Friday, April 23, 2010

Saturday Sketch Challenge 148 ~ My First Christmas Card of the Year

On a personal note: I'm sure to a few of the 411 operators, today feels a little like Christmas Eve. Three of our fabulous 8 team members have earned the Stampin' Up! incentive trip to the Caribbean! Kerin, Robin and Tiffany ~ I wish you "God's Speed" getting to the ship on time, and Safe Travels! Earning the incentive trip is a HUGE accomplishment and I wish you all an AMAZING week of being pampered!

On to the sketch! It's very unusal for me to create a sketch based on a card, but this week, that's what I did. At the end of last month's team meeting at my home, one of the girls on my team asked me about my "brad bow" which I've been DYING to bring to everyone on a video tutorial, I just need to become "up" on the technology first! :)

I created this quick and beautiful card and thought after, how unusual it is for me to put a focal point off to the side like this.. It almost makes the card "difficult" but in it's simplicity, and not over thinking.. I think it really works!

I didn't tie that bow, I actually made a faux bow, by looping the bow over itself and pushing onto the brad. I used a pair of snips and the matte pack to make a horizontal hole through my ribbon and layers 2 and 3 of card stock and put the brad, with the ribbon sitting on it through the hole. I hope to have a video on this... cause it's much easier to see it. I actually have customers and friends saying they'll never tie another bow! (thanks ladies for building me up like that).

Base: Whisper white 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
2nd Layer: Real red, 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"
3rd Layer: Whisper white 5 1/4" x 4" (with the big shot polka dot embossing folder)
4th Layer: Real red, 2 3/8" x 2 5/8" (1/8" larger than layer 4)
5th Layer: Whisper White2 1/4" x 2 1/2"

TGIF~ Have a great weekend!

Selene Kempton

14 comments:

LeAnne said...

Beautiful, Selene! I would like to see that technique....I struggle to do those brad/bow things. I love that red ribbon against the white, though....just gorgeous!

Jenn said...

So pretty! I love the dotted paper. Does it come like that, or do you have to make it?

Hi, I'm Lee Conrey! said...

This is just gorgeous! Clean and Crisp and Christmasy (is that a word)? Love it!!!!

Andrea L - EnchantINK said...

That red satin ribbon is just divine! I can't wait to see your video ... the bow is just perfect! (Like you I am videoly challenged!) Haven't tried that on my blog yet! Love that you have started Christmas cards in April!!! I had better get a move on or I will be left behind! Hugs, Andrea PS Definitely a CASE this one! xxx

Crystal French said...

I, too, am envious that you've started Christmas cards this early...and, what a card! I love clean, simple layouts, and this one is very striking! I will have to try the brad bow...I have done a 'brad pleat' with the larger satin ribbon (chocolate or pomegranate) with just the brad in the center and the satin ribbon 'spreading away from the brad' which is an understated way to use ribbon economically but this bow is gorgeous!
crystalshope@yahoo.com

Janelle said...

This is absolutely beautiful! Love it!

Trish in Wisconsin said...

Beautiful and simple card. Love the red ribbon set against the white background. I really like the brad technique, but can never get it to work out right for me. Starting Christmas Cards in April is a wonderful idea, would you believe that last year I waited so long that I finally gave up and they never got finished and sent out. Bad, bad me. I always say that I am going to start early and yet I never do. Maybe this year will be different and something will change. Have a wonderful weekend.

Cyber hugs, Trish in Wisconsin

Kerin said...

This card is stunning! I love the crisp clean color combo, and that bow is to die for!!!

Seongsook Duncan said...

Such a beautiful and elegant card! Love your bow. Thanks for inspiring.

Nicole said...

Hi Selene, Just saw you on my side bar following me and thought I would say HELLO! Love this sketch, simple and stylish! I may just use this for my post tomorrow!

Thanks for the inspiration!
Blessings, nicole

Nicole said...

SORRY! Forgot to mention that I love the clean lines and color choices of your card and that bow is AWESOME!! Great technique! May have to CASE that too! THANKS again!

Kristin Moore said...

This is beautiful Selene!

Nicole said...

I CASEd you, Selene! Thanks for the inspiration!! Hugs, Nicole

Connie Babbert said...

Very cute card, Selene...love the white for Christmas!