Distressed Bird for the PPA

For today's Pals Paper Arts Challenge, based on an inspiration photo, I decided to just stay with the general idea of "Birds". Sure...I thought about doing something fancy, like gold embossed birds. I thought about using one of my two stamps that have birds in cages (Chic Boutique and the Sale-a-bration set, Happy Moments). I even thought about using my Extra Large Two Step Bird Punch. However, in the end I selected a Hostess Level 2 Set which I have used very little, Wings of Friendship. After a Clean and Simple trend for the past few cards, I decided that I wanted to get a little "distressed" with today's inspiration. So I pulled out my Sponge Daubers and Color Spritzer Tool, and set to work on my inspiration card, entitled "Distressed Bird for the PPA". Have fun with today's challenge!



The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Larger stamped images require larger card bases! Since the central image on this card is rather large, I elected to use a 5-1/4" square card base. At this size, it slips easily into Stampin' Up!'s square envelopes!


• Little details add up for big impact! The paper piercing around the Night of Navy Scalloped Oval; the Jumbo Grommet through which the ribbon is laced; the textured Photo Corners created with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder all contribute to the design elements of this card. Yet, they are created in the wink of an eye!


• Think outside of the box! The Scalloped Trim Corner Punched pattern paper, peeking from underneath the Large Photo Corner adds a touch of whimsey. While the tiny Regal Rose flowers stamped with the Eastern Blooms set and then snipped out with Paper Snips, add a pop of color to the Always Artichoke branch.


• Get dirty! Sponge Daubers, Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip inks are all it takes to add a vintage and distressed feel to any card. And never overlook the impact of the easy to use Color Spritzer Tool. For this card I used a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker, and spritzed the Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper as well as the Very Vanilla card stock.


• Bitty Bows! Linen Thread bows are used to hold the ends of the Always Artichoke 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon together.

I once had someone tell me that they could never create a card like this. Well, guess what...it's not hard! Time consuming, yes. Difficult, no! And as far as the time is concerned, the bulk of my time is spent coming up with the initial design. Once that's in place, the rest is easy! And if you have never tried a more distressed look, go for it! Just grab your Sponge Daubers and Color Spritzer!

So, let me know what you think about today's card by leaving a comment. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Now head on over to the Pals Paper Arts site and check out the other wonderful cards. Until next time...

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Stamp Sets: Wings of Friendship (114308---Hostess Level 2), Eastern Blooms (111626); Inks: Close to Cocoa (103139), Chocolate Chip (100908); Stampin' Write Markers: Close to Cocoa (100072), Regal Rose (105108), Always Artichoke (105116), Night of Navy (100069); Designer Series Paper: Bella Bleu (113974); Card Stock: Kraft (102125), Night of Navy (100867), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335), Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Photo Corners Punch (109042), Corner Rounder (109047), Paper Snips (103579), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Sponge Daubers (102892), Paper Piercer (); Glitz and Glam: Rich Regals Brads (106953), Antique Brass Jumbo Grommets (108431), Linen Thread (104199), Always Artichoke 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109035)