Friday 15 April 2016

Merry Monday #200 {Multi-Challenge Celebration!}

Merry Monday are celebrating their 200th challenge with a choice of themes this week. I truly thought I wouldn't find time to join in but it's amazing what a bit of determination can do when you try, especially as my card for last week's Merry Monday challenge had an Honorary Mention, which thrilled me no end. Here are the options to choose from - plenty of scope there for sure!
 
After rootling round a bit in my backing papers and stamps I picked the Snowman Theme - and came up with this:
I used:

- 6.75" x 3.75" white card blank

- first I stamped the snowman onto a snippet of white card using Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink and an adorable Penny Black wood mounted stamp called 'Warm & Cold' - then coloured him in using Whispers brush markers

- fussy cut round the snowman and sliced across the bottom so the image would sit straight along the backing panel bottom edge

- the ready frosted snow scene backing panel was really a life saver (and maybe cheating a bit) but it did complicate the card measurements a lot. I've explained why and how I overcame the complications further down this blog post. I suspect the panel was from Kanban in the dim and distant past, it came with a silver border which had seen better days so that was first to go

- after trimming the backing panel to the carefully calculated size, I stamped the swirling sentiment using Memento ''Mediterranean Blue' ink and an Elzybells stamp

- then glued the snowman in place along the bottom edge

- glued the completed 'scene' panel onto a backing layer of slightly larger silver mirri card and then onto the card blank

The reason for the slightly odd sized card blank came about as a result of the backing 'snow scene' panel I used. It wouldn't have looked right on a full DL sized card and was too wide for the small long card size. Plus, I didn't have any envelopes that would be suitable.

So I worked backwards. Out came the Enveloper Pro leaflet and I found details for making a 7" x 4" envelope, using A3 paper (which I already have to hand for some odd reason). Next I calculated that a card measuring just quarter of an inch less along the top and down one side would be a good fit for a 7" x 4" envelope. And, the design of the backing panel had enough excess/spare sky at the top of the design to be able to cut it down to suit.

So, although you may think you're beaten at first, it pays to sit and fiddle around with possible measurements and options before giving up.

And, I found two more of the backing panels in my toppers box, so made three in one session. Sorry!

Di
x

23 comments:

  1. Brilliant! It's amazing what a good old rummage can turn up!! Love the card.xx

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  2. If you are anything like me DI when you find long lost crafty stash you see it in a totally different light, sometimes I think it was meant to be lost for that very reason. He's such a happy snowman and made a super card.

    B x

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  3. Fab card, love the snowman, he's so happy! The background works perfectly, what a great find. Cara x

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  4. A lovely card Di. He's a cute little snowman. You amaze me. You always seem to come up with the answer. Barbxx

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  5. A cute snowman and having a rummage for a background has come up trumps Di as rejigged it works fabulously and three more cards for the box too. x

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  6. This happy snowman is sooo cute and love the swirling sentiment, fabulous!!

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  7. Well, it's a happy accident that you had to cut the background to this size, Di - 'cos it looks terrific with that cheeky snowman.
    xxx

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  8. LOVE that snowman card and well done for using up an odd sized piece of card and working backwards from the envelope! LOVE my Enveloper Pro!

    Have a great weekend.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  9. Love your snowman card. He looks a lot like the snowman in the inspiration photo I think. They must be brothers. I still have a snowman set on top of the jumble of my desk for this challenge. We'll see!

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  10. Hello Di, I loved this snowman card on sight, and like it even better now that I've read how you had to fiddle to make it. And you made more. I'm glad we are not in competition for making Christmas cards - I'd be losing very badly :( Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  11. You have no idea how much fiddling around I do and they still end up in the re-cycle bag, you much have the patience of a Saint.
    Brilliant card and good on you for fiddling and making a perfect card.

    Kath x

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  12. It's a wonderful card Di. I do love your little snowman and he looks perfectly happy against the snowy background xx

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  13. I love this happy snowman and the snowdrift backing! It was worth all the extra effort! The swirly sentiment looks like the wind blew it. I love it! Thanks for joining our celebration at Merry Monday!

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  14. I love the joyful grin on this snowman's face, and those snowy hills really look cute!

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  15. Well, I think you're too clever by half how you made this adorable card, Di! That snowman is SO happy and just perfect for the MM challenge!! Hugs, Darnell xxoo

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  16. Delightful, your happy snowman and the swirly sentiment fits him perfectly!

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  17. Oh my, what a joyous little fellow. Love how you got so much movement by using that swirly sentiment.

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  18. Fabulous card Di, the scene you have created looks very real!
    Janice x

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  19. Your little snowman is so happy he made me happy. I like the swirling sentiment. Great card!

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  20. Love the long card, great snowman image and I love the swirly sentiment. Thanks for helping us celebrate our 200th Challenge at Merry Monday.

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  21. This is soooo fabulousness. Love the cute snowman and the lovely snowy hills and tree! xxx

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  22. Great card Di and I like the different size.

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