Christmas in July: DT Submission

I LOVE Christmas. I actually have a decorated Christmas tree up in my craft room (right now). I mean, I love it so much I have this site bookmarked http://www.xmasclock.com/. Only 175 more days!

That's why when I saw the Christmas in July challenge on Our Creative Corner, I was thrilled! Not to mention their call for Design Team applications. One of my next papercrafting goals is to be on a design team so I'm throwing my hat into this ring. They asked for a project that represents your personal style and I really think this one fits that definition for me. I'm not really the clean-and-simple type, not really shabby, not really vintage - I'm not sure where I fit.

I love color - all types so sometimes its hard for me to narrow down my paper choice sometimes and get started (maybe some of that is because I have WAY too much right now!) I enjoy a variety of stamping techniques and am working to improve my skill all of the time. Right now, one of my favorite stamping techniques is watermarking by using embossing ink. Occasionally, I will use clear embossing powder to make the image stand out more but on a nice dark paper, the embossing ink by itself usually does the trick. I also tend toward distressed edges on a lot of my work. Its hard for me to resist! My favorite ink is probably Tim Holtz Distress and I use two VERY heavily - Walnut Stain and Antique Linen. (Plus I cannot stay away from the his distress embossing ink. Hands down my favorite embossing ink.)

I would love to be a part of a design team because I love the creative energy that comes from a group of people working together (even if its just in blog-land). Seeing others' work has always been inspiring to me. Its a big part of my life and is something I actually rely on to be the creative problem solver I am at work. Besides, I am really enjoying papercrafting. It give me an outlet to share some of myself with my friends and family in a unique and fun way.
This combination of kraft paper, red and white is one of my new favorites.

And the little touch of green holly leaves a red bell as the berry is a nice accent (and the fact that its holly, ahem, get it, Holly!) And I can't resist the Spellbinders Labels Four. It keeps creeping back into my work. I've sorta resigned to the fact that it'll be there in a lot of what I do until a new favorite pops up.

Well...back to the real holiday at hand. Friends coming on the 4th, a house to pickup and a movie to watch with my hubby.

Hope you have a safe and pleasant Independence Day.

Holly