Lots of Apples!

The Pals Paper Arts challenge blog is hosting a sketch challenge this week and I'm excited to be the Featured Stamper again!  I used the simple sketch I designed for PPA7 to create this school-themed thank you card.  Read on for my inspiration and the details for making the card!

September always makes me think of going back to school, buying school supplies, and new school clothes.  And, who doesn't love a brand new box of crayons and a package of pencils to start the new school year?  Don't forget an apple for the teacher, too!  This card is loaded with apples for a new or favorite teacher, a first-time or returning student, or someone who works in a school. The recipient of this card, however, is someone who isn't going back-to-school this year!  It was made especially for my sister, who recently retired after 39 years as a teacher, principal, and administrator. She undoubtedly received lots of apples throughout the years!  Thanks, Donna, for your dedication, your inspiration, and always putting the students first!

All supplies used for this card are Stampin' Up!, unless noted otherwise:

• Bright and sunny Yoyo Yellow was used for the card base.  A band of Basic Black spans the width of the card.  It's topped with a strip of lined note paper that mimics the "torn from my spiral" look, easily duplicated with the easy-to-use Spiral punch (TIP:  Adhere a layer of Whisper White under the note paper before punching; this adds stability and also gives the look of more paper hiding underneath!).

• The "thank you" sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set was stamped in Jet Black StazOn onto a strip of Old Olive.  The Corner Rounder punch was used to replicate the look of a file folder tab.  The tab was tucked under the band of Basic Black and attached with Sticky Strip. The entire assembly was adhered to the card base using Sticky Strip.

• I used the Big Shot, the Circles #2 die, and Circle punches to make the layered circles to display each apple. For the base circle, I used Basic Black and ran it through the Big Shot, using the Circles #2 die. The next layer, attached to the black circle using Stampin' Dimensionals, was punched from Old Olive using the 1 3/8" Circle punch.  A crisp layer of Whisper White was punched out using the 1 1/4" Circle punch, and adhered with SNAIL Adhesive.    

• The bright red apples were created using the image stamp from the Tart & Tangy set and Stampin' Write markers in Real Red, Old Olive, and Close to Cocoa.  Each apple was cut out using Paper Snips and added to the Whisper White circle using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The finished "apple embellishments" were adhered to the card base with snippets of Sticky Strip.

• For the finishing touch, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon is wrapped around the card atop the note paper strip and tied in a pretty bow.  An A+ touch!

Thanks for visiting my blog!  I hope my sketch for PPA7 will inspire you to take out your stamping supplies and create something fun today!  For more inspiration, visit the Pals Paper Arts blog and "play along" too!

Comments

[Kris Kilcoyne]

Fantastic!

Way to work your own sketch.

I love how your images are always so bright and crisp.

[Michelle Tech]

I love this card! It gives me some ideas for a set of cards as a teacher gift!

[Melissa Young]

This is so cute! Thank you so much for your creative sketches! They are so easy to implement and very attractive!

[Ann Schach]

Margaret this is stunning! The colors are absolutely fabulous! And your sketch is wonderful, too! I loved it because it is so versatile. We are lucky to have you as our sketch designer!

[Britiney]

Margaret, I just came across your blog today. Your work is spectacular. You're DEFINITELY going on my reader!!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations.

[Kim W in NC]

Margaret, thank you for your sweet comment on my card for PPA7. I am loving yours, too! Those colors remind me of school and I love the idea of the lined notebook paper with the Spiral punch - I will definitely have to try that some time! Thanks for sharing!! :o)

[Gina Shaw]

Oh, Margaret, I love, love, love your card and I had such a fun time working with your terrific sketch! You amaze me and make me so happy to be a part of the Pals. It's a joy to work with such talent. Thank you!

[Kim]

You did your sketch proud! Such a bright and cheery card - perfect for the teachers in our loves! Love your crayon and pencil inspiration too!

[Christina Vilmar]

I wish I had cards this cute to give my teachers as thank you notes! These are great-very creative with the teaching theme, I like it a lot. I look forward to seeing your next card!

[Linda Callahan]

Great color combo - perfect for back to school! Love how you used the spiral punch for the notebook paper!

[Janine]

Hi Margaret, thank you for your comment on my PPA #7 card in SCS, I really do appreciate it. I loved working with your sketch this week and had so much fun. Your card is so vibrant and inspirational. TFS.

[Mary P]

Neat card!

[Cindy Witty]

Margaret,
Thanks for the kind encouraging words you have given me about my cards. I enjoy following your blog and appreciate your work.
Thanks,
Cindy W.

[Patti MacLeith]

So colorful and GORgeous!

[stacey lyn tarvin]

Your work is beautiful, simple, elegant and clean.I love it! I'm casing it for sure!

[Kathy W]

Love how you used the notebook paper and spiral punch. Perfect for this card! Great job on the sketch challenge.