Our FIRST Sketch Challenge and some BIG NEWS!

Sorry for the technical difficulties! Mr. Linky is back. :)

Isn't it a beautiful day for a sketch challenge? On behalf of our designing operators, let me welcome you to the Stamping411 Blog!

I know I speak for the entire group when I say that we're thrilled that you decided to check out our new space, and encourage you to play along. If you wish to participate in this challenge, please submit a link to your post on splitcoaststampers.com or your blog. Please link directly to your post, and not just to your blog, so that in a few days, people will easily be able to find your submissions.

This blog will focus on stamping basics for new and occasional stampers, but will feature tutorials, videos and weekly sketch challenges on Saturday mornings for everyone! I encourage you to visit the blog on a regular basis for fabulous inspiration and stamping advice. And if you're having a stamping 911, you can call on us for the 411, just email theoperators@e-selene.com. If your question is for a particular designer on our panel, please just list that in your subject line.

So here's some big news! To celebrate, just for creating a card with this sketch and posting it, you could win some blog candy! We will be giving away a level 3 hostess set from the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog Goody-Goody Gumdrops. Good Luck to All!!

For anyone that has never done a sketch challenge, they are done mainly for your inspiration. To make it easier for you to come up with a card, without stress. If you have never cut your own paper, the idea of cutting can be a stressful proposition.

I'm going to give you potential measurements for this layout. Please note, some of our design team members have taken liberties and changed up the sketch. We encourage you to do the same. These guidelines are to help someone who might be new start with cutting paper. To keep this for people who really need it, I'm going to put these measurements at the bottom of the post.

For now, grab some stamps and play along with the operators! Here are what our designing operators have come up with for this week. Here are some samples for you to be inspired by, click on any of the samples to be directed to that operator's personal blog.

Lee Conrey

Connie Babbert

Robin Merriman (had so much fun, she did two cards)

Gretchen Barron

Selene Kempton

Patti Chesky

Saturday Sketch Challenge Participants

1. Tracy 2. Germaine Ferrao 3. Cindy Rio 4. Janice Webb (Aloha Jan) 5. SHERRI 6. robynann 7. Barbara Joyce

8. Monika 9. Roxie Nitti 10. Elaine Wilson 11. Joan Ottevanger 12. Tami Black 13. Erna Logtenberg 14. Krista Drissen

15. Jenn D 16. Annemiek 17. C@ro 18. Lisa Martz 19. Tiffany Bauer 20. Amy Schultz 21. Susan Shields

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

This weeks sketch challenge is closed for entries. Check back on Saturday morning for sketch number 2!

To make a basic card, take a regular "computer sized" 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper and cut it in half. I like to score it in half going in the opposite direction. So if you cut at 5.5" score at 4.25".

For the next layer "white in the sketch", try using another regular sized piece of card stock and cut it in half at 4 1/4" You will be able to cut six pieces out of one sheet down to 3 1/4" x 4 1/4".

Now the 3rd "green" layer could be designer series paper (DSP). if you cut your 12 x 12" card stock down to 3" x 4" you can get 12 pieces out of one sheet of DSP.

For the 4th and 5th layers, you would want to base the size on your image. I like to matte my images with a piece of card stock that is a 1/4" larger when cutting on two sides. Then you can assemble and enjoy your card!

If this all seems as clear a mud, have no fear. As time moves forward, we will have graphics and some basic cards for your viewing that will help you.