ickyBINKY: Card

When I was a child living in Dallas, Texas, I loved the rare occasions when it snowed. I remember standing on my tippy toes, fully extending all of my short three feet stature so my eyes could barely reach the windowsill, and staring wide-eyed at the gently falling flakes. The dreary lifeless ground slowly replaced with soft powdery snow, magically transforming my front yard into a winter white wonderland.

For my second design, Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card, I took this nostalgic snowflake icon and made it my muse. This design fits 4 x 6 inch (or 3.5 x 5 inch) photos for both portrait and landscape orientations. The borders are created using Martha Stewart 'Punch Around The Page' Aspen Punch Combo. Though, straight edges will also work. Vellum and ribbon add the finishing touches to the design.

(Note: Please cast your vote for either Christmas Leaflet Photo Card or Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card beginning November 24-30, 2010. The instructions and template for the winning design will be available starting December 1, 2010.)

One icon, countless designs.

This is the version I will provide detailed instructions on how to recreate.

Vellum and ribbon add the finishing touches.

Everything is in the details.

Inspired by the fiery beauty of the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), this Christmas leaflet photo card highlights many of its distinguished features: brilliant crimson hue, star-shaped “blossoms,” and clean architectural lines.

Designed with the busy holiday season in mind, this card offers simplicity and versatility in construct, without compromising in aesthetic. The deep burgundy color creates a receding backdrop to compliment 3.5 x 5 inch family portraits, baby pictures, or any other holiday photographs. Along the four sides are petal-like extensions, when folded, seals the photograph and transforms the card into an envelope in one easy step. In lieu of a photo, the inside rectangular area offers a generous space to pen a message to the recipient(s), as well. Dangling ornaments and sparkling stars add the finishing touches of the holiday spirit to the overall design.

I hope this stirs your inner creativity and inspires you to send out some season’s greetings.

(Note: Please cast your vote for either Christmas Leaflet Photo Card or Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card beginning November 24-30, 2010. The instructions and template for the winning design will be available starting December 1, 2010.)

The inside (left) and outside (right) of the card.

Views of a completed card. Models (clockwise from the top): King A, Lord R, and Lady L.

Calligraphy addresses.

Close-up of the inside of the card.