Caarvarks Window Challenge- You're the Top Pops!

In honour of my Dad (who loves to dress sharply--a vintage jacket with tails is a fave in his wardrobe)...a little glam for Father's day. With a stitched bow tie & lots of emboss resist & stitching. This is for the newest Caardvarks challenge: Window cards! For some reason I never make windows on my cards (must be sheer laziness?!? hehehe) I love how the Caardvarkians always make me try something different. :O)

1...new Caarvarks challenge (Windows!)
2...create coordinating emboss resist papers & quilt 'em
(plus the window how-to)
3...dress a top hat image & stitch a bow tie

-1-

You can play along with the challenge here:

(or just check out the amazing cards that the wicked 'Varks
crew & the ultra talented POD guests have made. WOWed me!)

The sponsor for this challenge is

(don't tell your 'significant other' that I sent you a-shoppin',
but man oh man are there some sweet stamps there!) ;O)

PRIZE: Prize is a $50 shopping spree at Purple Onion Designs!!!

PROMOTION: POD will also be offering 25% off to Caardvarks' readers for the length of the challenge. Enter code "Caardvarks" at checkout.

DEADLINE: To have a shot at the shopping spree, you'll need to have your entries linked to Caardvarks via Mr. Linky by July 3rd at Midnight, PST.

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...create coordinating emboss resist papers & quilt them

• Various coloured cardstocks
• Background Stamp (POD Late 1800's Script)
• The inside of the card is stamped with Antique Ledger Background
  
• Clear embossing powder & heat gun
  
• Black ink (test for colour base--some are purpley. I like the brownish ones)
• Sponge dauber/other ink applicator
• Paper towel & wax paper (for easy clean up)
• Double-sided tape
  
• Black embroidery thread, paper piercer & needle
• 1 and 3/8 inch square punch (SU/Paper Shapers)
• 1 and 1/4 inch circle punch (SU/Paper Shapers)
• Tim Holtz ruler

Step 1) Punch squares of paper (these are 1 3-8” squares) The paper is emboss resist made by:

1. Stamping the gorgeous script stamp in Versamark & heat embossing with clear embossing powder {The fun part was using a variety of coloured cardstocks (Cool Caribbean, Soft Sky, River Rock, Tempting Turquoise, Naturals White, Whisper White}
2. Spreading out wax paper to keep the mess down
3. Using a sponge dauber and black ink to saturate the stamped cardstocks
4. Wiping off the excess ink & allowing it to dry before punching squares
5. Let dry & punch squares. I used a 1 3/8" square punch (SU/Paper Shapers)
   

Step 2) Adhere squares to the card. On a 5 and 1-2 inch square card 16 fit perfectly. Avoid putting adhesive where you plan to stitch.



Step 3) Pierce along all the edges of the squares. Long lines of stitches make it speedy. I love Tim Holtz ruler with pins stuck in a fun foam mat.

Step 4) make a well-centered window by punching a circle from a scrap of thin paper, then adhering it to one of your squares



Step 5) Use the scrap circle as a guide to punch perfectly in center

That will leave you with a delicate circular frame:



Of course you could use any shape you like (with punch or die cutter)



Step 6) Adhere the circle frame to your card (pierce it too)



Step 7) Use the circle frame as a guide to cut through with an exacto blade.

That will leave you with a shaped window:

Step 8) Then just stitch it up :O)...

-3-

...dress a top hat image
& stitch a slide off bow tie

That cute little top hat is part of Purple Onion Designs set "Celebitties" set. Schtuff I've done with it here:

• Embossed it (black ink & clear embossing powder)
  
• Coloured with Copic markers
  
• Covered the turquoise band with Crystal Lacquer (and dried that well)
• Pierced and stitched the band with embroidery thread for texture
• Mounted it on the card with foam tape so it stuck up through the window
  

• Ribbon (I used black 3/4 inch poly-blend grosgrain)
• Ribbon (this is 3/8 inch crushed velvet)
• Tombow monomulti
• Thread & needle
• Really sharp scissors

Stitch a Bow Tie:

• 1) Use ribbon with decent length measurement (to tie & work it)
• 2) Tie a knot in the middle
• 3) Choose which side of the knot you like best (front or back)
• 4) Bring one end to the back to measure & cut
• 5) Sear end of the ribbon with a lighter (if the ribbon takes that)
• 6) Stitch it on (checking in between stitching to be sure it’s shaping up how you like)
• 7) Repeat for the other side
• 8) Measure some thinner ribbon (to fit snugly around your card but not so that it buckles you card. You want it to slide off.) :O)
• 9) Stitch the ends of the ribbon to each other to make a round of ribbon
• 10) Stitch your bow tie on

Thank you so much for hanging in there with my
sporadic posts while I'm ill. You're THE very best!

(today the ol' blog should be called: Puttin' on the Ritz)

P.S. There are a whack of Father's Day links HERE