Mod Tree Card

I took a break from Christmas cards to work this up.  I intended it as a wedding card but it would work as a Valentine card too.  I love its modern sensibility.

For the card, I die-cut the tree out of the thin packaging cardboard then sponged the trunk.  Because it's a 5x7 card (rather than the A2 size the die is meant for) I extended the trunk by scooting the template up 1/2 inch as I sponged.  I then stamped one of the more angular leaves (there are a ton to choose from in this set!), eyeballing the placement because I didn't want to muck around with creating a leaf template based on the die.

I've also included a pic of my prototype card.  The design is too busy given the leaf choice and my decision to include the sentiment.  Even the grain of the trunk lends to the visual crowding of the card front.  The final card is way more focused. 

The Details:  PTI white card stock, PTI Mighty Oak stamps and die, Memento Tuxedo Black and Love Letter, Memory Box Resting Birds die, red card stock scrap, Hero Arts sentiment inside

I'm entering this in Addicted to Stamps and More #74 CAS, Papercraft Star #169 Tree Image, Loves Rubberstamps #81 Anything Goes, Crafty Creations #251 Anything but Christmas, Cards for Men #24 Anything Goes, Crafty Cardmakers #105 CAS, CAS-ual Fridays #CFC122 Out on a Limb, Sweet Stampin' Black White & One Other Color.