Snowy Blues

No, I'm not down in the dumps and no, it's not snowing yet (thank goodness!) but over on the Crafty Ho's challenge blog, this week's challenge is an inspiration photo of a *very large* snowman.

Last year, I designed a die cut snowman.  I wanted him to look like folk art.  I didn't like how he turned out.  I went back to the drawing board on this one.  Once I had the new snowman paper die cut designed, I saw the error of my ways on the first one.  I gave him some touch ups but I have not yet made anything with him.  Once I finished the new one, though, I was ready to make something with him right away!

I made life easy for myself: I found a sketch challenge to go with this snowman theme.  The sketch is from the Card Positioning Systems challenge blog for CPS 195:

In addition, I experimented with monochromatic colour schemes in my last post.  In keeping with that idea, I made this card monochromatic too.  This time, instead of using different shades of the same family, I used the exact same cardstock and differentiated the layers using embossing patterns.  This card, therefore, also qualifies for the PaperPlay Monocrhomatic challenge this week!  Woohoo!  Three challenges in one card!

This is my chubby little paper die cut snowman!  I gave him a black outline to make him appear more bold.  It does add a slightly whimsical cartoon-y effect too, which contrasts the embossed simpleness a little.

I'll tell you a secret about this card: Once I did the black background, I didn't know what colour to make his hat!  I don't have a dark gray cardstock, so you know what I did?  I coloured some white cardstock grey with my Letraset Tria alcohol-based markers.  Worked well, I think!  Here's a close up of the embossing.

I used Stampin' Up! ribbon on this card.  I must admit, this ribbon is MUCH nicer to tie in bows than dollar store ribbon.  The quality is recognizably better by far.  I don't think I will ever buy another spool of dollar ribbon!

This paper die cut snowman is going in my personal pile of Christmas cards.  Someone I know will be getting this little guy!  I haven't picked who yet though.  If I ever get around to cutting out the folk art version of my paper die cut snowmen, I'll try to remember to snap a picture to show you before I send him on his merry way!