10/25/09

House Mouse Challenge Finals

I am so honored to be one of 11 people chosen as finalists for open DT positions at House Mouse and Friends Challenge blog. Our mission for this final round was to create two cards using the same image on both. One card is to be simple while the other is to be over the top. I debated for awhile and finally came up with two cards that I am really pleased with!
























This is my simple card. I created a 5x5 size card that features a Cuttlebug embossed front panel and window cut with a Nestabilities die. I added a band of cardstock to the front of the card to tie the two embossed areas together and to give me a great space for a sentiment (and a couple of sparkles). I added the bow to the front because as you will see in the next picture, there is a bow in the image and this added a little touch of dimension to the front. Take a look inside:



















The focus of the card is definitely this adorable image but you have to look inside to see it all! And there's that red bow! The image was stamped with Memento ink and colored with Copic markers.

Now for the over-the-top card, I went for sparkle and Christmas!

















I wanted to enlarge this a little so you can see some of the detail but a larger picture didn't fit on the old blog-o! So if you want to get a closer look, click the picture.

I wish you could see this lovely DP - it's very shimmery and gorgeous! To it, I added a ruffled band of gold ribbon that was added by machine sewing it in place. The vintage sheet music is an image I found online that I printed and distressed with ink and scissors. Of course, we have the super cute mice again, colored this time with a combination of Prismacolor pencils and Copic markers and I intentionally made the colors a little stronger for the mice so they would not fade into the background of this card. To finish the piece, I added a chipboard flower that was covered with DP and lightly painted over with gold Stickles, which were also added to the bow on the image.

I hope you like the two versions - which is your favorite? Best of luck to all the other "contestants" - I have been checking out your work and there is some really beautiful entries!

I'll be back Tuesday with a Tuesday Throwdown and this one is a color challenge! Until then, have a creative day!
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12 comments:

Curt in Indy said...

What great creativity on the first card with the peek through window! Best of luck to you! Curt

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Mary :-) I love them both but I especially like the simple one with the lovely surprise when you open it :-) The vintage music is a brilliant idea too on your OTT one ,,, :-)

It has been a fun challenge and I have really enjoyed seeing what everyone has made ,,, I don't envy them having to chose ,,, ! everyone has made fabulous cards eh ! :-)

Luv
Lols x x x

Diane Noble said...

Totally, totally cute. What an adorable image...but the way you showcase them here is just fabulous! Love the way you did the window...and then the inside. Definitely a WOW factor of 10!!!

Stephanie said...

Mary - these are so fun!! love the little window in the first card and how the two other guys surprise you when you open the card. Good luck!!

Christine said...

Wow Mary 2 gorgeous cards here I love the peek a boo clever way to use the image...OTT is fab too.. all finalists have created fantastic cards..good luck..

Hugs Christine xx

Terri Davenport said...

That's awesome! Congrats on being in the finals! Love both of your cards!

peggysue said...

Congratulations on being a finalist, that's really cool! And secondly since I'm being forced to choose, I would say the first one, it just is so clean and the image is so nicely framed, its a great design. Good luck!

JazzyH said...

That is darn cute! I love the inside and the outside.

Gina Lindsay said...

I love both of them! I love the more simple look of the first one, and the red and white are so striking. I love the addition of the music on the bottom one.

Kay said...

Congrats on reaching the finals! That's awesome. They are both great cards but the first one if my favorite. You can't beat a red and white Christmas combo!

Leslie said...

absolutely darlin'

dawnmercedes said...

Oh wow..>I think that BOTH of these cards are over the top!!! Wowee!! I am hoping you get the job!