Autumn Days - pine cones in the snow and blog candy alert

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday night and welcome to Jaydee's SU stamping space.

Today was rainy and wet - in fact, it reminded me of England...or Seattle :-)  We were sitting out having breakfast on the deck under the awning with the rain all around us.  The smell of wet earth and fresh rain was fabulous.  One of the sparrows took cover in the rock garden.  She sat out the shower all nice and cozy in a little nook between two rocks.  And they insult people by calling them birdbrain!

Today's card was inspired by one I saw in a magazine about a month ago.  I saw the color inspiration sketch across at PPA and decided that I needed to pull out a card stock I don't use very often.  Which is a pity, cos it's such a gorgeous card stock.  I made two cards inspired by the colors in the PPA photo - and also used the same set - Autumn Days.  This is the first of them.  I absolutely love the Autumn Days set and combined with the shimmer paint, white ink and chocolate chip... a nice, muted color palette and a card that was quick, easy and worth adding to a stamp a stack for Christmas. :-)

So, let's take a look at how I created this snow effect.

First of all, I used an A2 card base with Kraft.  I cut another piece of Kraft 21/2" x 21/2" and used that to stamp my pinecone image.  Of course, I used my stamp-a-ma-jig - where would I be without it!

I stamped the image and then used a stylus to apply the shimmer paint - I used the Frost White for this card.  However...... I really didn't like it - I thought it was much too strong on the page.  So.  I did what paper crafters NEVER do... I turned the paper over and re-stamped the image on the other side!  OK... Fess up... who has done that?  :-)

So, here's what I did to get around the fact that the paint was too bright when applied directly?  

I took the stylus and "kissed" my inked stamp instead.

I inked the stamp with Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip and then "huffed and puffed".  I then took my stylus (the smaller end) and dipped it into the lid of my shimmer paint (shake well before using).  I then used the stylus to "apply" the snow onto the stamp and stamped the image again.

   

This time, I got exactly the effect I was looking for.  If you look closely, you can see where I applied the shimmer paint directly to a piece of card stock for you.  It's much brighter - and too strong for the image I was going for.  Applying it to the stamp gave me the softer, more etheral feel of snow.  

I then took my white ink pad and inked around the edges of the stamped image piece - as well as around the front of the card.  WARNING:  remember to let each side dry when you are moving it around in your hand otherwise you end up with white streaks everywhere... Of course, I would never do that :-)

I also distressed the edges of the card very, very slightly with my bone folder.  I used Short and Sweet for the sentiment and added a little shimmer paint to the stamp before I stamped the sentiment.

Here's a close-up of the final image.  Those of you who visit my blog often must know that I was really, really, really, really... :-) tempted to use my Big Shot to texturize the background. But in this case I decided to restrain myself and keep with the clean and simple feel for the card.  A little chocolate chip ribbon was all it needed to achieve the look that I was going for. Can't you feel the snow on those pine cones?

So.... I've decided it's blog candy time.   Check back tomorrow, as I will be announcing blog candy.  I'll give you a hint - it involves my favorite stamp set :-)

I hope you all had a fabulous Sunday. I have to admit that tonight I will be sitting in front of the TV - to watch the beginning of The Amazing Race.  I love this show and am pleased that it's back.  I love traveling, whether it's in person - or vicariously through others.  Mind you.... because I hate flying long distances, I really wish that we could do a Harry Potter and use some floo powder!  Mmm... thinking about that... and the fact that I keep forgetting things - like lots of things and have to keep retracing my steps - I could do with a Rememberall, too!

On that note, I wish you all a Monday filled with the magic that makes you happy.....  Whether it's a good latte at your nearest coffee shop, walking the dog, scratching your cat under his/her chin, playing tag with the children, or stamping....  thanks for stopping by today - and have a magical Monday.  Don't forget to check in tomorrow for some blog candy - no Bertie Bott's everyflavor beans I promise! :-)

Peace and hugs

Jaydee 

Autumn Days - 115452

Comments

[Yvonne]

I like the way you added the shimmery paints to the card. i di not know you could place it on the stamp and stamp away! Also the card looks elegant yet so simple.
It is raining here in Michigan too!

[Jean Fitch]

Ah ha someone's been reading Harry Potter again! I have them all on tape and seem to listen to each book several times a year. A girls gotta have something going on while spinning and weaving and yes even card making at times.

Love this card Jaydee and thanks for the step by step run through. Even on the screen it really does look like snow you can reach out and touch just before it melts. Like looking out the window on to the 30 or so pine trees in my front yard all with monster pine cones that take great delight in dropping on my head! The cats avoid those trees like the plague ever since Sandy got bonked! Granted they don't like licking the sap off their paws either!

Inky, rainy hugs my friend sounds like fall has arrived! - Jean

[Doris]

Just ordered this set and can't wait to play with it! Thanks for the inspiration.

[Ann Schach]

Beautiful card! I love its simplicity! Thanks for the helpful tips and for playing @ PPA!

[Jer Christoffersen]

I love the simple beauty of this card and the shimmer paint ideas. Very nice!

[Pals Paper Arts]

On behalf of the design team, thank you for playing @ PPA.

Join us for our next challenge on Thursday, October 1, 2009.

[Margaret Moody]

I love your card, Jaydee! It is definitely a great Stamp-A-Stack card and I plan to make a few just like it! Thanks for the inspiration! I love the simple but beautiful simplicity! Great job with the Inspiration Challenge!

[Linda Callahan]

I love the snow effect on the pine cones and the needles!! Thanks for the tips!