I started out knowing I wanted to use the large tree stamp from the Stampin' Up! set called "Sheltering Tree". Given that, I knew I would need to make a 5"x7" card rather than the traditional 4-1/4"x 5" one to fit the tree in the circle the sketch required.
I first stamped the tree trunk using Early Espresso ink onto Soft Sky cardstock (I wanted the "sky" to show through the branches). Then using my MISTI, I used Certainly Celery to stamp the leaves image, then moved the leaves stamp down slightly, and re-inked just the top 3/4 of the stamp with Pear Pizzazz (a slightly darker green). I re-inked with Pear Pizzazz a second time to give me a good solid green.
The tree is over 3" wide, so I chose the 3" Spellbinders circle die to cut it out, then used the 3-3/4" die to cut out an Early Espresso matting.
The retired Stampin' Up! Blue Bayou ink was used to stamp the birthday greeting on the 4-1/2"x 6-1/2" Soft Sky front panel. Again I used my MISTI and inked and stamped the sentiment three times to ensure a solid image from this older retired stamp pad.
The next step was to stamp the bicycle from the "Sheltering Tree" set using the MISTI (again 3x), then the frame of the bicycle using Smoky Slate ink. The bicycle was "fussy cut" using paper snips. The interior of the frame was cut with an Exacto knife.
Assembly steps were:
1. Glue the Soft Sky panel to the card base.
2. Glue a 1-1/2"x 5" Pear Pizzazz strip a little below half way down on the card,
3. Using adhesive foam strips, attach the tree circle element on top of the horizontal green strip.
4. Using small bits of adhesive foam strip (doubled up under the front bicycle wheel), mount the bicycle so it overlaps the circle. Doubling up the foam on the front wheel is necessary since the back wheel will be mounted with foam overlapping the circle which has already been raised with foam. This will create a level bicycle.
I gave this card a difficulty rating of "3" only because of the need to "fussy cut" the bicycle. Otherwise, the card is pretty straightforward.
I chose the colors I did because I'm going to use the card for my son-in-law's birthday in early August. He builds and races bicycles, so I think he'll like it.
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 GMT Views: 1156
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Registered: August 25, 2004 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 148
Tue, Jul 18, 2017 @ 10:10 AM
Thank you, Eileen! With the sketch as my inspiration, and my son-in-law's upcoming birthday, I HAD to build around a bicycle theme. I need more bicycle stamps before his NEXT birthday!!!