Polly’s Paper Retro Ladies Christmas Cards: Christmas in July Post
Hello, Friends!
It’s Christmas in July at Kathy by Design! I know it seems odd to be sharing Christmas projects in the middle of a heat wave, but you’ll thank me in December when all your cards and hand made gifts are neatly packaged up and you can sit back, relax and pat yourself on the back for having been clever enough to get a head start on things. (You’re welcome!) Today I have 3 totally adorable Retro Ladies Christmas cards to share with you. They are from Polly’s Paper Etsy, and I fell in love with them right away. I think you will agree:
These take me right back to my childhood. My mom always wore an A-line dress with a big pleated skirt. If she went shopping, she put on her hat and gloves. Everyone did! Our small town had one main street, all decked out with Christmas lights from Thanksgiving to New Year. The shops stayed open late (til 9!!) and everyone bustled about under the soft light getting their holiday shopping done. It was magical!
Each 5×7 top fold card has a slightly different embellishment. But they all are dolled up with a Christmas Ticket collage, also from Polly’s. You could print these large enough to be a focal on a card, but I printed them small to use as an embellishment.
This stylish Retro Lady was touched with a bit of Art Institute Glitter Glue and white glitter. She needed a big old red rosette to mimic her candy cane stripe pleated skirt. I also topped my mini jingle bells with glue and glitter. The candy cane ribbon was in my stash of Christmas ribbons. I’m not even sure where it came from, but it was perfect for this project.
The papers are retired Stampin’ Up. The stamped sentiment is from them as well.
Poinsettias dusted with Viva Decor White 3-D Stamp paint are keeping this Retro lady company while she decorates the tree. The metallic gold string is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.
Matting the designer paper layers helps to anchor the card. And I used a red paper clip as an ornament hanger for my little jingle bells.
Finishing the inside of a card is easy. Just bring elements from the outside of your card (the papers) to the inside and you’ll have a design that really works.
I sewed a banner at the top of this card and added a row of ruffled ribbon on the base. It makes me think of a Christmas tree skirt.
I looped some metallic string on the top of my Christmas ticket, just for fun!
Did you notice that this card is built on a black cardstock base? I wouldn’t normally use black on a Christmas card, but I really liked the way it grounded these bright, retro colors and designs.
So, have you started your Christmas cards yet? If you’re looking for inspiration, you might want to check out the holiday digital collage selection at Polly’s. She has so many adorable vintage images in all kinds of holiday themes. Grab a cold glass of iced tea and take a peek!
I’ll be sharing more Christmas ideas throughout the month of July, and I feel a little giveaway coming on…so stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
These cards are available for purchase in my ETSY shop.
These too, are incredibly sweet! I love the traditional colors and your knack for adding glitz and glam to your cards. These are all little treasures in themselves!!
Hi Kathy, these are delightful and gorgeous. i remember Christmas shopping you love all the decorations and music in the stores, The warm hats and gloves, the colors of joy all around,an in some stores the smells of the holidays. Not in July though. after Thanksgiving. Things have changed, to early. It was the anticipation of the celebration to come.. Now by the time Dec. comes we are worn out. I remember those full shirts Robyn. thanks for memories.
Hugs, …have a good day.
If anything makes me think of crafting for Christmas early it would be these adorable cards! The red and white candy striping is almost a hybrid of Christmas and summer (think awnings, striped umbrellas, etc)!! LOVE that striped ribbon you found in your stash…how perfect was that?
Three sweet cards from a lovely designer. Thanks for sharing.
Not really thinking to hard about Christmas just yet Kathy as I am still hoping we get some summer. I love your cards though, they certainly bring back memories of Christmas past. Love all the reds and green papers and the candy cane ribbon is adorable. Beautiful images, they are all gorgeous cc
You are so talented. Les tryon
These are gorgeous! You are the master of layers!!
Absolutely stunning Kathy! It makes me want to pop White Christmas into the DVD player already lol. I just love those vintage ladies with their dresses, so classy!
I love these vintage Christmas girls…they do bring back my earliest memories of Christmas shopping with my mom. There’s just something so special about those full skirts and decorating for the holidays. I think it’s the “swish, swish” of the petticoats keeping time with the Christmas music playing softly in the background that I remember. AHHH! You are always so good about bringing out the hidden treasures in our memories with your delightful designs. Love these cards my dear!!!
Lovely cards Kathy. I don’t want to think of Christmas just yet, but these cards and all the details make me kinda want to start. 😀
Thanks for sharing Kathy.
Wow! These are all amazing! I love all these fabulous layers, each loaded with pretty details! Just beautiful!
Oh my my my…I do believe I actually had to dab a little drool away from my mouth! These are gorgeous Kathy! Those Polly’s papers are amazing! You rocked this!
Now that’s what I’m talking about! You and Polly’s Paper are a perfect match!
Oh. Am totally in love jen x
Hi, I am liking banners this week….or is it, mini flags?…what ever…they are so cute and a, want to have…LOL
Cute cards. xox