Thursday 11 November 2010

Snowmen at Christmas Time in Australia?

It seems a bit silly to be making snowman Christmas cards for what is usually a hot day here in Australia. But hey, we slave over a hot stove baking a turkey (or turkeys - depending on how many of the family are coming for dinner) with all the trimmings, so why not have the fun of some snowmen too? Actually it has nearly snowed once on Christmas day in my living memory - it was certainly cold enough to be snowing, but usually the weather is sunny and bright.

I'm enjoying lots of challenges lately as I get used to blogland, and one of my favourites is the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. My card is based on the MMSC#79 sketch challenge, with just a couple of little twists.  Here is the sketch:


And here is my solution to the sketch:



As you can see I've flipped it on it's side!. I've used loads of different techniques on this card including:
Stamping
Masking
Dry Embossing
Sponging
Layering
Crystal Effects
Pleated Ribbon

I made the background paper by using the Stampin' Around Wheel "Music Notes" and gently curving it as I rolled the wheel along. This makes a very versatile background, and of course the advantage of using a wheel is that you can have any colour notes you want.
This card was meant to be all Black and White, but when I put Crystal Effects on the hand drawn checked borders, the black got red tinges at the edges. I quite liked that so decided to keep it and just add a tinge of red highlights in a few other places on the card.

There are lots of layers and textures too,  with a bit of bling (just for fun) in the form of Dazzling Diamonds.  It was a fun card to make so I hope you enjoy it too.

The buttons have little strips of white paper threaded through them. You just soften the paper fibres by dragging it gently across the edge of your table, and then you can tie the paper in a knot. The advantage of this is that you can match up "thread" with any of the colours on your project.


The side view shows all the different layer heights.

I'm linking this card to the following challenges:


As always, your comments are welcome.

Ann



10 comments:

  1. Cute Ann!! Love that you played along with us even though it is HOT there!!! :D
    Smiles,
    Lesley
    The Paper Players

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  2. This is so adorable. Love how you flipped the sketch. I never think to do that. Great snow people:) Awesome job with this sketch!
    Thank you so much for playing along with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.

    Denise
    MMSC Design Team

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  3. wow this is beautiful...love all those layers and I love the colours. Thanks for joining us at Paper sundaes this week.

    Fi

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  4. Fabulous! So many wonderful details! Of course, the buttons, the texture and the scrunchy ribbon are all perfect touches! Thanks for joining The Paper Players this week!

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  5. This is awesome in so many ways! I love it! I love the embossing and the ribbon. What a WOW card! Thanks for playing along at Paper Sundaes this week!

    PS - I live in San Deigo...snowmen are also silly here...maybe sandmen?!

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  6. I just love all of the techniques you incorporated into this cute card! Wow! I love how you flipped the sketch on it's side to create such a fun snowman scene. Too cute ! Thanks so much for playing with The Paper Players this week! :)

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  7. WOW! this si superfun! I LOVE this! supercool and fun black and white christmascard! Great take on the sketch!

    Thank you so much for joining in on our challenge. We really appriciate your support and hope to see you again next week.

    Mvh
    Gunn
    MMSC DT

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  8. Hello Ann - I am finally here and loving this! Back and white is perfect on this card - I love all of the layers and those fabulous details you always add!! I love the sheet music and the way it curves - and that ribbon - divine! Love it! Thank you so much for playing along with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge we appreciate your support! {{{hugs}}}
    Linda MMSC Design Team

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  9. Ann, this is just fabulous in the black and white! It creates such a dinamic appearance and is very classy! Love the music dp and the folded ribbon...stunning creation! Thanks so much for playing along with us this week.
    Hugs,
    Charlotte
    MMSC DT

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Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found something to inspire your creativity. Let me know you have visited by leaving a comment. I would love to hear what you think about my craft projects.
Live in Australia? You can purchase Stampin' Up! products via my On-Line Store?
Best wishes, Ann.