My Favorite Things Weekly Sketch Challenge
Inspiration Sketch 644
Good day, fellow crafters. I am delighted to share with you my submission for the MFT Weekly Sketch Challenge #644. As a passionate crafter, I was immediately drawn to the unique layout of the sketch and saw it as an opportunity to explore new techniques, new materials and to push my creativity to new heights. I cannot wait to see the other inspiring entries that this challenge will undoubtedly produce and encourage you to participate as well. I hope you enjoy.
To make this card, I delved into my crafting materials to search for an unused item that could be assembled with a unified theme. After careful consideration, I opted for the My Favorite Things Rain or Shine (BB-058) stamp set as it is incredibly adorable. Using Gina K Amalgam ink in Chocolate Truffle, I stamped the images onto White cardstock. Next, I used my trusty Copic markers to meticulously color the images. The images were enjoyable to color, and I included several special details, particularly the little ducky which I find particularly charming. I used my Arteza Gel pens to give the images some highlights the finally I fussy cut the images out and set them aside.
The next step was to work on the mid-ground of the card, which are the three circles in the sketch layout. I started by choosing ink and cardstock colors that were representative of the Rain or Shine theme I was creating. I first worked on what would be the largest circle, a chose a beautiful Blue patterned paper that really makes my foreground image pop. I also decided to use the leftover as the mat when I cut the circle out so as to not waste materials, which is a big no-no in my crafting. I set the paper aside until I was ready to cut it.
To create a multi-dimensional raindrops design, I employed the Altenew Thunderstorm (ALT6139) background stencil and Gina K's Glitz Glitter gel on a piece of White cardstock. To begin, I ink-blended a piece of White cardstock in Ranger’s Distress Oxide Weathered Wood to the hue that I wanted for the rain. This is an important step because I am using the Irredescent Glitter Glitz gel and it will show and enhance any color that is under it. I next placed the cardstock on my workspace and affixed the stencil onto it using tape to secure it in place. Then, I carefully applied a thin and even layer of glitter gel onto the stencil to ensure uniform coverage. Once the stencil was entirely covered, I gingerly lifted it off the cardstock to avoid any smudging of the glitter gel. It is essential to be cautious during this step because the glitter gel can easily smudge. After lifting the stencil, I allowed the gel to dry entirely, which took some time, given that the drying period varies based on the gel's thickness. This was really a clever solution since I do not have any other colors of Glitz Glitter gel available at the moment.
For the Sun image, I followed a similar process as the previous step, but I had to improvise since I didn't have a suitable Sun image. I decided that I would make it look a bit more abstract by using the Altnew Mandela Builder Stencil set but only using the very center of the stencil. I followed the same steps as with the raindrops but this time I used Ranger's Distress Oxide in Squeezed Lemonade for the Sun. I feel like it gave it a real summertime at the beach feel and I will highly likely use this method again.
The next part of the process was to cut out the circles. To do this I took each of my three midground cardstocks and the My Favorite Things (MFT-0849) Inside & Outside Stitched Circle die set to cut each one to its final dimension and set them aside.
Next was assembly. I chose my usual pre-cut A2 White card base, adhered the Blue patterned mat, a Light blue to cover up the whole I cut out, then the cutout circles, and then finally the foreground image of the little girl and duck. The sentiment was then stamped with VersaMark Clair in Nocturne.
