Christmas in July at Crafty Steals

Well bloggy friends, I have been MIA for a bit! I've been on vacation and also working on my mixed media art (will post pics later). Now, I've been asked to make a layout for a birthday gift and I know that when I haven't been scrappin' for a while it takes time to "get back in to it".  I've learned that if I go find a challenge to work on it helps to get me motivated and thinking in the right (scrappy) direction. I also know that the first thing I create after a hiatus I'm not very happy with and that is the case with this card. But, because I go into it knowing this, I can chill and be ok with it! 
Anyway - Crafty Steals was having Christmas in July all week and had this sketch challenge:

So I dug out my box-o-Christmas-scraps to play along. Look at this line-up of Santa's reindeer checkin' in on the 'hood to work on their "naughty and nice" lists!

Here is an angle shot so you can see the embossed snowflake background:

First I embossed the card stock using a Stampin' Up roller stamp in a snowflake pattern. I used VersaMark watermark ink and Zing white embossing powder. The houses are all from scraps so I've no idea who the manufacturer's are. The reindeer rub-ons are by Royal & Langnickel. FYI - rub-ons do NOT like embossing powder!


If any of you are looking for some fun and inspiration this week, Practical Scrappers is having their second anniversary. They are celebrating all week with challenges and giveaways. Culminating next weekend with a blog-hop which I'll be part of. Come join us!