When you need some inspiration the challenges and sketches are perfect jumping in (or off) points. I have been admiring the CAS(E) this sketch! group for clean and simple cards and decided to give it a try. Here is my card …

And here is the sketch that inspired me – CAS(E) This Sketch #347 (It is a RETRO sketch).

I had to stay my hand quite a bit here. CAS means ‘clean and simple’. Yikes! Keeping the design to one layer is challenging for me. However, I am happy with the outcome. 

To create the night sky background, I cut a square from a thin piece of scrap vellum for a stencil. I chose thin vellum because vellum is transparent which makes it easier to align. I also created a mask for the log cabin from the Still Scenes stamp set. I covered the cabin/tree and then placed my square stencil over the image. The sky is blended with Pool Party, Bermuda Bay and Night of Navy. Layering the colors from light to dark. Then I removed the stencil/mask and used a Night of Navy Stampin’ Marker to fill in the white space around the cabin/tree. 

MEASUREMENTS (Supplies and Links are at the end)

• Whisper Thick Cardstock: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″ plus scraps for sentiment
• Whisper Thick Cardstock: 4″ x 5-1/4″ for card panel plus scrap for sentiment

PREPARE THE BACKGROUND (use any die-cutting and embossing machine)

1. Die-cut a square from thin translucent paper or white copy paper using Layered Square dies. It is better to have something you can see through for alignment.
2. Color directly on the cabin/tree stamp using Early Espresso and Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Markers. Stamp image onto the Whisper White card panel and again on a post-it (make sure the post-it is not super sticky).
3. Fussy cut the post-it stamped cabin/tree/shrubs close. I did not include the bare branch trees.
4. Place the square mask over the stamped image and secure with low tack tape (like washi or delicate surface painters tape).
5. Blend Pool Party, Bermuda Bay and Night of Navy ink using a sponge or blending tool. Start with light color and bring the color into the square. Be careful not to move the mask over the cabin/tree.
6. Remove the masks and fill in any white space with a Night of Navy or Basic Gray Stampin’ Write Marker.
   

   Creating the Stencil

   

   Securing the Stencil & Mask

   

   Blending Light to Dark Ink

   

   Oops forgot to mask shrub

   

   Finishing Touches

FINISHING TOUCHES & ASSEMBLY

1. Darken some of the tree/shrub branches with Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Write marker.
2. Add Shimmery Crystal to tree and shrubs. Sprinkle with Ice Glitter. Let dry
3. Add Shimmery Crystal Effects to the roof of the cabin.
4. Stamp sentiment. Cut ‘fishtail’ end and add Dimensionals.
5. Add Dimensionals to the back of the card panel and adhere layers to the card base.

I hope you enjoyed this card. Please check out the CAS(e) this sketch. Playing along and had so much fun. I mean, really, playing in my studio? “Throw me in that briar patch.” (quote from Brer Rabbit). 

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SUPPLIES (Click on any product to SHOP ONLINE 24/7)

Still Scenes Cling Stamp Set – 150503

 

Itty Bitty Christmas Cling Stamp Set (En) – 150513

 

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock – 140272

 

Many Marvelous Markers – 147154

 

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147114

 

Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147111

 

Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147107

 

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147096

 

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147110

 

Stamping Sponges – 141337

 

Shimmery Crystal Effects – 150892

 

Ice Stampin’ Glitter – 150445

 

Stampin’ Dimensionals – 104430

 

Paper Snips – 103579

 

Supply List