PPA 12

If it's Thursday, it must be time for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  This week's challenge was a sketch challenge, using this sketch from the fabulous Margaret Moody:

I wanted to continue making Christmas cards (see my MojoMonday card), because after all, there are only 71 more days until Christmas!!

• I wanted and old-fashioned looking card, so I started with a 5" x 7" base of Kraft card stock. Over this I spread a thin layer of Champagne Mist All Purpose Ink. This gave it a fun, sparkly look. Even though just a tiny bit of the base would show through, it helped to keep the application uniform, and not streaky.
• Next, I cut out (2) 2 1/4" x 7" strips of printed paper from the Merry Moments Designer Specialty Paper. Before adhering to the base with Snail Adhesive, I spread a thin layer of the Champagne Mist Ink on these as well. I adhered both strips to the card base, aligning one to each of the 2 outer edges, leaving a 1/2" strip of the base showing.
• Using my Circle Scissor Plus (and amazing tool !!) I cut out a 3" circle from the Kraft card stock, and a just slightly (but not much) larger circle of Garden Green card stock. I spread a thin layer of the Champagne Mist Ink on the green circle.
• Using a Stamping Sponge, I applied a thin layer of Champagne Mist Ink to the star stamp from the Delightful Decorations stamp set, and stamped a few background stars onto the Kraft circle (you'll have to re-ink once.)
• Next, be sure that you use your Stamp-a-ma-jig (SAM through the rest of the post) for stamping the images, this will be crucial to line up the "string" for the ornament with the actual ornament. I inked one of the ornaments from the Tree Trimming stamp set, using Real Red Classic Ink. After lining up the image on my SAM, I lined it up to where I wanted it in the circle. I cleaned the stamp, then applied a thin layer of the Champagne Mist Ink to the same stamp, and, lining up the image with my SAM, I stamped the Champagne Mist over the red, making a fun, sparkly ornament. I then used my SAM to stamp the "string" onto the top of the ornament, also using Real Red ink. Here is where I'll confess that it took me many tries of not quite getting it right before I realized that I should stamp the ornament first, it would be easier to line up the "string" afterward. When I was cutting out my Kraft circle, I cut out several more, to use for later project. Or to use in case I had to try 2 or 3 times to get it "just right."
• Using the Paper Piercer and Mat Pack (making things oh so easy), I made a hole to add a Real Red Brad to the ornament. I inked the star stamp with the Champagne Mist Ink, and stamped a few random stars on the front of the card, then added the circles to the card base using the Snail Adhesive.
• To get a pretty, layered look for my sentiment, I cut a 1" x 5" strip of Garden Green and, you guessed it, added a thin layer of Champagne Mist Ink. A 3/4" x 4" strip of Kraft card stock (painted with a thin layer of Champagne Mist Ink) was just the right size to add the Merry Christmas sentiment from the Four the Holidays stamp set, using Real Red Classic Ink and my SAM. After centering and adhering the sentiment, I used the same steps as above and added a brad on either side of the sentiment. A "ribbon" of Champagne MIst-covered Kraft card stock (make a circle and adhere the ends together using Sticky Strip, then press in the middle and secure with a Stampin' Dimensional) adhered to the top of the circle "ornament" with a Stampin' Dimensional adds a nice finishing touch. (I also added a little snip of Real Red card stock to the top of the ornament to accentuate the "string.) I thought it was kind of fun to have the top of the string extended a bit past the top of the card, but you could also cut it even with the card stock.

This was a really fun card for me to do, and I love the finished, old-fashioned look of it.  It is on my Christmas card-making list for sure!!

Do you need to order supplies to make this card?  Click my "Shop Online" button to place your order.  Or, if you e-mail me an order of $250, you can also choose any item in the Holiday Mini Catalog for just $10!! (excluding My Digital Studio.)  Also interested in the My Digital Studio?  E-mail me your order of $400 or more, and you get the one item for $10 PLUS the MDS for 1/2 price!!  Get together with friends, family,co-workers, anyone who might be interested, and you can place a combined order to receive these benefits.  And these are in addition to the free Hostess Stamp Set.  These offers do not apply to online orders, so fax me your order and I'll help you take advantage of these fabulous Hostess Specials.  Happy card making!!

Stamp sets:  Delightful Decorations, Four the Seasons, Tree Trimmings

Paper:  Kraft, Real Red and Garden Green card stocks, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Real Red Classic Ink, All Purpose Ink in Champagne Mist

Tools:  Circle Scissor Plus, Glass Mat, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamping Sponges, Sticky Strip,

Fun:  Real Red Brads

 

Comments

[Carla Bazhenow]

Oh so elegant, love that Champagne Mist. Hugs,

[Martha Stewart]

Beautiful job on the sketch. Love how you used the champagne mist.

[Pals Paper Arts]

On behalf of the design team, thank you for playing @ PPA.

Join us for our next challenge on Thursday, October 22, 2009.

[Margaret Moody]

I love your card, Debbie! I love how you made the focal circle look like an ornament! So smart! Love the Champagne Mist, too! Very nice! Thanks for the shout out, too! I really appreciate it!

[Linda Callahan]

I never knew about Champagne Mist - looks great!

[Mary Fish]

Man . . . I sooooo have to get out my Champagne Mist. What a simple and chic card! Hugs, Mary

[Ann Schach]

What a creative card! Love the colors and the ribbon at the top!

[Tracey Parrott]

Simple but elegant...a beauty!

[Kim]

Great job with the sketch Debbie. Perfect touch with the champagne mist

[Cards by Gina]

So elegant, Debbie! Love the touch of the ribbon at the top of the card! Great job with the sketch.