Happy Anniversary

Hi!  My card for today was a special request from my church choir to be given to our pastor who is soon to celebrate his 40th anniversary in the priesthood.  I think it is a very classy masculine card, whose focal point can be changed to suit many occasions.  This card also fits in with our Card A Day Blog theme of 'Use a Sketch.'

I went a little out of my comfort zone with this one by using a 5" x 5" card base rather than my more typical A2 size.  After choosing a sketch, I decided the square shape would be the better choice.  Here is my chosen sketch from Card Positioning Systems:

I wanted a religious image for my card, so I chose a Spellbinders Cross die and cut my focal image from a scrap of a really pretty textured slightly silvery paper.  The paper has a very subtle embossed design.  The same paper was used for the cross strips in the layering.

As soon as I chose the sketch I knew what my embellishments would be, 'Designer Brads' from the Paper Studio.

The card base, as well as two of the smaller layers, was cut from Stampin' Up 'Very Vanilla" stock, and the black layering pieces came from Recollections.

                 

I needed to keep the inside very simple to accommodate lots of well-wishes and signatures.  I decided to use a large stamp, 'Baroque Cross' from Stampendous inked with VersaMark Dazzle Watermark pad in 'Frost.'  It's another very subtle effect, leaving a light shimmery image on top of which I stamped the 'Happy Anniversary' from Hero Arts.

     

Just for fun I added  'Uniquely Handmade' (from Stampabilities) to the back using Tim Holtz Distress Ink in 'Antique Linen.'

All I have left to do is make an envelope.  Now you know why I usually create the A2-sized cards - I don't need to make the envelopes!  (tee-hee)

That's it for today, my lovely friends.  Thanks for visiting!

'Til next time.....
BIG Hugs!!!
CHRISTINE