November 2, 2011

An Elf Present

I just love this new stamp from Penny Black called Little Elf Present!  It is one of those images that you just can’t wait to color.

 
Wouldn’t he be fun to alter for a birthday card too?!




This is a peek at the inside where I created a small pocket where I can tuck in a gift card.  For photographic purposes, I snuggled in a temporary gift to illustrate the pocket area.  I also left plenty of room above the insert to add a sentiment.  I usually leave the sentiments on the inside for last so I can personalize the greeting toward the recipient.



Zooming in you can see the gold edging on the dark green window mat and the sparkle gel pen used for accenting his outfit, present and tag.

I find that using different thicknesses of dimensional foam to vary the levels of the project adds a nice visual contrast.  To achieve even more combinations, I “double up” foam pieces.

I cut my framed windows by hand, but you could also use pre-cut frames or create them with a die-cutting system.

If you would like to jump in and create a frame card, here are my steps and measurements for today’s project. 

Instructions:

Pre-cut the following:
4 3/8” square card from red cardstock (This can be a left-sided or top-folded card.)
4” square white cardstock
4” square dark olive frame (with a 2 ¾” window removed leaving 5/8” sides)
4” square light olive frame (with a 3” window removed leaving 1/2” sides)

Preparing the pieces:
Rub crimson red ink on the front of the card to deepen the tone.  Edge all four sides with Delicata Golden Glitz ink.
Create a line of black dots on the white cardstock ¾” from the bottom.
Edge the inside of the dark olive frame with Delicata Golden Glitz ink.
Stamp dot border on the light olive frame with Spanish moss ink and then distress with additional Spanish moss.  (Tip: To have the pattern appear to fade out toward the perimeter of the frame, stamp the pattern first then distress.)  Add white gel pen dots if desired.

Assembly:
Center and adhere the white cardstock to the prepared card base with adhesive.
Align the dark olive frame over the white cardstock and adhere with 1/8” dimensional foam.
Align the light olive frame over the dark olive frame and adhere with 1/16” dimensional foam.
Stamp the elf with black pigment ink and heat emboss with clear powder on white cardstock.  Color and trim.  Accent hat, pom pom, boots, cuffs, skirt, tag and present with sparkle gel pen. (Gift tag stamped separately and attached with black thread.)
Attach the oh so cute elf with 1/8” dimensional foam to the outer frame.

Inside Gift Pocket:
Rub crimson red ink on a 1 ¼ x 4 3/8-inch piece of red cardstock.
Stamp border in black on white cardstock and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim to 4 3/8” in length.
Attach the border to the top of the red cardstock strip.  Apply adhesive to the two sides and bottom of the strip and adhere to the inside of the card. 

The other feature I like about framed cards, is that it gives you the option to put your artwork either on top or underneath the window.  Great way to give photos too!

On Friday, I will be posting two more cards made from this same stamp!

With appreciation for all your visits and comments,

Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Olive Grove 04-001, 04-003; Rose Garden 14-003
Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Spanish Moss VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Delicata Golden Glitz
Copic Markers
Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch (1/16”), 3D Dots EK Success (1/8”)
Sakura: Stardust Gel Pen, .01 Black Micron Pen
Other: Ruler, Craft Knife, Cutting Mat