Saturday Sketch Challenge 216 and a sneak peek

Good Evening Friends!

Its time for another sketch challenge for you to try. You know that I started a new job recently and this past week I was finally "on my own" to go and do my thing. I can honestly say that I have two of the BEST job's in the world, stamping and newborn photography!!

What I really love about a sketch challenge is the fact that it helps take one of the design variables out of the equasion when you sit down to design a card. Many of my customers when they are new explain that they don't know where to start when creating a card. I always suggest, starting with a sketch. Look at what you own in your stamping pantry already, match up some stamps and paper, and go for it! :D I just got this AWESOME stamp set with my holiday mini preorder. The new products sold used on this card will be available through your demonstrator on September 1st.

Let's start with some measurements.
Base Layer: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2", pool party (in color)
Layer 2: 5 x 3 3/4", espresso
Layer 3: 4 7/8" x 3 5/8", vanilla
Layers 4 & 5: 1/2" x 4 inch strip of spice cake designer series paper
Layer 6: 1 3/4" punched circle, I punched this layer out of layer 2, before assembling my card making use of ALL my supplies as much as possible
Layer 7: Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon.. (amazingly gorgeous in person)
Layer 8 & 9: 2 step stamped maple leaf images from the Gently Falling Stamp set.

The leaf images from the Gently Falling stamp set are a 2-step style stamp. So first I inked the bold image in pool party, then I used a more mustard marker to "thump" the accents on. For the technique thumping, you just use the large brush end of your stampin write marker like a drumstick on top of the lighter color, to get the second layer of ink to look random, instead of stroked. I stamped the second, outline of the leaf in espresso ink, then ripped them instead of cutting around the leaf image. I thought tearing the paper would make the leafs more organic.

When the card was complete, I used some "gold glow" smooch spritz across the top of the card (a little bit goes a long way). Layer 3 (vanilla) was embossed with the big shot using houndsooth embossing folder.

This is a camping weekend for my family and I (and next weekend too, yea!). I hope you have time to try out a sketch with us on stamping411. If you're new to cardmaking or an ol' pro, it really helps the mojo! :D Have a wonderful weekend!