The last theme of the year has been set out over at AAA Cards’ clean and simple card challenge blog. It has a wintery feel with ‘sketch and cold’ being the design features to include. If you need a reminder, the sketch is there as inspiration and doesn’t need to be literally followed (though a couple of the DT cards have done so). The colour palette does need to be from the cold side though.

Sadly, this card will also be my last design team card for AAA Cards. I’ve made a card every fortnight for them over the last two years and it’s time to move on to do something new/different. There are plans to take the challenges into next year, so do keep joining in the fun 🙂

Here’s my take on the challenge:

Here’s the sketch you’re encouraged to take inspiration from. Remember to keep the card clean and simple!

I used a border embossing folder to make my colour strips. I inked up the debossed area of the folder before inserting the card and sending it through the machine. This transfers the ink to the card, leaving the embossed area raised and white. Use water-based inks and just wipe the folder clean with a baby wipe. Cut borders to size, mount them onto the card blank and add a sentiment. Finish off with some glitter onto the embossed snowflakes. Much of the work was choosing the colours to feature and seeing what worked next to each other.

Used in this ‘sketch and cold’ card

• Sizzix / Tim Holtz Alterations Texture Fades: Christmas background & borders set
• Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Oxides: Hickory Smoke / Faded Jeans / Stormy Sky / Chipped Sapphire
• Stampers Anonymous / Tim Holtz cling mounted rubber stamp: Crazy Talk [CMS236]
• Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue: Stardust