Welcome to my latest blog post, where I am excited to share the inspiration behind a card I created for the Craft Challenge Blog.
This week, our challenge is sponsored by:
I had the pleasure of using their delightful digital stamp called “Graduated with Great Honor.” Join me as I walk you through the process and details of this special graduation-themed card.
Design details
For my card, I wanted to create a visually striking layout, so I carefully chose the measurements for each layer. The base card measures 10.5 centimetres by 15 centimetres, providing a sturdy foundation for the design. The front of the card is covered in black, adding a touch of elegance.
Next, I layered a yellow cardstock measuring 10 centimetres by 14.5 centimetres, followed by a black cardstock measuring 9.5 centimetres by 14 centimetres. These layers create a bold and eye-catching contrast.
To add a playful element, I used patterned paper with black dots measuring 9 centimetres by 13.5 centimetres. This patterned paper complements the overall colour scheme and adds a touch of whimsy to the design.
The digital stamp and die-cutting
The star of my card is undoubtedly The Paper Shelter’s “Graduated with Great Honor” digital stamp. I printed my digital stamp on white DCP paper. To highlight this cute image, I carefully die-cut it with a banner. This adds a unique shape to the focal point and also enhances the overall design.
Coloring techniques and coloring combinations
I wanted to bring the scene to life with carefully chosen colour combinations. I colored everything with my twin markers (alcohol markers).
Here is a list of the color combinations I used:
- Donkey: Cool Grey 5 (CG5), Cool Grey 4 (CG4), and Cool Grey 1 (CG1) and the blush on the cheeks Blush (136).
- Stones on the background: Burnt Sienna (95), Terra (20), and Terra Stone (278).
- The floor: Chocolate (118), Clay (116), Burnt Sienna (95), Walnut (100), and Caramel (253).
- Hat: Black (120), Cool Grey 9 (CG9), Cool Grey 8 (CG8).
- Plume: Golden Yellow (222), Lemon Yellow (35), and Pastel Lemon (39).
- Orange Book: French Vermilion (23), Orange (23), and Yellow (34).
- Yellow Book: Golden yellow (222), and Lemon Yellow (35).
- Coral Book: Coral Pink (16), Warm Coral (208), and Coral Red (12).
By layering and blending these colours, I achieved a realistic and charming appearance for the donkey. The addition of a yellow star around the donkey’s neck brought a pop of colour and added visual interest.
Having trouble editing or colouring digital stamps? Download my free guide for extra tips and tricks to help you perfect your digital stamps!
Sentiment and Embellishments
To further enhance the card’s celebratory feel, I die-cut the words “hip hip hooray” from yellow and black card stock. By layering them slightly off-center, I created a subtle black shadow effect, adding depth and dimension to the sentiment. Similarly, I used the same layering technique for the bow die, resulting in a visually appealing and festive embellishment.
Background and Finishing Touches for this graduation card
To create a special backdrop for the donkey, I used my Twin markers to draw a brick wall behind it. To draw the bricks, I used a stencil as a guide. I carefully drew some pencil lines where the bricks should be. When I did that, I colored the bricks with my alcohol markers.
To add a touch of sparkle and shine, I applied glitter glue to the donkey’s hat and the sentiment board, elevating the celebratory atmosphere of the card. Additionally, I used paper glaze on the donkey’s eyes, nose, and the star around its neck, creating a glossy and dimensional effect that makes these details stand out.
Making this graduation-themed card for the Craft Challenge Blog, sponsored by The Paper Shelter, was great fun to do.
I encourage you to join the Craft Challenge Blog and explore the creative possibilities of The Paper Shelter’s digital stamps. Whether someone is graduating or some other special occasion, don’t forget that handmade cards can give it just a more festive touch.
Happy crafting!
Affiliate products used:
Non affiliate products used:
- Digital stamp Graduated with Great Honor from The paper shelter.
- Twinmarkers (alcoholmarkers) from Decotimecrafts.
- Banner and sentiment dies from Aveccreative.
- Pattern paper from Craftsensations.
- Black and yellow card stock brand unknown.
- Dutch Doobadoo brick stencil.
I would like to enter my card in the following challenges:
- A Place To Start: Anything goes
- Fab ‘n’ Funky Challenges: Four legged friends
- A Perfect Time To Craft Open Challenge: Anything goes
- Classic Design Challenge Blog: Anything goes
- Critter Crazy CHALLENGE BLOG: Anything goes + featured gritter
- SheepSki Designs Challenges: celebrations
- Crafty Animals: Anything goes
- Crafting Happiness Challenges: Anything goes
So cute and fun image, great coloring and lovely layout. Thank you for sharing with us over here at Sheepski Designs and best of luck with your entry.
Granne DT for https://sheepski-designs-challenges.blogspot.com/
This is a darling card, love your colouring and the design. Thank you so much for joining us in our challenge at Critter Crazy Challenge this week. Good Luck. I hope to see you again in our next challenge.
Faith A DT
Cute card. Thanks for sharing with us at The Crafty Addicts this month..
Hugs Sandy DT member
Thanks
Beautiful card with a supers cute image and great design, thanks for sharing with us at Fab’n’Funky.
Pat xx
Thank you
This card is adorable and you’ve made a gorgeous work with the colouring. I love that you’ve used black and yellow cardboards, it’s a fantastic colour combination. Thanks for joining us at A Place To Start. Hugs, María.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment