Beary Special!

This is a long post. Grab a cuppa "whatever" and hang in there with me, ok?

Happy Sunday! This week Stamptacular Sunday Challenge would like you to use a BEAR somewhere on your project.

I did NOT have one single stamp of a bear or with a bear in it. I knew what I wanted to do for my card so the search began for the "perfect" bear to fill the bill or rather fill the pocket in this case. I'm so glad my friend Kathie introduced me to a local scrapbook/stamp store. It became a bit of an adventure for the kids and I to search the entire store for something with a bear. It's probably the first (and last) time they've ever enjoyed going into a craft store with me.

This card is not my original idea. A friend of mine had something similar to this from her upline...years ago. I have held onto the stamp set POCKET FUN just so I could make a card like this. I took her idea and embellished on it. Since my SIL keeps having babies every year, I figure I better stock up on baby cards. I made a girl one that I will show at the end of the post.

UPDATE TO SHARE: My sister in law called me THIS morning. She had her baby 3 weeks early. We now welcome Gabriel Richard into our family! Better get another boy card ready ...just in case.... for her next one:)

First, I thought I'd share how I made this one. I have some tips along the way. "Bear" with me on the photos. (Cheesy pun totally intended) My tutorial shots are always done under fluorescent lighting.

The Template

This is just your standard 4 1/4"X 11" piece of card stock folded in half from top to bottom.
Measure in from each end 1 1/16" and then cut down 1 5/16". Do this on both sides and then cut across to remove that section. The bottom can be left straight or you can create the "illusion" of little legs by finding the middle of the card, marking a spot about a 1/2" up or so and then cutting on an angle up to that mark.

HERE'S THE TIP

I used the retired background stamp called Just Jeans. When using a background stamp it's always a good idea to use a brayer to get an even coverage of ink. Now if you've read my blog long enough you know that I am a "lazy" stamper. This takes extra time, effort and clean up. I am telling you... IT IS WORTH IT. Don't believe me?


SEE THE DIFFERENCE

The one on the left looks so much better and definitely more like actual denim.



Want to know how I made the straps? OK! Here's what you do. Stamp another piece of coordinating cardstock with the Jeans background stamp and cut a strip that is 1 1/16". You will use the rest of this stamped cardstock to make the pocket so just hang on to it.


Next take the large Oval punch and punch out a section. You should be able to make two of these from the one strip. You will also have to trim off on the one end to fit at the top of your card properly.

I decided after adding the brass buttons on the front that I wanted my straps to stand out a little. So, I did what I refer to as the "partial pop."

This just means that I put adhesive at the top and added a dimensional along the bottom. That way the whole thing isn't sticking up off the paper.

Now about those buttons. I think they are by Making Memories. I can't find them anymore. They aren't really a brad. I'm not sure what they are called. Five little prongs stick out the back and you have to pierce them through your paper and hammer down the backs. THAT could be why they don't make them anymore. They aren't the easiest to use. BUT they are so CUTE!

A little more about the card. I stamped the pocket using Night of Navy ink and then cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals. The entire card is faux stitched with a Night of Navy marker only(no piercing) and sponged. The bear and bottle are colored with Copics. I added Crystal Effects to the bottle to make it look more like glass. You can click on the picture to get a larger view if you like.

Here's the "GIRL" version

I decided to make the pocket from a heart template. See, you don't have to use a pocket stamp. Be creative. I also added scalloped "trim" to the bottom legs. Recognize the paper? It's that lovely Tiny Princess Pattern from The Digichick:)

On this one I didn't "partially pop" the straps either. I am less than thrilled with my coloring on that bunny. Still figuring out how to use these Copics with my minimal supply.

WOW! That was looonnngg. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Now here are the deets!

What's In It?
Stamps: Just Jeans (SU), Baby ( Hampton Art)

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Versamark
Paper: White, Brocade Blue
Other: sponge, white EP, Copics, MM buttons, dimensionals, large Oval punch, brayer, SU Vintage brads

Stamps: Baby (Hampton Art)
Ink: Choc Chip
Paper: Tiny Princess Patterns digital
Other: The Paper Studio buttons, Pretty in Pink marker, heart template, Copics, Scalloped Edge punch, dimensionals

Hey, don't forget to check out some of the CUTE samples the design team has made. Go to their blogs located on the left side bar. Leave them some comments. Me too please. I love to read comments. Then dig out your bear stamps or get some digital bear stamps and get creating. My favorite digitals are The Digistamp Boutique. HERE is the link that will take you right to the bears. Can't wait to see what you make! Don't forget to link your creation to the Stamptacular Sunday Blog for a chance to win some goodies from our own design team member, Janneke.

Have a good one!