Dec 31, 2012

Crafters of Faith December Challenge!

There is a wonderful group of card makers on Split Coast Stampers called Crafters of Faith and I am fortunate to belong to this group.  Each month one of us hosts a challenge and we post our creations on the last day of the month.

Our challenge this month was to create a winter themed card, featuring snow, snowflakes, shimmer and shine.  We were also free to "bling in the New Year"!

Well, in my little corner of the world, we received fresh, powdery snow last night, then today the skies cleared and we had brilliant sunlight!  Surely a reminder of God's power and love for this world.  Of course I knew immediately that this would be my card:























This is a simple card, no layers, using only two stamps and some softly sparkling ribbon.  The main image is from an Impression Obsession's "Cover-a-Card" series, entitled "Birch Trees".  Of course you recognize the distinctive sentiment from 2004 Stampin Up.

It's inked onto plain white card stock with "Ocean" by A-Muse Studios.  I wanted to create the blowing snowdrifts outside my window, and the Cover-a-Card stamp is very large: 5.75 inches.  So, on a whim, I took a damp rag and swiped the ink off of the bottom portion of the stamp, thinking that I would use another piece of paper to create the snowdrifts.  Well, imagine my surprise when I looked at the end result!

The whole card front was sprayed with Stardust Finishing Spray by A-Muse Studios.  It creates a soft shimmery affect that I love.

I did like it just the way it was, but we were challenged to use some glitter or bling so I added small drops of Diamond Stickles.  This picture shows it somewhat, although it is hard to capture it in a photograph.

Give yourself a New Year's wintery treat and hop on over to the blogs of the other members (links are right there in my sidebar).  You won't be sorry, there's sure to be some glittery goodness to behold!

14 comments:

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Oh Darlene... my jaw just dropped! Your card is STUNNING!!! I love that one-layer beauty with just a subtle ribbon to add depth. What a great image - and the use of the finishing spray gives it a nice sheen! You are amazing!!!

MiamiKel said...

Oh my stars, Darlene!! I cannot tell you how absolutely breathtaking your card is - it's literally an exact match to the photo inspiration of the CG! You totally NAILED it!! This is a beauty - rare and wonderful to behold! I must request that you please do a tutorial on how you created this! *please!* :) I'm seeing brayer work, but love how you say you just brushed/wiped to create this - remake, tutorial, por favor! :)

Love that you are a member of the COF, my friend - here's to a wonderful 2013 ahead! x0x0

jimlynn said...

OMGoodness!!! So very beautiful and peaceful looking! Love all the shimmer and shine on here too. Gorgeous card!
Lynn

Liz Williams said...

This is so lovely and so serene. Like the new fallen snow so quickly covers with its quiet blanket of white, so your card speaks of that same peacefulness. Have a blessed new year.

~ Sharon ~ said...

You may think it's simple but I think it's absolutely stunning! Your idea to wipe off the bottom of the stamp was brilliant and it worked out so well for you. Hope you have a Happy New Year!

maryrose said...

Darlene, this is so lovely! That shimmery spray gives such a prett effect, and you know I love the birch trees! Blessings in 2013 my friend!

marsha said...

How elegant and beautiful! I love the shimmer and the gorgeous birch trees. Happy New Year'!

Carol W said...

Wow, wow, wow...this is awesome. I love the simplicity of it with the twist of it looking way more complicated. And the glittah...yay you go girlfriend. I love this...just perfect...(was great talking to you today...hugs))...Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year my friend....hope to meet you in real life soon...hugs....♥♥♥

Barb said...

WOW Darlene--this card is a keeper! Stunning Colors and a beautiful card. I have thi stamp and I am so inspired to ink it up this week!

Way to rock the final challenge of 2013--and for being a part of this wonderful group of ladies--the Crafters of Faith!

:: BlueInks :: said...

So pretty this card is! I love the stamped image and how you created your own new technique! Great job this round!!!

~Paola~ said...

oh my oh my oh myyyyyyy!! love love loveeeeeeeeeeee this AMAZING card Darlene!!!It is just way behind 'beautiful'....from the image to the colors of d/p to EVERYTHING!!!!*W*O*W*!!!!

Shelly Schmidt said...

Love the image- how gorgeous- your color and shimmer- WOW!

Ana Carolina Little said...

Oh my goodness Darlene this card is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!. What a great scene!!! LOVE IT!!!

kadie said...

Oh what a perfect scene you've created!! This card is gorgeous and you've met the theme this month to a tee! I adore being part of this wonderful group and was sorry I couldn't play along this month. HUGS