Lessons Resume at the Schoolhouse

Even though we are still amidst the summer months, there is a definite crispness in the air today, reminding us that autumn draws nigh. That means it is time for summer romances and carefree play to come to a close as the children return to their lessons. I do not have any offspring to prepare for this, but my husband is an instructor and he will be returning to the schoolhouse in a couple of weeks. As such, I created a card for him to congratulate him on his new teaching position he was awarded this year.

I used Wednesday from the Greeting Farm because her outfit has always reminded me of a school uniform. I wasn't too pleased with the colouring, but at least it's practice which earned me +89 pencil exp points. The background paper is some school themed chalkboard sketchy paper that I've had in my stash FOREVER and decided would be perfect for this. I also cracked open the package of "Smash Stickies" that I bought a long time ago and have never used to peel off a sticky with the scissors picture to add in the background. 

I cut the books and apple from Hello Kitty Greetings. I tried glossy accents on the apple, but it really didn't turn out too well. I'm not 100% sure if I'm using that stuff properly. It seems really hard to spread out evenly. I think I need to use more of it because some parts of the apple didn't have any on it. That did earn me +90 exp points for trying something new.

The chalk board was just black card stock and some "wood grain" patterned paper I cut into strips. Then I wrote on it with the white picket fence Distress Marker. I also made another chalkboard for the inside.

This I stamped with white ink. I made the card "attitudey" because the school my husband will be teaching at this year has a lot of problem kids with not only bad home situations, but learning disabilities too. It will definitely be a challenge.

Speaking of challenges...this card will be entered into the following:

Farm Fresh Friday (TGF): Back to School
Shopping Our Stash #64: Technique Time - Try something new or revisit an oldie (the glossy accent on the apple which didn't turn out super great *shudder*)
Use It Tuesday #37: All About School (background paper and "Smash Stickies")
Cricut Cardz Challenge #113: School's Cool

As excited as my husband is to go back to school, he did purchase himself some new fire-branded armor from the smithy to give him +50 defense points against these kids...he's going to need it.

~ Guild Master Crystal ~

The Clash of Tim Holtz & Hello Kitty

It's a chilly night in the Guild Hall, so I'm snuggling deep into my pile of furs as I type this entry. A crisp chill in the air makes me start thinking of Christmas - my favorite season to craft for. Tonight I took a small respite from tending to the dire wolves to whip up a quick card.

 

Talk about two contrasting styles. The snowman is from the Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge and all the inks and tickets are from the Tim Holtz line. 

I coloured the holly using my Distress Markers, which was much easier this time as this paper was actual watercolour paper (Donna Salazar Artistic Paper) which allowed me to gain +60 exp points. I inked the edges with Old Paper and Tea Dye Distress Ink. I stamped the tickets from the Tim Holtz "Odds and Ends" stamp set, cut them out, inked 'em up and distressed the edges with a +16 attack, wielding my edged weapon Paper Distresser. 

Overall I like how the card turned out despite the contrasting elements. It was a good warm up for the Crafters Guild Christmas Card Crop coming up this Saturday. 

This card will be entered into the Christmas in July Challenge at Cardz TV

Well, the night draws nigh, and this little Guildy needs her sleep to face another crafting battle on the morrow.

~ Guild Master Crystal ~