One For The Books

This card was a commission from a friend for a card for his wife.  The brief was “she likes books”.  I don’t have any stamp sets or dies featuring books and, whilst there are some available, the cost was rather high just to make one card.  My drawing skills are minimal but I figured I could draw a few books since they’re basically just rectangles so I set about sketching a doodle-style bookcase, adding a few stamps that were the appropriate size.

After this sketch was approved by my friend, I started on the proper version.  I wanted to watercolour the images so drew out the shelves on watercolour paper and stamped the various images in place using Versafine Clair ink, which is waterproof.

Using a waterproof fineliner, I then drew in the books.

Once the drawing was complete, I pulled out my paints and spent a pleasant half hour adding some colour to the images.

For the central focal panel, I had planned to use the Cricut to cut out some book shapes however I couldn’t get any svg files that I liked so I drew more books instead topped with a mug sporting the recipient’s initial.  The sentiment was printed using my printer.

The feature elements of the panel were cut using my Cricut.  I even ‘glazed’ the glasses using some acetate!

I added some small images to the envelope and the inside panel of the card.

Each panel was mounted onto a black mat and then onto a 8” x 8” card blank. 

I really enjoyed the challenge of creating this card and was pleased with the finished item.