Sunday 30 July 2017

Crazy Crafters Blog Hop with special guest Susan Wong


Hello and welcome to the Crazy Crafters Blog Hop with special guest Susan Wong. It is such a delight to be hopping with Susan today as we CASE (Copy and Selectively Edit) her gorgeous works. Susan is based in New Zealand and has been part of the illustrious Artisan Design team and her talent is Amazing! 


There were so many beautiful cards to choose from, that it made it hard to decide which one to CASE. However, these two gorgeous cards below caught my eye, as it shows two versions from a simple to a step up design. Both cards were created as part of the Step It Up Sketch - Fancy Friday Blog Hop that you can see here from Susan's Blog.


 


I love the two variations that can be created from the one set and a few added extra accessories. The simplicity and softness as well as the layering of the elements makes for a pretty and eye catching design. I have chosen to combine the two influences and created a stepped up version. 

I went with a Christmas theme to get started on making Christmas cards in time this year, as you can never be too early hehe. Soft Sky ink and cardstock has been used as the main colours to achieve the softness and subtlety with white heat embossing. 

Stamp sets used are 'Santa's Sleigh' and the new 'Colorful Seasons' using the snowflakes. Both sets have coordinating dies which have been used to great advantage. It's also great to combine the old with the new sets and give them new life.


The photo underneath are the separate layers of the card before assembly showing the recessed Christmas Tree design, using the silver foil die cut snowflakes from 'Seasonal Layers Thinlits' as a backdrop. The idea came about after several trials and have went with an inverted design to that of Susan's layered panels to give it a cohesive look using the dies from both sets. They have been arranged to best advantage to cover up the die cut tree window from 'Santa's Sleigh dies'. Some of the snowflakes have been cut for best fit. The overall look creates a lovely intricate design that reflects both the snowflakes and ornamental decorations on the tree with the added embellishment of the rhinestones and glitter enamel dots.


The snowflake images have been randomly stamped and white heat embossed on the front panel. 
Soft Sky ink blending with ink resist has been applied using a blending tool. I find the Ranger mini round ink blending tool applicator to give best results. 

To achieve this look, softness is key.  Using is a gentle, light hand pressure and minimal ink to start off. Soft Sky is very forgiving as it's a already a light dye ink to work with. Working from light to dark and slowly build up the shading to achieve seamless gradient finish. 


I have used fun foam to mount the front panel and die cut the same tree in the same position to create the recessed look. Fun foam also gives an even raise and perfect for mailing. Creating the recessed window allows the additions of the embellishments without adding too much bulk on top. 

The reindeer has been coloured in with Copic markers and stamped with Copic safe Memento Tuxedo black ink. Love this medium for quick simple colouring. I have die cut several reindeer pieces and layered them on top of each other, to create height and thickness, like a chipboard look and in turn making it sturdier. I have added a little bow using the 'Basic Black bakers twine' on the reindeer. 


The die cut scallop panel is from 'Seasonal Layers thinlits' and is a great way to display the sentiment as well as have a grounding for both the reindeer and tree to stand on. 

This panel has been mounted on with dimensionals to make it pop from the front panel.

A silver foil die cut snowflake has been added on top for a design element and decoration with a little silver sequin on the centre. Sequins are a great embellishment to use on cards as it does not give too much bulk in the end and makes it easier to mail cards.

The strip of glossy foil is from the 'Foil Frenzy' specialty dsp and have used the Soft Sky striped pattern and have cut a single stripe from it.  


Inside the card follows the same design using the tree and snowflakes. The original die cut tree with ink blending on the front has been used, so that nothing goes to waste. The snowflake images has been stamped randomly in Soft Sky. The same Soft Sky foil strip from Foil Frenzy specialty dsp has been added as a grounding element for the tree.


I hope you have enjoyed and found inspiration. It has been so much fun creating this card and drawing inspiration from Susan's gorgeous cards greatly helped. Thanks to Susan, the overall design is a modern take to the traditional Christmas card colours. Make sure to continue to hop all the way around to see all the Crazy Crafters fabulous creations and inspirations from CASEing Susan's amazing designs. 

Thank you so much for stopping by, 'til next time - Happy Crafting! :)


16 comments:

  1. Juana!!! That's FABULOUS! What a perfect Christmas card! I love the layout and the gorgeous colour combination!

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  2. Stunning Juana! I'm sooo not ready to be starting on Christmas cards, but I would love to CASE this when the time comes!

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  3. LOVE LOVE LOVE your card Juana .. its so funny that you ANge and I all picked the same card to CASE

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  4. I love your Christmas Card Juana, another amazing creation. Angexx

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  5. You put my cards to shame Juana! Totally amazing - I'm in love.

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  6. Amazing Christmas card Juan. Love all those layers and your colouring is perfect.

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  7. Wow what a beautiful, magical card. Just love it.

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  8. Your card is gorgeous - I love the colours and everything about it. There is something special about white, blue and silver for Christmas.

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  9. Beautiful card Juan....and your colouring is just outstanding

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  10. So beautiful! I love the layers & great idea using the tree die cut on the inside xx

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  11. Gorgeous colours and thanks for sharing the deconstructed card too x

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  12. Such a gorgeous Christmas card - love the photos illustrating what you did with the foil snowflakes, such a stunning effect. May just have to CASE this one :)

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Thanks for making the time to write a comment - It is very much appreciated. Have a fabulous day! :)