Tara Bourgoin is hosting this week’s challenge at Friday Mashup. The challenge? Follow a super-cool sketch OR use an unexepected element OR do both. I accepted the latter and created a project with both challenges. What fun! Here’s my card:
And here’s Tara Bourgoin’s challenge banner that inspired my creation:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- Cork. I installed cork drawer liners in my kitchen about a year ago. The leftover pieces made their way downstairs to The Fungeon. I used the cork in a couple of projects last year, but the cork has just been sitting around, making me feel guilty that I haven’t used it. Guilt-trip over! The moment I saw this challenge, I knew that the cork would make a perfect unexpected item for this sketch. Woo hoo! While the cork has an adhesive backing, I decided it would be too difficult to get perfect placement, so I left the adhesive backing on and glued down the pieces with my Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue. I love the look of this cork.
- Color Combination. Sure, it’s a Fall-themed card, but I wanted to stay away from Fall colors – I’m just growing tired of dark, rich colors and wanted something different. So, sue me. (please don’t sue me). The card base, Soft Suede, is a close match to the cork, but the Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party and So Saffron really lighten things up a bit, huh? If you also like this color combination, feel free to save this:
- Masking and using the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig. The sketch calls for a sentiment along the right side of the stacked pieces. I immediately wanted to use the distressed look of the “Truly Grateful” sentiment from Truly Grateful but only wanted one line, so I masked out the word “Truly” and lined up the sentiment with my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig. I’ve filmed video tutorials for both techniques. If you missed them, you can see them here:
Stamp Sets: Truly Grateful Papers: Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Pool Party, Whisper White Inks: Pear Pizzazz Accessories: Fun Fall Framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by today!
Brian
Weekly Deals. It’s Tuesday, and that means Stampin’ Up! has announced this week’s Weekly Deals. Woo hoo! If you want to check them out, click here.
Tomorrow. I’m really excited about tomorrow – it’s our November InKing Royalty Blog Hop, and I know you are going to love the projects we’re sharing. Do your stretches and lunges tonight so you’ll be ready to hop tomorrow morning. Yippee!
Ahhh, very nice, different and great!
I like it ! I like to use cork, but I forgot about it . thank you for reminding me .
Love those baby leaves in their unexpected colors !
I love the cork! I love the color scheme! I never think about using part of s sentiment so I love that too!
Great use of the cork, Brian…. Unusual and perfect. I said “Ohhhh” when I saw this!
Great card, CAS. Love the texture of the cork strips and the leaves falling on it, you stayed true to the sketch but gave it a lot of character. Thank you for sharing Brian.
Cork, huuuummmmm….puts a whole new meaning to, “Put a cork in it.”
The cork is very “fallish!”
Brian, using the cork as your surprise element is awesome! Love your soft fall colors too. Both of them together make a lovely CAS card. I understand getting sick of working with the same thing over and over. Christmas cards were that thing for me lately, so I posted a bold, bright blue butterfly today…think I can get anymore “b” words in there? lol Thanks for joining us at the Friday Mashup this week.
Sara
Very pretty color combination. And, way to go with the unexpected use of the cork. We crafters know to never through anything away. It always has potential to show up on a card.
Brian,
Can you get a good clean “shape” cut (like your leaves) out of cork using a Big Shot? And did you use your paper cutter for such clean straight lines? I wondered if the cork would crumble? I have not ventured into buying cork yet but you sure make it tempting.
Karen, I used my (retired) tabletop paper cutter to cut the cork. I didn’t give me a problem at all. I’ve used cork in a Bigz Die before – clean as can be but haven’t use Framelits. I imagine you’ll get a good, clean cut with those, too.
I have had success cutting cork with framelits:)
pretty, love the cork and the colour combo.
WOW! Absolutely love the card. I’ve had cork sitting here forever and just don’t think to use it on cards. DUH – well, now that you have shown me how fantastic it looks I will give it a go. This card is just fabulous Brian and your creativity is amazing.
Totally cool card and color combo!
How did I know which option you would choose? Doesn’t matter, the end result is great. Love the cork. It really complements your card base. The colors you chose for your leave add an element of surprise. Thanks for the videos, I appreciate all your tips.
Ooo, Brian you can sure WOW us , your just to good , love cork. Nice and and vary crafty, only YOU !
Tfs, my friend.
Love and hugs,
Frenchie.
I almost put cork on my card, Brian! Then I thought, “what if Brian uses cork?” I love the cork sheets that are lurking in my stash. One thing about card making is we start early with Holiday cards and then wonder when the holiday actually is? I enjoyed a a little break from Christmas cards- it is still fall). The subtle colors on your fall card really go well with the neutral cork. Thank you for playing along with the Friday Mashup this week:)