Takin' It To the Top with Elements of Style

Hello and welcome to Takin' It To the Top, my occasional blog feature where I take one basic card, step it up a bit and then take it to the top, showing you how to add to your cards and projects with extra layers, embellishments, texture and pattern. No longer just for Tuesdays, and no longer every week, Takin' It To the Top will appear occasionally on my blog, probably 2-3 times each month.

Okay, with that said let me explain what I've done today with Elements of Style, a new set from the Summer Mini Catalog which will be available to order beginning Saturday, May 1st!

The colors are Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery,and Whisper White and I used Rose Red, Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink re-inkers and Blender Pens for the watercoloring.

As you can see with the basic card, I used 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon with a tied-on faux bow, the Scallop Circle Punch and the 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches. And that's it! It's a beautiful card but also very simple without a lot of texture and extras!

Okay, here is the second card, stepped up just a bit. As you can see, I stamped the flourish from the stamp set using Old Olive Ink, so that it peeks out from behind the focal image. I also rounded the bottom edges only, using the Corner Rounder Punch.

I kept the Satin Ribbon but instead of a faux bow, I added a real bow. See HERE for a tutorial on how to make a bow.

I added an extra layer of Rose Red on the Scallop Circle medallion to bring the color up to the top of the card, and used the 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches.

And those are the only changes to the second card.

Okay, now, let's Take it to the Top ...

As you can see, there are only a couple of changes on this final card, but they add more drama and interest to the card and, when you want it to be a really special card, it's nice to add drama and interest.

I used the luxurious and beautiful 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon. If you haven't used this ribbon before, you will fall in love with it. It is so easy to tie and work with and definitely adds drama to any project. Another changes is that I sponged just a little chocolate chip ink around the edges of the focal layer. And finally, I attached three half-back pearls from the Pretties Kit, using Crystal Effects to adhere them.

And of course, you don't want to forget the inside of the card. Here, just stamping the beautiful flourish, is all you need to dress up the inside as well!

And that's it -- one, two, three cards, all using the same basic layout and materials and each one stepped up just a bit.

It's amazing, isn't it, what just a few extra touches can do to your projects!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this latest Takin' It To the Top feature! Please come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

Comments

[Susan]

Absolutely beautiful - all three of them! I just mounted my Elements of Style set last night. Maybe I'll ink them up tonight : )

Susan

[Laurie W]

Oh I have really missed this feature. You really know how to take it to the top, I always learn something when you post one of these and your cards are great. TFS>

[virginia killmore]

Gretchen Wow I love this feature every week!

[Marge]

Love this new set, all 3 of these cards are so beautiful. In my own personnel opinion I like the second card best. Although you must know taking it to the top is a good way to show it.

Thanks you for sharing your great work.

[Ad K.]

This new set is so pretty! The second card is my favorite. TFS

[Sharon Partyka]

These cards are so beautiful! I really like your creations and accompanying instructions and I look forward to your daily emails. Thanks for sharing.

[Chellie B]

Yay!!! So glad this feature is coming back to your blog. Love your style, lady!

[Joyce Traub]

As usual, I love your work. You're feature, taking it to the top is always amazing.

[Terri]

Wow all 3 cards are beautiful. Too bad about certainly celery being deleted from the SU colours.

Ter ;)

[maureen vollaro]

I JUST love when you do the Over the top cards! Really so beautiful and inspiring!!! Thanks so much!
~Maureen