Happy Easter!

I've been mulling over the challenge from CASology this month where the cue word is Hope and then it suddenly occurred to me that a Christian Easter card would be perfect with its message of hope for mankind. Come and see:

I've used the branch from the wonderful Take Care stamp set to make this card. I think the leafy branches in the shape of a cross are perfect to say that while Jesus died on the cross, it was not the end.

I inked the branch up with markers before stamping a few times and fussy cutting. Linen thread is tied around the join and gives the look of a cross.

I made the frame using my Simply Scored tool and the 'green hill far away' with the Borders plate. The areas were coloured in roughly with an aquapainter and ink and the sentiment added with a stamp-a-majig for accurate placement.

I also have a Christmas card to show you today, made for Sandra's Rudolph Day challenge and inspired by the 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown where they want to see cards featuring ribbons and bows. Here's my effort:

I used Stampin' Up's Beautiful Season holly and bird and added my favourite embellishment of the moment...

... yes! It's a bit of scoring using my beloved Borders scoring plate! My Cherry Cobbler seam binding fits perfectly in the middle of the two scored borders and I've added a showy double bow and a delicate sentiment from Petite Pairs.

It's Good Friday so I'm not going to add a list of what I used to make these cards but if there's anything you'd like to know about, or you'd like to place an order with me, do send me an email.

I shall be taking a break from blogging over the coming week so that I can romp about with my lovely family but (always assuming there are no bones broken!) I shall be back with more crafting fun very soon. Thank you so much for coming to visit me - I really do appreciate all your comments and emails and look forward to catching up with you soon.

Happy Easter everyone!