Christmas, already?

I participate in a new-stamp-set swap.  I was assigned the Buttons, Bits and Bobs stamp set (B1408, $9.95).  I thought it would be fun to use the new CTMH Cricut cartridge, Artiste with the set, since all the button shapes in the stamp set are on the Cricut cartridge (yay!).

I used the new Pear & Partridge paper, which I love.

I used the Cricut to cut the buttons and card base (a gatefold card, but with semi-circular flaps.)  I like that the Cricut makes little cut marks where you're supposed to fold.  I have a friend who doesn't like those little cut marks, and "removes them" in Cricut Craft Room.

Since this card's left and right flaps fold into the center, I thought it would be best to make a "seat belt" for the card.  It slides up so that the card can be opened.  I wanted to put a piece of card stock in the center panel of the card, so there would be a place to write a sentiment, but I didn't want to cover up the pretty green pattern on the inside of the birdy paper.  

CTMH's use of the Smoothie color for the birds was (I thought) a little unusual.  I don't usually think of pink with Christmas.  Anyway, it's beautiful.  

I used foam mounting tape to pop the buttons up.  

I liked the Archival Black ink for this card, because the 'regular' black was kind of wimpy looking on the Olive card stock.  It wasn't as solid of ink coverage as I would have liked.  The Archival Black is a nice compromise between 'regular' and Staz-On, which I don't like to use.  (stinky, plus it stains my stamps forever...)

Hope you don't mind that I was thinking about Christmas (already)...
(Actually, I've already planned my Christmas Card Workshop cards, happening on October 6 & 7.  Yes, I am crazy...)

Supplies Used:
Pear & Partridge Paper Pack (X7162B, $9.95)
Buttons, Bits & Bobs (B1408, $9.95)
Pear & Partridge Workshop On the Go - Card Making Kit (G1043, $29.95)
Cricut Artiste Cartridge (Z1790, $99.00)
Card Stock Colors:  Olive, Smoothie, Blush, Cashmere, Olive
Ink Colors: Archival Black, Hollyhock, Cranberry, Olive, New England Ivy
Sponge (Z697, $1.25)
Bitty Opaques (Z1707, $2.95)
Waxy Flax:  Olive (retired), Chocolate (Z1088, $3.95)
Baker's Twine - Harvest Assortment (Z1751, $4.95)
Piercing Tool Kit (Z1114, $5.95)
Foam Mounting Tape
Glue Dots


Lisa