Happy Birthday Artistic Outpost! 2 years -young!!!

I have quite a few of the Artistic Outpost stamps- I just love them so much!  There has been a sketch challenge on the Artistic Outpost Blog for ages, and I have had it on my "To Do" list for ages.  Today is the deadline.......  I had a couple of other ideas in mind, but since there are less than 70 days till Christmas, I think I better make as many Christmas cards as possible- hopefully Jesus' Birthday will count as the appropriate sketch theme!  So, here is my card for the sketch- the stamps do all of the work!

  For the Background, I used ranger Distress Inks Shabby Shutters and a touch of Peeled Paint.  Put them on your craft sheet, and spritz with water.  Turn over your card stock and swish it around in the ink.  Let it dry. Stamp the leaf in Peeled Paint.  I stamped Joyeux Noel multiple times in Versamark and clear embossed, then used Antique Linen and Walnut Stain over that.  I distressed the edges with a technique called torn frames, then distressed the edges a bit more......
  The next panel- the Santa is stamped in black and then Antique Linen is applied to the top with the felt and the felt handle.  Then, use aged Mahogany over the bottom, and then distress the top edges with the Mahogany.  Use Ruby Red cardstock to back the Santa image.  Stamp the Joyeux Noel again in Versamark and clear emboss. Back with Old Olive using the torn Frame Technique technique.  I stitched the BG with a straight stitch and a zig-zag (I just love sewing on cards).  Lastly, I took chipboard and covered it with Antique Linen, then stamped the branch with Peeled paint.
I look forward to all of the new releases and the cards the DT makes with the sets.  Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly