Saturday, October 31, 2015

Stamping Smiles Designs "Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge," MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #252 and a "Top-Mow-it-All" winner!!

Happy Halloween everyone!! For those of us in the states, many are getting ready for parties and others for trick or treating. Charlotte is going to a party this year and forgoing trick or treating. Time flies so enjoy it when your children are small!!

Today I am sharing a card that I created using Stamping Smiles Designs "Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge" and My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge #252. Stamping Smiling Designs is having a Design Team call and I decided to throw my hat into the ring. 

Here is the card I created:


Isn't he cute? I love the way that mouse for My Favorite Things "Harvest Mouse" set came out!!

Here is the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge that inspired all the main elements on this card:


I chose to go diagonal from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. I used "Forest Friends" (the mouse), "Embossing" and "Woodgrain" (kraft background) as the main elements for my design on this card. 

I then used the sketch below for the placement of the elements.

I have been using a lot of sketches as of late, as well as challenges, for my card design. It challenges my brain to think outside of the box and use my supplies that I have hoarded. For example, the woodgrain embossing folder that I used for the background. I have had that for YEARS and I think this is one of the first times I have used it. How sad is that? The "Tic-Tac-Toe" challenge is something I have NEVER even seen and it was so much fun!!


I used Copic markers to color in the mouse and accented him with colored pencils and a white gel pen. I added a bit of Stickles to the pumpkins to make them a bit more festive. I chose to leave a sentiment off the card so I could use this whenever.


I created the background in the circle by first stamping and coloring some leaves from the "Harvest Mouse" set. I then used an ink blender and blended Simon Says Stamp "Burnt Orange" ink, and Distress Ink in "Scattered Straw" and "Squeezed Lemonade. "After blending, I used a mister to mist some water onto the top. I die cut the gate die from My Favorite Thing's "Sunflower Sweetheart"out of Kraft card stock and ran it through the woodgrain embossing folder. I then inked it up with Distress Ink in "Vintage Photo" to try to bring out the texture a bit. This card was just so much fun to make!!

A bit of news for me today. I was a "Top-Mow-it All" winner on the Lawnscaping Challenge blog for this card. 


I am going to link it below as well.


It was not the top spot but I will take any recognition I can get these days!!

I thank you for stopping by today. I hope you have a fabulous Halloween. Stay Safe!!

Supplies:


12 comments:

Tracey McNeely said...

Nora this is just so cute!

I Card Everyone said...

Nora!!! Oh my goodness your coloring is gorgeous, design fantastic, and you KNOW I'm going gah-gah over the embossed wood-grain! They better take a serious look at you for that team!!
=] Michele

Happy Dance said...

You've got a solid chance with this sweet little card! Love that embossing folder, and that mouse is one of the cutest ever. Great colors, and great use of the TTT as well as the sketch. This one makes me just smile! Bev

Susanne Vargas said...

That mouse is adorable in front of the fence! Great choices of DP, too!
Congrats on your win!
Btw, just picked up my teenager from a party...

Inkyfingers said...

This is an adorable card Nora and I love how you built up your focal circle with the inking, embossed gate and the great colouring on the mouse! Fantastic job my friend and good luck with the DT call.
Congrats on the Top Mow it all spot!
Hugs
Carol x

Jean said...

Perfect use of the sketch! Super adorable!

Kim Heggins said...

wow...just too darn cute and I love how you used that sweet little mouse.

Kim S said...

I love everything about this - the colorful stripes, the sunset sponged on the circle, the little fence, the teeny leaves, the charming little mouse - it's fabulous!!

Stamping Smiles Designs said...

This is TOO cute! The beautiful inked/sponged sunset is perfect for this mini Fall scene! Your coloring is gorgeous too! And congrats on your win! You deserved it because it's awesome!

Miriam Prantner said...

I just adore that card! The little mouse is darling, love the inking on the circle, you totally rocked the sketch!

Tracie Pond said...

Super card, Nora. The woodgrain, the coloring and shading. Amazing. Good luck!! Tracie - Creations For Kindness

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Your cards are adorable! Love the sweet mouse one. Thank you for playing along with us at MFT Challenge. :)