Some of my favorite moments of the holiday season are opening handmade cards from my stamping friends.  I got some beautiful ones this year, and would like to share them here. A couple today, and some others in subsequent posts…..

First up, this totally elegant and simply-stated tree from Kathy Adams. Done in traditional red and green, I ADORE the torn white layer at the base of the tree, suggesting a snow drift. Not so obvious in the photo, are several carefully-placed dots of red glitter adorning the tree, too. I have always believed the key to a simple and elegant card is balance, and Kathy has nailed that. BEAUTIFUL, Kathy!

I was still sliding Frosty from his envelope when I felt a big warm grin overtaking my face! Although Frosty's been gone from the Stampin' Up! line-up for several years now, he was a faithful icon for many, many years. (Back in the day, every time a new catalog came out we'd always rush to see if Frosty had survived the cut to get to hang around and play for another year. He even eventually earned the nick-name "Frosty, the Teflon Snowman", lol.) I remember showing all kinds of projects with him at Club and at Stamp Camps: basic cards, 3-D flip cards, glass Christmas tree ornaments….. But as often as I used him I never grew tired of him, and to this day he still brings on that great big grin whenever he shows up. So it was pure delight to see him reappear in my mail this year. Sharon Clark, my longtime dear friend and upline (yes, you can blame HER for this amazing nearly-19 year journey as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator….) was the creator of this charming card.  Thank you for the nostalgia, Sharon!