Starry Starry Night

Challenge #267 has just gone live at Time Out Challenges and this fortnight it's a theme challenge because it's the 4th July and we are Seeing Stars.  I would like to wish all my American friends a very happy celebration of their independence and democracy. 

This challenge is generously being sponsored by Picket Fence Studio and they are offering our Top Pick as chosen by the design teams a $25 credit to their store!  The Top Pick will also be invited to join Time Out as a guest designer in a future challenge!

Speaking of guest designers, we are joined this challenge by the incredibly talented Simeen Batra of Simeen.creates - our top pick from Challenge #263.  If you didn't come here from the Time Out Challenge Blog, you really must see what Simeen has made especially for this Time Out Challenge ... and while you're there, let her know how much you love it!

What will Seeing Stars inspire you to create?  I hope you'll take Time Out of your busy schedules and come play cards with us this fortnight! 

I had been eyeing this gorgeous Arched Gothic Cathedral Window frame for ages, so once I had decided to put in an order at Poppy Stamps it was first in my basket - it's such a pain to put in an order from the USA that if I can't buy crafting goodies through Amazon (who take care of any duties payable) I usually don't bother!  But every now and then I spoil myself and try not to think of the duties I'll have to pay when the goodies finally arrive.  Unfortunately I exceeded a €150 limit I was previously unaware of and had a customs bill which was hefty (more than 1/3 of the order value)!  Ouch, I'll have to be more careful next time!

I had it out for a play the very next day (in order to forget about the customs debacle as quickly as possible) and created a Christmas card with this beautiful window revealing the starlit heavens!  And I must say, I just love it - not only is the detail gorgeous, but it cut straight through this very tricky gold glitter card stock on the first pass.  And there was enough room on the window sill for this little sentiment (from Waltzing Mouse Stamps 2011 Ornaments) to be stamped underneath!  

I started by cutting an aperture in the front panel using the overlay die from the set (though both dies cut the same aperture).  I then cut the base window frame from gold glitter card stock and laid it into this space.  I then overlaid the white frame I'd cut originally on top of the gold base frame.  

I backed the panel with a piece of starry DP and added a star cut from glitter card stock (Memory Box Star of Wonder) to one of the frames.

Very elegant and ever so easy peasy and as an added bonus, I was able to make up these two little tags from the negative bits!  

I know Christmas cards in July is a little odd but I like to get them made throughout the year so I can focus on family when December rolls around.

I'd like to join these fabulous challenges

NBUS Challenge #64 -  NBUS Poppy Stamps Arched Gothic Cathedral Window;

Retro Rubber Challenge #234 - Christmas in July, I've had the Sentiment Stamp since 2012;

Die Cut Divas July Challenge - Add Glitter;

Merry Little Christmas Challenge #57 - Anything Christmas Goes;

The 12 Months of Christmas Challenge #112 - Anything Christmas Goes;

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you go away a little inspired!  Your visits and comments are always a joy and always appreciated!  And if you leave a comment, I’ll know you were here and should be able to find you!

Kate