Acetate foliage Christmas Card

This is a very quick (and last minute) card for the 'Tis the season challenge 53.

The theme was cards inspired by a picture of ice skates, and the aspect that struck me was the fir sprigs in the skates. I've been meaning to try this technique with foliage sprigs on acetate for a while, so this was the perfect opportunity.

I used a fir branch stamp I got in a charity shop, which has proved to be a fantastic find. It's an old school rubber stamp on a wooden block, and stamps a very detailed and crisp image.

I stamped two branches and embossed with Earthtone Olive Wow Powder. I then mixed up a little of the same embossing powder with gold mica powder and made two more branches. I've not mixed up embossing powders before, but it worked really well. I thought I'd been very frugal on the mica powder, but I think I could use less for a greener result and still have the shine.

I cut each of the branches out, not having to be too fussy as the acetate is clear. I cut into two of them to separate the sprigs.

The background was a simple landscape, with two hills inked with a brayer and makeup sponge in a light blue, then I stamped a simple sentiment using the same ink mixed with a darker blue. I added snow with a white pen, but it doesn't really show.

I cut an aperture in olive green card using a X Cut frame die, and put all the pieces together on a 6x6 card.

At this point I thought it needed a little something else, so I cut and embossed a small bow from gold card using a Die-Lectables die and attached it at the bottom.

A quick card to make, but I got to try a new technique or two, and I'm pleased with both of them. Look out for more acetate foliage sprigs on Christmas cards this year!