Baby’s First Steps for CTS323

Oh, how I love a sketch challenge that has a quirky twist! The argyle-like pattern on this week’s CAS(E) This Sketch challenge is like nothing I have in my current stash. The pattern had me going back and forth about what I would use to recreate this pattern (or one similar to it). I decided to press my bare feet into ink and walk across the cardstock. Here’s my card:

And here’s the banner for Leigh Penner’s sketch challenge that inspired my card (this challenge goes live at 10:30 am EST):

Tips, Tricks and Reminders

• First Steps. When Stampin’ Up!’s 2019 Occasions Catalog was first released, I immediately snatched up the First Steps stamp set, full of baby feet, baby hands, baby bottles and the like. I am not shy about my dislike of other people’s feet – I don’t want to see pictures of them, and I don’t want to see them. If you’ve been violently stabbed in the foot, I DEFINITELY don’t wan to see the scar. Thanks for understanding. All that said…I do have a soft spot in my heart for the tiny, sweet, clean, un-walked-upon feet of a baby (especially if they smell like baby powder). Here’s a look at First Steps:It’s about time I inked up this cutie! The set retires on June 3 (or when supplies run out) – if you want it (and I know you do), you’d better get it now. ♥
• This is a Cover-Up. In my original idea for this card, I stayed pretty true to Leigh’s sketch – the sentiment was centered on the card, and the parade of baby feet trailed up the side of the card. I didn’t plan the baby feet appropriately, though, and I was left with a gap of white space above the sentiment that couldn’t be filled with feet. Here’s how that looked: As I was about to scrap the card front and start all over, I decided to stamp the sentiment and punch it out with a 2-1/4″ Circle punch – would that help me with the balance of feet? Yes, yes it would. That gave me just what I needed to balance this card – and cover up the sentiment that was out-of-balance:
• Baby Colors. Baby colors are a funny thing – pale blue for boys and pale pink for girls. If you don’t yet know the gender of the baby, pale greens and yellows are sweet, too. While I opted for the mix of blue and pink (Pool Party and Blushing Bride), I chose to complement these soft colors with Daffodil Delight – a bright yellow that’s softened a bit when paired with these subtle tones. If you like this combination of Daffodil Delight, Pool Party and Blushing Bride, please save this:

Stamp Sets: First Steps  Papers: Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White  Inks:  Pool Party, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black  Accessories: 2-1/4″ Circle punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals

First Steps Cling Stamp Set – 148718

Price: $17.00

2-1/4″ (5.7 Cm) Circle Punch – 143720

Price: $18.00

Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147107

Price: $7.50

Pool Party 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 122924

Price: $8.50

Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147094

Price: $7.50

Daffodil Delight 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 119683

Price: $8.50

Blushing Bride Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147100

Price: $7.50

Stampin’ Dimensionals – 104430

Price: $4.00

Supply List

I hope you’ll pop over to the CAS(E) This Sketch site to see the cards by the design team members and to play along with this week’s challenge. This challenge goes live at 10:30 am EST.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

Product Shares

I posted my 2019 Annual Catalog Product Shares this weekend – and I’d love for you to check them out. What a great way to “kick the tires” on all the wonderful, new papers, ribbons and embellishments in the new catalog!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP

Don’t Miss These Retiring Products. Stampin’ Up! announced the products that will retire on June 3 (or when products sell out). Please click on the picture below to read more about what’s retiring and why you have a limited time to grab up these items:A couple of weeks ago, I shared parades of prior cards with select retiring items. If you missed those posts, you can see them here:

• Select Retiring Stamp Sets (A-L) & a Parade of 46 Cards
• Select Retiring Stamp Sets (M-Z) & a Parade of 37 Cards

Placing an order today? Of course you are! If you are placing an order for $150 or more, I want you to enjoy all of the Host Rewards you have earned.  If your order is less than $150, I’d love for you please add this Host Code – 3UQS9QQP – when prompted. Thank you!