Three Things I Like: Diana D’Arminio

After a short break from the Holiday One-for-One Swaps (I have to have time to share my creations, too), I’m excited to share another “Three Things I Like” card from the swaps.   From the moment I pulled Diana D’Arminio’s card out of its envelope, I was in love.  It’s difficult for one card to stand out in the pile of gorgeous cards I received (the remainder of these amazing swaps will be shared this weekend), but Diana’s card pulled at my heart-strings for several reasons.  I am happy to share her card and offer three things I like most about it.  Here’s Diana’s card:

Holiday One-for-One Swap, Stampin' Up!, by Diana D'Arminio

Was I wrong?  I’m just in love with it.  And here are three (yes, I limited it to three) things I really, really like about Diana’s card:

  • Honoring the Patterns.  The first thing I notice about this card is the bold use of patterns.  These pieces from Nordic Noel Designer Series Paper are perfectly paired here – one has defined, colorful images, while the other is more intricate and abstract.  Both patterns could be overwhelming by themselves, but they really work well together.  Will all the busyness in the background, your eye is drawn right to the sentiment that allows the white space to sing.
  • Beautiful layers.  How can you NOT notice the beautiful layering Diana has achieved on this card?  I’m in love with the tight, tiny borders – I love to play with small borders, too (you can see my video on creating “wow” borders here)!  These borders really frame Diana’s card perfectly.
  • Color Balance.  The colors in this Designer Series Paper could be overwhelming if not complemented the right way.  Diana balances it all perfectly.  The small pop of Calypso Coral around the edges really pulls from the ornaments in the paper – as does the use of Soft Sky around the sentiment and the thin strip down the middle of the card.  No color is left out, and no color is overpowering.

Stamp Sets:  Mingle All the Way  Papers:  Garden Green, Calypso Coral, Soft Sky, Whisper White, Nordic Noel Designer Series Paper  Inks:  Cherry Cobbler  Accessories:  2″ Circle punch, 2-1/2″ Circle punch, Circles Collection Framelits, Pearls Basic Jewels, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Project Life Corner Rounder, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I think you’ll agree that Diana’s card deserves a big “wow”.  Please leave her a comment below to let her know how much you love it.  If you missed the other Holiday One-for-One Swaps, please check them out here:

The remaining swaps will be shared this weekend – you don’t want to miss them.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

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17 Comments

  1. Brian, you are so right, the balance of patterns on this beautiful card is amazing. I never know what to do with bold patterns, I just can’t combine them and make them compliment each other like in Diana’s card. The ornament DSP is so beautiful but it’s the way she constructed her design that speaks volumes!! I love all the layers and the fact that Diana kept them thin allows your eyes to enjoy the focal point, which is the beautifully adorned sentiment.
    Thank you for showing her card and thank you Diana for participating in Brian’s swap, so we can all enjoy your beautiful creation.
    I hope you participate in Brian’s next card swap.
    Paper hugs.

  2. Great card, everything about works beautifully together.

  3. So bright and Christmasy…love it!

  4. Beautifully layered! Very Christmas ! Thank you for sharing!

  5. This is one classy card! I love it!

  6. What a wonderful card, Diana! I hesitate to mix patterns, but you have inspired me!

  7. A beautiful “Brian-Like” card. I love the layers and the colors and especially the inside!!!
    🙂

  8. Love the bold use of patterns. Great eye for pulling it off so beautifully!

  9. How pretty ! The thing that caught my eye was how Diana picked just the right sentiment to blend with the patterns . Daring Diana ! You pulled it off using these busy patterns ….plus the same sheet of DSP !!
    And those layers ….Brian probably started hyperventilating when he opened up your envelope and saw your layering !!

  10. Beautiful card, Diana. I love all the colors and layering is perfect. Thanks, Brian, for sharing it.

  11. This is a spectacular card! Diana, you really have an eye for balance. Thanks for sharing it, Brian.

  12. Very intriguing mixture. Nice job.

  13. I was the lucky receptive not of Dianad card! So beautiful! Thank you Diana and thank you Brian for hosting! Hope to meet you both at Leadership in January!

  14. Vary nice. The two pattern just completely makes that card !!! , great job !!!!
    And BRIAN I want to wish you a happy happy birthday my friend ,got a surprise going out Monday so keep an EYE ON IT , ok
    Have a wonderful day , enjoy every minute, will be thinking of you !!!
    Love and a giant birthday hug to you !!!!!!

  15. Pingback: 2015 Spring One-for-One Card Swap - STAMP WITH BRIANSTAMP WITH BRIAN

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