Monday, July 20, 2009

Gallery Idol Round 3: Buttons

Good afternoon Blogland! I hope you've been well. My week was full of more super nice comments and emails from those of you following the Gallery Idol competition. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support. I'm just a bundle of happy energy these days!

Anyway, today the third round of Gallery Idol begins. Our theme this week is to incorporate buttons. I lurve buttons! I wanted to use them differently than I usually do (as a random embellishment or flower center), so I started going through my supplies looking for an application that may not come to mind in the dead heat of summer. After much deliberation I give you...Christmas in July!


I started with an Aqua Mist base stamped diagonally with a stripe background from Background Basics: Retro in white ink. Then, I stamped my branch onto white cardstock and sponged the edges with Aqua Mist ink. That was adhered to a green scalloped layer and tied with Pure Poppy ribbon.


Next, I drew on my ornament hangers went looking for just the right buttons. I didn't have the perfect red button so I took a great white one and sponged it with reinker and a cotton ball. I realized the trick to even color was to get plenty of the ink on the cotton ball. I heat set the ink when I was happy with the coverage (if you try this at home please make sure to use tweezers and keep your fingers away from the heat). I layered the now red button with a nifty white one for a little extra dimension. I used contrasting thread to stitch on the buttons and add a fun detail.

I stamped my sentiment before mounting my image panel to the card base with foam tape. I'm really happy with this card. The color scheme is so fun and punchy!

So, the voting this week is much like it has been the last couple. The only difference being you don't have to re-register to vote if you've already done so. You may have to log in, but you won't have to re-register. You can go HERE to see everyone's entries and vote for your favorite. Remember: You can only vote once per round! It's going to be a tough decision with so much button-y goodness in the lineup. The voting runs from noon MST today through noon MST on Thursday. This round decides the Top 5 finalists (to be announced on Friday).

Thanks for checking in today! See you soon (I make no promises...I've been sucked into a "brain candy" book series and I can't seem to find my way out)...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore; Leapfrog - Bazzill
Ink: New Leaf, Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink; Dark Brown Chalk, Frost White - Colorbox
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Take A Bough - Papertrey Ink
Tools: Scalloped Border Punch - Fiskars; Needle
Fibers: Red Embroidery Floss, Aqua Embroidery Floss - DMC
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; Buttons - unknown; Silver Pen - Marvy

13 comments:

Antoinette Seminario-Skinner said...

I think you've totally got this...as in the entire contest!! What a GREAT card!!!

Wendy Panzner said...

Purdy! Can I buy a few for my special Christmas card recipients? No rush (of course) :)

Randi said...

Good call:-)

Michelle said...

Oh I love the button ornaments - tres' cute for sure!! Love the colors too - - I love Christmas card that aren't too classic of Christmas colors. Good luck!

Joan B said...

Now isn't this clever to use buttons as ornaments. You are thinking! Beautifully done. Off to vote!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft said...

Hey Lizzie! Super cute card.. I hope you are the winner, you deserve it!! Anyway, did you see my post over at the forum? I couldn't find it to see if you wrote back. I got your package last week and I just wanted to thank you so much for the goodies and the adorable card. :)

Ann said...

SO pretty! I love these colors for a Christmas card--they don't scream Christmas, but are still festive and fun.

Jennie Skaggs said...

Hi Lizzie...I thought it was you. Gorgeous card. Love it.

Heidi said...

Congratulations on making the top 10!!! Great card! I love the clever use of the buttons and I'll second the tip on using the tweezers when drying buttons. Ouch! Wonderful job on the card Lizzie, it's beautiful.

Cindy Holshouser said...

Veeeery clever little button ornaments. Have enjoyed seeing all your Gallery Idol projects:)

Cammie said...

Oh, this card is PERFECT!

Kim said...

Great use of the buttons! Love the colors.

Deb S. said...

This is just fabulous! Love the buttons!