Welcome to October’s Sparkles Christmas Buddies challenge forum # 129.  Helen chose Flora or Fauna for this month’s challenge theme.   I hope you will visit the challenge blog to see all the cards by the design team.  We would love to see your creations in our gallery!

For this challenge, I created a double-z fold card using the Peaceful Places DSP (designer series paper).  You’ll only see my card here because I forgot about time differences and didn’t get my card up on the design team in a timely manner. 

Here’s my card in the closed and open positions:

 

• 

• 

As soon as I saw this DSP in the current mini-catalog, I knew I just had to have it.  The grey tones are gorgeous and the silver foil specialty DSP makes everything stand out.   The only stamp set I needed to use was Perfectly Plaid because both of those beautiful sentiments are in one set.  

 

Measurements:

• The Basic Grey base measures 5-1/2 inches by 8-1/2 inches. In order to create the z-fold, the base gets scored at 4-1/4 inches and 2-1/8 inches. In other words, the back of the base is the same size as an A2 card. The front half of the card is folded in half.
• The band which creates the double z-fold measures 1-1/2 inches by 8-1/2 inches. This piece also gets scored at 4-1/4 inches and 2-1/8 inches. However, this time, the long piece goes in the front. The folded half gets adhered to the back of the base.
• Each of the DSP pieces for the folded front pieces measures 2 inches by 5-3/8 inches.
• The DSP for the back panel measures 4-1/8 inches by 5-3/8 inches.
• I used silver foil to mat the DSP on the band. This foil on the short pieces measures 1-1/4 inches by 1-7/8 inches. The foil on the long end measures 1-1/4 inches by 4-1/8 inches.
• The long DSP panel for the front of the band measures 4 inches by 1-3/8 inches.. Then, I trimmed the DSP on the short ends to 1-3/8 inches by 1-1/8 inches.
• I also trimmed a piece of DSP for the envelope flap to 2-1/2 inches by 6 inches.
• I used scrap white cardstock for the front sentiment.

What I Did:

• First, I used multipurpose liquid glue to attach each of the three panels to the base of the card.
• Next, I adhered the silver foil and snowflake DSP to the front of the band, again using multipurpose liquid glue.
• Then, I got to play with embossing powder and my heat tool. First, I used my embossing buddy to clean off the front of the cardstock and back panel of the DSP. I used my Stamparatus to stamp each sentiment using Versamark ink pad. Using the Stamparatus allowed me to stamp the Versamark multiple times without worrying about placement of the stamps.
• Next, I covered both sentiments with silver embossing powder, tapped off the excess, then used my heat tool to set it. It’s beautiful, if I do say so myself.
• After cropping the front sentiment using one of the stitched rectangle dies, I adhered it to the band with dimensionals.
• Surprisingly, I easily made a double bow using silver thread. It’s adhered to the back of the card using multiple glue dots and a couple of dots of liquid glue.
• Last, but definitely not least, I decided to add some bling using the subtle shimmer sequins from the same product suite as the DSP.
• HINT: I’ve always struggled with adhering sequins, but I think I’ve finally figured it out. I put a couple of drops of liquid glue on my silicone mat. I used my opposable (or reverse) tweezers to pick up individual sequins and lightly dripped each in the liquid glue. Then I just randomly placed them on the trees and front band. If you haven’t used these tweezers before, I urge you to get them (here). They can act like a third hand and are well-worth the money.
• After adhering and trimming the DSP to the envelope flap, I’d finished this coordinated card/envelope set.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this card.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Have a Peachy day!

Sue

Colors Used:

Supplies Used:

Basic Crafting Supplies: