So sad you're leaving...

As some of you may know, I have a part-time job with a rather quirky national clothing retailer. I really enjoy my time there and there is a lovely team of people who I get to work alongside.One of my colleagues has decided it is time for her to move on as she wants a career working with children, and so I volunteered to create a leaving card for everyone to sign.

My colleague is not a pink and fluffy sort of girl, so I wanted something a bit more fun and light-hearted for her to keep, with positive messages from us all written inside. I knew the perfect stamp set - a hostess set called Life's Adventure, but I was stumped for a layout - come to the rescue Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge!

So I flipped their sketch on it's side and here is the result:

I have paired the stamp with the totally gorgeous Moonlight Designer Series Paper, and based all my colours on those included in the paper designs (Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Hello Honey, Whisper White, Sahara Sand and Basic Gray). I love how the triangles in the designer paper echo the shape of the cute little flag on the back of the Bicycle!

I like to base my creations on the BLT formula (No, not Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato - but Background, Layers and Texture!). Initially I had plain white card as the base colour, but it really needed something a little extra, so I used the lovely new Masks from Stampin' Up - applied Versamark ink through the mask and heat embossed using the Iridescent Ice powder. Take a look at that glitter:

Sometimes it's the little details that make a card, here I have used some retired ribbon to create the bow - I would have used the lush new Stitched Satin Ribbon but it didn't arrive in time :(

I have used the oh-so-cute banner punch to create some tiny little flags:

Lastly another close up of that gorgeous bike and positive sentiment - looking forward to an exciting new future. I think this sentiment would be perfect for men, graduations, passing a driving test, or even a wedding card for cycling enthusiasts! A touch of colour using blender pens and water brushes works perfectly with the sketched-style image (Stamped in StazOn to prevent the colour running when I added water).

I hope you have enjoyed this card and blog post - please let me know you have stopped by and leave me a comment!

Happy Crafting,

Becky

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

Life's Adventure Wood-Mount Stamp Set	Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack	Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad	Blackberry Bliss A4 Cardstock
Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad	Hello Honey A4 Cardstock	Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad	Lost Lagoon A4 Cardstock
Dots & Stripes Decorative Masks	Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder	Banner Punch	Versamark Pad
Heat Tool - Uk Plug	Jet Black Stazon Pad	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Sahara Sand A4 Card Stock
Blender Pens	Aqua Painter	Fuse Fast Adhesive	Stampin' Dimensionals

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Super Scraps

We all have them. Admit it. Those tiny little scraps of paper that are just too nice to throw away, or a size that you are 'sure' you can use for Something...

Well something has arrived!

Let me introduce you to the patchwork scrap card:

They are dead easy to make:

1. Grab a selection of offcuts and scraps of paper in a variety of patterns and colours. Don't worry if they don't all quite match perfectly, or even slightly - it's part of the charm!
2. Choose a design - keep it simple, and in 'block' shapes. Try searching online for ideas and inspiration - I searched 'patchwork bird house' but other great ones are 'patchwork cupcake / owl / teacup'.
3. Starting from the biggest shape, hand cut out a scrap of about the right size. Hand cutting gives a wonderful not-quite-perfect feel which is exactly what you are looking for in this type of project.
4. Draw faux stitching around the edge of each piece of paper - a black or brown fine nib is perfect. If you are feeling very adventurous you could even try sewing around the shapes for real - just be careful they don't tear too much.
5. Mount the shapes onto your card to compose the final design. Add any finishing details such as ribbon or buttons and Voilà! 

A little close up of some of the detailing for you.

I have roughed up the edges of my card to add to the rustic feel, and there is a great little tool in the spring/summer catalogue that is perfect for the job:

Each of the notches contains a fine blade, but as they are recessed, it is safer to have around the house, and much easier to use! Let me know if you need one, or search for distressing tool at my new online shop!

Check it out at www.craftingbecky.stampinup.net it's full of all sorts of goodies, but please bear in mind it is still a work in progress... ...Let me know your thoughts!

Happy Crafting, Becky.

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Bird Punch	Stampin' Distress Tool	1-1/4 Inch Circle Punch	Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper
Brights A4 Card Stock	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker	Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	Naturals White A4 Card Stock