Need Hugs?

Living in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona for more than 11 years has given me an appreciation for the rugged beauty of the environment. When I saw this cute stamp set at Paper Smooches, I knew it was for me!

Using a sketch for the design layout, the sentiment was stamped on cork, die cut and backed with foam tape. The tall cactus (Saguaro) was stamped and die cut. The smaller cacti (Prickly Pear) were stamped, colored and fussy cut. The Desert Iguana was stamped, colored in tones of gray and brown as found in nature, then fussy cut. Googly eyes were added to the iguana. All of the cacti were touched up with a white gel pen to give them a little texture, then backed with foam tape.

On a card base of white cardstock, a panel of texturized cardstock was adhered along with a strip of Washi tape. Another smaller panel of patterned paper was adhered to the card. The elements were then added to the front of the card. The inside was decorated by stamping and coloring more Prickly Pear cacti.

This card is being submitted to:

1. Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #207






2. Cardz 4 Guyz Challenge #165 (Theme: Animal Antics)




3. Addicted to Stamps & More #237 (Theme: Make Your Mark)






4. Crafting from the Heart #153 (Theme: Anything Goes)




Techniques: Stamping, coloring, die cutting, fussy cutting, dry embossing
Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Materials
Stamps: Paper Smooches "Southwest Charm"
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Tangelo Twist
Paper: Doodlebug Cactus Garden; DCWV Cork
Dies: Spellbinders "Postage Stamps"; Paper Smooches "Desert Icons"
Misc.: Stampin' Up! Dimensionals, Diagonal TIEF; Washi tape & Googly eyes from stash; Uniball Signo white gel pen