A Sneak Peek at Hello December for PPA221

I wrote a lot about my experience at Stampin’ Up!’s Founder’s Circle earlier this week.  What a blast!  I’ll be “coming down” from that experience for a while and will ween off the sharing.  🙂  While inspiration from other successful demonstrators was certainly key to the trip, one of the best parts was when we received free items that haven’t yet been released by Stampin’ Up! to customers or to other demonstrators.  One of the new items we received was the Hello December Project Life Card Collection and coordinating accessory pack.  I used those items in today’s project for the Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge.  Here’s my card:Holiday Invitation, Endless Wishes, Stampin' Up!, Brian King, PPA221

And here’s Nicole Watt’s sketch that inspired my project:PPA221Tips, Tricks and Reminders

  • You Only Have One Chance.  When I cut into Designer Series Paper or cardstock, I know I have plenty of room to mess up.  Hardly ever do I follow the sewing rule of “measure twice, cut once”.  BUT…when I’m relying on a pattern from a Project Life Card Collection (like this one from the upcoming Hello December), I know that I have to measure a couple of times before carefully cutting into the delicious paper.  There are several great patterns and designs to choose from in this card collection, but I particularly love this one.  My mind was set, so here are the steps I took:  measure, measure, measure, pause, measure, cut, sigh with relief.
  • Focusing on the Focal Point.  In all its beauty, the focal point on this sketch is found at the center of the four squares – right there in the blankness of it all.  At least that’s how I see it.  As such, I added another element on top to honor the sketch but to add an additional focal point.  The Christmas tree is punched with the Christmas Tree punch, and the “25” stickers came from the Hello December Project Life Accessory Pack.
  • Why Vellum?  My original design included a Crumb Cake circle around the tree.  That didn’t work because it completely overshadowed the beautiful patterns on the paper.  I decided to crop a circle, which allowed the patterns to show through while adding the additional layering behind the tree.  I sponged the edges with Cherry Cobbler for added definition to the circle.

Stamp Sets:  Holiday Invitation, Endless Wishes  Papers:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Vellum Cardstock, Hello December Project Life Card Collection  Inks:  Cherry Cobbler  Accessories:  2-1/2″ Circle punch, Hello December Project Life Accessory Pack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Tree punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Hexagon punch (for banner tips)

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you will pop over to the Pals Paper Arts challenge to see the projects from the other Design Team Members.

Brian

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19 Comments

  1. Love your choice of using vellum.

  2. I really love the Vellum on this card, it allows your eye to appreciate the pattern but it also softens it’s boldness.
    This is a very beautiful Christmas card Brian, thank you for sharing.

  3. The vellum is perfect, the card is beautifully symmetrical, making for an inspirational card.

  4. Oh the vellum makes the card! Love it!

  5. This one is a “knock-your-socks-off” card if ever there was one. Brian, the perfectionist in you is truly on display here. What an absolutely beautiful creation you have shared with us today. Thank you.

  6. Love today’s card, but then I love most of your cards. Don’t ever apologize for being excited about your craft or winning a wonderful trip like you just took. Your excitement is contagious and I’m enjoying sharing your enthusiasm. Have a great day!

  7. Awesome job Brian, what a wonderfully creative card. I love the PL paper your u chose and can’t wait until I can get some in my hot little hands. Adding the vellum and the tree was an inspired touch.

  8. don’t stop sharing! we like it!

  9. I love everything about your card!! What a great job, as usual! 🙂

  10. So creative..thinking of the tree for center!

  11. I must say it is my favorite card at the PPA this week ! Love it !

  12. I love that vellum circle behind your card. Really sets it off. I used that for an inspiration for my entry at CAS(E) this sketch. Thanks for sharing all your tips and inspiration.

  13. Really really like how you combined sentiment from two different stamp sets. Wonderful card.

  14. Great card, Brian! Love the vellum center and the patterned paper.

  15. Pingback: Stampin’ Up Happy Sparkle Handmade Birthday Card

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