It’s time for another Freshly Made Sketches challenge! This week the talented Lesley has prepared a fabulous sketch for us. I seized the opportunity to make another Christmas card, featuring the Tree from Christmas Lodge. And just look at all of those pearls! Enjoy today’s quick and easy card!
The finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.
- Cherry Cobbler Pearls! Red and brown permanent markers were used to color Stampin’ Up!’s Basic Pearls. The resulting color closely mimics one of my favorites…the rich and yummy Cherry Cobbler! And the nice thing is that it can be completed in a matter of seconds!
- Contrasts! A lacy Cherry Cobbler Finishing Touch Edgelit border is a wonderful contrast to the deeply textured Early Espresso Woodgrain panel! Of course, Basic Pearls are always the perfect accessory for any well-dressed card!
- Sentiment with a flair! The Joyous Celebrations set offers a novel solution for a sentiment. Using the Holiday Mini catalog for my inspiration, I added Pearls to the tiny Bow and Mistletoe. Plus I double curled my banner at one end.
The fabulous Houndstooth paper that I used for the card base is from the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack. The Early Espresso and Very Vanilla color combination is warm and rich. And that awesome Cherry Cobbler pattern is from the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin’ Kit. I love the traditional colors and patterns.
For today’s card, I wanted to create something a little rustic. But as the card progressed, I decided to add contrast to the rustic embossed panel, thus the addition of the border and the pearls. What do you think of the contrast? As always, your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one of them.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME! Ten years ago this week, on the first day of school, I survived a pulmonary embolism. I was one of the lucky ones who felt that something just wasn’t quite right. I will be forever grateful to Susan, who taught in the room next to me. She insisted that I tell the principal, and took me by the hand and walked me to his office. Susan just would not take “No” for an answer. I am also grateful to Mr. Bowen, who would not accept the “I’ll see the doctor at the end of the day” excuse. Those of you in education know that you just don’t miss the first day of school….except when your principal forces you to go to the emergency room. But go I did and survive I did. And not a day goes past that I do not count my blessings. Until next time…
Stamp Sets: Joyous Celebrations, Christmas Lodge; Inks: Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler; Designer Series Paper: Merry Moments Simply Scrappin’ Kit, Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack; Card Stock: Naturals Ivory, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso Core’dinations; Tools: Big Shot, Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Large Oval Punch; Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls; Other: Red and Brown Permanent Markers
beautiful Christmas card, happy anniversary
Wow Ann what a very special Anniversary. So glad God thought you were so special that he still wanted you here. I think you are so special too!
I have published a comment several times on your blog but I was having troubles on being able to post them. Urgh!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
What a beautiful card! Love the reddish pearls on the tree! Each detail just puts the entire card OVER THE TOP!
I have been struggling with a number of health issues and your story just reminds me that YES, we DO know our body better than anyone and that I DO need to listen to and respond. So glad your angels on earth were there to give you the added push to get the help you needed. What a blessing they were for you! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Ruthie Williams
I am so glad my friend that Susan insisted! What a scary ordeal for you. Thankfully you survived with no big problems. Your card is another star! You are on fire this week. Love it!
This is an incredibly gorgeous card, Ann! I love the pearls on the tree and the addition of the Woodgrain folder is the perfect finishing touch.
So glad that you are having a 10th anniversary – you are a blessing to the crafting world!
Wow… what a beautiful tree, love the pearl baubles!
Happy Anniversary …. and to many many more!
Ann, I am so grateful to those wonderful people for stepping up and making you go to the hospital, I can’t imagine not having you around! You are such an inspiration and friend to so many of us! Happy Anniversary! And this card is gorgeous! Love how you colored the pearls with the two different colors, what a great idea!
I too am thankful to your collegues for saving your life. I can’t imagine a world without Ann Schach. This card is another amazing beauty. I have had trouble finding the right colors for my pearls and never thought of mixing colors! Thanks for the great tip!
Wow -Ann this is such a beautiful Christmas card-love the tree and the red pearls-perfectly coordinated with the dsp. – and the oval sentiment is fab-that is an amazing story as well
I’m glad you went to the emergency room and can celebrate 10 years later. Your card is so pretty.
So glad you are here to tell the tale of your anniversary. Those were some really GOOD people who made you go to the Dr. I’m so glad they did.
This card puts me in mind of a box of chocolates! It has the vanilla creams, fudge and chocolate covered cherries! Who wouldn’t like that? I’m thankful you survived such a scary medical problem. You are such an inspiration!
Oh Ann, I had no idea! Happy Anniversary to you–I am so glad you listened to the signs and that you had great friends nearby. I feel so very fortunate to count you as a friend. Gorgeous card, as always. And I adore the combination of rustic pearls–country chic! ((hugs))
We are ALL so lucky that you had people who loved you and made sure you got the care you did. Congrats on 10 more years of sharing your kindness and talent both in teaching school and paper crafting! Hugs, Mary
Happy Anniversary! Wow – good for you to have listened to your body, your peers … wow.
Wonderful card as well. I never know what to do with a houndstooth background paper – and you’ve used it so well here! Beautiful!!
Cheers, Karen
You rocked the sketch challenge! Love the decorations on your Christmas tree. Wow, congrats on your anniversary!
That is one terrific anniversary to be celebrating! And not a better way to celebrate than with a beautiful Christmas tree! Love the woodgrain accent!
Happy Anniversary Ann! I love hearing stories about people caring for one another. Not enough of that these days I fear. Best wishes on continued good health!
And another beautiful Chrstmas card! I just love your cards – such lovely details. That hounds-tooth background really sets it off!
Well, Happy Anniversary indeed, Ann! What an amazing story. I am glad you are one of the lucky ones, and that Susan did take care of you. 🙂
Gorgeous card, by the way. Love the tree and the woodgrain next to each other.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Wow Ann…your story is amazing. I had no idea. I have been burning the candle this week and now I am going to turn off this computer and go to bed! Thanks for the reminder to look after ourselves. I am so happy your teaching pal made you go to the doctor right away. Hugs!!!
Your card is so gorgeous with the red accents on the tree. A great job with the sketch as always!!!
Hugs,
Lesley
Lovely card Ann. And i thank God for your life, you are such an inspiration! Have a blessed rest of the week.
Ann, what wonderful anniversary to celebrate and I’m so glad that your co-workers insisted you see a doctor. That’s an amazing story!
And this is a fantastic Christmas card. All those red pearls – wow!!
What an absolutely gorgeous card with all the little embellishments! Happy Anniversary from a fellow teacher! Blessings to the caring people around you.
A big, grateful thank you to Susan and Mr. Bowen. I am so glad that principals have the final say!
The woodgrain and houndstooth patterns along with the beautifully adorned tree certainly make for a lovely card.
Beautiful Christmas card. Love all the details. TFS
Congrats all the way around from your 10th year post PE and this fabulous card! I am so glad you took heed that day and went to the ER probably something I should have done once or twice. Can the boxers join in with a happy dance to celebrate their mom’s recovery? While they are dancing they can celebrate this rich, wonderful card! Love all the pearls esp. those on the sentiment. I almost didn’t catch that lacy border because I was enjoying all the details. I just love the houndstooth with the wood grain. So glad you are around to share your wonderful talent with us. Simploy a stunning post today from your story to the card!
Chris R. from Iowa
Happy Anniversary! Definitely something to celebrate! Your card is beautiful!!! Love all those pearls! They are fantastic! I need to get me some permanent markers!!!
This is breathtaking!
I have been following your site for awhile and if I was to choose the best card you had done, it would be diff. to say the least as they are all so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Happy Annivesary! I’m counting MY blessings and you are one of them, Ann! I also am so envious that you will have a stack of Christmas cards by December at this rate! Love your pearl-decked creation!
Happy 10th Anniversary, Anne! So glad you listened, because you touch many lives now with your creativity and warmth! As a former teacher, I know you don’t miss the first day of school unless it’s drastic! Happily, your colleagues were insistent.
I love the rustic but lovely card.
Happy Anniversary to you! You are a blessing to all of us!
Happy Anniversary! I, like so many others, am very grateful for your smart, caring colleagues. I’ve learned so much from your posts, and I enjoy all your stories. The world (especially the cardmaking world) would be a much poorer place had you not had those wonderful people with you.
WOW! First, your card is stunning (like THAT could ever be any different!).
Second, OMG!! Happy Anniversary! I am SO happy your teacher friend and principal wouldn’t take no for an answer, because if they had, you wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t be blessed to count you among my friends. 🙂
I didn’t know that about you, but I am certainly glad you are a survivor. You have so much to share, not to mention the impact on your family.
Such a beautiful card Ann. I love your coloured pearls on the tree. I also like the wood grain texture that you added.
Happy Anniversary and thank goodness for caring friends.
Ann, this card is beautiful! So often I see a card made with a stamp set that I have completely passed over in the catalog. After seeing your card I want both those sets.
Happy Anniversary! You are lucky to have worked with such wise people.
Gorgeous holiday card, Ann! Nothing decks the halls better then some pretty pearls, especially when they are placed in all the right places. I see someone above counted 35 of those precious beauties. Wowza! Just gorgeous!
Happy 10th Anniversary, my friend! I am very glad you listened to everyone, including your gut, and are sharing your story with us today. Sending a big hug out to you today! 🙂
In my opinion, I think the lacy border gets lost against the houndstooth paper. I love the card and think it is very striking. Agreeing with the other commentors that today is indeed cause to celebrate your survival and great style! Thanks.
Gale S.
Ann, you certainly can celebrate life to the fullest!!! I’m so happy you listened to Susan and the Principal!!!
Oh, and by the way, your card today is just gorgeous. So much attention to the great detail.
The card is beautiful!! I’m so thankful for both the teacher and the princpal who had the foresight to not let you wait. We are a blessed blog/stamper community for their act. You have and continue to give so much joy through your site even to those of us who have never met you in person.
Happy 10th Anniversary!!!
Hi Ann! Happy 10th anniversary! Your story had me choked up. I’m thankful for your friends persistance, even on the first day of school. Your card is gorgeous! I like the small oval sentiment double curled. (did you stick two pieces of paper together to do that or break the fibers and separate?) The pearls are wonderful Ann. You have such an amazing eye for detail. This is a charming and rustic card and I love it!
Such a pretty card! Love those pearls and happy anniversary and thanks for sharing your talents with all of us!
Truly a day to celebrate! Their insistence to get to the doctor has blessed all of our lives! Lovely card!
The card is absolutely genius and gorgeous and wonderful and all that….but it pales in comparison to your “anniversary”. So glad you made it – now we all have another blessing to count as well!
What a Happy Anniversary it is; not just for you but for all your blogger friends as well. Very grateful having you around.
Gorgeous looking card and love the placement of all your 35 pearls. :}
Have a great day and better day tomorrow
Colleen
I am happy you are having a 10th anniversary!! Thank goodness for such wonderful caring people.
I love the card. The pearls are perfect as is the woodgrain touch.
Ooh! love that beautifully decorated tree. And your sentiment piece is wonderful! Thanks! So glad you are having this 10th anniversary!