Christmas Cards

I just finished 2 cards for a shop competition. Not sure if I should be posting this before I actually submit the entries but I suppose it shouldn't hurt. The first one is a recessed window card with the main image layered in paper tole style. There are a total of 3 raised layers on the image. The recessed window technique is perfect for this type of layering as the main image will be somewhat protected by the frame on the outside. With the 2 close up photos, you can see the layers more clearly, as well as the glitter on the small elements to bling up the card a little. The greeting on the front was heat embossed with gold embossing powder. The colour of the card base coupled with the lighting when I was taking the photo doesn't seem to show the greeting clearly.

    

The second card is much simpler, with background stamping using versamark and white brilliance ink. The main image is a cute kitty from penny black. The round sentiment on the card front as well as the one on the inside are both from Hero Arts. I added glitter on the ornament though the camera did not pick up the glitter. It makes the ornament look very pretty IRL. =)

  

The reason why I chose to attach almost a whole sheet of insert with the stamped background and greeting is due to the thin cardstock I was using for the card base. It was cardstock from a 12 by 12 pad of scrapbooking paper. I have tried and did not like the cardstock from that brand. Neither did I like the other brand I have tried so far - American Crafts. They are both too thin for my preference for card bases. 

Which of the two do you like better?