Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge

It's Friday night and I'm back once again with the Stamping 411 weekly Sketch Challenge. I'm happy to report that even though I had a "You've GOT to be kidding me!" moment when I first saw this sketch - all is still well in the ol' stampin' studio.

I know. That's quite the sketch, now isn't it?
After scratching my head, walking away, mumbling something like "Holy sketches, Batman". I stampered up and went to work. (Ok, that's like 'man up', which we've been hearing a lot of in the news lately, but funnier, right?!)
Yeah, I'll get on with the card.....

Here you go, what do you think?

Yes, I KNOW it's busy - but hey, did you see that sketch?!!
And truthfully - I really do like how it turned out!

So, here's what I did - don't worry, it's easier than you may think.
The card base layer is Crumb Cake cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and folded in half to make an A2 size card 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". I sponged the edges with Always Artichoke ink.
The next layer is Cherry Cobbler (LOVE me some Cherry Cobbler!) cut at 4" x 5 1/4" and sponged with Cherry Cobbler ink.
Then I cut four strips of 1 1/8" x 3 3/4" Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and sponged the edges in Always Artichoke ink.
The next layer is a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock cut out with my Big Shot and the Top Note Die. I stamped it with the Christmas Collage background stamp in Early Espresso ink and sponged the edges in Cherry Cobbler. I colored in the holly and berries with my Stampin' Pastels to add a little more color.

Now, for the focal point.

I pulled out the skaters from my all-time favorite stamp set Winter Post (may it never retire!) and stamped them with Black Staz-On onto Very Vanilla cardstock. (Note to Patti Chesky - now that you finally own this AMAZING stamp set, I can't wait to see what you are going to do with it, O queen of the sponge!)
I colored in my image this time with my Aqua Painters and ink from the lids of my ink pads. It was then punched out using the 1 3/4" Circle punch, sponged with Cherry Cobbler and mounted with 2 Stampin' Dimensionals onto the Top Note piece.
Then I used my Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker and my Color Spritzer tool to add some flecks - making it a bit more vintage, as if it needed it! But I digress......

Next, I mounted the Top Note piece to the DSP and Cherry Cobbler pieces and added a strip of Very Vanilla Seam Binding across it all. The bow was created by layering two pieces of Very Vanilla Seam Binding together, tying my bow and separating the pieces. I opened up the prongs of the Antique Brad and wrapped it around the middle of the bow and attached the whole thing with Mini Glue Dots to the card front.

Are you ready for more?
Ok, how about that tag!

I inked up the greeting from the Bells and Boughs stamp set with Cherry Cobbler ink and stamped it on a scrap of Very Vanilla cardstock. It's punched out with the Decorative Label Punch, sponged with Always Artichoke ink and speckled with the Color Spritzer. I punched the small hole with my 1/16" Handheld punch and tied it to the bow/button with a piece of Linen Thread. It's secured to the card front with a single Dimensional behind it.

Now, wasn't that easy?!! :)
Be sure to check out all the other operators creations by visiting the Stamping 411 blog this weekend. I know they will have some wonderful projects to share with you!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend. We are finally going on our annual apple picking trip on Saturday. Heading up to Marker-Miller Orchards in Winchester, VA. I LOVE going to this orchard. Not only do they have terrific apples, but they make homemade Apple Cider donuts that are truly one of the most wonderful things I've ever put in my mouth! I love getting them all warm and cinnamon-sugary right out of the bakery. We get a bag and some apple cider and go sit out on the big wrap around porch in a wooden rocking chair and eat till our hearts content! The view this time of year is glorious with all the fall colors and gorgeous apple trees spread out around us there. I'll be sure to take some photos tomorrow and share them with you next week. Tomorrow evening, we'll be home baking apple pies and making homemade applesauce. The pies we do each year, but the applesauce is new, inspired by my friend Pam at SU! corporate. We'll see how it turns out....... I'll let you know!

Sunday is another busy day - we have our annual Trunk or Treat at our church starting late afternoon. All the families participating decorate the trunk or hatchback of their cars, dress up in fun costumes and hand out candy to all who come by for treats. It's such a fun time of community and fellowship, not scary at all, but great for every family! I for one, am looking forward to the candy! You know me and chocolate!

Stamped blessings everyone!
~~Robin