Before I share this week’s card for The Friday Mashup, I want to thank Cindy Brumbaugh for selecting my entry as a runner-up for last week’s challenge. Cindy is an uber-talented stamper, and I was happy to meet her in line at Convention last year. The card that earned me the title of “Glamette” is the rainbow flowers card (you can see it here). Never once in my life did I dream I would be a Glamette, but some dreams come true while other dreams just present themselves. 🙂
I was excited about this week’s challenge from The Friday Mashup – a project with (a) a nautical theme or (b) a single-layer card or (c) a Mashup of the two. Since I created a single-layer card yesterday (you can see my single-layer card here), I decided to go with option (a). I still kept my card quite simple, though, to stay in the same ballpark as a single-layer project. Here’s my card:
And here’s the banner from this week’s challenge:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- Bold vs. Faded. I love when Stampin’ Up! creates a Designer Series Paper that’s faded or vintage without looking like it’s been tea-stained or been sitting in an attic. The High Tide Designer Series Paper has just the right amount of white distressing. This piece of background paper is Smoky Slate and white, so bold, crisp letters pop out against the paper. The Real Red sailboat adds a whimsical pop of nautical awesomeness.
- It’s in the Details. If you weren’t paying close attention, you might miss the thin layer of Basic Gray that surrounds the Smoky Slate Designer Series Paper. You know I like frames around my layers, right? This one is subtle, but it adds a nice frame around the center piece of this card.
- Color Choices. Red, white and blue scream “nautical” to me. While I could have chosen a brighter blue like Coastal Cabana (the name even gives a nod to the water) or a pale blue like Pool Party (again, a nod to water). With the Smoky Slate background, though, Midnight Muse called my name (Midnight Muse can be so awkward – she won’t call me Brian – she always calls me Mr. King). The gray “O” and the red boat are a perfect balance to the rest of the card.
Stamp Sets: Settin’ Sail Photopolymer Inks: Real Red Papers: Midnight Muse, Basic Gray, Whisper White, High Tide Designer Series Paper Accessories: Typeset Alphabet Bigz Die, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
Your Paper Pumpkin. Wow! The Paper Pumpkin has really been showing up to the party lately. The projects have been ramped up, and the kits are WAY more exciting. I really want you to join Paper Pumpkin. If I’ve inspired you to create, I’d love for you to select me as your Paper Pumpkin demonstrator (Brian King, zip code 30341). When you register before March 31, you’ll receive a free set of 2012-2014 In Color Markers with your Welcome Kit. How cool is that!?! AND there’s no commitment – you can discontinue your Paper Pumpkin at any time. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions – or go here to register.
I love everything about this card! – the colours, the simplicity, the lettering, the pop of red. Genius!
Me too!
You already hinted at it Brian, so I’m just going to spell it all the way out: AMAZING NAUTICAL AWESOMENESS!!! This card is CAS at it’s (your!) best!!! Congratulations on being a Glamette too, you deserve to add that title to your royal collection!!! 🙂
Brian -your first book will be a best seller to 40 thousand demonstrators . I think you have the best humor, as well being a most talented artist.
Ooh yes! Add that to your bucket list! Write a book.
Adorable! Love the patterned paper and that cute little boat!
Brian, I agree with Trish! Your wit, whimsy, and creativity are so much fun to follow every day. This card is the perfect blend of crisp and soft. I love how the O reminds me of a ship’s porthole… I could even imagine some pewter-toned mini brads around it like rivets! LOL. Nice work!
After this “ahoy” card, my last night’s “hello” cards seem positively boring!!
Thanks for a cute nautical take this morning! Love the O!
Way to go ,Sailor ! I love this DSP and have been holding it back for more summer themed cards . I agree with you that the distressing on this paper looks good without the spatters and stains . You did a great card and I bet your new personalized stamp will have Glamette on it !!
Please keep the humor coming! Sometimes it is so wonderful to escape (kids 🙂 and read your email/blog and laugh at your wit and admire your awesome cards. Thank you for the smiles : )
Brian, I just have to tell you that I follow several blogs every day but always save yours for last! I love your cards, tips and sense of humor…starting the day with a smile is the best, thanks!!
I really liked this one Brian. It amazes me that the eye catching part of this card can be in one corner and yet the card looks perfectly balanced. I guess that is why you are the artist and I am just the admirer of the art! Love the way Ahoy jumps out and the fact that you used that phrase rather than Hello or Hi There. Of course the little red sailboat was the absolute perfect detail.
Love it all, nautical all the way, Ay! 🙂
Brian……You’ve done it again! What a great “Nautical Card” you’ve created any person should be very happy to receive it. You are so talented & a true inspiration to the rest of us. Thanks.
Gayle
OH WOW, BRIAN , you sure did , done it again my friend …….
Love it !
Congrats friend,
Hugs F,
I LOVE IT! I always love anything nautical! I always love anything done by you! Great combination, a nautical theme and an original creation by the King!
Woohoo! It’s the perfect nautical card! Great background with anchors, alphas, and cute little boat! So creative…love it!
Terrific card Brian! The paper is perfect and I love the letters in the corner with the small boat as an accent.
Thanks so much for playing along with us at The Friday Mashup!
You are too sweet, Brian. Meeting you at convention last year was a highlight! YOU are the uber-talented stamper, Mister. This is yet another fine showing for the Friday Mashup. I agree, CAS is tantamount to one layer in many ways. I do love the way you use the Alphabet dies! TFS with the Friday Mashup this week;)
Brian, this is a great clean and simple card using this week’s nautical theme, and could be used for any age and a few occasions with just the right wording inside. Thanks for joining us this week at the Friday Mashup.
Sara
LOVE this card – great use of the Typeset Alphabet and all elements balance so perfectly! You have such a great eye for design Brian – I’m in awe!