xmas card prep

They're not done as I had hoped (Dream Big!) but at least I managed to get an early start on cards this year.  Since last December I've wanted to use Pine's Rustic Snowflakes stamps (here) and CASE a photo card from Mish (here).  Paired with those new Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses papers - mmmm.  

Here's my craft table with the first round of cards, in stages of completion:

I say, first make embellishments because it's lovely fun.  Luckily I had scrap kraft paper left over from last year's card (here).  Here's the plan:

1. stamp snowflake in white ink
   
2. glitter heat emboss with Versamark ink
   
3. use sponge dauber to soften center with white ink; buff
4. add tiny white dots to outer circles with gelly roller
   
5. (glue & glitter snowflakes - leave center blank for coordinating gem later)
6. (punch out circle)

Next - the cards.  After a few attempts I discovered a design with the sentiment hidden behind the pull-out photo (see this in the card propped on the table).  The double-sided paper was just begging to be folded & distressed - but grandma's old Singer sewing machine was NOT sewing through those thick layers.  Instead, I'll stitch three sides of the patterned paper.  Here's an unfinished (unsewn) close-up of the card without the pull-out photo portion:

Here's the how to:

1. slice a sheet of kraft paper, lengthwise
   
2. trim a bit off one side
3. stamp the sentiment so it's hidden by the pull-out photo portion
   
4. edge sides with white ink; let dry (I did ~2 days, to be sure)
   
5. glitter heat emboss 'snowflake' sentiment (it adds dimension if the alignment is off)
   
6. fold (I use a jacked-up mini Scor-It - see photo below)
7. make a pocket by sealing two sides with 1/8" Scor-Tape
8. stamp 'handmade by' sentiment on back of card in white ink; sign & date w/ gelly roller pen
   
9. edge bottom of card with white ink; let dry
   
10. measure & cut patterned paper
11. fold down & distress paper
    
12. measure & cut ribbon - adhere
13. (sew three sides of patterned paper & ribbon)
14. (adhere paper to card)
15. (attach embellishment; add coordinating gem)
16. (measure & print personal message on kraft paper for back of pull-out)
    
17. (measure & print photos)
18. (round one corner of photo & kraft paper)
19. (attach with brad in corner)
20. (insert pull-out into card)
21. (decorate, label & stamp envelopes)

Lastly, in trying to save a $10 I got a mini Scor-it.  I really LOVE the professional score, but had to tape a small ruler to the top to be able to score the center of an 11" piece of paper.  Oh well!