Paper Players Challenge #53 – Artistic Etchings

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.  I hope you are all having a great weekend so far.

Tonight's card was created using the fabulous sketch from Lesley.  I really sat for a long time pondering how I was going to make this sketch clean and simple.  My original route was much less simple, but, you all know me….. I am always drawn to making a sketch clean and simple if I can.

Here's Lesley's sketch:

Isn't that a cool sketch?   So, I guess you would like to see what I did with it?  Well, your wish is my command!

I used a Stampin' Up! clear block, inked with the new Pool Party color, as the way to get three vertical panels – without adding another layer of card stock.   I love this new color, it really is incredibly fresh.  Unfortunately, it has been another very dull and rainy day here, so I was not able to get a good photograph.  If the weather gets better tomorrow, then I will try and take another pic, as this pic really doesn't do the Pool Party justice!

Card recipe:

• Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pool Party
• Inks:  Basic Black Marker (for the Eiffel Tower), Always Artichoke for the foliage, Pool Party for the background layers
• Accessories:  Black and White gingham ribbon – retired and of course, I couldn't go without a little bling from the Basic Rhinestones.
• Stamps:  Sentiment- Something to Celebrate.  Focal Image – Artistic Etchings

I needed a little more foliage around the bottom of the tower, so I took my Always Artichoke marker and, using the fine tip end, filled in some foliage at the bottom of either side.  I used light side to side movements and it added just the extra bit of foliage that I needed.  And… seriously…. what isn't there to celebrate about being in Paris!!!!   That's why I used this sentiment.  It's perfect for a birthday card, an anniversary card, or a card to celebrate an upcoming trip!

This is the last week that we will have Cindy as Guest Designer.  Cindy, you have been a fabulous addition to this team and I have really enjoyed seeing your cards as part of the Design Team challenge. 

So, it's over to you.  What will you do with Lesley's sketch?  You can pop along to the Paper Players tomorrow and check out the fabulous things the design team did with it.  I know you will find something to inspire you as everyone has taken a different path with it.  We can't wait to see your interpretation of the sketch.

On a personal note:

My hubby is out of town again.  I think I should start reporting when he is in town as that seems to be more of a rarity :-)  He has another long flight as he is back in Malaysia for three days.  So… two days to get there, two days to get back.. all for 3 days in country!

We were not really expecting more rain today.  We were lucky to get a little break in the weather to have breakfast on the deck.  It's been the first time in forever that we have been able to do that!  Looking at the flooding in North Dakota should give you an idea of just how much rain we have had.  The farmer's are way behind on planting and the corn in most of the fields is looking just a little waterlogged.

The good thing is… it's cool… and you all know how I love cool weather!  It really was fabulous sitting on the deck.  The number of birds flying in and out was incredible and they were all signing.  Sadly, no sighting of our Orioles – although Brenda did have a brief visit from one in her garden.  Oh… and being just a little jealous of Brenda and her quick visit from the Oriole made me remember this comment from Linda…. now… this made me totally GREEN with envy… err.. except for the ticks that is!!!!

This is what Linda saw……."You would have loved to be with me this past Sunday. Driving home from the lake I found patches of wild flowers in the ditches.  The first one was huge yellow lady slippers. The second one of note was humungous pink lady slippers, with some wild iris thrown in for colour contrast. Back at the bush line were columbine, wild roses and (I think) dogwood. Wandering among them taking photos was worth the two ticks I picked up."  Seriously Lady Slippers, Wild Irish and Colombines, altogether, in the wild……. wow… that was SO worth the two ticks!  Thanks for sharing, Linda, reading this left me with such a fabulous image.

Talking about sharing… I am still really enjoying your stories of school.  We have just a couple more days for this question.  I will be posting a new question on Tuesday night and picking a winner for the Basic Rhinestones.   IF anyone is right about which cutie patootie is me in the photograph on the school teacher question post….. they will receive a brand new roll of the brand new, yet to be released, ribbon from the 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! catalog.

Chris R, I loved the story of your teacher and how she was still asking about you 30-40 years after you left school.  That really shows just how much our teacher's care and remember!

Linda, I love that Miss LaMoin taught you Spanish back in the 60's.  That is pretty cool!

Ruth, your story of Miss Witchhart took me back to a time and place in my distant youth.  When such manners were drilled into boys!  Oh… and we weren't let off easy, either!  I know that I am a modern woman, but there is a part of me that really misses the age of manners – we do seem to have lost some of those basics and I miss them. 

Prayers tonight for those affected by the floods, and for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

I will be back on Monday with a brand new post for you.  In fact, Monday's post is a 3D with Jaydee project, so I hope you will come back and join me on Monday.

In the meantime, don't forget to pop along to the Paper Players and join our challenge this week.

Hugs

Jaydee