Black Bird

Happy Friday.  As I write this, I am working on 'cleaning-up' my blog.  To me, it looks a bit cluttered, overwhelming, and a bit disorganized.  Or, Maybe, I'm just feeling a need to get things cleaned up {smile}.  Either way, please stay tuned for a more stream lined look.

Now, back to the real reason you may have stopped by... a new creation!  The ladies that I design with over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, create some of the most creative and lovely sketches.  If you have not played along wit us before, I encourage you to do so.  These sketches are so versatile and fun!  Take this week's sketch:

So, this week, we have a wonderfully pretty sketch to work with.  I always start by 'taking the sketch apart', so to speak.  The main panel has a pattern on it, a bit of sewing above and below the ribbon, and a cluster of shapes for the sentiment.  

here is what I created:

Before we start with the card, I do have to admit, I am not a big Halloween card maker.  If you have visited my blog recently, you probably notice that's about all I have made : black and orange cards, or cards with 'happy halloween' on them.  I know that it is the season to start crafting this celebration, and well, I didn't want to be left out.  

My favorite color is pink.  I know, I really use pink.  But, I am a sucker for that soft, cuddly shade of innocence and femininity.  I also love the contrast between pink and brown, or black for this card.  I used just a smiggin of pattern paper.  I used the houndstooth pattern from Modern Medley DSP for my lollie. 

I used one of my all time favorite background stamps Ex Libris.  I inked the stamp with crumb cake classic ink, and then did the 'finger tap' technique, to get a 'worn/weathered' look.  I inked my background builder text stamp with basic black classic ink, and randomly stamped on the card stock.  I used my distressing tool, to rough up the edges and adhered this panel to a piece of pink pirouette card stock.  I did a simple border with my sewing machine.  I machine sewn the ribbon onto the card front next, leaving me a piece to make my bow.

I inked the 'label' stamp from Everything Eleanor in soft suede classic ink, and fussy cut it out.  I sponged all the edges with crumb cake classic ink, to help camouflage any mis cuts.

I made a 'lollie' out of some pattern paper.  I punched a 1 3/8" circle from champagne glimmer paper.  I stamped the bird in basic black classic ink, onto the text pattern paper, and I used my 1 1/4" circle punch.

For my sentiment, I simply stamped 'happy halloween' from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of very vanilla cardstock, and used scissors to trim around the words.  I sponged the edges with crumb cake classic ink.

I added two pearl jewels to the 'label' piece, to help add a feminine touch.  But, as I look at my card, to me, there seems to be something 'missing'.  Or maybe it is just me.  I sometimes add alot of stuff to my cards.  If you don't know, I am not a fan of 'white space' either {smile}.  Wow, I kinda have some issues, huh? {smile}.

I hope we have inspired you, and you get a chance to sit down with your craft supplies, and create something beautiful, something 'you', and join us this week @ SFF!