Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Christmas Eve in the Village




I spent so much time trying to get a decent picture of this artsy card........just ridiculous....and I'm still unhappy. But, it is the best I could do.

When my Sis was visiting a few weeks ago, we went to a super scrapbook store and I saw this image and fell in love with it. I have been trying to figure out how to work it into a Christmas card. I saw Merry Monday challenge #80 to use music or a carol inspired theme.  I decided I would make my Tuscan village a scene on Christmas Eve night. You can see the darkness and fog settling in and snow around the houses. I imagine there are carolers there singing We Wish you a Merry Christmas.

I colored my houses with Copics, leaving it a bit artsy and then sponged around the scene. I added a star made of Stickles. It doesn't show much of the twinkle. Ugh! I won't tell you how many pictures I made and this one with the dark background turned out best.

The challenge at CASology #67 this week is Country. I'm assuming that could also be another country or a country village so I'm joining the challenge with my Tuscan card. There are so many ways to interpret this fun challenge.

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge is Christmas/Happy Holiday so I'll join them.

Recipe:
Stamps-Art Impressions, Inc./Tuscan Village, unknown sentiment
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Stampin'Up! Night of Navy, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Copics, Spellbinders oval nestabilitie, Gold Stickles, sponge




34 comments:

Marianne said...

I can see why you fell in love with this stamp, Brenda, and I love how you have used it on this Christmas card. Your sponged background looks wonderful. I think your card also fits in nicely with the new 'Country' theme for the CASology challenge.

Beebeebabs said...

Such a beautiful card and image - I also see why you fell in love with the stamp - great job!!!

JD/ Jill said...

Beautiful Christmas card!

UTs Hobby Time said...

Elegant Christmas card Benzi.

Carmen S. said...

Hi Benzi,
das ist eine wunderschöne Szene. Alles sieht so friedlich und sehr schön coloriert aus.

Ich wünsche Dir einen schönen Abend, Carmen :)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!!!!!

MaryH said...

Love this AI stamp. You've done it beautifully (and I'm in awe of your photography! Looked great to me). It really did invoke a snowy Christmas Eve night, your sponging was wonderful (so was the copic coloring!). Loved that you framed it as an oval. Great card. TFS

Cathy Weber said...

I think this cute village scene is totally "Country Christmas". Your photography is very good...you are too hard on yourself! Very cute card.

Darnell said...

What a brilliant job of combining these challenges, Brenda!! Your card is so beautiful, classy and classic!!

Carol said...

Saw your card at Merry Monday...love the beautiful colouring of the image. Carol x

Cathy said...

Great CAS cards. You have a wonderful style. I love both new creations.

jimlynn said...

I can already see the carolers going from house to house! Fantastic card for the holidays - and so very pretty. Great image!
Lynn

Donna Hanley said...

I don't know why you think this did not photograph well, I think it looks beautiful. This is a gorgeous scene and your coloring is terrific and artsy. I think this card is just lovely. Who did you get to pay for that stamp? LOL It's fun teasing you about your addiction. LOL Enjoy your evening.

Carol L said...

The way you "painted" the houses looks like a water color painting! A beautiful Christmas card with that song now playing in my head......(already!)

Loll said...

Hi Benzi. Fantastic card!! Love your "artsy" coloring of the village ... and the sponging is perfect to create a wintery scene. Thanks for joining us at Merry Monday. Loll xx

Bonnie said...

What a perfect little village, Benzi! Christmas caroling would certainly be fun here! Love all that white space! Glad you could share with us at Merry Monday this week!

Allison Cope said...

Awwww... super cute image Benzi! Great colouring of your houses! Great take on the music & caroling theme!

wienerhoneymooners said...

Super job!! Lovely watercolory feel.
Awesome Job!


Thanks for joining us this week at CASology!

Mandy said...

Gorgeous CAS card Benzi, the image is lovely and so beautifully coloured.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
hugs
Mandy xx

Maria said...

Just beautiful, Benzi! Very artsy and such a darling little Christmas scene! You did a fabulous job coloring the image...love it!

Dr Sonia S V said...

What a pretty scenic card you have made Brenda..love it
Cheers
Dr Sonia
Cards Crafts School Projects

Carol Hurlock said...

Oh my goodness this is so cute. I love the little snowy village. It does look like Christmas Eve. What a fun Christmas card.
Bear Hugs,
Carol
Rolltide!!!lol

Basslady said...

hun, your colouring is gorgeous!

i love the image and the atmospheric touch it gives to the card!

hugs and kisses from germany,
silvi xoxo

Mary Marsh said...

This is a great image for a Christmas card Benzi-I hear you about the photos -I have been having trouble lately with mine as well-it is frustrating to crate a beautiful card and then not be able to get a good photo

Ardyth said...

Funny, when I saw this card, I couldn't imagine it as anything but a Christmas card, so you've obviously accomplished your goal! I love the colours and the artistic, hand drawn feel of this! Thanks for joining us at CASology this week!

Joni Andaya said...

What a beautiful scene :)

Notes by Nina said...

Lovely Christmas card Benzi, I like the winter scene you have created.

Hazel said...

Love that scene - beautiful card you could also enter this into my CHNC challenge extra for October - I'd love to see it there x

Judy1223 said...

Benzi, thesis such a serene country Christmas scene! I love the image and your coloring! So glad you joined us at CASology!

Davi said...

BEAUtiful!! I love the scene, gives you such a feeling of simplicity and security the way you used it alone, beautifully done :)

Emily Keaton said...

This is so beautiful and peaceful, Benzi! What a sweet village :)

Shirley said...

About the picture, Benzi, it looks great. I feel that way sometimes too. Love the artistic design and the simple elegance!!

Colleen Dietrich said...

What a neat stamp! I'm not sure I'd have known how best to use it, but I think you nailed it. Also, at first, I thought perhaps this was hand-drawn by you. :)

Joanne (jojot) said...

what a sweet village....perfect for a winter theme