This was the first card that we made at the South Burlington stamp club meeting for October. I try to do the more complicated card first while we’re all fresh, but this isn’t really that awfully complicated to make. There are several layers and steps to get to the finished card, and die-cutting the leaves can be a little time consuming, but it wasn’t too overwhelming for these accomplished stampers.

I used this challenge from the Global Design Project as the color inspiration for this card. It is fall here in north-west Vermont, and our leaves are still looking lovely (although they are falling quickly). So, this color challenge aligned perfectly with what I’m seeing outside right now. I did add some layers in various neutrals (Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla) which are beyond the challenge. But I’m of the mind that adding neutrals isn’t a violation of a color challenge. Blog guests and challenge hosts – what are your thoughts on this?

I also just received notice of this challenge from the Paper Craft Crew in my in-box yesterday. Happily, this card fits perfectly with this challenge theme, too! I guess that many of us are on the same page of enjoying the fall leaves. Actually, my first-ever stamp camp that I attended featured fall colors and leaf images, and that experience helped hook me on this amazing art medium. The colors and textures of fall are still favorites for me, and I had a lot of fun designing this card and doing these challenges.

And last but not least I used this super-old sketch as the basis for my design. I know that I’ve talked up the usefulness of sketches ad nauseam in past posts, but I love using them as a starting point for a card layout. Even if the sketch challenge isn’t current, it is still a very useful tool (at least for me) for designing cards.

I hope that the stamp club gals liked this project as much as I did!

Edited 10/29 – I’m super excited to share that my creation was selected for a “special mention” for the Global Design Project challenge. Squeeee!!! This is the first time ever that one of my submissions has been selected for recognition at any level in a challenge. This was a huge boost to my morning when I learned of this honor!

Edited 11/13 – Squeee – this card was also selected as a Top Pick for the Paper Craft Crew challenge! I’m so excited that I was able to submit it to two challenges, and that I earned recognition in both. I received the news of the Paper Craft Crew selection while at OnStage, and it added even more excitement to an already amazing day. Woo hoo!

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