"Takin' It To the Top" Tuesday with Asian Artistry

Good morning, everyone and happy "Takin' It To the Top" Tuesday! I can't tell you how many wonderful comments and notes I've received from you, my faithful blog readers, since I started this popular Tuesday feature. Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to write me. Your comments and e-mails mean so much to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you! On "Takin' It To the Top" Tuesday, I take one basic, beautiful card (simple but not simplistic) and then I show you how you can step it up a bit by adding texture, elements and color and then I show you how you can step it up even more by taking it to the top (but not over the top -- sometimes there is a fine line between the two). Each of my cards today uses the Asian Artistry Stamp Set (a Level 2 Hostess Set). And each uses a color scheme of Not Quite Navy, Kraft, Old Olive and Very Vanilla. The Designer Series Paper is Bella Bleu and I've used some of the new Mistletoe Originals Taffeta Ribbon in Old Olive. As you can see on this first card, it's beautiful and perfectly fine just the way it is. However, when you want to send something that just a little bit more special, you could do something like this ...

On this intermediate card, I added an extra layer of Old Olive as Layer Two. On Layer Three (Kraft cardstock), I added some texture with the Big Shot and the Stampin' Up Texturz I Texture Plates (diamonds). Instead of using a square mat, I double-cut the Top Note Die (by turning the first cut 90 degrees and sending it through the machine again), to make this interesting shaped mat. Those are the only things different on this second card -- an extra layer, an interesting shape and a little texture in the background. You can see how just those simple, quick and subtle changes made this a much more interesting card.

Okay, now are you ready to Take it to the Top?  For this card, I did a little sponging over the textured Kraft cardstock layer, using Soft Suede ink. This helps to bring out the texture even more by adding contrast and depth. I sponged all around the edges of layer three, including the bottom where the DSP is attached. I added yet another layer of Old Olive underneath the stamped image layer and did some sponging (again with Soft Suede Ink) on the Very Vanilla Stamped image layer. Three Old Olive Brads are added in the top right-hand corner. The ribbon which was on the first two

cards as well, now has a

little faux bow tied on the left edge. And the altered Top Note layer is attached to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals (as is the sentiment), which brings even more texture, depth and weight to the card and also makes for a lovely natural drop-shadow. And of course, I had to add a little stamping to the inside of the card as well. I just love that little extra touch! So what do you think? Maybe you'll add some extra touches to your cards this week and Take them to the top! I would love to see your work and as always, I LOVE to read your comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I do want to remind you that my newest Kit-on-the-Go is this darling set of Frankie & Friends Fancy Favors Bags (or you could make them into cards). The kit includes everything you need (except for your own adhesives, tools and inks) to make all six of these adorable Halloween friends. Click HERE for more information or to place an order for either the Kit or the Tutorial!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you'll come back soon!

Comments

[Barb Slaughter]

Gretchen - this awesome...... Your work is amazing..
TFS,
Barb Slaughter

[Donna WB]

Gretchen,

As usual, your creations are absolutely fabulous! I've always loved your work, as it's ALWAYS so creative, inspiring, and gorgeous. As I've emailed you personally several times, I want you as my coach.

I'm happy to see that you have started "Takin' It To the Top" Tuesday. It shows us intermediate folks how to take it above and beyond the ordinary card. Thank you for that.

Hugs and blessings,
Donna WB

[Susan Erickson]

This is wonderful, Gretchen! I love the way you show the stepping it up! Just a few added details make such a difference.
Thanks,
Sue

[Cookie]

how gorgeous is this. I'm one of your fans too, on the 'takin it to the top'. I'm a beginner at card making so now I can go from mediocre to wonderful... Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic talent....

[Genny]

Gretchen,
I love this idea! It is really helping me to visualize how to step up a design. thank you for doing this! You have great ideas!
I really love your work!
Genny

[jmniffer]

I do enjoy your Take it to the Top Tuesday. Seeing all three cards side by side at the end is a wonderful touch. Thanks for sharing. jmniffer

[Heather Dean]

Takin' It to the Top is awesome. I absolutely love this card and how you transformed it from the simple design. I just made one (I'd been wanting to use this stamp set) and I love it. Don't want to give it away!! I can't wait to see what you create each Tuesday. I've bookmarked your blog and plan to visit often. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us.

Heather

[Dawn Stock]

Gretchen -

These are GREAT! Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents!

Dawn Stock