PCCCS224 – 2 Week Theme Challenge

Hello stamping friend!

Well, here we are – the final few days before Christmas!  We at the Paper Craft Crew Design Team know what a busy time of the year this can be, so this new challenge is a 2 week challenge – that way, you’ve got plenty of time to create and link  your card – whenever you can squeeze out a few minutes to yourself to create!  Better yet – create with your friends and family – make it an event, or a new holiday tradition!

We have a theme challenge for you; I think it’s appropriate, given the time of year:

Doesn’t this theme of ‘Black Tie Gala’ just conjure up pictures of fancy dresses, tuxedos, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant?!  You know – how the big bash events were portrayed in the ‘old fashioned’ films 🙂

Well, I went with the bling theme myself – and I did something I don’t usually do – I used non Stampin’ Up! stamps!  *gasp!!* (don’t fall over, or pass out, now!)

How’s that for a celebration, wear your best party outfit, kind of card?!

The stamps I used for the fireworks and city skyline are both from The Ton; the skyline is called Vogue Skies, and the fireworks one is called Pyrotechnics.  They were the size I was looking for, and I just couldn’t resist!

I started with a 4″ x 5 1/4″ panel of Basic Black cardstock, and stamped the fireworks images in Versamark ink.  Next, I covered them with Heat & Stick Powder, and set that with my Heat Tool.  I then covered the images with Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, and again briefly set it using my Heat Tool.  This is the best way to use our glitter – the Heat & Stick Powder goes on white, but when heated it turns clear, and gets very sticky – perfect for holding that gorgeous glitter in place!

On a separate piece of So Saffron cardstock, I stamped the skyline image in Basic Black cardstock, then cut it out by hand.  I stamped it on the So Saffron instead of Whisper White, because I wanted it to look like the windows were lit up from the inside of the buildings.

I then took my Stampin’ Up! Large Numbers Framelits and Big Shot, and die cut the numbers for 2017 from Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper.  I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach both the city skyline, and the die cut numbers to the Basic Black cardstock panel, then attached the panel to a card base of Basic Black as well.

I just LOVE how the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter sparkles & shines; have a look at the effect of a close up picture of it:

That’s the gorgeous ‘Bokeh Effect’ that we try so hard to duplicate (and can, to a point) using our inks, sponge daubers and templates!  It also reminds me of when you look at your Christmas tree lights, and squint your eyes….I always love doing that!

Here’s another look at the card – ’cause I just love how it turned out! 🙂

Be sure to head over to the Paper Craft Crew blog page, and check out the amazing cards the rest of the Design Team have created.  Then remember – you’ve got 2 weeks to link up YOUR card for the challenge!

If I don’t see you beforehand, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for a fabulous New Year!

Until next time – happy stamping!