A Vintage Christmas Moose – My Time To Craft Challenge

It’s time for another installment in the Technique Series at the My Time To Craft Christmas Challenge Blog, and this round’s theme is VINTAGE!

I’ll be honest—this challenge pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way. I decided to experiment with some mixed media techniques I’ve long admired but rarely used. The result? A textured, richly layered Christmas card that feels aged, rustic, and just the right amount of festive.

Getting That Vintage Look:

I started with a brown cardstock base, gently distressing the edges with Distress Ink to create an aged, worn-in feel. Then I dove into my scrap stash and found the perfect ivory-and-brown music note paper—just enough to create the background for both the inside and outside of the card.

To enhance the vintage effect, I:

• Inked the edges of the music note paper

• Used a paper distressing tool to rough them up

• Spritzed the layers with water to activate the distress ink

• Finished with a light mist of white Distress Spray for that final aged touch

After letting everything dry, I added a rich pop of color with a red foil lace border, cut using one of my favorite dies.

Adding Mixed Media Texture:

Next came one of my favorite steps: I took a scrap of brown cardstock (5.5" x 2.5") and dry embossed it, then lightly rubbed it with cream-colored Nuvo Mousse to highlight the raised areas. I also built up the mousse heavily on the edges to create a weathered texture that reminds me of calcium buildup or frosted stone.

The Star of the Show – Power Poppy Moose

For the central image, I used a beautiful moose illustration from Power Poppy that I’ve had in my digital stash for years. I colored it with my Ohuhu Alcohol Markers, then added Snow Texture to the antlers and flicked white paintacross the image for a lightly aged, wintry effect.

To frame the image, I layered it on a lacey circle die cut and a regular circle cut from ivory patterned paper to mimic a doily-style frame—a sweet nod to traditional vintage cards.

Final Touches:

Once all the elements had dried and were ready, I assembled the card and added:

• Snow-textured leaves

• Gold sprigs, berries, and a baker’s twine bow

• A tiny jingle bell

• And a few Enamel Drops for extra detail and dimension

---

This card was such a fun departure from my usual style, and it really helped me build confidence in my mixed media skills. I’m so glad I challenged myself—and I encourage you to do the same!

Come join us over at the My Time To Craft Christmas Challenge Blog and show us your take on the vintage technique. I’d love to see how you bring the magic of aged beauty into your holiday creations.

Other Challenges I am entering this card into: 

Creative Artiste Mixed Media challenge blog #117: https://creativeartistemixedmedia.blogspot.com/2025/07/welcome-to-creative-artiste-challenge.html

Creative Fingers Challenge #304. - Anything Goes https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/challenge-304.html

LeighSDDesigns Challenge Blog #42 Christmas in July: https://leighsbdesigns.blogspot.com/2025/07/leighsbdesigns-inspirational-challenges.html

Craft Rocket Challenges Challenge #127 - Christmas in July https://craftrocketchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/07/challenge-127-christmas-in-july.html

Creative Knockouts #550 - Christmas in July                   https://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2025/07/550-christmas-in-july-polkadoodles.html

DL. Art July - Anything Goes or Cute Animals                  https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2025/07/happy-independence-day.html