It’s Thursday and time to play with the Pals! This week, Pals Paper Arts is having an inspiration challenge based on this photograph:
When I first saw this opulent spread of elegant deserts, one thing really stood out…the gorgeous tablecloth. In addition, this buffet screamed “Holiday Open House” to me. So I recreated the tablecloth, in a slightly different color combination, added Basic Pearls for a touch of class, and mimicked the gold mirror by embossing a trio of festive trees. I hope you like my “Holiday Open House Invitation”! Enjoy!
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:
- Damask, you ask? The background of this card was made by brayering a layer of Bravo Burgundy ink onto the Damask Texturz Plate from the Backgrounds I collection. I then zipped it through the Big Shot with a piece of Bashful Blue card stock. This was the technique that I had seen others use, but I had never tried it myself. You know why? Because I thought it looked hard! I could not have been any more wrong. It was so easy! And to make it even easier, I used a freshly inked pad and dampened the card stock with a misting of water.
- Tree easy pieces! The “Tree Sections” from the Playful Pieces Hostess Level 3 set were actually cut from the “Swirl Rectangle”, which had been heat embossed with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder. Don’t forget to use your Embossing Buddy to avoid the dreaded “Embossing Spotted Fever”. I then assembled the trees by adhering the pieces onto Very Vanilla card stock, after which I cut out the silhouettes.
- Texture! The trio of trees were then popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered to a mat of Perfect Polka Dots.
- A touch of opulence! Basic Pearl triads accent three corners of the image and sentiment, while the smallest Basic Pearls adorn the damask!
There is a moral to this card: Never be afraid to attempt something because you think it is “too hard”. When I was teaching, I would never have allowed my students to use this excuse, for we need to stretch ourselves in order to continue to grow. The same applies to our craft. And you never know…it may be easier than you think!
I wish that all of you lived closer to me! Couldn’t we have a fun Holiday Open House? We could do a little stamping, you could let me teach you a technique (because old teachers never die, they just lose their class), and then we could eat! Of course, you could play with the Boxer Twins, too. How fun would that be! However, since nobody lives close to me, how about you leave a comment and let me know a technique which you would like to learn more about. Maybe we could at least do that part! Sound like fun? So, leave me a comment before you head out. And as always, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…
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This technique is brilliant Ann! I just read backwards to see how you did it….I am off to my stamp room to “try” it!!! Thanks again for your detailed descriptions and teachings on your blog.
Lovely, lovely! That tablecloth inspired portion is just stunning, Ann! XOXO
Such an elegant card – isn’t it great SU has these wonderful plates and folders to add texture! That is a technique I have been hesitant to try also. I feel a little braver now. The other technique I’ve been leery to try is using ink on the embossing folders. I’m afraid a lot of card stock would be abused. Give the pups a hug.
Ann, Beautiful card. Hope Muffy is feeling better now. Poor baby!
This is stunning Ann! I love the way you displayed the trees and the BG is gorgeous! I played along too this week….just need to crop my photo and upload. Have a fantastic weekend!
{sMILES}
I’m having a hard time commenting because my jaw is still on the floor!! OMG, stunning, simply stunning. Burgandy on on Bashful Blue is pure opulence. Gorgeous card Ann!
Wow! What a beautiful card Ann! I just love how you used the brayer on the plates!
Ann, I was laughing so hard at your “Embossing Spotted Fever” comment. I am going to have to use that one! That is fabulous! That technique on the plates sounds interesting. It is beautiful. I read another comment about trying it on the folders, too. Have you done that? I’m wondering if they yield similar results. Your card is stunning though. Your tablecloth-inspired background is amazing! 🙂
Hugs to the furry twins!
Lovely as usual.
Oh my gosh! This is over the top! What a gorgeous background! As for a technique…ANYTHING that you do on any of your cards. I would love to come a stamp for a day with you! Maybe you could have a retreat!!! ~ Bonnie~
Wow, another real beauty from The Stampin’ Schach … I LOVE it! I’m with you, I see all these wonderful techniques but am hesitant to try them. Using a brayer would be on the top of my list. Have a great day with the Twins!
What a beautiful card! Love the Bravo Burgundy with Bashful Blue. Very rich combo. And now, I REALLY wish I lived closer…. we would get to play with the pups!!! Wonder if DH is up for a move west?!? ;D
This is beautiful! I have been “unsure” and “hesitant” about trying this embossing trick but I see that I must try it!! This card is a beauty, love the trees! Hmm…a technique I would love to see it watercolouring…I have an awful time with the Aqua Painter.
Have a good day with your babies…
Lesley
So beautiful Ann. I love your tablecloth! Kiss the twins for me! I love Linda’s comment!!! Hugs,
Gorgeous Ann!! Never done the brayering on plates – must try!! Hope you have an ‘uneventful’ day 😉 just lots of fun play
Beautiful job, Ann. I love the composition!
I forgot to leave a comment on what I would like to see more of or what technique I would like to see…
Brayering…. I have never tried it yet.. my brayer is still sitting in the box it came in… so sad…
hugs
Darlene-Joy
Beautiful card Ann.. I will have to try this techniqe.. I have seen it done to, but just never tried it yet. Love the colors you chose. The comment you made about teachers losing their class… well let’s just say, we all know that will never happen with you. You may have stopped teaching in the school system but I think you have a lot more class now, than you did then. lol…
hugs
Darlene-Joy
Wow – what a tablecloth – absoluely stunning! Your details are always amaz……..oh wait don’t look now there goes Muffy headed for her next adventure…….:o)!
gorgeous card!!! that tablecloth is over the top. have you tried this with the embossing folders? i’ll have to remember the tips about fresh ink and misting! hugs, m
Ann this card is so beautiful and captures the damask of the tablecloth to a tea.. I’ve never tried to brayer a plate so I guess that would be the tut I would like to learn. (I be scared).
Of course I love the touch of pearls ..both the triple ones that jump right out and the tiny ones, I noticed on the second look. So perfect… I REALLY wish I was close enough to come to class.
Leslie said … I simply must come over and learn this technique! Wow – this card has everything in the way of elegance and style. And what a unique color combination! I would never have dreamed of bashful blue with bravo burgundy. You never cease to amaze me with your eye for style and color!
Wow, what a stunner! And so sorry to hear about Muffy—I can sympathize with the beesting allergy–been there, done that! She’s a lucky puppy to have a Mommy like you!