Builder Birdcage

Hello, Crafters.

Yesterday I decided to start using stamp sets I've bought but haven't used yet, at the same time trying to use the in-colours that will retire when the new annual catalogue launches on 1st. June! 

I chose the Builder Birdcage Stamp Set and Cucumber Crush. I decided I didn't want to use Basic Black for the main stamping so chose Soft Suede instead.

I decided which parts I needed to build my cage which are the beads hanging from the base, the main body of the cage and the "roof" of the cage. 

With the fancy bit at the base of the cage, I didn't  stand the cage on the pedestal, so I used one of the chains to suspend it from the ceiling, instead. 

Whilst I was happy with the finished card, I wasn't overly keen on the colour combo. 

I made a second card using Real Red and Basic Black and absolutely love it!

This is probably my all-time favourite colour combo! 

I'll explain how I made the red and black card and will put the brown and green instructions in brackets after the red and black details.

To make my card, I started with a card base of Basic Black (Soft Suede) Cardstock (CS), with a layer of Real Red (Cucumber Crush) CS and a top layer from the Sending Love Designer Series Paper (DSP) Stack (Neutrals Collection DSP Stack in Soft Suede).

Using Tombow, I adhered all three layers together.

Using Archival Basic Black (Soft Suede) Ink, I stamped all the birdcage images starting with the main body of the birdcage first, then the beaded decoration at the bottom, then the roof, chain and perches.

As this is a photopolymer stamp set, I found this very easy to do!

I changed to Real Red (Cucumber Crush ) Ink and stamped the birds to sit on the perches, facing each other. 

Using Tombow again, I adhered this piece of Whisper White CS onto a piece of Real Red (Cucumber Crush) CS, and then onto a piece of Basic Black (Soft Suede) CS. 

The sentiment is from the Swan Lake Stamp Set and I stamped it on a thin strip of Whisper White CS using Real Red (Cucumber Crush) Ink. 

This was then adhered onto a piece of Real Red (Cucumber Crush) CS and then a piece of Basic Black (Soft Suede) CS.

I adhered the image and the sentiment to the card front using Dimensionals.

I took a layer of Whisper White CS for the inside of the card, and using Archival Basic Black (Soft Suede) Ink, I stamped two swinging perches at different heights towards the top right hand side corner. 

Then I stamped one bird on each, again facing each other, using Real Red (Cucumber Crush) Ink.

Using Tombow I adhered this onto a layer of Real Red (Cucumber Crush) CS, and then onto the inside of the card base.

My final touch was to add a small bow made with some Sending Love Real Red 1/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (Linen Thread) to the top of the cage roof!

A very pleasing card methinks! I hope you do too!

Yesterday afternoon, my accountant came round and did my year end - 5th April 2016 - Tax Return for me. It has to be in today otherwise there's a fine of £100! Phew!!

Each year I say I'll get everything together for my accountant a lot sooner, but I never do; this year I'm not saying a word! LOL!


That's about it for today, until tomorrow, happy crafting.

JanB.