You know those wonderful exotic papers that are displayed hanging on horizontal rods or in huge flat file drawers? Kind of like sweets...when you see one you you really like, you have to have it. So, we buy them and carefully set them aside for another day. The day before Sharon sent the challenge sketch we happened to be browsing through the 'special paper' collection and stumbled upon this wonderful Firenze paper from Italy. We knew instantly that it had to be a component of the card we were going to create. It's hard to see in the photo but all the little curly lines are shimmery metallic gold - the paper practically glows!
Next step was to find other papers with matching or similar colors. As you go through the 'finding process' don't edit...not yet. Simply collect as many options as possible - no matter the patterns - just the color relationships. Then cull them down to the number of layers in the card sketch. While there are a complete total of 9 layers; we didn't count the flower...or the 2 ivory Inchie + and Twinchie Squares. That left us with 6 different papers. It's not the easiest or most natural thing to mix and match different colors and patterns but throw caution to the wind and go for it - you might be pleasantly surprised.
Following the sketch, (scroll down to see it in the next posting) simply cut and paste all the card components like a layer cake. Starting with the card base and layering up from there.
JustRite has created a line of 2" square stamp sets of borders and centers that can be mixed and matched for a perfect fit with our 1 1/2" Inchie + Squares and 2" Twinchie Squares. With the focus of our card being pink and green, the poinsettia from the Hearts Come Home set was a natural for the center image and we chose the border Winter Wishes script from the From Our House set. When you see these two sets you will realize the endless possibilities for mixing and matching.
Even with a clear stamp base it can sometimes be hard to get such a close fitting image perfectly 'squared' when stamping. One thing that works well is to turn things round...by inking the stamp and turning it face up. Bring the Twinchie Square to the stamp. While holding the square 'find' the edge of the stamp and gently lower the square to 'fit' the surface of the stamp.
Alternatively, centering the poinsettia stamp in the middle of the square couldn't be easier. You can see right through the clear stamp block as you stamp it on the Inchie + Square.
Using Copic markers, color the center poinsettia square, leaving the area around the flower blank to show just the ivory of the square.
A few little embellishments provide the finishing touches....gold gel pen for the poinsettia center and swirly lines, 4 very pale pink pearls on the corners of the ivory Twinchie Square and of course the wonderful pink flower from Mulberry Street and Petaloo.
Be sure and enter your card! You have until next Thursday November 4th at 9am. Check out the JustRite blog for all the entry and prize details.
Where to find some wonderful papers? If you live in the PNW be sure and visit Stampadoodlein Bellingham, WA to see not only their incredible selection of stamps and stamping supplies, but their amazing collection of handmade and specialty papers for book arts.
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