So our journey through the Canadian weather options continues today. Yesterday we had several inches of snow. During the evening and overnight that turned to rain which has completely washed away all the snow. That’s nice, as it means that our decision not to go out and shovel it paid off. Today however they’re forecasting freezing rain which is a whole other ballgame. It looks like Mother Nature wants me to stay in and craft some more and I’m definitely ready to oblige, starting with this easy masculine birthday card.

READY TO PAINT

This card really revolves around the amazing Ready to Ride 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP). I began by chosing the 3″ x 4″ diner scene from the 11 panel sheet. While it seemed nice as it was I decided to try adding a little colour. However instead of doing the obvious and reaching for my Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers I decided to paint it with ink instead.

I started with three ink ink pads; Pear Pizzazz, Coastal Cabana and Real Red. Then with each one closed I pressed down on the lid to transfer some ink from the foam pad to the inside of the lid. So now when I opened up the pads the lid acted as a palette with ink there ready to use. After adding a drop of water to the ink from my Water Painters I began painting the DSP.

It was only then that I realised that the matte areas of the sheet still had a slight coating which prevented the ink from being absorbed completely into the paper. So after painting each area I gently placed a piece of kitchen towel over the top and pressed it onto the painted surface. After painting the tree, awning, sky and motorbike paintwork I decided to stop. There was something quite retro about the scene and I liked that half-painted look. So I set it aside to dry while I worked on the rest of the card.

GLOSSY DETAILS

Going back to the Ready To Ride DSP I chose one of the sheets with a glossy black pattern. This actually coordinates with the new Metal Plate 3D Embossing Folder. Today though I wanted to concentrate on the paper so I started by cutting a 2-1/4″ x 6″ piece. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the DSP onto the flap of a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope. Then I trimmed off the excess paper with Paper Snips, using the edge of the flap as a guide.

Now I needed an A2 (4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″) card base and for that I chose Basic Gray Card. So using my Paper Trimmer I cut and scored the card. Then after folding the card along the scored line I sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

Next I cut a 3/4″ x 5-1/4″ strip of the DSP and glued that down the right-hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Very Vanilla Card. Along the left edge of the DSP I added a 1/8″ wide strip of Basic Black Card then glued the layer inside the card base.

I needed one final piece of the DSP and I cut this at 1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ followed by a 1-7/8″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Basic Black Card. Using liquid glue I mounted the DSP onto the card strip before attaching it to the card front.

Next I mounted the painted scene onto a 3-1/8″ x 4-1/8″ later of Basic Black Card. Then using Stampin’ Dimensionals I fixed the scene onto my card.

All I needed now was my “Happy birthday” sentiment and for that I turned to the Celebrating You Stamp Set. Using Tuxedo Black ink I stamped the sentiment onto a 3/4″ x 2″ piece of Very Vanilla Card. Then I glued that onto a 7/8″ x 2-1/8″ strip of Basic Black Card. Finally, with more Stampin’ Dimensionals, I added the sentiment to the card front and my project was complete.

I must say that even though the painting didn’t go quite as I’d originally planned, I love how this card turned out. What do you think?

For another project using this amazing DSP see my earlier blog post Ready to ride another sneak peek.

PRODUCT LIST

READY TO RIDE SUITE – I’ve already mentioned that the DSP coordinates with the Metal Plate 3D Embossing Folder (not used today). But it’s actually part of the Ready to Ride Suite which also includes the Legendary Ride Stamp Set, Legendary Ride Dies and Adhesive Backed Studs. What’s more if you want the stamp set and dies, you can buy the Legendary Ride Bundle using a single item number and save 10%.