Use easy stamping techniques to rustle up this set of stylishly festive cards from Elusive Images

What you need...

• Stamps: Elusive Images, Christmas Song (UA5SP0266); Christmas Foliage (UA5SP0265); Frosty Trees (UA5SP0281)
  Card: A4 ivory; cream, speckled 15cm x 30cm; matt black; mirri, black, gold white hammered
  Ink-pads: Encore Ultimate Metallic Gold, Memento Black; StazOn, black; Broken China
  Embossing powder: Stamp n Stuff, jewelled gold
  Glitter-glue Diamond Stickles: Xmas red, platinum
  Cuttlebug snowflake die
  Punch, snowflake, Martha Stewart; Slimline edgers, dotted scallop
  Ribbon, plaid
  Metal leaf, gold
  Chalk Basic Brights
  Acetate
  Xyron machine

instructions

1. First Noel Card - 1. Ink the negative tree stamp with black StazOn and print onto the acetate. Fold the speckled cream card in half. Stamp the small flourish with black memento ink around all four sides.
   
   2. Trim the acetate close to the image, then it through the Xyron machine. The adhesive should be on the reverse side. Lay a sheet of gold leaf over the sticky surface; remove the excess leaf with your finger. Matt the panel onto black mirri, then attach to the front of the card.
   
   3. Stamp the Christmas sentiment and the robin on a branch in black memento ink. Colour the bird with the red and brown chalks. Add highlights using diamond stickles and gems. Attach a bow and bell to finish.

Most of the items used in the making of these cards together with Elusive Images Rubber Stamp Theme plates and equipment are available from Graphicus, 01833 695958, http://www.graphicus.co.uk