Through the Trees Birthday

As simple as this card looks, it took me FOREVER to create.  First, my Stampin' Up white craft ink did not do a very nice job of covering the trees.  After about 5 tries, I decided that I would emboss them.  After accidentally pouring clear embossing powder on the trees, I finally got it right with the white embossing powder.

Next came sentiment problems.  I had it crooked on the acrylic block and then when I finally got it right, I smudged it while it was drying... that's the problem with using VersaFine ink.  I love how crisp the black is, but it does take time to dry.  Then I decided it needed brads so I need a longer piece of paper so off I went to stamp it again... of course it was after I had already cleaned the stamp!  It is still slightly crooked, but I've decided that is what is going to give it that homemade look!  ;-)

The black trees on the card base also took two tries.  It was hard to see the black tree trunks on the black card stock.  When I went to stamp the leaves, I messed it up... the second time I stamped the leaves and then the trunks.  It was a little easier, but still difficult to see.

Anyone who has stamped with me in person can well imagine how the cutting of the bird went for me.  I hate cutting out small things and the bird is TINY!  I needed my Ott Lite and my cheater glasses!

My inspiration for this card for my brother-in-law came from Lisa's card.

Thanks for looking,

SU Card Stock - Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink - SU - Whisper White Craft, VersaFine Onyx Black
PTI Stamps - Through the Trees
Accessories - Mini Scallop scissors to round the corners of the sentiment, black brads, foam tape