Ho^3

Catch the Bug Challenge Blog is having another "Stella's Sketch" challenge. The only real requirement is that the sketch is obvious in the finished card. The sketch for this challenge is Sketch #219:

I decided to flip it horizontally. Since I used a patterned paper for my background, I also left off the 3 round embellishments under the focal panel. The tricky part for me about using sketches that don't have measurements is trying to work out proportions of the elements. So I turned to Photoshop to work out my measurements. I created a blank canvas at 4.25x5.5" (the size of a standard A2 card), and digitally drew my elements on that. I also added the image I used, to get it sized perfectly. After noting the size of each, I just had to print it out.

For my focal image, I used this one from Bugaboo Stamps. I printed it on a piece of 140 lb. watercolor paper, and colored it with Inktense pencils and a damp paintbrush. After this dried, I matted it on a piece of dark green cardstock, leaving a 1/16" border all around.

I die cut an oval from a piece of gingerbread man patterned paper (from my scrap stash), using one of Spellbinders' "Classic Ovals" dies. I glued it onto the same dark green cardstock, and trimmed around it to create an approximately 1/16" mat.

Unfortunately, I don't know who made the stamp set I got the greeting from. I've been wanting to used that Ho-cubed stamp for quite some time. Since this card is intended for a child, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity. In case you're wondering, Ho^3 equals "ho ho ho" in mathematical terms. :) I stamped it in Versafine Onyx Black ink onto a scrap of brown cardstock, and cut it into a banner shape.

After cutting another piece of patterned paper from my scrap stash to 4.25x5.5", I started assembling my card front. I glued the oval piece partially behind the focal panel, and glued that to the patterned paper panel. I glued the banner over top of everything, and finally adhered the completed card front to an A2 card base. I have already sent this card on to Send a Smile 4 Kids, hopefully to brighten the holiday for a hospitalized child.