Thursday, July 7, 2011

Challenge: A Sketch + Anything Goes Theme!

After having been away from crafting for a while due to our church's summer retreat, I was really eager to get back into it!  I admit that it took a while to get used to it again though.  I kept thinking about it that I was actually kind of afraid to start!  I was sure I'd mess something up, but thankfully, it was still just as fun as I remember it!  I decided to make some cards for challenges when my mom asked if I could make a card for my cousin's birthday.  I was able to combine his card with 2 challenges.

The image I picked was from Pink Cat Studio.  I recently purchased the Dinosaur Value Pack #1 that included the image "Rex Loves Cake."  Perfect for a guy's birthday card!  That's why my mom had to ask me to make one; most of my cards are kind of girl-focused.  I colored him with Bic Mark-It Markers as always.  Since I've been away from the markers and shading for a bit, I wasn't entirely happy with how it came out.  I was going to keep adding layers to get it to blend better, but I was afraid that if I did, I'd mess it up and have to start all over again.  I do think, however, that it does look better on the card than it does in this close-up picture.


Then I followed the sketch challenge over at deconstructingjen.com.  My use of the sketch and my coloring skills is nothing like those posted there done by the design team, but gosh, I do like trying!


This is the final result!  I cut the cardstock to make a 5in square card, and I worked with what I had for all the separate pieces.  The base cardstock and the white layer were the only two "new" pieces I cut into.  Everything else was from my scrap basket.  It's actually easier for me to do it that way because otherwise I'd be going through tons of paper stacks to try to find something that coordinates.  In actuality, I did try to combine another challenge involving dots with this one, but I could not find masculine polka dot paper!  Haha.


I used the thinnest foam adhesive square that I had just to add some dimension without being too out there.  For some reason, I think that guys don't want it to be popping out that much.  I have no clue what I think that!  


I used a Bic Mark-It maker for the dashes on the green circle, and I used my Recollections "Snow" Opaque Marker for the white dots on the blue square (easily cut out with my Nestabilities).  The sentiment is from Pink by Design's set "Take the Cake."  I realized that I should probably buy the "Happy Birthday" set because I actually only have one sentiment stamp that says it!  Everything else is a pun or something cutesy.  


I like that the card opens from the top.  I think it's fun when cards do that, haha.  Is that a weird thing to say and think?  Hmm, what else can I tell you about this card?  Oh, I tried to use a stamp and VersaMark to get some dots on the green paper, but it just looked funny, so I had to throw that piece away.  Thank goodness I only needed half the circle!  And the full circle was actually cut in a card I posted last week or so when I made the circle card for the latest Karber challenge.  I may cut and "make a mistake" in that I end up not using it on that card, but I will end up using it eventually!

Here are the challenges that I'm entering:

26 comments:

  1. This turned out really great! Love that little dinosaur!!! Thanks for joining us for this week's Deconstructed Sketch!

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  2. Cute card Rachel! Love your little monster guy! :)

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  3. @Jennifer: Thank you! Thanks for designing such great sketches! I learn a lot in terms of card making when I try to do a sketch challenge.

    @Jessica: Thank you! When I first saw that set of digi stamps, I knew I was going to eventually get it. They're too cute!

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  4. Every time you post something you colored in, I am always amazed at the fact that you actually colored it because it looks so good that I find it hard to believe it was actually colored and not printed!

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  5. @ksquared: Thanks! Haha, I chalk it up to having really good markers. Those Bic Mark-Its in Ultra Fine are awesome! I'm so glad I bought both sets because I use both of them at the same time.

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  6. Hi Rachel, Super cute card and great sketch!! I'm a new follower and I hope you can stop by!!! Good luck on your challenges!!
    Hugs

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  7. @PinkBlingCrafter: Thank you so much! I'm now following your blog too. I'm always so eager after I enter a challenge!

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  8. Adorable little monster Rachel and I love the layout! Thanks for playing along with us at Catch the Bug!
    Tammy :)

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  9. @Tammy: Thank you! I'm so excited to be able to join in some challenges!

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  10. Awww, he's such a cutie! My boys love this T-Rex! You did a fab job! I love Jen's sketches too, you did a wonderful job with it :)
    hugs to you,
    margie

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  11. @Margie: Thank you so much! Jen's actual sketches have a simplicity about them that I like. I look at them constantly when I'm trying to use one, and each time I look at it, it seems as if I'm noticing something new!

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  12. Hello Rachel! Thx for visiting my blog and your sweet comments! I LOVE your card - so sweet and fresh and fun!!

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  13. @Mary: Thanks for stopping by here! I hope my cards can inspire others even though I'm still learning!

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  14. @Cindy: It really is such a fun image!

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  15. Great card! The Bic markers look great, I've not tried those.

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  16. @The Accidental Wallflower: Thanks, Lindsey! The only thing I don't like about the Bic Markers is that even the lighter colors come out pretty dark especially when layering and blending. Someone on the Splitcoast Stampers forum suggested I buy some light Copics or something to supplement.

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  17. what a fun card! love the colors! thanks for playing this weeks bugaboo challenge at catch the bug!

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  18. @Jodie: Thank you! I loved being able to participate!

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  19. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love Gilmore Girls--one of my go-to dvds when I am crafting!

    I just love your card! Your coloring is fabulous!

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  20. @Amanda: Thanks! I love having the witty dialogue on in the background as I craft.

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  21. @Nadia: Thanks! I should really get back to making some more!

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  22. How cute is that??? Love the coloring and of course Jen's sketch!

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  23. @mousekemom: Thank you! This is only one of the dinosaurs in the set I bought. I gotta set some time aside to work on the others!

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  24. When I need a really slim dimensional I use one of my little circle punches to cut out thin cardboard (like a cereal box).I layer them 2, 3 or 4 at a time depending on how thick I need it. Then I just use Elmer's glue to adhere it to the diecut and to my card. Free dimensionals and recycling unite!

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