Stamping 411 - A Clean and Simple Thanksgiving

Happy Weekend stampers!
I can honestly say that it's been a long time since I've been this glad that we've reached the weekend! It's been a fantastic week in so many ways, but there have been a few rough patches too and MAN, am I glad I can put those calendar pages behind me!
Usually I can manage to get my card for the Stamping 411 challenge done at least by Thursday (when it's due!), but this week, I was stamping in my pajamas as soon as I got Emma off to school this morning. Definitely the right time for Clean and Simple!

Here's my card:

And here's the sketch:

Now ya'll know that I like to change things up a bit from time to time with the sketch, but not today! And all things considered - I am really happy with my finished card!
I used Crumb Cake for the base, stamping it across the bottom edge with the single leaf stamp from the Days of Gratitude stamp set using Crumb Cake ink for a tone on tone look.
I then wrapped a piece of Early Espresso Satin Ribbon around the card. The ribbon ends are hidden under the focal image. On top of the ribbon, I placed a thin strip of Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper over the ribbon. Isn't that a cool look? and a great way to use up some scrap pieces too!

The greeting was stamped with Cajun Craze ink just above the ribbon and I added the little acorn next to it with Crumb Cake ink.

Now, let's talk about the focal point:

The layers are Early Espresso, Autumn Spice Designer Paper, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla. To stamp my focal image, I inked up the leaves with More Mustard and used the Rock-n-Roll technique and added Cajun Craze ink to the edges. But......I wasn't done!
I then cleaned my stamp and using my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, lined up the image and stamped it again in Versamark ink. That allowed me to heat emboss it with Clear Embossing Powder and give it a raised, shiny look. I know you can't see it in the photo, but it's there!
I did use 8 dimensionals on the focal layers - but hey, what's a Robin card without some dimensionals? Well, most of the time!

So, that's it for this sketch challenge! I hope you'll leave me a comment and then go visit the Stamping 411 blog and check out what the other Operators created for you - I know they will inspire you!
Have a great weekend everyone and be sure to take time not only for the ones you love, but take some time for YOU! You deserve it!

Stamped blessings,
~~Robin