Hello friends and welcome to another awesome challenge from The Paper Players! This week we have a sketch for you, created by the very talented LeAnne:

I must admit that this sketch had me stumped for a bit. I went through my stamps looking for inspiration and found just a glimmer of an idea and then worked it’s way to fruition:

I started with the Ombre Builders stamp set from PTI and randomly chose ink colors I thought would be pleasing. I did try to stay pretty gender neutral with the colors. I used my MISTI to stamp the ombre stamp, adding a layer according to the sketch. This was a bit of a worrisome process because a goof up meant that I would have to start all over again, but hey, what’s life without a little excitement? lol

The sentiment is from the stamp set Wet Paint, also by PTI. I thought it was perfect, big and graphic! I did have an idea where I wanted to stamp my sentiment so I chose the order of my background colors to ensure a few light shades where the sentiment should go. Can you see how I offset the right hand side of the banner just a bit? That was actually an accident because I hadn’t planned on adding a layer of cardstock under my stamped banner. So I ended up with three choices: chop the green off the right hand side; line the edge of the banner up with the edge of the card and have the stamping be offset; or Just have the right side hang off the edge of the card a bit. I like it. I think it adds interest to the card. Who knew??

I LOVE these candles from the PTI stamp set Wishes Come True! Don’t they look like real candles?? I think the little twine bow finishes them off very nicely. Oh…and about those three banners in the sketch?? I forgot to add them before adhering my banner so I improvised and used sprinkles instead. Whoops!!

I had a bit of fun with the inside but kept my stamping light colored so it can be written over.

I wasn’t sure where I would end up when I started this card, sometimes that’s just how it goes, but I am really enjoying the end result!

Please make sure to pop over and see the wonderful inspiration from the rest of the design team…