When I saw the colors selected for the Paper Players Color Challenge PP125, I thought it was just that: a challenge. Pool Party, Cherry Cobbler and a Neutral. I’ll be honest – it’s a lot of work to get the cool, soft tones of Pool Party to blend beautifully with the warm, rich tones of Cherry Cobbler. But, boy, oh boy. When they are paired correctly, they work wonderfully. After a lot of manipulation and redos, I am very happy with my final submission this week:
I know Winter just got here and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, but I just couldn’t stand the thought of Winter passing me by without using that beautiful polar bear from Zoo Review. Didn’t feel right to use him in the middle of Summer. Feels really right now.
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- Dimension. The pops of red serve a purpose in this 5″ x 5″ card. Where there’s red, there’s dimension. I popped the base of the card (starting with the thin, red border) with Stampin’ Dimensionals and even popped the Pool Party circle. It’s the Floral Frames Framelit, however, that creates the most dimension on this card. That rich red really pops away from the soft background paper and creates a great setting for Mr. Polar Bear.
- Texture. As I played around with different shapes and papers, I knew I wanted to incorporate some texture on the card. I tried embossing folders and distressing techniques, BUT when I saw the gorgeous texture in the print on the Comfort Cafe DSP, I was sold! Take a close look – it looks like stitched fabric. I added additional texture around the polar bear with my paper piercing templates (thanks for the inspiration, Traci Davis!)
- A touch of color. Pool Party is such an ironic name for this pale blue color. Pool parties take place in the warm sunshine with lightly-clothed people and floaties. In all its icy coldness, Pool Party is the best color to highlight an icy surface. With my stamp pad and my trusty blender pen, I added a touch of ice to the ground beneath the polar bear’s feet. Brrrr.
Stamp set: Zoo Review Papers: Cherry Cobbler, Pool Party, Comfort Cafe Inks: Stazon Jet Black, Pool Party Accessories: Floral Frames Framelits, 2-1/2″ Circle punch, 3″ Circle Originals die, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Blender Pen, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Before you leave, head over to The Paper Players to check out the other Pool Party and Cherry Cobbler combinations. Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Brian
Don’t forget about my Blog Candy giveaway! Y’all have really been doing your part, and I appreciate it. I know you already have the new paper trimmer and that you’ve already entered a comment there, but please add another. I want the winner to be selected from 400 entries. You don’t want me to cry on my birthday, do you? Just click on the picture above to add another comment about your favorite Stampin’ Up! product. Thank you.
Cool card(tee hee) I`m like you —putting these two together is a little challenging …it`s hot and cold….I think this cute fella would be a refreshing card in the summer also…. I like your presentation with the combination of circles and stripes and pattern and well, I just like this card . I also think I`m going to have to get that Floral Framelet set ….later
Love it.
Handsome! The first thing I noticed was the highlighted ice in Pool Party. You’re so smart like that 🙂
Fantastic layering, Brian, & a beautiful balance of the colours! Thanks for playing along with The Paper Players. 🙂
Hi there: That Pool Party DSP fits this card to perfection. Even if the name is Pool Party, at this time of the year it speaks ice and snow and cold and then, paired with that fabulous image of a Polar Bear, well…..FABULOUS. The rich color of the Cherry Cobbler just frames this awesome image, great card, Brian.
From what I recall, polar bears have pool parties whenever they can find water! What a great use of the polar bear stamp. And your highlight to it is all you, you are such a pro with finishing touches. Very nice card Brian!
Brian, what fun to see the polar bear standing happily in the middle of Pool Party & Cherry Cobbler! Such a perfect setting … the coolness of Pool Party & with the warmth of Cherry Cobbler. Love all your layers, too, with the dimensionals under the Cherry Cobbler mat as well as the more obvious places! You rock, Brian! Happy Wednesday!!!
You hit this one out of the park. I know how you fretted about this challenge. My favorite part is the pierced circle. I usually am kinda “meh” about the hole piercing thing but you got it right. I love it!
Great card and you used your paper piercer, woohoo!
Hi Brian:
I never would have thought to put circles and stripes together! It works beautifully and the paper piercing really makes it pop!
Totally awesome, Brian! These colors are absolutely gorgeous together! Perfect paper piercing, glad you did that, too. This polar bear image is fabulous and love your ice under his feet, grounding him perfectly. You are such an inspiration…I MUST case this card!
Keep all the cool ideas coming!
Wow! Clean and fabulous! I love it! Thanks for playing with The Paper Players!
Great card Brian. I keep wondering if I should get this stamp set and I think I just might have to.
Thanks for sharing
Zena
Fantastic card – love how he pops off the page!
Red! REd!! RED!!! I love how you really popped that color, and I also love your sense of humor! It’s fun to go onto your blog each day! Happy Almost Birthday!!!
OMG you paper-pierced! LOL!
Congrats!
Love the card. Pick me i don’t have the trimmer! :0)
You have definitely helped me to make up my mind about purchasing this darling set! I have had a love affair with polar bears for a long time and have a small collection of them (many are sitting by the Christmas tree right now!)…..this card is marvelous and perfect just as it is….thank you for going to all of the trouble to make it soooo perfect!
Gosh Brian, I need to look more closely at my dap. Love what you did with this card. Better pull out my zoo review set!
I so enjoy reading your posts Brian! Love your fab polar bear card, too. Great way to showcase the challenge colors. Thanks for joining us this week at the Paper Players! 🙂