Sponging

First, this image is not from SU, but you could use the tree from more than one set [Lovely As A Tree (115026), Christmas Lodge (123767), or even the trees from Snow Swirled (111690) or Star Tree (126784)]. Then adding the decorations from Christmas Deer (128144) would be great.

Today is more about the background though. If you haven't tried sponging, I really suggest that you do, because it can add so much to your scene. Using Whisper White, start by masking off the part that you don't want to to color. With this card I used a post it note pad and tore along the "sticky" to create a rough edge and stuck it to the bottom of the card (the ground). I then started sponging with the lightest color first. I like to use the daubers (102892) but some prefer to use the Stamping Sponges (101610). You can cut the sponges into four pieces, which work nicely for sponging.

Always start sponging off the cardstock so the color blends better and working in circular motions, begin to fill in your background with Bashful Blue. Don't worry about filling in all of the white as this will add to the effect also. Then blend in with Marina Mist, but only sponging about halfway to the center, leaving some of the first color showing. Sponge Night of Navy around the edges and remove the sticky note. If you want a snow scene, just add some sparkle for the snow.

For this card, I turned the sticky note over to mask the top. I taped it to my scrap paper to hold it in place and started sponging the bottom portion with Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, and Chocolate Chip, sponging just like above.

Now stamp your tree image with Basic Black or Black Stazon and add color (making sure the image ink is dry). I used Old Olive marker to color the branches and Chocolate Chip to color in some of the trunk, then the White Gel Pen (105021) to highlight snow on the branches and along the ground. I also added Dazzling Details (124117) to add sparkle to some of the snow.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!