Black, White, and Bling

I belong to a Stampin'Up! demonstrators group, and we now have our own blog, NMBS Group. Our first challenge was to make a card using black, white, one color, a floral image and some bling. My first attempt was not quite what I was going after, so here is my second. This card is being sent to a friend of mine whose husband has a very aggressive kind of cancer. Since I am sure HE is getting lots of cards, thoughts & prayers, I thought it would be nice to send a card just to her. She is holding up her end by being a supportive wife and mom and I know she needs prayer too. So this is for Kim!

First, I used Sketch 49 by Tamara. I loved how the Afternoon Tea (another dose!) had the pretty bird & flower silhouette, so I put my embellishment to the right of it. The bling is on the embellishment: I used a black brad, stuck a mini glue dot on it and dipped it in glitter. I also used glitter on the flower itself. Here is a closeup:

The embellishment is raised on dimensionals as well.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Fresh Cuts, Sincere Salutations

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Soft Sky, Afternoon Tea DP

Ink: Stazon, Soft Sky

Acc: Brad, Black Grosgrain, DD Glitter, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

A cyber friend of mine, Dana, was remarking about layers on cards, and not liking to use so much card stock. I thought while I was making this card, I would show a little trick that I do when I have large layers. Some of you may already do this, but it never hurts to have a refresher! I apologize for the photo quality, I was taking them right at my work area and not really trying for good quality!

If you look at my card above, you see the base is white, then a black layer, then a Soft Sky layer. I cut my black layer 5 1/4" x 4".

Then I cut the center out, leaving a frame of about 1/2" all around. I do this with my SU cutter which allows me to lift the cutting blade and place it down "inside" the cardstock. Then the frame gets mounted on my card base.

Then I trim the piece that has been cut out to use as a mat for the bottom focal piece.

Then, I can mount the front panel over the black "frame" and continue creating my card.

This way, I have "lightened" my card and used the piece that would normally be covered up, as another layer. Hope this was helpful to someone!!!

Have a great day!
LeAnne

A Little Bit of Everything

Well, I stamped like crazy last night, but honestly, none of these, except maybe one or two, really knock my socks off. Ever have days/nights like that? There are several here, don't get too bored!!

This is probably the ugliest card I ever made. What a shame! I had an idea in my head and it turned out looking like dirt. Fresh Cuts was stamped in Close to Cocoa ink on Afternoon Tea DP, then edges torn & distressed . I mounted the burlap-y looking DP to a Kraft Card and mounted the stamped image on top, adding a Kraft taffeta ribbon. Before mounting, I took my craft knife & cut out the leaf so it stands out a bit from the card. You can see a closer look here.

This cute little round card was made with my CB and Nesties; the set is one I purchased privately and don't know the maker. The flower is a RAK from Denise--it's made from shimmery white cardstock which I daubered with Pink Passion and added a rhinestone sticker for some pop! Cardstock is Pink Passion, Basic Black & Whisper White

This card uses Confetti White and some more Afternoon Tea DP, Fall Flowers DP and Wild Wasabi cardstock. The bee is from Paper Inspirations; sentiments and elements are all Papertrey. The bee's wings are watercolored with Soft Sky ink and highlighted with Jelly Roll pen.

I had high hopes for this card when I began but it fell short of the mark after execution! It was originally for the NoMoreBadSwaps group I belong to: make a card with black, white, one color & bling. I stamped Tres Chic in black on white, Baroque Motifs in Red on vellum and added "Celebrate" from Wonderful Words at the bottom. Bling is a large red rhinestone. Just didn't turn out like I planned, so I will attempt something else!

Of course, I saved my fav for last....a simple Groovy Guava card with four little punched-out squares of Fall Flowers DP. I added a button tied with linen thread and added a simple sentiment from All Holidays. I have to confess: I unmounted this skinny little stamp, pulled off the foam and I use this with an acrylic block because it is just too difficult to stamp with the wood block. Card is finished off with Kraft taffeta ribbon, which I am really enjoying using!

Thanks for visiting & have a blessed day!
LeAnne