The Pleasure of Poinsettias

There's no flower that symbolizes the holiday season like the Poinsettia. 

This leafy, red and green flower is bright and beautiful and as you'll see in this post, this popular plant is quite visible around my home this time of year. 

 

Poinsettias (and sometimes Jordy) are the first thing you see when you enter our foyer for the holidays.

Every year I wrap my staircase with yards of Poinsettia garlands and then wrap the railing with strands of light.  It's a wonderfully festive look.

You'll also find loads of Poinsettias adorning my Christmas tree.  When spread out, the artificial Poinsettia leaves help fill in the gaps in the pine needles to help give the tree a more full appearance.

 

Click here to see more of my nature-themed Christmas tree which includes birds, bows, berries, dried fruit, wooden Santas, woodland elves and one pair of snakeskin baby-booties to name a few of the dozens of enchanting and unexpected tree decorations.

 

In keeping with the Poinsettia theme this week, I'd like to share how to make this beautiful 3-dimensional card which features, what else?   

 

This Poinsettia card involves a lot of cutting, but if you have a sharp pair of craft scissors designed for intricate cutting, you'll be in good shape.

Take a look at the numbered photo below for a list of the supplies needed for this pretty card.  You'll also need a pack of foam dots which are not listed in this photo but their use is explained further down in this post.

(1) Red and green cardstock (2) Heat gun (3) Poinsettia stamp (4) Gold embossing powder (5) Embossing pad (6) Gold leafing pen (7) Lettering stamp (8) Pinpoint scissors.

The heart and beauty of this project is created using a Poinsettia medallion rubber stamp.

Medallion stamps are known for their detailed images which can be stamped once and colored as is, or stamped multiple times, trimmed and layered to create a 3-dimensional look.

As you can see this medallion rubber stamp has five layers of Poinsettia leaves.

For this project, the image needs to be stamped and embossed five times to create one card.

 

Cover the rubber stamp generously with rubber stamp embossing ink.  This ink acts as an adhesive to hold the embossing powder in place.

Once the image is inked, stamp the cardstock and then sprinkle embossing powder over the outline in the card. 

Make sure you cover the image completely with embossing powder to ensure that all parts of the design appear in the finished project.

 

Tap off the excess embossing powder onto a sheet of paper.  Pour the excess powder back into the original container and return the cap.

It's a good idea to keep the container lid on the embossing powder when not in use, in case it's  accidentally tipped over while working.

The embossing process involves heating the powder which then melts but quickly hardens. 

WARNING: The heat that comes out of a heat gun is extremely hot and can cause injury if exposed to the skin so be careful when using it. 

Heat guns should also be considered a very dangerous tool in the presence of young children.  Because the power switch is generally quite easy for a child to flip, always keep heating guns unplugged when not in use.

The heat gun melts the embossing powder onto the cardstock.  It dries almost immediately leaving behind a crisp, raised impression of the image.

After embossing the cards, identify the various layers in the image and then cut each layer out in the order in which it is stacked in the image.

Take  a look at the cut pieces in the photo below and you can see that each cut piece gets smaller and smaller as each subsequent layer is defined and cut.

You'll need a few foam dots to stack the cutouts.  Foam dots have an adhesive on the top and bottom and are used to give an element lift.

Foam dots are available at most crafts stores.

 

Place the foam dot at the center of each cutout and then begin to build the layers upward.

 

You can see how the dots give the layers lift in the photo below. Foam dots are really versatile and help add 3-dimensional effect and interest to scrapbook pages, cards and loads of other projects. 

Once the layers have been created, slightly bend the points of each leaf to add more interest.  The addition of a few rhinestones to the center add a nice finishing touch.

 

You can always use pre-made cards for this project.  However, I couldn't find the shade of green I wanted so I just cut 8 /12 X 11 green cardstock down to size to create my own card.

I used a Krylon gold leafing pen to add an attractive edge to the card.  These leafing pens are also available at most crafts stores and at many major hardware stores in the paint section.

QUICK TIP: You can also use a gold leafing pen to add a dazzling edge to those giveaway, holiday family photos.

     

Decide where the medallion will be placed on the card and then add an embossed greeting just below the paper craft.

    
A pretty card like this deserves a pretty envelope too.  Here's a way to not only dress up your envelope but make good use out of wrapping paper scraps you have on hand.

Cut scrap wrapping paper down to size to fit inside the envelope just under the glue line.  Fold the wrap to match the fold in the top of the envelope and use a think strip of glue or double sided tape to adhere.

QUICK TIP-Adhere the wrap just above the crease line in the envelope. No need to glue or tape the entire sheet because it's hidden down inside the envelope and the crease will also help hold it in place.

 

By the way, you can also use medallions for more than just cards. 

Consider creating a handful of these 3-dimensional, paper-crafted Poinsettias as tree ornaments.

 

Need to spruce up a holiday gift bag? 

This checkered bag is OK, but add a Poinsettia medallion to the front and give it a beautiful holiday makeover.

     
I'm sure you could think of loads of other ways to incorporate these fun-to-make medallions into your next paper crafting project.

Of course you still have a little more time to get those holiday cards made too.

 
Meanwhile, I thought you'd enjoy seeing a holiday photo I snapped of my family this week. 

Many thanks to Cameron, Jordy and Boris for helping me with all my various projects this year and tolerating my gazillion "just one more shot" demands.

   

Also, a huge thanks to all of you who have supported my blog with your visits and kind words throughout this year.  

I love knowing that you've been inspired to try a few of my projects here and there and I really appreciate all of your interest and enthusiasm for my handiwork.  I'll have lots more to share in 2010.

Happy Holidays and all the best for a crafts-y and creative New Year!

Comments

[Teresa]

Great card. First time visit. You have a great blog. Can't wait to read more.

Your greeting card done with the flower stencil is lovely and simple too...why don't you start some online classes for other creative people like you?

[Lisa @ Livin' Louisiana]

Great blog
Great name
Great color on your walls?
Great family!

[Cee]

Great pics, Lisa! Your daughter's hair brings back some MEMORIES (at her age)!! I will say this - - - I don't miss sleeping on my face or wearing rollers to bed! ;)

Have a WONDERFUL New Year!

[Wilhelmiina Halme]

Hello :)
You home is so beautiful.
You have such great ideas and tutorials.
Tree is gorgeous. happy holiday season to you and your family.

[Judith Tetley]

Hi Lisa; I just found your blog and had a lovely time reading your posts. Love the card...makes me want to get my stamps and glitter out. Thankyou for sharing!
Many Blessings
Judith from Australia
http://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

[Penny]

Wow Lisa! That is such a beautiful card, I love how you paired it with that teal paper! And the gift bag is darling. I hope you and your family had an awesome Christmas!

[tea time and roses]

Merry Christmas to you and your dear family Lisa!

Smiles...

Beverly

[Candace]

Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with many joys to you and your family, Lisa!
Cheers!

[elenka]

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.

[Julie Size]

I love embossing powder!

I am having a blog give away - if you are interested. Stop by www.ridingaside.blogspot.com and post a comment.

[Melanie]

Your tree is gorgeous and I laughed when you said just one more shot:) That sounds like me and my son gets so mad. I just had to laugh. I hope you have a great Christmas.

[Barbara Jacksier]

Great project (as always!) Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderfully creative 2010.
Barbara

[tara]

Very cute idea Lisa!! So pretty attached to the package, and great idea for a card! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Merry Christmas to you! Thanks for sharing your wealth of creativity with us Lisa! Always so fun to come here to be inspired!! And wow, Lisa, your STAIRCASE! Lovely.

Glad to call you a friend!

Blessings,
Melissa

[Diana P.]

You did a gorgeous job decorating! I love the poinsettia tutorial! I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[Ruth Hair]

Such a pretty card, I really want to get this stamp.
I also enjoy your blog very much.
Hope you and your wonderful family have a very Merry Christmas.

[elenka]

Merry, Merry Christmas Lisa, to you and your beautiful family.
Love your blog.

[nance]

What a stunning staircase railings you have, Lisa! Your house must be looking so festive with all your creations! I love poinsettias too and I buy a few every year, they are an instant Christmas decor! ;)
You have a nice looking family and from my family to yours, have a blessed Christmas and healthy New Year!

[The Pleasures of Homemaking]

Hi Lisa!

Your bannister is gorgeous! There really isn't any flower that says Christmas like pointsettias! I love that they come in so many different colors now! The embossed card is just gorgeous. You have a lovely family (your daughter looks so much like you)!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

Manuela

[Janis]

Thanks for sharing your fabulous projects, your beautiful home and your more beautiful family. I'll be following you in 2010 too! Best wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas.

[Judith Norman]

Now, that's a staircase! Beautiful post, Lisa. Your daughter looks just like you. Merry Christmas to you, your family, and yoru blog readers!

[Jane]

...and Merry Christmas to you and yours! I love your blog with its variety and top-notch projects. That's a great picture of the family...one that will be scrapbooked I'm sure! Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
~jane

[Berta]

Lisa, beautiful post, your bannister is lovely! A wonderful photo of your family too! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and can't wait to see your posts in the coming year! You are always so very inspiring!

[Tina Cockburn]

I love all of your poinsettias. I'm quite fond of them too and only just this second wondered why I haven't bought any yet for my house.

And what a great photo of your husband and kids. The kids are getting so big and grown up!

Have a very Merry Christmas, Lisa!

[Susannah (Malphi)]

Hi Lisa,

I have really enjoyed following your consistently inspiring and creative projects throughout this year. I always feel uplifted after visiting you blog....it just puts out something very special.

Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and new year celebrations....

Love Susannah x
www.EffortlessElegance.com

[Tiff@ThreePeas]

You make this so easy! THanks for the tutorial! I have never seen a picture of your husband before. He's a nice looking guy!!!

[adrienne]

Merry Christmas Lisa!!!!

[Allie]

Beautiful Lisa - and the photo of your family is gorgeous! You have a lovely family - Merry Christmas!

[Diane@inmyownstyle]

Hi Lisa-

I always look forward to your posts. You always have such great ideas and tutorials. I was reading a few of the comments and read that your family was in the Peace Corps. My daughter, Kelly is going to Senegal in March. She is 22 and is nervous and excited at the same time. I also read somewhere on your site that you have a twin sister, me too. Anyway, Happy holidays to you and your family. I will be back for your next post.

[Thimbleanna]

Your home looks gorgeous Lisa! Love all the poinsettias. And thanks for sharing the how-to on the paper poinsettia!

[LindaSonia]

Great project idea, thanks for sharing. I too love poinsettias and have a small table top tree that I decorate with red, pink and white poinsettias embellished with tulle bunches in the same shades. I never tire of it. Your family looks precious! Happy Christmas!! LindaSonia (baddabinda@yahoo.com)

[Laurel Harper]

Really gorgeous poinsettia embellishments. Your creativity is amazing! Blessings to you and your beautiful family this holiday season.

[Elaine Tutman]

Somewhere in my shopping bags full of old photos, there is a picture of you and Paula (age 6 or 7 years old) standing in front of a poinsetta tree in southern Tanzania, East Africa. The poinsetta there are as big as our apple trees - so beautiful. Do you remember that? This is one of my treasured experiences during our years as a Peace Corps family. Love, Nana Banana (mom)

[Anne]

Your poinsettia theme is really beautiful. The layered, embossed card is so elegant. Much more impact than just embossing a single image onto a card.

[Terri]

We just picked up our poinsettia over the weekend, and wow, what a wonderful, dramatic impact it makes in a room! I love how you adorned your railing with the poinsettia garland. It really adds that something extra to your tree too. I love the layered look of your embossed card! Isn't embossing so fun? I love watching the powder "turn."

[Jackie]

This post is just so beautiful!! I have a special fondness for Poinsettias too. They were all over our wedding reception. We got married in Dec 89 and used the Poinsettias as decoration. Loved them. I just love your holiday card too! What a wonderful photo of your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!!

[Stephanie]

Gorgeous tree, always fantastic crafting, and a very lovely family. Happy Holiday season to you!

[Cassie Shella]

I love the card! This looks like such a great project, can't wait to try it. Your blog is always so much fun to read! Have a great week.