Christmas Tree Shaker Card in Shadow Box

Hi Everybody,

I haven't posted in a week because my Aunt Paula passed away last Monday.  She had fought cancer for 11 years and it's been so sad to see the toll it had taken on her, but the worst part was the dementia, well, for the family anyway.

My post today is kind of a memorial for her, something I can keep in my craft room that will bring a smile to my face when I look at it.

Christmas was her favorite holiday and growing up, I loved a decoration she had.  It was a red, wooden ladder leaning up against her tree with elves on the ladder.  They looked like they were climbing up the ladder and getting into the tree.  When I was old enough to have my own tree, she gave me a set of these and I loved them so much. A few years ago I got a divorce and moved and discovered that I did not have these and I was beyond upset.

There's a happy ending because the husband I have now surprised me with a new set.  :)

I made a shadow box out of card stock from a file I had in my Silhouette, embossed some little hearts and stars in clear embossing powder and colored in the open ones with clear and red Sakura glitter pens.  I added some white dots using Nuvo Glossy White Crystal Drops.

For the tree, I used a shaker card from The Cutting Cafe.  There is actually a set of eight Christmas shaker cards you can purchase or you can buy them individually.  Here is a LINK to the shaker cards, where you'll find the Christmas tree one that I used. I thought it looked cute to use striped red and white patterned paper.  I cut out all the pieces in the set and put them together like you would any shaker card.  Instructions are on the website as well. Included is an optional shaped card that you can use behind your shaker card and that is what I used.  The tree opens up and you can put a sentiment inside.  I chose a sentiment from a Gina K Designs stamp set (I apologize that I do not know the name).  I embossed it in white and added clear sequins.  I cut the ladder out from a design I had in my Silhouette files and stacked about five of them to give it some thickness.  I decided to use Crazy Birds for the elves.  I stamped and cut a couple out of Bristol Smooth Paper and colored with Zig Markers.  The santa hat is one of the Crazy Bird Accessories and I found the elf hat and shoes online.

The silver tinsel is Tim Holtz Tinsel Twine.  I've had this for years and never used it.  I like it but you need to use a good glue and hold it for a minute so it can start to adhere and then let it dry for awhile.

I hope you like my Christmas Tree Shaker Card shadow box and that I inspired you to think about something or someone you would like to remember by looking at a shadowbox filled with your handmade love.


Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!


Regina

P.S.  I think my Aunt Paula would like this <3