Christmas Card Advent Calendar #4 – Merry Christmas die-cut and Swiss Scherenschnitte paper cutting

Today's #4 card is made with an inexpensive large Merry Christmas die (the shape is Merry Christmas 9.5x11.5cm) I purchased several months ago on eBay.fr. These dies are sold under a variety of names on both eBay and Amazon and come from China (does that surprise anyone?). I purchased a few on a whim, thinking if they didn't cut well I wasn't out much, but by golly, they cut great! Better than some of my expensive dies.

This was a very easy and quick card to put together. I did spend a little extra time in running the die through twice – once to cut and once to emboss – as there's a nice little bit of embossing on the top banner, but – alas – that doesn't show up in the photo. Embellishment is a few well placed pearls.

It's a nice look, it reminds me of the Swiss traditional paper cutting art called Scherenschnitte. There's a gallery in Geneva that specializes in these and every time I pass I stand mesmerized, staring in the window. They are simply gorgeous. They're very expensive, but worth every centime. I can only imagine the time it takes to complete one. The contemporary Scherenschnitte artist Beatrice Straubhaar has some stunning work displayed in her online gallery. Give it a click, you'll be amazed.

Scherenschnitte by Beatrice Straubhaar

Supply List
Paper – cardstock
Dies – Merry Christmas 9.5x11.5cm die
Embellishments – pearls

I'm linking up with: AAA Cards CAS Game #104 – Christmas, Dragonfly Dreams December – Non-Traditional Christmas, Glitter -n- Sparkle #268 – ATG, Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #71 – ATG, and 613 Ave. Create #204 – ATG with Option/Twist Christmas/Winter.