Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Pine Branches and Cones


Hi everyone.  Time for a new challenge at ATS&M (#108 - Holiday).  I need to get working on my Christmas card stash.  My plan was to make one or two a week for the whole year, but that hasn't worked out ... no surprise there :)

Today's card is a rarity for me.  I struggle with one layer cards ... but I decided I wanted to use this pine branch and cone set from SU! and everything just fell into place.



Prize:  3 digital images


I stamped the pine branches several times in two shades of green distress inks, using a Stamp-a-ma-jig to line everything up.  I used the same shade of brown to stamp the 2-part pine cones; stamping off once onto scrap before stamping the inside detail of the cones, and then using it full for stamping the outline.  I then lightly sponged the pine cones to fill in any blank spots.

I used a small paint brush to add dazzling details (clear glitter blue) to the pine sprigs and pine cones, giving them a little sparkle.  To finish, I rounded the bottom corners of the card and added a sentiment stamped in the same brown as the cones.

I hope you'll join us for this holiday challenge.  Click HERE to check out the amazing cards from the rest of the Design Team.

ETA:  I've gotten a few comments about how the pine cones looked popped up even though I said this was a one layer card.  They were stamped, fussy-cut and popped up ... I still consider this a one layer card, with the pine cones being the embellishments







Stamps:  Watercolor Winter (SU!); Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (Neenah)
Ink:  Distress inks:  Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters; Baked Brown Sugar (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, dazzling details, We R Memory Keepers corner chomper


28 comments:

Brenda said...

This is beautiful Loll! I love that pine cone and branch stamp from SU and love the way you have stamped it out. The glitter looks fabulous on the pine cones and spruces and such a beautiful sentiment too. Hugs, Brenda

Darnell said...

You'd never know OLCs were a challenge for you, Lolly, looking at this magnificent card! The texture and dimension are outstanding!! Hugs, Dolly

Lisa Lara said...

This is a W-O-W card Loll.

Unknown said...

Well you had me fooled Loll! When I saw it was a one layer card I was like "no way"! Those pine cones are popping off the page....this card is awesome my friend.

Karen x

sandie said...

I thought the cones were popped up! You have done a great job of showing dimension here x

Unknown said...

This is so beautiful, lovely effect. Xx

Viv said...

Home for a couple of days so am just playing catch up Loll.. another amazing card - when I read 'one layer', I couldn't believe that the cones weren't popped up... just gorgeous and another one for my 'Loll's Inspiration Folder'!

Julie B said...

What another fab card, Love that pine bough and fantastic cones. x

Deborah Frings said...

Gorgeous. I really like the feeling of depth you've got in this card - the touch of sparkle gives a lovely frosty feel. Love it.

Lee-Anne said...

Stunning design...and one amazing one layer card! The dimension is truly outstanding, Loll...LOVE!

OH Babs said...

A perfect Christmas card - CAS, one layer and elegant.

cm said...

Absolutely gorgeous - and given that we see boughs like this where we live, I can say you've captured them with such realism! Pretty, elegant, classy. Another card from you = more happy sighs!
Hugs~c

Anita in France said...

Wow, Loll ... so much dimension in a one layer card ... these branches and cones are fabulous ... the cones look soooo 3D! Anita :)

Sarah G said...

This is gorgeous! Love the depth you have created with your stamping and a great festive image! You are way ahead of me if you are making a start on Christmas cards now :)

nancy littrell said...

Wow...LOVE all your sparkle on your branches and popped up pine cones Loll. ALL the DT samples are FABULOUS! TFS

Bonnie said...

Beautiful greenery and I love your sparkly pine cones! And all this on a one layer card! Fantastic!

Anonymous said...

I think it's beautiful, one layer cards are a real challenge for me , but I believe you have conquered it!

Barb Ghig said...

This is STUNNING, Loll! I love how you used different shades of green on the branches and how you added dimension with the pine cones! Really beautiful card!

Kylie said...

Beautiful. Your stamping is amazing and I love that you popped up the cones xx

Julia Aston said...

What a beautiful pine spray Loll! love the pine cones and the touches of gold!

Katie Melhus said...

Just stunning, Loll! That touch of sparkle is the icing on this gorgeous cake!

Rahmat said...

It seems you are a pro at OLCs :) the pone branches and the cones look awesome!

MaryH said...

It's beautiful! Love the pine cones the way you've made them dimensional and with the sparkles added to the cones & the twigs. A very clean, crisp & winter-y feel to this festive card. Gorgeous! TFS & Happy wkend.

Stamps and Paper said...

Beautiful Christmas card Loll and those pines cones are amazing, they pop right out from the card...

Anne

Neets B said...

This is just wonderful, Loll. The two shades of green add great dimension alone and then the pine cones, well they are just amazing! You've added just the right amount of shimmer too, such a great wintery/Christmas feeling to this card. You nailed it my lovely :) x

Pamellia said...

This is fantastic! I really love those 3d pine cones and your touch of glitter is just perfect! So festive, I almost want to put up my tree! Ha! :)

Deepti said...

Looks like I missed this beauty !! Love the design and the fab shimmer :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Loll. This is really beautiful. Love the dimension of the pins cones and all the sparkle you added, fabulous card. Sorry about the late comment. Have a lovely day! hugs Monika xxx