I started browsing through my stamps and spotted the awesome chair stamp that I received in the September 2010 Unity KOM "When I Am With You". I had never used the stamp (and I don't know why, 'cause it is awesome) and thought this was the perfect opportunity.
I was inspired by this card and set to work. I stamped the chairs on some blue card stock to create some patterned paper that I used as the base of my creation. On top of this I layered some grey card stock which I had run through my Cuttlebug with a Tim Holtz checkerboard embossing folder. I lightly rubbed a blue ink pad over top to add some definition to the checkerboard pattern. After this I stamped a couch stamp from the November 2010 Unity KOM "Picture Perfect" (which fit in perfectly with the theme of the cards) on some Stampin UP! DSP . I layered this couch on top of some Basic Grey paper, and popped it up on the base of the card with some dimensionals.
Getting this far in the creation of my cards was fairly quick and easy. All of the elements kinda fell into place. But I wasn't quite sure how to finish the card.... I thought it would be fun to use my new silver Smooch Spritz spray from Stampin' UP!. However, never having used this spray before, I discovered it takes a bit of finesse. Not quite the effect that I was looking for, but not completely horrible either.
And finally, I needed a sentiment. I thought it would be cute to put the old saying "Home, Sweet Home" on the cards, but I don't own a stamp with this sentiment. So I turned to my computer, downloaded a cute embroidery font, and printed off the sentiment in two different layouts. I wasn't sure which sentiment layout I preferred so I decided to use each one on a card - thereby adding a unique element to each of the cards. A couple of well-placed buttons and I was done.
Its amazing what a difference a sentiment and a couple of buttons can make, eh? Who knew?
I think I prefer the 2nd card, but I don't hate the 1st one either. They both have elements that I appreciate. Which card do you prefer?
It took me a few months to actually get both of these cards in the mail. But I'm glad that I procrastinated 'cause over on the HCCC blog, August's challenge is to use the chair stamp from Unity's Sept. 2010 KOM! Perfect :) Procrastination does pay off! These cards fit the challenge perfectly.
2 comments:
great cards Marnie! love all the different techniques you used - better get my butt in gear to get the challenge completed.
Love how by switching up a few simple elements you created two great cards...ours is definitely the best though ;) I've never used smooch before' but I love the way it looks on the cards - a subtle little hit of distressy-sparkle. I may have to add some to my arsenal . And the layout of yours cards is superb! I have a couple of those embossing plates, but I'm never really sure how to incorporate the dry embossed paper on a card. I love how you layered the checkerboard pattern behind the sofa - perfect balance of textures and design. Love it! Awesome take on the challenge this month, Marn! Can't wait to see the rest of what you've been up to. If it's even remotely as awesome as these cards, you're on a roll! :)
Post a Comment