Simple & Elegant

Today's cards are quite easy to create.  First decide what shape you would like to have as the focal point.  I chose rectangles  and for one card I cut a template using my paper trimmer and a piece of cardstock the same size as the top layer of my card.  For the other I used a framelit to cut the rectangle.  (Save the rectangle for a future project.)  Temporarily adhere the template (the negative piece of cardstock left after cutting the rectangle out) on the white layer.  Sponge using your favorite ink color, going from the inside edge of the template and working your way into the negative space. Once the rectangle is sponged, remove the template and stamp both the tree and the sentiment off the edges of the sponged rectangle.  The Peace on Earth card was created using only Night of Navy Ink.  The Season's Greetings card was sponged using Chocolate Chip ink and the tree and sentiment were stamped using Early Espresso.  You can add a little Dazzling Diamonds to the branches of the tree if you want add a little sparkle.  So make yourself a template, get out your favorite sentiment and image and happy stampin'!   Have a great day!