The cards I have for you today were based on a sketch by Julee Tilman. I love using card sketches as a basis for creating. I was talking to some other demonstrators this weekend at the Stampin’ Up! On Tour event. We all agreed that sometimes it’s easier to be creative when there are constraints. Some of us have so many supplies or papers or stamp sets that it can be challenging to decide where to begin. So today, I’m beginning with a sketch that you can see on Pinterest. If you follow me, I have a ton of sketches saved on my Paper Craft Patterns board. But let’s talk about the cards.
The Art Gallery Card
The first card I have for you uses the Fine Art Floral DSP as the base layer on top of So Saffron card stock. Then I added three layers of contrasting DSP. The first is the horizontal banner in Terracotta Tile. The second is a 2-1/2″ square in So Saffron. And the last is a 3/4″x4″ strip in Calypso Coral. For those three layers, I used what I had in my scrap pile. I was mostly concerned about the colors and that the patterns varied in type—such as not all dots—and scale or size. The contrast with a coordinating color palette makes this card “work.”
For the embellishments, I used the two-step floral image from the Art Gallery stamp set inked in Pool Party. The first stamp, the base layer, is a second-generation image. The second accent stamp is the full-strength ink. The sentiment is from the same set, stamped in Terracotta Tile. Both are cut out with the matching die set. I added a few gold glitter gems from my stash for a final touch of sparkle.
If you love the Fine Art Floral DSP, order before the end of May as it retires in June. The Terracotta Tile In-Color is also saying goodbye at the end of this month. Don’t miss out.
The In Good Taste Card
Here is the same card, but different. I started with a card base of Very Vanilla and a layer of the In Good Taste DSP. This paper pack is amazing, and it will be in the new catalog as well. I’m thrilled.
For the banner, I used a wood grain from the same paper pack. The square is from the World of Good DSP pack. It has a faint script to it, like aged parchment. To add some contrast to all this heavy, neutral-colored textured DSP, I added a strip of copper foil. I love that touch of bling, even on what might be considered a more “masculine” card.
For the embellishments, I used a tree stamped in Mossy Meadow from the Rooted in Nature stamp set and die-cut with the matching die. (This stamp set and die is also on the retiring list.) The sentiment is stamped on Very Vanilla in Early Espresso.
I hope you’ll give this sketch a try in your craft room. Play with contrasting colors, patterns, and finishes. Let me know what you come up with. Happy crafting.