Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog: Designer Challenge Monday

Did everyone enjoy NSD? We sure had fun bringing you all of that inspiration, as well as the FABULOUS QuicKutz Silhouette SD giveaway! Just a reminder: if you have not yet posted a comment for a chance to win the QuicKutz prize package, you have until Thursday at 6 pm to do so. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

It is Kerry here, and today, I want to share a fun challenge with you! Anyone who knows me figured out early on that I have a VERY linear and clean style when scrapbooking and card making. I appreciate and envy so many other styles, but can never seem to commit to them myself. So, for this challenge, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and try something completely different. I mean, completely against the grain!

I saw this pillow on the Anthropologie website (www.anthropologie.com). LOVE that store. I mean, seriously love it. Love this pillow too. It doesn’t fit with my décor at home so I won’t buy it, but I love it nonetheless. Anyway, I was inspired by the abstract floral motif and decided to mimic it on a card. My brand new collection of BasicGrey’s Marrakech was just beckoning to be used.

Here is my card:

make a wish
by Kerry McRorie

supplies: cardstock, Bazzill; patterned paper, BasicGrey; stamp, My Sentiments Exactly!; ink, Stampin’Up!; circle punches, Stampin’Up!; adhesive, SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L

Here is what to do:

1.    Make a 6 x 6 card from white cardstock.
2.    Cut a 5 7/8 x 5 7/8 mat from navy patterned paper.
3.    Cut a 5 6/8 x 5 6/8 mat from white cardstock.
4.    Layer both on top of the card base.
5.    Using a variety of circle punches (varying in size from 3/4” to 1 1/4”), punch circles from a variety of patterned papers.
6.    Beginning at the center, start with the smallest circle and work your way outwards—trying to keep a rough floral shape at all times. Where necessary, circles will need to be trimmed (you can turn the punch upside down to do this more accurately), or use sharp scissors. You can see that some circles have a small “moon” shape punched out of them, or, in some cases, the circle has been trimmed all around to fit.
7.    The above part is a bit fiddly, but worth it in the end. Play around with different colour combinations and experiment with the pattern.
8.    Once the flower is complete, stamp sentiment on white cardstock with navy ink; mat on navy patterned paper and then adhere to card front.
9.    You are done! Admire your handiwork and then pat yourself on the back for trying something new!

So, I challenge you to take my challenge and try something completely different. Think outside of the box and try a new technique, or attempt a new style. Fashion and décor mags and websites are a great tool to help you look for inspiration.

Good luck and have fun!