I love the 4th of July. It reminds me of BBQs, pool parties, fireworks, parades and spending time with the family.
When I saw this week's Stamping 411 Saturday sketch, I knew I wanted to play with my brand new stamp set. It's called July Fourth, and I can see using it for much more than just the birthday of the United States. Use the firecracker image as a birthday candle (just remove the top portion and replace with a handcut flame). Use the firework bursts to make your own patterned paper. Heck, they could even be snowflakes! The stars can be used for so many things....congrats, birthday, graduation, etc.....
Now, most days I take a picture of the sketch down to the Stampin' Studio. This time, I worked from memory. As you can see, my memory isn't quite what it used to be. Ah, the joy of being in my 40s and suffering from CRS (can't remember %^$&). I forgot one element, but for the sake of "operator creativity" (are you buying that?), I decided to keep my card as it was. Yup, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!
The base card is Pacific Point. This color is an In Color from 2008-2009, and it is going to become part of the Brights Collection on July 1st. So much fun to play with this color again!!
The next layer is Whisper White, and it measures 4" x 5 1/4". I stamped the three different burst images in Pacific Point, Real Red and More Mustard ink.
The next layer according to the sketch shows a scalloped edge. I chose a torn edge instead. This layer is Real Red cardstock and it measures 4" x 4". I punched the lower right corner with my 1 3/8" square punch. I inked up the sentiment stamp with Pacific Point ink. I removed the ink from the "happy" and the stars using a cotton swab and some DNA (aka spit). I then colored those portions back in with a Real Red and More Mustard marker. Huff on the stamp to remoisten the ink and stamp in the little window you created with the punch.
The next step is the strip under the focal image. I decided to keep that Real Red as well. I just stamped the little stars and sponged the edges with Real Red ink. It adds some drama without it being too distracting.
The next part of the sketch is the focal image. I cut a 2 1/2" x 3" piece of More Mustard cardstock. I dragged my More Mustard ink pad along the cardstock to give it some texture. Again, it couldn't be too distracting since my background with the bursts is a little busy.
I stamped the star image onto some Bashful Blue cardstock using Pacific Point ink. This stamp coordinates with the Large Star punch.....so cutting this out was easy peasy!
All that's left is the circle element. I used one of the Star Designer Brads (retiring). It fit perfectly with both the sketch and the theme.
Once the card was all put together, I sprayed it with some homemade Shimmer Mist using Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and rubbing alcohol. Can you see the shimmer? It's kinda hard to capture on camera, but trust me, it sparkles in person!!!!
Well, I really like the final result......even though I fudged the sketch a bit!!! I hope Selene will forgive me!!!
Are you ready to play with this sketch? Will you use it "as designed"? Or will you tweak it like I did?
When you are ready to show your creation off, we'd love for you to link it to the Stamping 411 blog using the Linky Tool. It's easy!!!!
On the following Friday, the operators choose their favorite projects from the week's submissions. You could see your project showcased on the Stamping 411 blog!!! How exciting!!!!
Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!
Card Recipe
stamps: Happy Fourth
paper: Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White, More Mustard, Bashful Blue
ink: Pacific Point, Real Red, More Mustard
accessories: 1 3/8" square punch, Star Designer Brads, Large Star Punch, Champagne Mist Shimmer Pain, rubbing alcohol, sponges
