Apologies for my blog-free days so far this week; as I'm sure is the same for you, things have been anything but normal this past couple of weeks and I seem to have been pulled every which way and not once in the direction of my craft room. Far from being excited at the prospect of no school until September, both of the James Juniors are finding that an unwelcome concept and combined with the enforced closure of all of their sporting activities, they have needed much encouragement to find an upside to the current state we find ourselves in. I'm sure we will work it all out; meanwhile it's Thursday and time for a new challenge over at TicTacToe! It's the turn of Team X to host this week and the lovely LeAnne is our featured designer this week. This is the fun board that we are playing along with:
I went down the middle with Blue-Umbrella-Designer Paper but my card also works for the diagonal Yellow-Umbrella-Bow. I used the current Fab Friday sketch for my layout (although I inadvertently centred my squares - I was distracted by the gingham!) along with an 'oldie but goodie' stamp set from the annual catalogue - take a look:
Here's the low-down on today's card:
Little Elephant - When I was considering what to work with today, I pulled out both the 'Under My Umbrella' set and the 'Little Elephant' stamp set as both feature umbrellas. I made a card with each, but preferred this one - such a long time since I've used this set! - and I don't think I've ever used the little umbrella before, so this was a good opportunity. I did a little masking on the front to make it look as if the elephant was holding the umbrella over the bluebird and also stamped the larger elephant with some hearts on the inside too:
In Stitches - I used both a stitched square for my main image and a stitched rectangle for my heat embossed sentiment panel for a little subtle extra detail. I wouldn't be without my Stitched Shapes Framelits and love that extra something they add to a shape.
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head - I decided to add a few raindrops from the 'Under My Umbrella' set above the umbrella to add to my little scene and some white twine tied in a bow completes my card.
A sweet and cheery little card with all that yellow and a sentiment that seems so appropriate given the unprecedented times we find ourselves in at the moment. I encourage you to show someone a little kindness today, because yes, it is a big thing and for some can make all the difference.
Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:
You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any.
A tictactoe board offers so many creative possibilities - how does this week's board inspire you? Why not have a go? We would love to see you in the gallery and who knows - you might be selected for Designer's Choice and be eligible to be a guest designer on a future challenge.
Enjoy your day; I am hoping to regain my creative mojo and spend some time crafting once I've tackled my ironing pile, since it will be all too soon before I am home-schooling the James Juniors from next week, when I suspect my crafting time might be further squeezed. I'll definitely be back tomorrow with another project - I might even share my alternative umbrella project! Until then, happy stampin'!
Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: