Yes, it’s hot all over the world this week, but I’m keeping cool by thinking about Christmas. This cute little card was made with the Snowman Season stamp set- so easy with the coordinating Snowman builder punch!!

I first cut the base from thick cardstock, folded to 5 and 1/2 by 4 and 1/4 inches, then the red mat (Real Red) at 5 and 3/8 by 4 and 1/8 inches, and finally the white card front at 5 and 1/4 by 4 inches. Stamp your sentiment toward the bottom of the white card front- I used Real Red ink- and run it through your Cut and Emboss machine with the embossing folder of your choice. I used a retired folder (Falling Snow), but the current Winter Snow folder would be perfect, too. I stamped the snowman on white card, and punched him out , lining him up in the punch. This left me with his hat, nose, and arms which were punched but not stamped, If I was making them in bulk, I would have placed the negative punch space in my Stamparatus stamping tool to line up the stamps, but because they are photopolymer, they are easy to line up by eye with a clear stamping block.

All were done in Memento Tuxedo Black ink,, and I colored the hat and nose with a combination of water-based markers, being careful not to smudge the black ink, and alcohol marker for the gray hat. Then I took a light blue (Pool Party) alcohol marker and lightly colored the areas between the head and body where there might be a shadow. I popped him up with dimensional foam pads, then glue the arms slightly behind the body, placing the hat in his hand. Finally, I took the light blue alcohol marker and shaded just underneath his “feet” on the white card front. You have to look closely, but the blue is really there!

After I finished my card, I thought I’d make a quick gift tag with one of the other images, so here you go- 2 inches wide, punched with the Delightful Tag Topper, and corners rounded with the Detailed Trio punch- my two go-to punches for tags. It took me less than a minute to cut, punch, and stamp both sides of this tag! I then colored his hat, scarf, and nose, and tied the ribbon on. What do you think?

Feeling cooler yet? I am! Now, to get back to my stamping desk. If you are inspired to try your own version of a “cool card”, attach a pic in the comments below. If you want to browse for stamping supplies, click Visit My Site above or a specific item below, and if you are interested in being part of my demonstrator team, email me at rougeuxm@gmail.com . Thanks for stopping by! Stay cool!

Michelle