Friendly Gnomes Card Class, Card 1

Welcome to another weekly Card Class From ME! This time, I am featuring the Friendly Gnomes Stamp Set and Coordinating Gnomes Dies. I find it amazing that Stampin’ Up! was able to bring the Gnomes Dies back for another set of adorable gnome stamps!

In fact, I compared both stamp sets, the retired Kindest Gnomes (red rubber cling style), to the current Friendly Gnomes (photopolymer style) during my class. Watch the video here.

While there are 4 dies designed to cut out gnome shapes, there are only 3 gnome shapes in the current Friendly Gnomes Stamp Set. Each gnome has unique qualities (like our gnome with flowers in his beard!) and gives us a lot of cute options to work with.

Floating Eclipse Technique

While I like to pack my card kits with lots of cool elements for you, the Floating Eclipse Technique is something new to me. I thought these funky die cut circles would be the perfect backdrop for one of my gnome cards.

To begin, cut a piece of Vellum a little larger than your intended die cut. I used the biggest circle die from the Stylish Shapes Dies. I adore anything with a stitched edge!

Next, adhere strips of designer series paper, a half inch thick, to the Vellum. Be sure to leave a little space in between your dsp rows. Lastly, die cut your shape. This results in the look of “floating” dsp as the Vellum base fades into the background.

Get To Gnome Your Card Kit

Let’s break down what your first gnome card kit holds in store, besides the awesome eclipse die cut circles.

Flowers & More Host DSP

This isn’t the first card class I have used this fabulous designer series paper, Flowers & More, on (see my previous card class here). I thought the bright and fun patterns in this paper pack would be perfect for my gnome card. Purple and posies just felt right for this gnome with flowers in his beard.

Painted Texture Embossing Folder

I love adding an embossed piece to my card fronts. It is quick and easy, and provides great texture too. For this card from my Friendly Gnomes Card Class, I chose the Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder. I didn’t want something too detailed or specific in pattern to compete with my flower dsp.

And by embossing with White Cardstock, it helps to provide a neutral spot for the background of what could quickly become a very busy card front.

The Star Of The Card, Our Friendly Gnome

With 3 different gnomes to choose from, how did I arrive at the gnome on this card? That was pretty easy! With my flower theme paper, I simply picked the gnome with flowers in his beard.

My favorite way to color stamped images, like this friendly gnome, is with Stampin’ Blends. Make sure you stamp you image in Memento Black Ink first, and add the color with a protected background behind it (like scrap paper), as the oil-based ink will bleed thru the paper.

Here is the color palette I used for my gnome:

HAT: Calypso Coral (Light and Dark)

SKIN: SU 800

BEARD: SU 200

FLOWERS: Light Daffodil Delight, Light Calypso Coral

SLEEVES: Dark Daffodil Delight

PANTS/SHOES: Dark Old Olive

Get Your Friendly Gnomes Card Class From ME

This is just one card in my featured class this week. If you would like to see the video from my online class, click this link. For more details on what is in this week’s class from Maine and how to get yours, click here.

I will be sharing more cards from the Friendly Gnomes Card Class, as well as my alternate cards and bonus cards, as this week goes on. Be sure to check back here or follow me, The Maine Stamper, on FaceBook.