Shabby Chic and a Sketch

I have been trying to get started making this card for a few days now and always seemed to get sidetracked into making something else or started off 'shabby' but ended up 'retro' or 'bright and cheery'...
Finally tonight, I managed to put a card together to fit the 'Shabby chic' theme for this week's Simon Says Stamp Challenge. There is a DT call on the blog for two new members so I am entering this card for it.


To aid me in making my card, I used the lovely sketch on the Cupcake Craft Challenge blog.
I used mostly papers from a K+Co Mat stack, I think it is a wedding themed stack but I love the muted colours. The backing paper which is the last layer at the back is from my stash and the Kraft card is an ancient folder which I retrieved from a recycling bin at work!

The sketch is absolutely gorgeous and was a dream to use. I loved the intricacy of the layers and decided to use a different backing paper for each one, inking the edges and then sewing around each one in faded pink cotton in various stiches to add to the patchwork effect.

Here is an 'arty' close up of the layers and the main flower. The sentiment I used is from Hero Arts and the gorgeous image of the girl with the dog on the swing is from Lili of the Valley. This is only the second time I have inked her up! I love her dress and pinafore and she was lovely to colour in to match my choice of papers with all my pale and interesting Promarkers. The flowers are a mix of various bits and bobs from my stash, including a canvas bloom from Making Memories. To finish the card off, I added some carefully placed gems.
I hope you had a lovely Monday, it was lovely driving to work today under 'normal' weather conditions. It makes such a difference to start the day without having to negotiate slippery roads or snow!
Jane
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