Saturday, January 7, 2012

"Time Flies" Birthday Card

I'm proud to announce that this week I'm the Guest Designer over at My Sheri Crafts.
The theme for this week's challenge is "Time For A Change".
Here is my featured submission:
I've used this particular clock stamp set quite frequently and love the "Time Flies" theme.  But it's a new year and I wanted to change it up.  So instead of my usual birds and clocks, I went with a butterfly.  I think butterflies truly represent "Change"!  This project has lots of details and I've described them below.  If you're interested, keep reading!

First off, I created the background using one of my favorite embossing techniques.  I took a piece of blue patterned paper (this one had a very subtle pattern) and stamped with embossing ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  I worked in small areas so that the embossing ink didn't dry before I powdered it and also so that I could make sure I was pleased with the design.  Once I was finished, I took Distress Ink (Chipped Sapphire & Faded Jeans) and applied them over the embossed design with the blending tool.  I used a paper towel to gently buff the DI off of the raised design.  Once that was done,I spritzed the entire sheet with pearlized water. 
Here you can see a close up on how the embossing shimmers and shines as you move the card.  I love this technique because it allows you to make your own custom paper that looks so elegant!
The next feature I want to detail is the butterfly.  Using my Cricut and Sure Cuts A Lot program, I cut this butterfly out of acetate.  On the back side I pounced on alcohol inks (Denim, Sailboat Blue and Silver Mixative).  The shimmer the AI gives it is amazing and it looks great with the background paper.  I gently bent the wings up and added a Glossy Accents "body" into which I placed a beaded wire antenna.
The little punched flowers also have some dimension to them.  In the centers I added Liquid Pearl dots.  The sentiment was stamped onto a strip of velum that was laid over a piece of the same unembossed patterned paper as the background.
Inside I continued with the theme.  I lightly stamped a blue clock, butterflies and the wording "Time Flies".  Over that in a darker, full strength blue ink is stamped "Happy Birthday".
This card is entered into the following Challenges:

18 comments:

Tina Campbell said...

Fantastic card. Very nicely done.

Mynn xx said...

What a gorgeous creation!!! LOVE that technique--and congrats on the Guest DT! :)

P.G. Lamb said...

What a pretty card! The custom designer paper even makes it more special. Thanks for joining us this week at My Sheri Crafts!

Alicia B said...

What a beautiful card!!! Thanks for sharing the "How to's" with us! *Hugs*

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card, Cindy. The butterfly is the perfect touch to an already gorgeous card.

Marge said...

This is truly BEAUTIFUL and very CREATIVE, Cindy!!! I may just have to borrow some of your creative ideas for a future creation of my own -- TFS your talents with us all @ My Sheri Crafts this week!!!

Unknown said...

stunning Cindy! What an awesome card. Congrats on being Guest Designer.

Paula said...

Gorgeous...This card is simply gorgeous! I love all the detail you added!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card!

Shelley Menhennet said...

Wow - just lovely!

Paper Squirrel said...

Stunning! Great techniques...need to give them a whirl!

Charlotte said...

Cindy,
This is just a gorgeous card. I love the paper. How special that it is custom designed. The design of the card is so pretty and the little butterfly is a great touch. I love the sentiment.
Charlotte

ShelbyWoo said...

So glad to have you guest design at My Sheri Crafts! I just love everything about this card!! Great job!

Kathy said...

This is very pretty and elegant. Such attention to detail. The embossed background is gorgeous. Thanks for joining us at Sentimental Sundays this week.

Marjie Kemper said...

Beautiful! I love the way you made your own patterned paper by stamping/embossing.

Unknown said...

The design and the pattern of this card is very eye-catching.

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Glenda said...

Beautiful card! Love the custom made designer paper and all the clocks! So many lovely details and techniques! Thanks you for sharing with us at My Sheri Crafts!
Glenda
http://glendascards.blospot.com/

papertrails leaver said...

What a lovely card! The butterfly is gorgeous! Thanks for joining us at Sentimental Sundays and good luck! :-) Amy