A Little Christmas in July with Eileen Hull and Authentique Paper
Hello, Friends! I know it’s the 4th, but I just had to share a little Christmas in July with you today. I have two of the cutest little Christmas projects, both made with Eileen Hull’s newly released Sizzix dies and Authentique papers.
These versatile steel rule dies can be used to create a dimensional box, or as mixed media elements. Cute as a button, they are perfect for holiday gifting and card making.
Warm Hearts Easel Card
This 7″ x 8 1/4″ easel card features elements from the Snowman Box. Here’s how I prepared the die cut pieces to build this wintry vignette.
- First, die cut the pieces from mat board. You will only need one box side to serve as the picket fence.
- Mist the fence lightly with water and run it through your die cutting machine to add the wood grain texture.
- Next, apply Gathered Twigs Distress ink to the front of the fence. Cut an extra “v” on the box side to keep the pickets looking all the same.
- Now apply Black Soot Distress Ink Directly to the surface of a wood grain embossing folder and run it through the machine a second time.
- Apply Dries White Glitter Glue and Frosted Crystals to the pickets and base of the fence, then set aside to dry.
- “Paint” the snowman bodies with Nuvo Toasted Almond Mousse. to add texture and shine.
- Trace the snowman hats and scarves onto designer paper, cut out and apply to the snowman bodies.
- Accessorize with burlap string, mini jingle bells and flowers.
A Peek Inside
Add a pocket inside the card to serve as the stopper for the easel mechanism. Then prepare a little treat wallet to tuck inside. I’ve decorated this card with Authentique Paper’s Snowfall Collection. Wouldn’t this be a great gift to send in the mail? And you can leave snowman décor up long after the holiday has passed. They are just so cheery!
On the Nice List: Mitten Treat Box
I have a soft spot in my heart for mittens. My mom used to knit ours every winter. She always added extra long cuffs so the snow would not creep up our sleeves and freeze us. So this mitten box speaks to my memories, and I just love it. The box is very easy to assemble. Just die cut mat board or chipboard , then die cut your designer papers and adhere. The die comes with the mitten shape, the rickrack trim and some cute little hearts.
Make a bunch of these to use as place cards for your holiday celebrations. They also make wonderful gifts for friends, neighbors and co-workers. Authentique Paper’s new “A Magical Christmas” collection is absolutely stunning. I’ve used the 6×6 pad to decorate my mittens and wrap the presents that are tucked inside. Once the treats are consumed, display candy canes, peppermints, or wrapped candy in the mitten box. Or, use it as a pen holder on your desk.
Create a little tag insert with Eileen’s Gift Card Folder and Label Die. It fits neatly inside the mitten box. The dimensional envelope makes a great treat wallet, too.
I used to think Christmas in July was crazy, but now I realize that it takes time to create handmade gifts. Starting in July makes me feel less rushed during the holiday season, too. When do you start creating your Christmas crafts?
You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cheerio,
kathy
SUPPLY LIST
- Eileen Hull Dies
- Sizzix Skeleton Leaves Thinlets
- Authentique Paper
- Little Birdie Flowers
- Sangria Embossed Daisies
- Renea Sangria
- Elsie (out of stock)
- Beaded Micro Petals/Cherry
- Ribbons and Fibers
- Mixed Media Supplies
- Woodgrain Embossing Folder
- Dries White Glitter Glue
- Rajni Chawla’s Frosted Crystals
- Black Soot and Gathered Twigs Distress Ink
- Stickles
- Embellishments
- Christmas Buttons
- Jingle Bells (online store is now closed)
- Mini Paper Clips
LOVE and Pinned!
Your card is so cheerful and delightful, Kathy!!! I love the snowmen and the tiny embellishments on them and that fence looks so real. Your mitten is so cute and practicle! I’ve always loved mittens too! I also want to let you know that I did receive your message about the Spellbinders giveaway. Thank you so much! I made a purchase as soon as I found out! I have been responding to your emails when you answer from your blog but I don’t think you’ve been getting my response. Take care. Stay safe! Hugs xo
These 2 Authentique Christmas projects are adorable! Luv these dies …and especially luv your sweet story about the mittens! You sure know how to bring these papers to life! Luv all your details! I’m putting this mitten die on my wishlist! How about the new teacup die …has it become available yet? Thanks so much for sharing …hugs, Suzy Q
Kathy everything you make is so special because you put a piece of your life into it. I love the little snowman easel card, and how you used the inside piece for a fence! And the Mitten Box is gorgeous- the Authentique paper is perfect and I need to get some. Didn’t think of using the gift card folder inside- so happy to know it fits! You are getting me in the holiday spirit! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and talents with us all!
both of these Christmas-y projects are so adorable! I love the woodgrain on your picket fence and the cute papers to ‘dress’ the snowmen. And that mitten treat box with Santa peeking out just pushes all my buttons! Well done, Kathy! Snowmen and mittens are certainly reminiscent of Christmas, but both of these dies could be used throughout the winter season. As for Christmas in July, nothing could make me happier! It’s such a wonderful time of the year, and wouldn’t it be nice if we could have that spirit throughout the year. Good will toward men, and all that! Sending big overdue hugs!
Christmas in July is right up my alley! I’ve just placed an order for some wonderful Christmas music: Vocal Majority and Ambassadors of Harmony, 2 fabulous male chorus groups. You do find the most interesting ways to gift people, Kathy…I’m looking for that new teacup that may be coming our way. Well done!
Beautiful Christmas card, and the mitten box is awesome – I used to knit years ago, but didn’t make mittens – I know this little box certainly brings back lots of memories for you – thanks for sharing your memories!!!!
These boxes are delightful, Kathy. Like what you’ve created from these Eileen Hull dies adding your own special touches with the Authentique paper and embellishments. The mitten die just might be my next best purchase. tfs-stay well. Hugs.
Love these projects! Great inspiration as I just ordered these dies the other day. Your artistic creativity is wonderful and I so appreciate your posts. Thank you!!
Christmas colors just brighten your day and spirits. It is so nice when you get an uplifting story and pretty projects. Thanks Kathy. Hope your 4th was spectacular.
Your beautiful Christmas treat holders have inspired me. I love how you created and embossed the picket fence. The Authentic papers are beautiful. I exchange small gifts with my girlfriends at Christmas and this year I will give them a treat filled mitten along with a 6×6 pad of Authentic paper. It is heart warmer to read about how you are inspired to create your projects. Thank you for sharing, you are a light of inspiration during this Covid time when we are all spending so much time indoors.
Your a girl after my own heart! Thursday our crafting group got together and worked on Christmas cards. Our Authetique and our RRR collections were out. The new Eileen Hull dies look like a necessary investment. : ) . Thank you for your blog! It sure keeps me happy in these difficult days. xoxoxoxo
Kathy, what wonderful Christmas projects! Eileen Hull designs some really darling dies. The mitten box is sooo cute and your story is so sweet about your Mom knitting your mittens. What a treasure. The snowmen card is so festive. I love all of the images in that paper. What could be a more happy scene than children building a snowman? It’s never too early to start thinking about making Christmas cards! Especially at the rate I make them . LOL Thank you for sharing these beautiful projects! Hugs!
These are all adorable Kathy, as usual. You never disappoint us. Its always a good idea to try to get ahead of the seasons, although I really don’t like to rush the snowy season. I just can’t handle it anymore. But these are great projects for sure. Be safe & TYFS
So cute! I do Christmas all year round. I do a spring craft then a Christmas, then a fall…then a Christmas lol I cant help myself. Christmas anything makes me happy.
Cute Christmas in July projects. I should work ahead too. this week it is going to be hot where I live and maybe crafting Christmas projects would cool me down.