Card #1 or Card #2?

For me, seeing the stamp set "Snow Swirled" in the new catalog was love at first sight.  The large snowflake caught my eye immediately.  Thoughts of glittery, shiny, rhinestone adorned snowflakes filled my head.


Take my advice - get this set!  This is THE Christmas set to have this season.  It can be found on page 32 of the Fall/Winter '08 Idea Book & Catalog (item #11690; set of 6 die cut stamps for $24.95). 

See above for a snapshot of this stamp set (click to enlarge)

MONEY SAVINGS TIP:  Save 15% on this set until September 30.  Snow Swirled is part of the Never Before Seen Stampin' Up! promotion.  So, right now you can get this set for only $21.21!! 

I am so happy to share two Kreations with you using the "Snow Swirled" set.  Although these two cards are very similar in layout, they are distinctly different in their color palate. 

The first card - somewhat traditional Christmas colors - uses the stunning snowflake I referenced above.  I started by inking the image in Riding Hood Red and decided to stamp off one time to get a lighter shade of red. 

I stamped the sentiment Seasons Greetings in Close to Cocoa ink using the stamp-a-ma-jig which allowed me perfect placement. 




I inked the snowflake again in Versmark, randomly stamping to create the background image for a subtle effect.  You'll notice the gorgeous new Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon securely holding the centerpiece in place.  I simply used my horizontal slit punch (just got this and LOVE it) allowing me to thread a piece of ribbon through each side. 

A bit of Washington Apple designer series paper sits beneath the focal point to add a punch of color!  TIP:  Check out this quick reference sheet listing coordinating colors for every collection of Designer Series Paper.

The second card - less traditional Christmas colors - uses the tree image.  I started this card by inking the tree in Kiwi Kiss and stamping it onto Very Vanilla cardstock. 

I also stamped the small snowflake randomly on top of the tree in Pink Pirouette (may be hard to see in the photo). 

I used the same basic layout for this card, but added more detail on card #2.  The Pink Pirouette cardstock under the Holiday Happenings DSP, got punch treatment with the new Curly Label punch (found on pg 189; sold in a bundle for $33.95).  I carefully aligned the punch to give the top edge some flair. 

The final touch are the pink beads from the pink duo set (pg 190).  I used crystal effects to adhere each itty bitty bead to a snowflake on the tree image. 

Card #1 is more "my style" and features colors towards which I would typically gravitate.  But Card #2 offers a softer look and is equally as beautiful. 

Which one is YOUR favorite?