Hello and welcome to my blog.
It’s time for a brand new month of challenges over at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown, which means we’re kicking things off in the usual way – with a sketch challenge. This week’s sketch has been set by Andreja, and it’s a really lovely one with lots of added details and my card followed the sketch pretty much to the T.
I started with an A6 base card, cut from sturdy 300gsm white cardstock, giving a nice solid base for all the layers. For the main focal area, I used the Branching Out die set by Stampin’ Up!, die cutting two centre panels – one in Real Red and a slightly smaller one in white. These were adhered together to create a crisp, layered look. I love the stitch detail to these dies.
Next, I added some shape and interest with a scalloped circle die cut in Lucky Limeade, using the scallop edge circle dies by Craft Addiction UK. To echo the sketch, I also die cut a semi-circle using the Ribbon Layering Dies, again by Craft Addiction UK.
For the festive foliage, I went back to the Branching Out die set, die cutting leaves in two shades of green, with silver springs and pine cones in Chocolate Chip. I love how these colours work together for a classic Christmas feel.
Before adhering the circles, I wrapped red and white twine around the centre panels and tied it into a bow slightly off to one side. The circular elements were then popped up with foam adhesive for a bit of dimension, and the whole panel was also raised up on the card base using foam adhesive.
The sentiment strip was cut from white cardstock, stamped with a festive greeting by Stampin’ Up!, and finished with flag ends using paper snips. This was adhered across the circles, just as shown in the sketch.
To finish off, I arranged the foliage at the top of the semi-circle and added a delicate touch with a snowflake die cut from white cardstock using the Mini Christmas Tags die set, tucking it neatly under the twine bow.
A really enjoyable sketch to work with, and a great way to start the month. I’m looking forward to seeing how you all interpret Andreja’s sketch – I hope you’ll join us over at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown!
Lily-by-Gilly 