A Scentsational Sketch Challenge

I created today’s project for the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge. Here’s the sketch from a very talented (and sweet) person, Margaret Moody, that inspired my card:

20120819-070601.jpgI love many things about this sketch. I like that it’s a square. I like the thousands upon thousands of options for the four background pieces (2,3,4 and 5). Oh! And did I mention Margaret Moody?

Here’s my card:

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I bought a boat load of Be of Good Cheer the minute it was available for purchase. I was certain I would use tons of it in projects over the first couple of months. This is the first! It’s not Be of Good Cheer’s fault, though. I tucked him safely in my DSP box, waiting for the right project. Be of Good Cheer is versatile, colorful and full of cheer, but I had neglected him.

Tips, Tricks and Reminders:

  • Make a chevron pattern with striped paper. The thought first popped into my mind about 4:30 am on Sunday morning – use the candycane striped paper in Be of Good Cheer DSP to make a chevron! When I sat down to create this look, I cut two 1″ strips of DSP, trimmed them to 4″ each and then wisely flipped two of them upside down to make a chevron. Nope! Didn’t work. What I soon realized is that I needed to cut a 1″ strip off one side of the paper and then cut another 1″ strip from the perpindicular side of the page. Line the patterns up, and snip your 4″ pieces. You just made a chevron!
  • Don’t be afraid of the blank space. There’s a large space of Very Vanilla card stock left below the words “a Very Merry Christmas to You.” Somewhere deep inside my soul, I wanted to add some brads or diamonds or pearls to fill that space. I couldn’t add ribbon, I couldn’t move the tree, I couldn’t permanently place my finger over the open space. I restrained my desire to add. And this card is all the better for it. The chevron pattern is the eyeball-drawer of this card, so it’s nice to have some open space, don’t you think?

Stamp sets: Scentsational Season, More Merry Messages Papers: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper Inks: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler Accessories: Holiday Collection Framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Brian

19 Comments

  1. Love Margaret’s sketch here! And look at your Cool Chevron! Chevron is so in Vogue right now! Dare I say the word for the sixth time in this post the “Be of Good Cheer” does take center stage and I appreciate the eyeball rest Brian with the large sentiment panel! You think you’re an Accountant but your’re a closet Artist awaiting to be discovered!

  2. What a great card. Love the chevron – beautiful.

  3. Love the card, Brian! Very clever chevron…. will remember that! Be of Good Cheer is my favorite Christmas DSP also. It works great with the Christmas ornaments. 🙂

  4. love the chevron! great use of the sketch.
    hugs, m

  5. You are amazing…and thank you for always sharing your wonderful tips and tricks!!! I have to agree about the ‘white’ space…..your background Chevron would not stand out as much if you had dolled the space up……this is a great card!!!

  6. Love how you created that bold chevron! Great holiday card!

  7. Brian,
    I am sooo surprised that no one mentioned your beautiful chevron. It is so pizzazzie!!! Seriously – very eye catching!! Thanks for the tips, as usual. I HATE wasting DSP – it’s too beautifu, not to mention costly.

  8. Yummy! Definitely thinking peppermint candy chevrons right now! VERY cool card. Love the way you interpreted Margaret’s sketch…and I love the “leaning tree”! -Terri

  9. I know I’m late in commenting on this card, but better late than never! I LOVE this! LOVE what you did with the stripes to create the chevron pattern! So clever! LOVE the clean and simple tree fashioned at an angle, too! You worked the sketch well my friend! Oh, and thanks so much for the shout-outs! You are very kind! : )

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