Our challenge this week at Pals Paper Arts is a theme challenge. “What is the theme?” you ask. It’s …SNOWFLAKES! First, I will say that I was challenged. What you see in front of you is my fourth try. And you know what…fourth time is a charm! I did change my mind mid-card (isn’t that a woman’s prerogative?), nixing the snowflakes that I was going to stamp in the background behind my little bird. Instead, this is a concept card. Think of a blustery winter’s day. A darling little snowbird is hunkered down on a leafless brown branch, it’s feathers slightly ruffled to protect itself against the cold. Isn’t it amazing where our imaginations can take us? So put your imagination to the test, and join the Pals in this week’s Snowflake challenge.
The Stampin’ Schach Tips:
- Plan your punching! I knew that I wanted to make a Scalloped Trim Border Punch rectangle, so I measured out this matting element first. In this case, my Really Rust scalloped rectangle measures 3-13/16″ x 3-1/4″ before punching. Remember, punch all four corners first, then punch the edges!
- Think outside of the box! Who cares that the stamp set is named Spring Song! I needed a snowbird, so I reached for this set which I earned as a Sale-a-bration freebie! Chocolate Chip ink and a Blender Pen transformed a spring shoot into a dead branch, where a few brown leaves were left to rustle in the winter wind. Going Gray, Basic Gray, and Really Rust inks, plus Blender Pens, were used to tint the bird.
- Create texture in a matter of minutes! Zip Very Vanilla card stock through the Big Shot with the Stampin’ Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder. This folder is definitely one of my favorites from the Mini Occasions catalog.
- Did you “wonder” about my snowflake? I added a twist to a Basic Gray Jumbo Snowflake by adding a Really Rust Modern Label. The “Wonder” sentiment is actually “Small Wonder” from Sale-a-bration’s Whimsical Words. I simply selectively inked it with a Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.
- Of course, “it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that bling”! A Filigree Brad with a small Pumpkin Circle Fire Brad center fills the bill!
Winter is not over, at least in Iowa. So dust off those snowflake stamps and punches that you may have packed away, and play @ PPA! Of course, I love your comments, so let me know what you think of my little “Snow Bird”. And remember, you can always email me if you have questions about the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use. Until next time…
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Stamp Sets: Spring Song (115074), Whimsical Words (Wood 118386, Clear 119119—Sale-a-Bration); Card Stock: Basic Gray textured (108693—Neutrals assorted), Very Vanilla (101650), Really Rust textured (108697—Earth Elements assorted); Inks: Going Gray (103274), Basic Gray (109120), More Mustard (103162), Really Rust (102549), Chocolate Chip (100908); Tools: Big Shot (113439), SU! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335—Occasions Mini), Scalloped Trim Corner Punch (118870—Occasions Mini), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402—Sale-a-Bration), Corner Rounder (109047), Modern Label Punch (116630), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), Large Oval Punch (107305), Sponge Dauber (102892), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker (100082), Signo Gel Pen (105021); Glitz and Glam: Filigree Brad (112577), Circle Fire Brads (109110)
Leslie said …
This card makes me think of the first robin red breast of pre-spring. I love the color combinations and it always seems like you see that first robin, and then we have one more snowfall. I think this card embodies all of that – the hope of the new season! Great job!
Ann,
Love your snowbird.
Sissy
Beautiful Ilove how you colored the bird and the snowflake is perfect for this time of year.
Fabulous card! LOVE the colors you used, and that bird works great for a wintery theme 😀
Ann your bird looks real. Lovely card and a great interpretation of the PPA challenge.
I couldn’t get my self to dust off the snowflakes – I am longing for spring!! But that cute little birds reminds me its not too far!!
This is so darling! I love the bird. Your label with the snowflake is very creative! Your cards never cease to amaze me! ~Bonnie~
I can never figure out what to do with grays. You pulled this off magnificently!
How pretty.
I love the orange and gray together.
Ann, this is so beautiful. Your coloring is magnificent as always.
It’s not a dead branch – it’s a dormant branch. There’s a difference! LOL But your card is drop dead gorgeous!
Mike
OY! A theme this week. Well I will have to think hard. 🙂 Your card is so pretty Ann. The little bird looks like he is hunkered down for the col,cold snow. Love your theme.
Mary
And YOU were having TROUBLE! Right! This is one of your best, Ann! I love the little bird!
Delightful bird. You have mastered the combo of the corner and border punch. Hugs, M
I love how you used the bird and the snowflake. I also love your color combo. I too earned the Spring Song stamp set through SAB and am waiting for it. I never thought of using it for winter. Thank you for the inspiration. I enjoy seeing what you come up with on all the PPA challenges.
What a beauty, the card and the bird!!! Awesome coloring and layering… I so love your designs. I too have seen that bird at my feeder! *smile* Hugs,
Ann, this is just lovely!
Pretty card – you coloring is perfect – like the blingy flake!
Very pretty. I love the snowflake with embellishments. The bird is colored so beautifully. Beautiful winter card.
The coordination of the elements is outstanding. Love this pretty card!
Love your cards- they are so creative! I visit your website and it inspires me!
Great color combo and the bird is gorgeous!
Love it Ann, great concept card, as always your creation is just gorgeous! Beautiful job with the bird : )
Growing up, I always loved looking at the birds at our winter bird feeder. I think there were some of these guys! Beautiful coloring and I love your use of the new punches! Just bautiful!