I’m a persistent and somewhat obsessive creature. When something gets stuck in my head, there’s a batch of brain cells that are wholly dedicated to that idea. If it’s a creative idea, then sometimes the only way to release the brain cells is to execute the creative idea. Since the moment my package of Fan Fair Designer Series Paper arrived on my front porch last year, I have been holding on to one piece of the pack for a “special moment.” I am almost always aware that this beautiful map page needs to be used in a special project before the paper is discontinued. Time has been ticking and ticking and ticking, but I finally made my project with my Fan Fair map. Those brain cells have officially been released to obsess over something else. Here’s my card:
And here’s Margaret Moody’s Pals Paper Arts sketch that inspired me to finally take out that sheet of paper and turn it into something beautiful:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- Working with a Sketch. When I first laid eyes on Margaret’s sketch, my eyeballs rolled around in my head, and I was overcome with dizziness. How could I ever make a card with all these shapes and layers? I was defeated.  Once I started analyzing the pieces, though, I realized it wasn’t impossible. The sketch essentially consists of two boxes with a banner across them. Simplified. Of course I added many other layers by matting all of my pieces but the pieces match the sketch layout.Â
- Color Planning.  When creating a card with multiple layers, I often times draw out the card and scribble in the layer colors to ensure the layers are compiled how I need them. On today’s card, the layers are consistently Crumb Cake, then Island Indigo, then DSP. On other cards, though, it takes some planning to make sure the layers don’t compete with each other or offset each other. Create your own sketch or label the one you are working with to make sure the end result is what you want.
- Just One Sheet.  This card is made with one sheet of Designer Series Paper. The gorgeous sheet from Fan Fair features an old map with lots of beautiful colors throughout. I selected the sections of that paper I wanted to feature and trimmed into the paper to pull them out.   Â
Stamp Sets: Chalk Talk Inks: Island Indigo  Papers: Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Very Vanilla, Fan Fair Designer Series Paper  Accessories: Apothecary Accents FramelitsÂ
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Brian
Brian this card is stunning. The colors are so perfect and flow effortlessly across the layers. I just hope I still have a sheet of this paper left!
Me too….would be a great Father’s Day card!
That is so classy Brian! I Love map pages/print. You certainly did turn the PPA sketch into something beautiful.
Maps have always been in fashion in home decor, so glad you’ve been able to use it before May 31st. Pairing this Chalk Talk sentiment was genius! Must have been the brain cells!
Much better on the eyes. Totally in love with this one. Like the old world look.
This card does have that old world look like Lisa said . I was thinking that you could use the Open Sea stamp set somewhere with this masterpiece . I also like the one sheet of dsp challenge with this sketch . I think I will try and create a card with Margaret`s multi- layer idea . Brian, you are really expanding on your creativity !!! Kinda something for everyone slant . Well done !
A map is kind of like a sketch and both lead you in the perfect direction. Great choices of colors to go with your FanFair DSP. Beautiful job!
100% Winner, winner, winner! I love it!
“What a Wonderful World”…you created, Brian! I am so in love with it and need to check and see if I, too, have some of that dsp. This is a card that truly needs CASEing!!
Wow.
Wow! This one’s a beauty.
Great job Brian! I love it!
Wow! This is a beauty! Letting that idea marinate in your brain cells sure paid off! The sentiment and DSP paper make the perfect pair!
I totally LOVE this card!!!
I love maps. This is a great idea! I know it’s already been said, but your card really is STUNNING!
A great card with great ingredients! I really like this card!
Agree with the comments…a fabulous wow card…for either man or woman….you rocked this map design. Makes me a bit sad that I did not buy this DSP….kicking my behind!
Absolutely gorgeous–thanks for sharing!
WOW! Love the sentiment with that paper! A perfect match!!! I don’t know that I would have had the patience to wait almost a year to use that paper, but I am so glad you did! Worth the wait! It was just waiting for that sentiment. 🙂
Your creative genius is an inspiration!
Love this card Brian! Colors are magnificent and the layers are fantastic. Caught my eye so I just had to tell you so!
Sorry I’m late again, I had some errands to run this morning. I absolutely love this card, this map DSP is gorgeous and I agree with my dear friend and card swap buddy Sonny, it would look amazing with the “Open Sea” stamp set, which I luckily have. I love the way you framed the map DSP with Island Indigo and Crumb Cake CS and that sentiment just tied everything together, it’s like this sentiment was made for this paper. You have some of the most amazing groups of brain cells, my dear. This card is a winner!!!!! Thank you for thinking of it, putting it together and sharing it with us.
Maria.
Oh my! This is elegant in an Old World style!
Great job, Brian!
Just Fabulous!!! Love the paper and sentiment!!!
Brian, this is absolutely stunning. The colors are just fabulous. The laying is just perfect. Great job on a great card!!!!!!!
Sorry, I meant layering…..oopsy!
Very nice card!
Chalk Talk? Where have I missed this stamp set…. was it on the “sneak peek”? I have avoided this DSP; but this is the very first card where I’m thinking, “that’s awesome paper….I gotta get using that”!! Fabulous job, as usual!!!
Chalk Talk is a set from the new catalog. I earned it during a promotion last Fall (but didn’t receive it until this past month. It’s adorable!
Brian
Wow, Brian! This is amazing! I love all the layers and the gorgeous combination of DSP prints! Thanks for sharing with us at Pals Paper Arts this week!
Wow now I know what I am doing my my sheets of this DSP!
Absolutely stunning! I love this paper.
fabulous use of pattern and i love the layered sentiment. congrats on being a ppa pick!