Hello everyone!
Happy New Year and welcome to 2017!
I know I've been awol the past few weeks but I needed to take a break from blogging and the PC while I wound up work projects right up to the Christmas. December was an amazingly busy month for me, but I am happy to report that all my Christmas cards got sent out and all the gifts were wrapped in the nick of time.
But now here we are in a new year and I'm hoping you'll join me on this year's card challenge which is inspired by the Pantone colour picks for 2017.
We'll be starting the year with the Spring 2017 colours - here's an idea of what we have to look forward to:
Each month I'll pick a colour or two from this selection and hopefully find some Pinterest inspiration that will fit the bill.
Although the main inspiration for this year's challenge will come from the colours, the pins I share will also provide some other elements that you can translate onto your cards. Whether it's the combination of colours that the Pantone colour is used with, graphical details like patterns and prints, the theme of images, or even using an image as a blueprint for the layout of your card.
There's no limit to your creative options!
So here's how the 2017 card challenge will work:
- On the 1st of the month, I'll share a couple of Pinterest prompts here on my blog for the Pantone colour(s) of the month.
- The prompts will focus on the Pantone colour - but you will be able to interpret additional elements on your card: design elements, colour combos, words, patterns, objects, layout... so many possibilities! Whatever inspiration you take from the image, incorporate it in your card! As always I will try and come up with a list of what immediately springs to mind when I look at the image to give you a few ideas if you're stumped.
- What about Christmas cards? Well, the great thing about taking inspiration from a specific colour is that you can use it for any theme including Christmas cards. As my box of Christmas cards is now empty, don't be surprised if you see me sharing Christmas projects during this challenge. If the immediate inspiration you get for a project is to go the festive route, then by all means join me in sharing your Christmas makes, even if it's July!
- How many cards you make is totally up to you, but the more the merrier!
- All prompts past and present for this challenge can be found here on my blog and you can find them easily by clicking on the 2017 Pantone card challenge tag over there on the left.
- Speaking of tags, if you're also on Instagram then I'll be using the hashtag #2017pantonecardchallenge for any posts related to this challenge, feel free to use this tag on Instagram too!
- You can share your cards by linking them up here on my blog - just add a comment to the relevant monthly prompt - or by sharing them in the dedicated challenge thread over in the UK Scrappers card forum.
- If you are ever stumped about the layout of your card, then definitely check out the sketches I pin to my Pinterest board here, hopefully there will be something there to inspire you!
- What if you don't have time to start now or play along every month? No problem! Just dive in and out of the challenge when you feel like it. :D Do as much as you want or as little. It's always lovely to have lots of people sharing their makes, but real life doesn't always allow for crafty time as we well know!
So it's on with the show - here's to a crafty and inspiring 2017 - Happy cardmaking one and all!
The Pantone colours for January are:
Island Paradise
This photo contains soooo many elements that would work on a card:
- A big trend right now is marbled backgrounds - how about using paper or creating your own with all those lovely shades of blue and turquoise?
- The rule of three will never get old in crafting - those three tumbler glasses remind me that a clean and simple card with three elements lined up is a classic design if ever there was one
- Geometric/repeating prints - those cushions provide so much scope for incorporating timeless and bold prints on your cards
- Woodgrain - it's always a timeless look, but woodgrain in this colour would look amazing as a background
- Trees and branches - use dies or embossing folders to create this look
- Sparkly glass - perhaps use sequins or crystals to add a touch of sparkle
- Embossing - all those cushioned, plush fabrics remind me how effective embossing folders can be to add some classy texture to a card
- Rosettes and folded embellishments - that concertina-like lampshade reminds me of the rosettes you can make with the Tim Holtz dies and similar folded accents
- Cute critters - that pig toaster reminds me a lot of the cute critters and food themes that Lawn Fawn offers in their stamps and dies - why not go the whole hog? ;-)
Alternatively you can be inspired by...
Niagara
This subtle blue is a great match for Tim Holtz's "Faded Jeans" range of Distress products. If you're looking for a starting shade that would be perfect!
- Other things that jump out from this image include how Niagara is paired with other colours - it's best friend is definitely white or off-white. You can create some really striking looks using the blue for background stamping repeat patterns or intricate designs
- Another great combo is gold or silver - lots of scope for heat embossing greetings in beautiful fonts or using other media to add subtle sparkle and interest
- Again the branch element would work so nicely here - I could see Niagara being used as a night sky background with a branch in a lighter shade and perhaps stars or dots added in the background with a stencil using masking techniques to keep an area clear for your sentiment
- Origami flowers - again, paper folding techniques or even just making your own flower elements would look so nice on a card
- Circle elements and doilies - these will never get old on cards and if you are ever stumped as to where to start, then you can't go wrong with a large circle element - whether an aperture, die-cut or stitching.
- Finally, that organza skirt on the dress reminds me that fabric and trim is always something that can translate well to a card.
I hope these ideas are enough to get you started.
Happy crafting!
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