Hippo Holidays Card

 Hello, hello, crafty friends!!!

I'm thankful that you have joined me here to see the Hippest Hippos stamp set in action, just in time for Christmas in July! Today's card was born from inspiration and as part of this week's TGIF Challenges #377.

I've seen SO MANY adorable projects and cards using the Hippest Hippos stamp set and needed to use them on my own. And I must admit that it's too much fun creating something with them! I've even seen them transformed into cows and you gotta admit that is TOO cute!!!

PLEASE NOTE: this is an exclusive stamp set that can only be earned for FREE when you purchase $50 or more in Stampin' UP! products, during Sale-a-Bration (ends August 31st).

I am very pleased with the final product and hope you enjoy it too!

As I brainstormed on how to incorporate the dancing hippo into a Christmas or holiday theme, I knew I wanted to put her into skates. I went on a search for something that would look like a skate and found the ideal die from another exclusive die set from the Sale-a-Bration brochure - Tree Lot dies. 

See the circled die piece below in red.

I would prefer to create a video for the steps I used in creating this card, but unfortunately don't have the time so I will have to provide you with a few tips as follows:

Cardmaking Tips:

• Begin with your background piece in Shimmery White Cardstock that measures 4-1/4" x 5-1/2". You will trim it down 1/8" after you've completed the background.
• Half-way down the cardstock, use the curvy dies from the Window die set to cut the slits, as shown, being careful not to cut beyond the edge of the cardstock. Be sure to slide the dies over towards the middle so you won't cut your cardstock in half. 
• Using Versamark ink, stamp the snow image from the Window Wishes stamp set, randomly over the cardstock piece. Heat emboss with White embossing powder.
• Use the 3rd smallest Layering Diorama die to cut out a piece of Masking paper to create the "Ice skating rink". Use a Blending brush and some Pool Party ink to create the look of snow and ice. I used some Wink of Stella to add some shimmer to the "skating rink" along with random spots of snow.
• For the top half of the background piece, use Balmy Blue ink and Fresh Freesia ink and some blending brushes to create the sky. 
• Use the Window Wishes set to stamp the large trees in Grey Granite ink. I stamped-off the tree on the far left. For the small trees, stamp the large tree onto some Shaded Spruce cardstock then cutout using the coordinating dies.
• The skating hippo was colored in with Stampin' Blends: Calypso Coral, Smoky Slate, Granny Apple Green and Polished Pink. Her "skates" were cut from Polished Pink cardstock and adhered to her toes using liquid adhesive.
• The Hippo's hat comes from the Penguin Place stamp set and used Granny Apple Green and Polished Pink stampin' write markers.
• The "hippo holidays" sentiment was created using the Alphabest stamp set and then trimmed around the letters as shown.
• I had to trim the White frayed ribbon so that it would fit behind the sentiment with just a little hanging off. 

Cardmaking Supplies:

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking a look at this week's creation! 

Until Next time ...