Jan 30 2008
happy chinese new year
I created a set of 30 of these cards for our friend, Axton. He wanted some Chinese New Year cards to send to family and friends. We were lucky to find this image from an eBay store called 2nd Nature Arts to use for the focal image. Let me tell ya, it’s not that easy to find these images! 😆 One thing that we both really liked about the image is that it shows just the face of the rat.
I embossed the image on white cardstock from PaperTrey, then lightly colored the image with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons. It was then punched out with 1 1/4 circle punch and matted on a Real Red 1 3/8 circle then set aside. To complete the focal image, I punched out black scallop circles with my SU! punch then set aside.
The card base is Real Red cut at 4 1/4 x 11 to create this top folding card. I stippled Ruby Red around the edges of the card front to give it a bit of depth without creating the stark contrast from techniques such as sponging or DTP (Direct to Paper). I was stuck for a while on what to do for the bottom portion of the card. I don’t have any background stamps that I felt were remotely Asian so I tried my luck on a search for some designer paper. Instead, I happened across this awesome self-adhesive burlap fabric by The Paper Palette at my local scrapbook store. It matches the Real Red wonderfully and adds just the right contrast and texture to the card.
In lieu of grosgrain or organdy ribbon, I used some black twill tape that I picked up from Fabric Barn a while back. It is wrapped around the card so that both ends face the right side of the card. It is then secured to the card with a gold brad. The brad does go all the way thru the card front, but it is covered up in the back by the twill tape. The ends were then frayed to complete the look.
The focal image is adhered to the card in two layers. The black scallop is adhered first using foam tape, then the image is adhered to the scallop, also using foam tape. I was really pleased with how these turned out! Incase you’re wondering what was put on the inside, I stamped the image that you see on the envelope in black inside each card. After several inquires (and help from some wonderful SCSers!), Ax found out that it means “Fortune” so it was fitting for the card. Then, of course, to complete the set I stamped the image in Real Red on the front of each envelope.
🙂
8 responses so far
Very cool! Striking!
Beautiful Card! You always surprise me with your “rich” styles. The red is perfect and black adds a touch of modern sopfisticantion.
May I have 12 for the United Way Mini Mall on Feb. 12th?
Love Mom
This is awesome! Love that burlap on there.. How cool is that and perfect, too.
What a great idea! We always do this in the classroom to teach about different cultures, I never thought about sending cards out. My youngest DD’s was born in the year of the rat so she is very excited that this is her year. LOL
Wait a second, I was over taken by the beauty and simplity of the card and didn’t notice that you completed “30”, that was “3-0” cards. And not one for your dear mother? We need to spend more time together.
Love your mother who gave you life, cell phones and charge cards.
Hi! lovely card! : ) just a tip, Art Neko every year releases stamps for the chinese year, some of the designs are just lovely.
Hugs from Chile,
Estivalia.
Oh Em these turned out GREAT! I especially like the way you did the twill – super nice!
Hey Emily!!!
I found you on Betheny’s blog. Your cards are beautiful! Don’t look at the ones I put on my blog. I could use some tips from you. You do such an amazing job at everything you do.
I was just thinking about you this Sunday. Tom and I were just called to be Sunday school teachers for the 14 and 15 year olds. I hope we can do as good of a job as you and Don did with our class.
Let me know if you want to come to our ladies night.