Monday, December 21, 2015

Under the Mistletoe with Henry: Our Official 2015 Christmas Card!


Henry and I are basically like the Kardashians, so this year we decided we needed to release an official holiday card. And here it is! 

I described my vision to Henry: mistletoe, a light blue background, and a red velvet strapless cocktail dress. He listened in eager wonder. I explored the idea of an outfit for him, but he politely declined. I think he realized that "over-designing" might dilute my artistic vision. 

Henry watched me frantically sew the red velvet dress. To be honest, I think he was a little dubious that I would finish it in time. 

I used pattern components from my upcoming book to make the base dress: a princess seam sweetheart strapless bodice and three-quarter circle skirt. Then I added a gathered sparkle tulle neckline, a bias overlay on the front bodice, and faux poinsettias and holly to the bustline. It's an easy way to make a '50s style "shelf bust" over a basic bodice and I'm planning to do some sort of tutorial on this. I spent lots of time arranging the flowers and taking selfies to check the placement.

At last the dress was finished and it was time for the big photo shoot. To be perfectly honest, Henry was a little reluctant once the camera was set up. I think nerves got the best of him. After a little warm up, we got some good shots . . .


And some not so great ones . . . 


But in the end, the choice was clear! 

And here it is, our very first official Christmas card.

Happy Holidays, all! 

23 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas to you and Henry! Love it, I can't wait for the book!

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  2. joyeux noël et bonne année à Henry et à vous

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  3. That's really cute! Merry Christmas to you, too!

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  4. That is so, so cute!

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  5. Awww, Sweet! Great wardrobe choices.

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  6. Great photo-love the dress! Happy Christmas!

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  7. Great photo-love the dress! Happy Christmas!

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  8. What a lovely card (and lovely dress)! I wish you and Henry a very, very merry Christmas!

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  9. You look beautiful, and the card came out lovely! Merry Christmas!

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  10. Merry Christmas Gertie and Henry! Your photoshoot made my day and the card is perfect. I'm eying up Mr Mouse (who thinks he is my cat husband) for something similar now, although I don't have a fabulous dress! xxx

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  11. Henry is such gorgeous cat . . . I do hope you didn't get lipstick on his nose!

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  12. Merry Christmas, Gertie and Henry! You look so glamorous, like a 1940's movie star!

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  13. Have a totally fabulous Christmas. Beautiful card, so festive and fun

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  14. Merry Christmas, Gretchen - you look gorgeous! And Henry is as handsome as they come!

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  15. That's such an adorable card! Cats are the best!! Merry X-mas and all the best in the year to come!

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  16. So adorable. Henry is just gorgeous and I love your beautiful red velvet dress. Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2016 - looking forward to the arrival of your new book in March.

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  17. Very cute, and your dress is gorgeous!

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  18. LOVE IT!!! I was just thinking how I hadn't seen any Henry pics in a while. Also loving the dress!

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  19. This card is just perfection! Henry is such a good sport. I love that he listened to you in "eager wonder". :)
    Merry Christmas Gertie and Henry!

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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