Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~~
Well, after our several month hiatus, I am back on cycle, and it Pals Blog Hop day! As we have been doing all year, I'm not actually participating in the Pals Blog Hop - rather, I've created a "Not In the Pals Blog Hop" series that aligns with the monthly theme, but follows our own drummer so to speak!! That allows our more latitude and more creativity.
So, this month's theme for the Pals was "Fun Folds or 3D Projects." My design today features the DDS Studio weekly "Fall Themed" design as we explore the wonderful products in the July - December Mini that help us celebrate Fall; and at the same time, I've created a VERY special design today, that while not a full-fledged "fun fold", creates a special look to our basic 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" (scored @ 4-1/4"), card that will keep you guessing. 😉😉
This card turned out so "gorgeous" today (pun intended - LOL), that I can hardly stand it!! In fact, I needed a Fall birthday card for a family friend ~~ and it magically all came together for me! So I'm very excited both to send it to her; and to share it with you today!
Today's design centers around the Gorgeous Leaves stamp set & die bundle. And with the use of Gold & Rose Gold Metallic specialty papers and emboss powder, this is truly a "gorgeous" card!!
This card base is cut from Basic White Thick cardstock, 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored @ 4-1/4"; and then 1-3/4" was cut from the front of the card before being die cut along the edge with the Basic Borders Dies.
Then I used the smaller scattered "splotch" image from the Gorgeous Leaves stamp set, stamped along the die cut edge using Versamark ink; then embossed with Copper emboss powder. Then I went back in and stamped again with Sahara Sand classic ink to add some extra depth to the overall effect.
From there, it's about the "pieces and parts" that make this design come together.
As you can see, I used two circles from the Layering Circles Dies, to create both a circle "frame" as well as the circles that you will see on the inside of the card further down. The circles I chose are approximately 2-5/8" and 2-3/8" in diameter. The circle that you get when you cut out the Rose Gold Metallic ring you want to keep to shadow the Basic White circle (2-3/8" diameter).
The rest of the dies all come from the Intricate Leaves Dies, including the stamped images that coordinate with their respective dies.
DESIGN COLOROLOGY . . .
After I was all done, I realized how really wonderfully the colors I ended up using worked together in this design. This is a wonderful color combination, and I'd encourage you to give it a try as you are designing your Fall cards this season.
My next step was to attach the Rose Gold Metallic ring to the front flap of the card I created (half on; half hanging off); and then align my stamped circle(s) on the back inside of the card, so that the ring seemed to perfectly frame them. I love the effect when this was done.
Then I started layering my dies and stamped leaves to create a lovely Fall spray around the left edge of the ring on the front flap.
As with most any card, pictures don't do it justice. The metallic die cuts just shimmer in the light; and the finishing Gray Granite looped ribbon, and the Brushed Metallic Dots really finish things off.
The "inside" of this card design is not really intended for writing a message to the recipient (you could probably do that on the back if you wanted).
The background panel of Basic White has been embossed with the Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder; and is matted with a piece of Rose Gold Metallic Specialty Paper.
Here you can see the center circles I referred to above; the sentiments come from the Welcoming Woods Stamp Set (I will be coming to you next with that stamp set and another pretty card design), stamped in Versamark ink and embossed with Copper emboss powder to match the front of the card.
The center offset circles are popped with dimensionals, and a few of the Gold Metallic leaf dies tucked behind.
Because of the front "flap", you can see how several of the Brushed Metallic Dots work both for the front of the card when it is closed, and the inside of the card when the flap is open.
The little Sahara Sand leaf images on the center circle come from the Welcoming Woods stamp set as well!
And so this lovely card will be off in the mail shortly.
I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I am hoping the recipient enjoys having it!
I hope you are feeling inspired after today's creative sharing!
We'll be back soon with more fun! Stay tuned!
I Love to hear from you. Leave your questions or comments below!!
Hugs, . . .
