For my THE MAGIC OF WINTER layout
I used Winter Woodland and Mini Monograms. I kept thinking of what I could do that would convey Christmas but not to over the top so it can be a general winter use layout also. I finally came up with the design. The use of paper and embellishment is always the key to a good layout.You can click on the picture to see more detail if you would like.
Patterned paper is Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses. I love Basic Grey and just love their Christmas line this year! As ya’ll know a great layout is one that is layers, layers and layers. I am usually too lazy to do very many layers but I got a little layer happy for this one! The cut file will cut everything you need and does have a placement reference mat so you can use it as a guide if you so wish.
Step 1. Cut paper as follows
-Patterned paper at 5.25 x 12”, pictured is Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Peppermint Twist
-Plain paper at 1.25 x 12”, pictured is Bazzill Bling off white
-Patterned paper at 2.25 x 12 Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Snow Cap
Use a border punch on each of the pieces going down the 12” length. I used the Stampin Up scallop border punch and then my deckle blade on my Purple Cows Trimmer. Ink edges if desired. Adhere to the base cardstock as pictured. I used Eskimo Kisses brads on the large sheet of patterned paper.
-Follow mat guides on cut file to cut pieces for the title, branch, bird and photo mats.
Step 2. Ink edges of your branches and leaves and assemble.
Once assembled adhere to the branch shadow. I made criss cross marks on the pinecone for more detail.
Step 3. Apply mounting foam (if desired) *okie can’t imagine anyone not
liking mounting foam but figures there are one or two odd folks out there* along the branch as shown. Apply branch to layout base.
Step 4. 
Assemble bird. I used Stardream Mica for the bird and opted to use a small black brad for his eye. Apply mounting foam to back of bird and place on branch.
Step 5. 
Assemble title words. I used an offset shadow and you can see in the picture how to offset. I used a dark brown for the shadow and opal Stardream mica for the top layer.
Step 6.
Take your mat cuts and assemble. I used Stardream bronze and Jupiter for the solids and then Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Alpine for the patterned paper. Embellish layers as you wish. I did ink the edges and then went back and added faux stitching on the patterned paper.
Step 7.
The adhere your mats to the layout.I used mounting foam on the scallop picture mats but of course you don’t have to pop dot them if you don’t want to.
Step 8. Add your title and embellish layout as you wish! I used Decorative Snow paint for the snowy effect on the title words and branch. Frosted Lace Stickles were added to the scallop picture mats. I added faux stitching on several of the elements. These of course are just suggestions and you can put your own twist on the layout.
