Sunday, November 23, 2025

Peace and Joy for the Paper Players

Hello friends!  The Paper Players have a new sketch challenge for you and this time the lovely Ann is hosting.  She's given us a good one with lots of options.  In fact, I ended up making 2 cards.

Both cards utilize patterned paper to achieve the three sections shown in Ann's sketch but one is a rustic look and the other a fancier appearance.


I have a limited supply of patterned paper for the holidays but I found this wood grain with the white images in a packet that was a gift for purchase from Honey Bee Stamps.  I couldn't believe the panel divisions worked perfectly for the sketch.  I trimmed it down to 3 1/8 x 4 3/8 inches, then matted it with Poppy cardstock from Concord & 9th.  I didn't have a matching ink but found another from Altenew that worked perfectly.  I layered up and adhered the sentiment, loosely wrapped the twine and added to the scallop card base with thin foam tape.  I thought the shaped card was a nice bit of added interest. The last thing was to add 3 ancient, retired SU snowflakes with gems in the center.


Making that card went so quickly that I decided to create a second. 



I used a panel of patterned paper on this one also and used thin strips of red metallic paper to create the divisions.  A leafy branch was die cut from white glitter cardstock and added to two additional layers before adhering to the card front.  I found a sentiment that couldn't have been a more perfect fit and finished things off by using sparkly gems for the berries.



I like both cards but I think the first is my favorite, with that rustic feel.  Do you like one better than the other?  Let me know in the comments below.  My amazing teammates have created some fantastic inspiration with varying ways to use this sketch, so I encourage you to head over to the challenge blog for visit.  The challenge will end on Friday, November 28th at 3pm EST.  I hope you'll join us this week!

And a Happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating in the US this coming week!

Thanks for visiting and take care.

Stef


Card #1
  • Simon Says Stamp Making Spirits Bright stamp and die
  • SSS Chunky Rectangle die
  • SSS Opal Dazzling Gems
  • Altenew Heartbeat ink
Card #2
  • SSS Etched Berry Branch die
  • SSS Strips die
  • Altenew Moonstone Glitter cardstock and Red Jasper Gem Sparkles
  • MFT Cool Colab patterned paper

7 comments:

Claire Broadwater said...

Stef, both of these cards are fabulous! I think the rustic one is my favorite. The wood grained panels and the white foliage and birds is so peaceful and serene. The scalloped card base is so fun and adds an element of surprise. The red metallic strips add a pop of color on the teal color. The white glitter card stock branch is perfect! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, My Friend!

Ann Schach said...

Stef, both cards are beautiful! I love the serenity of the rustic paper, with the birds. It's the perfect backdrop for the bold sentiment. However, I am mesmerized by the sparkle and the elegance of the second card, and how you used the red metallic strips to form the panels. Thank you for showcasing my sketch with two fabulous cards! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I Card Everyone said...

I LOve the scalloped card base, Stef - and that fabulous paper!
=]

Lisa Elton said...

You not only made two cards; you made two pretty cards! Love the pp on the first one!

Jan Clothier said...

Both cards are lovely. In the first, the scalloped edge is knockout, the DSP is gorgeous and the red border makes it really pop. In the second I love that funkiness from the stripes and the impact of the light coloured diecut. So both winners to me! :-)

Christy Lynn said...

I love how you achieved two very different feels with the same sketch. Love the rustic feel and scalloped edges on the first card, and I love the graphic simplicity of the second card--they're both wonderful! What a great way to show the versatility of Ann's sketch!

Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

I love both card Stef - two fabulous takes on the sketch! The rustic one is fun with the outline images, but I think it is pipped by the subtle sparkle and elegance of the second one, with that striking striped panel background. Gorgeous!