Thursday 21 November 2013

NOEL

I desperately longed for the Clarity 'Noel Frame' stamp for absolutely ages and finally bought it at the NEC.

Couldn't wait to use it of course:
I used:

- A6 black card blank, with a sliver cut from the bottom edge

- silver and blue (SU's 'Marina Mist') backing card from the snippets folder

- used the Noel Frame stamp by Clarity, and also Clarity Silk finish white card stock. First of all I followed Barbara Gray's advice and  cleaned off the blue 'inking' which defines the stamp, using nail polish remover, thereby keeping my Versamark Embossing ink pad nice and clean - err, and in the process removing half my nail polish, duh :(. Carefully dusted over with an anti-static bag (a light brushing of talcum powder would do just as well) and then I stamped the NOEL in Versamark and embossed it with 'Sterling Silver' powder. Heat embossing and your truly have never really gotten on but I followed Barb's way and heated from underneath - bingo, success!

- phew, after a lie down to recover from that it was time to tackle the image. I'd been watching one of Barbara's DVDs and had all the tips if not the talent. To do the image within the frame you just stamp the Noel onto a post-it and carefully, and slightly generously, trim out the centre of the letter 'O' and dispose of it. The resulting template then covers the embossed Noel leaving the centre of the 'O' exposed and protects the rest of the card stock while you play with the image, still with me?

- for the background tore a hill template from some spare paper and used Tim Holtz 'Faded Jeans' distress ink and a small duster brush for the sky plus a teensy touch where the deer would go

- then stamped the trees using a Black Archival ink pad and a little set of  trees, double stamped from the 'Northern Pine' set by Inkylicious, also from the NEC trip

- next the little deer was also stamped in Black Archival ink - have had this for years and finally discovered it's by 'Stampscapes', called 'Doe - 229A'

- finally just added some dots with a white Signo pen for the snow flakes

For a first try, I ended up with two successful cards the same - err, and two spoiled images in the bin. But, there's nothing like having a play and learning from mistakes :)

Di
x

28 comments:

  1. That is an awesome stamp and you made a fabulous card with it!

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  2. Oh what a gorgeous card, love the scene you've made.
    luv
    Debby

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  3. You have done a beautiful job with it Di, I think Barbara herself would be very pleased indeed at seeing this. The scene you created is wonderful. Hugs, Anne x

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  4. This is wonderful Di. You did a great job on the embossing and inking the little scene. Top marks.

    Hugs
    Sarn xxx

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  5. ah dear Di glad to hear you have done so well!
    .. not sure I would have done so and can so see why you had been longing for this stamp!
    .. was not aware of it and shall try and forget it now :D
    Shaz in Oz.x

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  6. Gosh Di this is really pretty! Love the little scene inside the O, I think it's Clarity that also have the Peace and Joy To The World stamps in the same format, with one big letter to play about with. Glad to hear it worked well, and yes, it's nice to have a play!

    Hugs
    Brenda

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  7. Gorgeous Miss! Are you sure you couldn't recycle the mistakes if you really tried! They would be snippetycockups then! Tee Hee!
    Hope your back is feeling better today. Must have you fit and well for Bath!
    Hugs
    x

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  8. A lovely card Di. I often looked at that stamp and decided I could do it with my cameo, but of course, I never did! Kate x

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  9. Gorgeous work Di! I'm sure Barbara would be happy with it. Playing with inks is lots of fun -I should know because I do it most of the time lol! Keep warm and relaxed xx

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  10. I've coveted this stamp too... but I obviously have more will power {cough}. LOL Great card Di. x

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  11. OMGorgeous! The scene you've created in the O is nothing short of amazing, pretty and eye-catching! WOW! So glad you persevered in creating this; it's stunning!!
    c

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  12. It's gorgeous Di, I have the "flower" one, I love how they turn out.
    Linbyx

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  13. Stunning! I have not seen that before - what a brilliant job you have done

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  14. Well, this is a rather stylish little number, isn't it! :) I hope you've got over the mischief on your day out. Be sure to take spare pants when you go to Bath, all that laughing and all! X

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  15. Stunning, love the focal image inside the O. Hugs Bev x

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  16. Di This is really lovely the stamp is stunning and you have created such a beautiful card ......simply gorgeous xx

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  17. This is a great card Di, I love the little scene inside the O and super silver embossing.
    Jean x

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  18. Hi Di, peeking at your lovely card over the top of a stack of boxes :) The scene inside the 'O' is perfect, right down to the little snowflakes. Shame about the spoiled ones but well done for keeping on until you were happy with the results. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  19. Lovely Di, first time I have seen that stamp, but it may find its way into my collection.

    Jo
    x

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  20. My words Di, looks like a lot of work has gone into this card and how very effective it is, love the silver lettering and the image in the centre is perfect.
    Brilliant card.

    Kath x

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  21. Sorry forgot to add that I hope you are much better today.

    Kath x

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  22. Oh wow Di! this is great you have done really really well huggles Sue xxx

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  23. This is so lovely! That die is fantastic and the stamped image within the die is amazing.

    Thanks for the tips on stamping that area...the post it note idea is great!

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  24. That was a lot of work, but wow, are the results ever brilliant, Di!! I have never seen this die anywhere and can understand why you wanted it!! Hugs, Darnell

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  25. A beautiful card Di. I too covet this stamp, but there are always so many new designs to buy that one is always playing catch-up. I do love the little scene you have put inside the 'O'. A lot of work but well worth it! xx

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