It’s Thursday and time to play at Pals Paper Arts! This week it is a theme challenge, and what better theme is there at this time of year than “Holiday”! I took my inspiration from the trees in this photo and created a Center Step card featuring the gorgeous pines from Christmas Lodge and Lovely As a Tree. I had never made a center step card before I created this one. I thought they looked complicated. But you know what…they are not difficult to make at all! I hope you enjoy, “Trees for the Pals”!
(This is a non-standard size card which will be used as a table decoration: 6-3/4″ wide by 6-3/4″ when folded. I have also included directions at the end on how to make a standard sized Center Step Card.)
- Terrific trees! The Tree from Christmas Lodge was inked with Always Artichoke and stamped onto Naturals Ivory card stock. The edges were distressed with the Seven Sided Tool and inked with Soft Suede. A few speckles (added with the Color Spritzer tool) and Waterspots (from the French Foliage set) are used to age the image. Basic Pearls, colored red with a permanent marker, make the perfect ornaments!
- Frilly Chantilly! Chantilly crochet trim forms the perfect vintage bow. Mini-Glue Dots magically hold the pleats in place.
- Side-by-side! The Pine from Lovely As a Tree makes a perfect complementary image to the center Christmas tree. The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, when used with Cherry Cobbler card stock, forms the perfect border!
- Sentiment-al! The Merry Christmas sentiment, inked in Early Espresso, adds vintage pizzazz…especially with its pennant ends and pearls!
To make the card base:
- Begin with a 5-1/2″ by 11″ piece of card stock. 1″ in from the 11″ side, make a cut from the 1″ mark to the 6-1/2″ mark. Flip your paper and do the same on the opposite side.
- Using your Simply Scored tool, score from the edge of the paper to the cut at 1″, 2″ and 6-1/2″. Do the same on the opposite edge.
- Score between the cuts at 5-1/2″. I have marked the lines for better visibility.
- Fold your card base as illustrated.
- To make a standard sized card which can be mailed, modify the directions above as follows: Cut from 1″ to 5-1/4″, and score the edges at 1″, 2″ and 5-1/4″. Score between the cuts at 4-1/4″.
With the silly Twins still galloping around the house, I do not think that we will attempt to decorate a Christmas tree again this year. So I will display this card instead…and keep my fingers crossed that Muffy, my stamping helper, does not decide that it needs even more distressing.
Remember, your comments are so very important to me. So won’t you please let me know what you think of today’s card by leaving me a comment? I do read each and every one! And remember…if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create, or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…
Stamp Sets: Christmas Lodge (W 123767, C 123769), Lovely As a Tree (115026), French Foliage (W 120845, C 121166); Inks: Always Artichoke (105219), Soft Suede (115657), Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Marker (120973); Designer Series Paper: Frostwood Lodge (124002); Card Stock: River Rock (108640), Naturals Ivory (101849), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Distressing Essentials (118762), Cutter Kit (106958), Paper Snips (103579), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Paper Cutter (104152), Simply Scored (123334), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275); Glitz and Glam: Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480), Basic Pearls (119247)
Beautifly done, I’m new to your blog and know I’ll enjoy all that you will be displaying in the future.
Ann, this is just beautiful!! Of course it is – you have used my favourite SU stamp set! But nooo it is all gorgeous and thank you for showing how to make that card!
Wow! A gorgeous piece to display at home, I say! It’s fabulous.
Gorgeous card!! I love making “step” cards of all kinds. People think they are difficult, but they’re so easy! LOL!!
I love step cards and have yet to make one. Yours is beautiful. Love the center tree and the lace you used. Very classy!
Ann, you have outdone yourself once again! This layout is stunning. Thank you for including the instructions on how to cut the card base….I know what I’m doing later today – CASing your card!
Ann, your center step card is beautiful and will make a wonderful holiday decoration. Who needs to decorate one tree when you will be displaying three?!?!?
Just gorgeous, Ann! Those colored pearls are so pretty!!
Whoa, Ann! Who need a tree when you can showcase the whole dang forest! This is gorgeous! As always, your details are perfection and the step design is so perfect for the images. So beautiful! I hope I’m on the holiday card list this year! (*grin*) Happy Friday! ๐
Oh my word, Ann! This is lovely and such a great card that captures the beauty of the season.
I have to admit, I had to laugh when I saw this today because I finally got around to trying your Polar Party tutorial with the three trees a few days ago and I decided to use a center step card. So my next blog post which will go up in the next hour or so will be purely coincidental (but great minds must think alike, eh?!). LOL
This is a jaw droper ! LOL! I LOVE THIS CARD SO MUCH !!!!!!!!! YOU are truely my inspiration in card making!
Susan B.
Ann, Just looking at this card and many of the others you create, brings such wonderful feelings and then memories of Christmas’ past. I loved your use of the polka dotted scalloped ribbon punch (did I get that right?:)) Nice! Thankyou so much for taking the time to list instructions! It’s a great help to me. Give the pups a treat for me!
Love at first sight!
Woof, woof – hi Brody :)))))))
A masterpiece! Thank you for the directions. Love the double roll in the corner of the center tree.
Your card earned a ONE word response from me. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Awesome. Stunning. Meaningful.Christmasy. Moving. Oneofakind. I just can’t chose which one. . . debra
you’re probably the envy of everyone at Hallmark & any other card store & stamper world wide!!
beautiful!!
Ann, this card is beautiful! Thank you for the tutorial. I will be starting my Christmas cards with a couple of friends this weekend. I will definitely try one of these!
WOW! Just absolutely stunning! I think I need to go buy me some trees!! Thanks for sharing! Amazing as always! …Soraiya
Lovely…..
OH. MY. GOSH. That is all…
Gorgeous. I favor Christmas cards in the traditional colors and you did a beautiful job. What a great idea to use it as a decoration on a table.
Oh, my! This is absolutely gorgeous, Ann. Makes me want to run to my stampin’ room and give it a whirl. I may have to do that later today. I love all your details and the natural beauty this card captures. If Muffy refuses to leave it alone, you may send it to my house. I’m certain Ms. Sophie would not touch it. She likes to sit and stamp with me but so far she hasn’t added any extra or unnecessary distressing. Your cell phone and charger might not be safe at my house or your vacuum sweeper cord but the card would be. Thank you for sharing this beautiful work of art.
Anne, this is utterly gorgeous! It really gives me a feeling of Christmas. I am definitely going to have to CASE this one.
I did my first step card this week for my groups. Haven’t posted it yet.
Thanks so much for this beauty!
Splended and stunning! Thanks for the directions. I have made cards formed like this but not this size. Such a beauty!
I hope Muffy leaves this card alone. I remember what she did to the beautiful skater’s card!
2 words 2 describe this card….Absolutely Gorgeous.
Thanks 4 instructions.
ColleenB.
What a terrific card, Ann! The trees remind me of the Cascade mountain range between the eastern and western sides of Oregon where I live, where there are both firs and pines in the midst.
Just the perfect amount of embellishment on your card to let the trees shine. Love the ribbon treatment. Thank you for the card instructions, you make it look very “doable”!
Absolutely gorgeous card, Ann, as usual! Thank you for the great tutorial also! Hugs
Simply gorgeous! I have made one of those types of cards before in a class but no where was it even remotely as stunning as yours! I love the rich look and all the fun deatils. For some odd reason, I love that little scallop border! Thanks for step by step tutorial – I may have to make one again with snowmen maybe?!? Thanks Ann, for making the perfect ending to my day – I needed it!
Chris R. from Iowa
As soon as I saw the PPA challenge photo I knew that you would make a card that would be absolutely gorgeous and victorian looking. I scrolled down to your card and Ah Ha! I was right. :)You always put a lot of love into each of your little pieces of art.
Thank you very much for sharing how you made your card and how you made your lace ribbon look the way that it does. I had no idea how it was done…..now I do. ๐
Mary
Ann-
I love this card…the colors, the trees, the vintage look…all are great! Thanks for sharing the directions. I plan to try them out!
This is beautiful, Ann! Great tutorial too! Will have to try making one! Thanks for sharing!
This is one of the most fabulous cards that I have ever seen, Ann!!! I am just blown away by it. Perfection at it’s finest. Kathy in AZ
Ann, your centerpiece is stunning! I love the colors and details. Hug the twins for me and if Muffy adds a little distressing, its her way of adding a little love to your work. *smile* Hugs,
What an absolutely gorgeous card. I love the fold of the card – and that central tree is wonderful – especially with those little ornaments included. I have yet to try one of these – you’re an inspiration.
Gorgeous as usual. Love the use of the Lovely As tree tree and the Lodge tree!
Mike
So pretty. I love the folded upper left corners.
Hugs, M
Wow – This is truly stunning Ann. I think Debbie is right, it would be a fabulous centerpiece. Thank you for the tutorial it is fabulous. Can’t wait to try it.
Oh my gosh, this is absolutely stunning! Truly the ultimate Christmas card! I love all the wonderful details and extra little touches! I’d never believe by seeing this card that you’ve never made a Center Step card before, you really did a fabulous job! Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial with us, I will be using it for sure!
I’m ready to start singing Christmas Carols! So festive and beautiful! A perfect tree for your house with romping Boxers! Thanks for including pictures and words with your tutorial!
Beautiful Ann. Your card will certainly make a wonderful Christmas decoration. Thanks for the tutorial on how to make this card. Take care
What a beautiful card! Thank you for the tutorial.
What a wonderful creation to adorn your house this holiday season. I started Christmas shopping yesterday as I had a sitter for my Mom. You were so right, it was a miserable day outside with the wind and rain, but somehow it really put me in the spirit. Dar
The two trees are perfectly complementary. I knew that I HAD to have Lovely as a Tree, but now I see that I need the other set as well. And how beautifully those red pearls accent the tree. Wise decision, decorating the table rather than a large tree, methinks!
Classically beautiful Ann!
It is absolutely beautiful! I love that you did show how you made the card base. I will be CASEing this for sure.. !! Thank you so much! Happy Holidays!!! ๐
What a beautiful card! Love all the many details! Fabulous job on this. Just really love it.
Ann, Your card is beautiful! I can just see this decorating a buffet table. Your step by step tutorial is very easy to follow. Thanks for taking the time to post
Beautiful Ann! Love the vintage feel and that fold is cool, thanks for drawing it out, I want to try it soon!!
Beautiful card! The colors are perfect and I love all your trademark touches! Thanks for the tutorial also ๐
Beautiful card. Love all the details. It will make a great display piece. Thanks for the directions.
Ann this is gorgeous! I LOVE trees and these are so beautiful. I LOVE those red colored ornaments too, and the trees… how very simple yet strikingly pretty.
I LOVE your pearl banner and the ribbon ruffled up..mmmmmm.
I have not made a step card in a long time, but you just inspired me to try another.
THANKS for the great tut too! Hugs.
How amazing! I will definitely have to give this card base a try. Thanks for the great instructions. Once again, it’s totally WOWED by the pearls!
This is one beautiful Christmas card!
And you do make it look easy to create this type of card with your directions……not so easy to decorate the card like you do though ๐
this is a WOW!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this and the instructions as well! WOW!!! have a wonderful weekend
WOW this is a beautiful card. Thanks for sharing the directions. This is over the top gorgeous.
Amazing card! You have completely captured the magical feel of the inspiration photo. It’s a gorgeous example of a center step card and the special touches such as the corner and particularly the ribbon treatment are lovely.
Beautiful, Ann! Anyone would think you were a stair-step card professional seeing this; I can’t believe it is your first one! I hope Muffy realizes it needs NO MORE distressing!
Two Words ~ ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!
There should be a museum for your art! Holy cow – that is GORGEOUS!!
This is just beautiful! I love the traditional colors, the traditional stamp and the traditional sentiment. How fortunate to be on the receiving end of this!
Gorgeous, as usual! Thanks for the measurements, too! If I EVER get a handle on stamping again I may make one of these!!!
Beautiful card and great directions!! Thanks for sharing ๐
You have totally depicted the true meaning of Christmas with this holiday card. What a great centerpiece for your table during the Holidays!