Christmas in July!

Now, just so that you know, I'm a bit of a grouch when it comes to Christmas.  Not that I don't love the festival itself, it's just that I hate, with a passion, that we are dropped kicking and screaming into it soooo early by retailers - everything turns Christmassy by September these days and I really object to it.  Just the same way that I used to object to being 'forced' to buy school uniform in June (when the current academic year wasn't even finished!) rather than in August, after Daughter had done her summer growing.  Try to buy it in August and it has all sold out! (Breathe, breathe ....) And I'm pretty much the same with Christmas, it has to be said.  I shout at the first Christmas TV ads; I scream at the first 'White Christmas' muzak in the shops; and I positively hate not being able to buy everyday goods as the shelves have been commandeered for the latest Christmas craze.  So, that said, why, oh why, am I making a Christmas card in July? 

Well, when it comes to card making, I must admit I'm quite happy to overlook my grievances and get cracking.  As we all know, my Crafty Blogland friends, there is never enough time in the day, week, month or year to make all the cards we want to make, as well as all the cards we have to make, so starting early is the only way to make sure Chrimble is sorted, isn't it?  And with this new image from Mo Manning, well, who could resist getting started?

I'm entering this card in this week's Friday Sketchers challenge:

and also into the current Allsorts challenge, the theme for which is 'Baby/child'.

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'I Even Love the Box!'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket, 'Jolly By Golly' range.

Isn't this the sweetest?  And don't we all know that no matter how much thought you put into a present for baby, the box is always the most interesting part?  I have a couple of wonderful photographs of Daughter doing just this - sitting in a box, playing with wrapping paper, happy as can be, whilst the toy sits neglected in the corner!

I was going to colour this image in pale and lovely colours but then I realised - babies love bright colours and if this card is for a baby, I want him/her to be able to see it! So I chose a bit of a half-way house - no primary colours as such but enough colour to be interesting to a little one.

I coloured with my Copics and then, after adding 'glow' with my Prismas, I glittered the background with Glamour Dust.  You might just be able to see some of the glitter in this close-up shot.  It actually looks really pretty IRL - honest!

I love the detail in this image - in fact, I love the detail in all of Mo's images! And the box and wrapping paper provided just enough colouring challenge for my poor brain! I adore the over-sized Santa hat - how cute - although it reminds me, once again, to buy new inks for my grey Copics!

So, today will be filled with chores, I'm afraid - I've not been feeling tip-top for a few days so I've neglected the house somewhat.  And no matter how tightly I close my eyes, the housework fairies don't seem to want to visit, so it's down to me!  Off to link up before breaking out the dusters!

Happy crafting.
xx