Trim the Tree Tea

From the moment Dina, our hostess, announced this "Stamp A Christmas Ornament" Tea Party, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  What I didn't know was how happy I would be with the results...

I chose to use the new Star Flowers stamp set, which BTW, was designed by Yours Truly.  In fact, one of the uses I had envisioned for this set was to create layered decorations for the Christmas season -- tree ornaments, gift box/ gift bag adornments, name tag embellishments, treat plate "bows", etc.  Don't you think it would also make a great poinsettia?!?  

My original plan was to use cardstock - red & green with white embossing to be specific.  The problem was I couldn't locate my Christmas red paper.  (A year ago December, I found I had used my entire stash for a Christmas in July class, and everywhere I checked for more, was "sold out," so once the LSS restocked, so did I.  Trouble is I tucked it away "for safe keeping", and did such a good job, that I'm no better off this December -- Knowing it's here somewhere, however, means I won't allow myself to buy more.  ~sigh)

I tried to choose another pair of colors, but in not being able to carry out my red/green/white vision, I was just sort of disgruntled with everything... Then I happened to move a lone, half-sheet of vellum (still sitting there from my last stamping session), and the light bulb of my brain clicked on...

WOW! Talk about easy cutting!  Just like a hot knife through butter!  Whcih meant this ornament ended up being not only super easy, but taking a lot less time than a cardstock model!  It also looked just as good from the back (although matte vs. sparkly) as it did from the front... Check it out:

Other Details:
Ink- Versamark
Embossing Powder - I used something called Winter Ice once sold by the now closed, Berry Patch Designs -- It's an opaque white powder full of ultra fine silver & crystal glitter specks.
TIP:  For best powder melting results on vellum, use a pre-warmed heat gun, don't go too close to the vellum, and AS SOON as you see the powder "change," move the gun along!
*  I layered the graduated flowers together with foam tape - Small, circular pop dots would have worked best, but I used the small squares I had, then found center embellishments to cover any show-through.

*  A 1/16" hole was punched toward the tip of one petal, and strung with silver, metallic thread.

Below are a couple more variations-- You'll notice that the different layers of the flower can be turned as desired... The first variation has a holographic punch and rhinestone center, and the second one mixes vellum/cardstock layers, two different embossing powders, and is layered on BOTH sides.

 

I really can't stress how EASY this ornament is to make!!!  A great stamp/emboss, then cut out while watching TV project.

Don't forget to take a look at all the other ornaments from Dina, Trish, Giovana, and Donelda, and make sure to let one of us know if you've been "decorating" too.

Susan T.

P.S.  In case you were wondering, this challenge was not staged.  Dina didn't even know the Star Flowers set existed when she announced her challenge.

Comments

[SueB]

This is beautiful and makes such a nice ornament - TFS!

[Michelle Adams]

This is SO BEAUTIFUL! I am going to have to get this set now...hee hee! ;0)

[Peggy]

Susan-

Very beautiful!! I never would have thought of using vellum!

[Donelda]

Susan, this is amazing!! It brought a whole host of ideas to mind as I enjoyed all your samples! Thanks for the inspiration.

[Elaine Moore]

Oh WOW!! This stamp set is a must have. I'm glad you couldn't find your red paper - if you had, you might not have thought about using vellum. Turned out great!!!

[Jennifer Loucks]

Wow! Your ornaments are really lovely! Great project that looks very intricate, but your instructions reveal how easy it is! Thanks for showing us.
Jennifer L.

[seamom]

I love your ornament! Sophisticated beauty!

[Trish D]

Wow, this is gorgeous!! How stunning would that be on a kraft gift bag? The last one with the cardstock layer is pretty, but I have to say that I really, REALLY love the vellum ones.