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

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