Happy Sunday! It’s time for another Sketch Challenge with The Paper Players. Ann Schach has whipped up a banner-ific sketch for us this week. Seems really simple, but when I tell you I went back to the drawing board 25 times on this one, I under-exaggerate. Here’s my card:
And here’s Ann’s sketch that inspired my card:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- Layering Colors. When I set out to make this card, I knew three things: I wanted to use this stamp from the set From My Heart, I knew I needed to follow Ann’s sketch and I knew I wanted to use the Calypso Coral polka pot paper from Tea for Two Designer Series Paper. After I incorporated the So Saffron banner and decided to use the So Saffron cutout below, I needed one more piece of So Saffron (you know how I feel about balance in threes). Could I incorporate a So Saffron banner? I switched the Designer Series Paper background, and the whole thing came together. Big smiles.
- Small Sentiment. When I stamped “{No Matter What}” from Petite Pairs, I realized the sentiment was smaller than the Word Window Punch. I punched the sentiment, lining up the right side of the sentiment with the edge of the punch. I then fed the sentiment back though the bottom of the punch to clip closer to the left side of the sentiment. I did the same with the Modern Punch to shorten that punched image, too.
- Balance with Pearls. I don’t know why I keep sharing all my flubs and decisions (does it ruin the mystery somehow?). Anyway, after everything was glued down and the sentiment was placed below the banner, I felt like the card was out-of-balance — too heavily weighted to the bottom of the card. It only took me 3.48 seconds to determine that balance could be restored with the addition of just three pearls in the top, right corner. Done!
Stamp sets: From My Heart, Petite Pairs Inks: Early Espresso Papers: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Tea for Two Designer Series Paper Accessories: Window Frames Collection Framelits, 3″ Circle Originals, 2-1/2 Circle punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Check out the other inspiration cards at The Paper Players.
Brian
Fabulous card…. love the colors that you used. And yes, I am__ up @ 2:30 am out here on the west coast!
Amen! And Big Smiles!! I appreciate the color balance and..the placement of your darkest layers. Excellent! Nice sketch Ann!
Brian, what an awesome idea for the Word Window Punch and the Modern Label Punch!!!!! I love this punches but sometimes the sentiment is smaller and there is way to much blank space on both sides so, the tip you gave today is really great. I love this card, Ann’s sketch is fantastic and you did a wonderful job following it. Thanks again for the punch tip.
As always, love it!
ooh BIG YES !!!! love it Brian !!!
Pass the crumpets – I will be over for tea! This is classy and elegant – my British grandmother would love it!
A truly gorgeous card. And, no, it doesn’t spoil the mystery at all that you share your “flubs and decisions”. I love hearing your design process — it helps! You are a teacher at heart.
No “mystery ruined” by your shares. In fact, I find them helpful. And that is a cute layout…off to try an idea!. TFS, Brian!!!
Another great card Brian. And no sharing your flubs doesn’t ruin the mystery it makes me feel better about the forty gazillion times ihavet remae or rework a project myself.
I like this card and enjoyed reading how you pulled everything together . The color combo is easy on the eyes yet not dull . I may try this sketch today because I needed something to start with other than a stamp set . I read on a demos blog yesterday that she couldn`t retire the 13/8 square punch because that`s what she used to get her perfect banner ends . Just a hint for some of you non demos !
I absolutely love this. And I am the same way…everything has to be in threes!
O.K. Brian – so how did you get the ends of the banner to overlap the circle or are my eye fooling me? I think this is an absolutely amazing card. No more Mr. Brian…..your new name is Mr. Artista! LOL
Grace, I think you are referring to the ends of the friendship banner? I stamped that on So Saffron, snipped it out and glued it onto the same image punched from Very Vanilla. The punched image lost its banner tips, so I added a new banner.
Great job Brian – it gave the card the perfect amount of pop!
I love these colors and the way the Early Espresso gives a shadow-like 3-d effect to your card.
Just curious… Do you save all your unused layers and shapes for other projects?
Diane, I keep my “clippings” in a little box. I often times go to that box to see what I can assemble for a quick card.
Absolutely perfect! No mystery about it!!
I love when you talk about your mistakes and how you solved them. That is the best way I learn to correct mine. A post a while ago with the card you took from ho-hum to WOW was a great post, too. It shows the addition of just the right touches to make a card really hit a home run. Please do more of these kind of posts.
Breathtaking!!! I bet you whipped up this beautiful card in 30 minutes or less.
Love it! We used similar stuff this week! Great minds! LOL! 🙂
I like your color combo….very soothing….and how you balanced your design with the pearls! The perfect accessory!
Well I love what you ended up with Brian! My first attempt with this sketch ended up in the trash can too, and then I totally switched stamp sets, color schemes, papers, everything… I love your mix of neutrals and the pearls. Great card!
I love this card and the colors! Thanks for the tip on shortening the punches. I often add pearls or rhinestones at the end when I think a card needs a little balance or a little … something. I find they add just the right touch. Thanks for sharing your talent and tips.
Fabulous, Brian! I also love hearing about your design processes. I feel like I am right there with you as you analyze and make your decisions. The So Saffron is a perfect choice, rather than something more bright, like Calypso Coral. It gives you three “pops” of So Saffron. Of course, the pearls filling up the white space is perfect! You must have an angel peaking over your shoulder…your cards are always awesome!
Fantastic, Brian! I love how the two neutrals really like So Saffron shine–and that said, overall it’s such a soothing color palette perfect for the sentiment and images. A lovely card for any friend!
In spite of your difficulties, you did a superb job! Love the colors and everything…soft and beautiful!
Love how you used the sketch, Brian! Love the contrast of colors you chose.
Awesome color combo, Brian! I love how you added that pop of color to the main image, as well.