged my children to think carefully about people and what presents might suit them from a very early age. It doesn't necessarily come easily however and I remember my oldest son, a Thomas the Tank Engine fan at three years old, being quite sure his big sister would like a train for her birthday! This is a bit of a running joke in our family and before his sister's birthday this time my son teased me by saying he'd be getting her the latest shoot 'em up xbox game!

See you tomorrow,