Well folks, Christmas is just around the corner...

Happy Thursday to all 9 of my faithful followers, my family and friends that I pester to take a look see now and then and of course last but not least to the "just happened by" crowd as well.

Christmas is just days away and as I type this I am looking out my back window at the various shades of grays and browns that I assuredly will loathe by the time winter is said and done. I am saddened by the fact that there is a noticeable absence of that white stuff blanketing all the trees and ground.

For me, Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas without snow. I have always been one to enjoy the snow up until the end of January and then it could just disappear for all I care. Right now the thermometer reads 4 degrees Celsius or 39 degrees Fahrenheit for my American counterparts. Having looked at the long term forecast before I hopped on over here to talk to you it is definitely going to be a green Christmas up in these parts of the world. Ugh!!!

I was hoping that after I finished making my Christmas cards and listening to Christmas music the entire time I would be singing, baking and wrapping presents by now. Sadly though, it still hasn’t happened for me. I am just so off this year. I am not sure if I can blame it entirely on the missing snow or if I am seriously a late bloomer this year. One thing that I do know is that once I am hanging out with my family and smoozin’ with friends over the holidays I'm pretty sure that I will definitely be in the Christmas spirit.

Today I would like to share the card that I made for the people on my Christmas card list who love to receive cards and actually like to keep them. I will mention though that the photo didn’t turn out the best (as usual). Hopefully I will get better at this as time goes on.

I originally learned how to make this card as a photo greeting card. Considering the fact that I didn’t want my mug sitting around someone’s house for a few weeks I changed it into something more festive.

I started the wreath by making a small ring out of green cardstock using my Spellbinder circle dies. Then I used two Martha Stewart punches; the frond and the fir branch to make up the actual wreath. It isn’t that noticeable in the photo but I used two different shades of green cardstock to make it appear more natural. I find that using tone on tone makes certain things look more real but it looks equally pretty in one colour as well. I finished it off with some stickles, a handmade bow and various sized gold balls. Most of the paper came from Stampin' Up and the DP was from My Mind's Eye Christmas Glitter Collection.

I found a tutorial for making the wreath on KittieKraft and then simply adapted it for Christmas. I must admit though that it was impossible to find, and purchase the fir branch punch at any craft store nearby. Fortunately for me good ole Darlene came to the rescue and had one that I could borrow. Isn't it great how we can share things with each other, not just ideas but supplies too?

So if anybody knows where I can find one I would love to hear from you ;) ;) Personally, I think it is a very useful punch and can be utilized for many things in relation to paper crafts.

Well my friends, I must call it a day. Just in case I don't get back on here until after the New Year please let me wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. I will bid you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year because that is what "I" say at this time of the year.

Remember, He is the Reason for the Season. God Bless.

:)S