One of the many fun perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is receiving hand-stamped cards and projects from one's stampin' friends. While I've always had good "intentions" of sharing such stamp art here, I admit to having been less than successful in actually getting it done. So at least for this Christmas season, I'm going to redouble my efforts to share your art as it arrives in my happy mail!

This card was the first one I received this Christmas season. Kathy A. has been a long-time stampin' friend, and I admire her for getting handmade cards out every year, even on those years I send out either very few or none. (Which has unfortunately been several years in a row now.) This year, for her main element, Kathy has chosen the bundle (stamps + dies) "Dashing Deer". So the stamped and die-cut deer comes from that bundle, as do the sentiment and flowers. Colors are Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black & Very Vanilla. I particularly like how Kathy layered the 2 circles behind the deer; such a simple, but nice background effect!

And did you notice the fabulous 2-toned swirl effect on the deer? That magic comes from the stamp itself; it's how it's designed and cut! Look for an increasing number of stamps from Stampin' Up! that feature similar multi-toned effects as we go forward! I just love that magic effect; talk about making you feel like an artist!!! But lest you think you've missed out on getting this pretty set of stamps & dies for yourself, well, you're in luck. Because although the special bundle pricing will soon end, both the stamp set and dies set will be held over at least into the spring, and will continue to be available at my online store!

Thank you, Kathy, for thinking of me this season, and for your lovely card!