Santa, baby. . .

I love listening to Christmas music, and my iTunes Christmas list has a huge number of songs that put our house into the holiday spirit. I usually wait till after Adri’s birthday on December 1 to get the house ready, but last year, she asked if we’d be like everyone else and decorate the house the day after Thanksgiving. We’re going to try that this year, and I’m so happy about that! If it weren’t for the homeowner’s association, I’d keep my Christmas lights up until February, at least!

Anyway, back to music and why I’m yappin’ about it. We play Enya, Manheim Steamroller, Elvis, George Strait, Brenda Lee, Harry Connick, Jr., James Brown, John Tesh . . . love ’em all! One of our favorite secular songs is Madonna’s “Santa Baby” from A Very Special Christmas (click the link and scroll down to hear a sample). Brenda Lee’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is another favorite. To get in the mood, I was playing those songs while working on this card. We’re not big on Santa as Chandler figured it out pretty quickly that Mom’s wrapping paper and Santa’s wrapping paper were the same (big groan!) and Adri couldn’t stand any kind of disguise, but I so love the images, especially the classic ones like this one (click for detail) from Leann, one of the fabulous ladies I got to spend some time with this past weekend in Portland. My neighbor Debi collects Santas and I think this card will be going to her!

**edited to add** I don’t know who makes this stamp, and last I heard, Leann didn’t know either. If anyone knows, let me know, and I’ll add it here. Sorry to disappoint! I’d love it for my collection, too!

****edited again**** Linda, you’re a gem! This image is from Rubber Stampede and is called Santa Collage # 3408F

I created this card with Beate’s 24th weekend sketch. It was so easy with the image already stamped and the layout already set. All I had to do was watercolor and glitterfy him! The card itself is made from chocolately, brozey shimmery paper I bought in bulk from a local paper store a few years ago. It’s Stardream Metallic in Bronze, and you can find it here. Patterned paper is Basic Grey’s Figgy Pudding, ribbon is May Arts, and glitter is Martha Stewart (oldish looking gold) and SU! (Dazzling Diamonds). The only thing missing is a sentiment, and I guess I’ll figure that out later! I’m thinking of doing something with scalloped A Muse Clear Creative Candy, more glitter, and a circle punch.

For more takes on this sketch, visit Beate, Charmaine, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo, & Sharon! It’s always such a delight to see what these fabulous ladies have come up with!