If you saw my blog posts over the past couple of days, or follow me on Facebook, you’ll know I’ve been working on a personal challenge. Yesterday was World Card Making Day and as in previous years I decided to attempt another 24 hour challenge. This where I challenge myself to design and make from scratch, 24 cards in a single 24 hour period. The cards also have to be decorated inside and have coordinating envelopes, so no skimping! I started at 6pm on Friday, managed about 5 hours sleep overnight, and continued on through the day yesterday. Despite a little interruption when our cat Houdini brought in a live mouse, I managed to complete my challenge with just 5 minutes to spare. This penguin card was number 18 of the 24 and is dedicated to everyone who followed along, posted messages of encouragement etc. I truly couldn’t have done it without you. x

PENGUIN PLACE

When I need to make a card in a hurry I often look for simple solutions like pairing an image with a ready-made background. The Peaceful Place Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) contains a couple of designs that work perfectly in this situation.

After choosing the paper I cut a 3-3/4″ x 5″ piece. With the printed and silver foil trees in the top half, and a wide expanse of ‘snow’ at the bottom, the scene was set.

From the Penguin Place Stamp Set I selected a pair of sentiments. Using Tuxedo Black ink I stamped “I like you a lottle” in the top left corner of the DSP. Then in the bottom right corner I stamped “It’s like a little except a lot”. With those in place I could now see how much room I had left to work with.

Next, from the Penguin Place Stamp Set I chose the forward facing penguin image. Using Tuxedo Black ink again, I stamped the penguin in the space above the lower sentiment. Then I stamped the image in the bottom right corner on the front of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Finally I stamped him in the bottom right corner of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card.

Of course he didn’t look much like a penguin, for that I needed two extra stamps and a Pumpkin Pie ink pad. First on each of the penguins I stamped the forward facing beak (there’s also a side view one that coordinates with the other penguin in the set). Then I took the image of the two flippers and stamped them on each of the penguins as well.

QUICK AND EASY LAYERS

With the stamping all done, it was time to put the card together.

I began by using my Paper Trimmer to cut and score a piece of Basic Black Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

Next, using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, I fixed my stamped Basic White piece to the inside of the card base.

That just left the main layer to do. I liked the bright pop of colour on the beak and flippers and it inspired me to chose Pumpkin Pie card for my mat layer. So I cut a 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ piece of the card and mounted the stamped DSP on top with liquid glue.

Finally I fixed the layered DSP onto the front of the card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals and my project was complete.

I love how this turned out. The stamping and cutting is really simple, and the Peaceful Place DSP does most of the work. You can be sure I’ll have more penguin projects in future blog posts, I like him, and you, quite a lottle.

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I ordered the Penguin Place Stamp Set and coordinating Penguin Builder Punch (not used today) using a single ‘bundle’ item number. Sadly the punch is currently out of stock with further supplies expected in the week beginning November 1st. I’ve included a link to the bundle below so you can take a look, however you will not be able to order the bundle until the punch is back in the warehouse. I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as that happens.