My Favorite Things Weekly Sketch Challenge #72

Hi everyone!  This is my first blog posting, and I am soooooo excited!  I made this card for the My Favorite Things weekly sketch challenge.  I know it is a little early, but I am trying to get ahead this year by making some 4th of July cards.  I couldn't resist using this "Uncle Sam" stamp.  I just thought he was so cute!  Both of the stamps I used for this card were unmarked when I purchased them, so I am unsure of who made these.  The paper line I used was the new "Glory" line from Authentique.  I just love Authentique paper lines.  All of their paper lines come in a 6x6 double sided paper pad, which is super nice for card making. 

I used the "Candy Cane" Stickles by Ranger to jazz up the red stripes on both his outfit and the flag.  The image was colored using Tim Holtz Distress Markers.  I have to say, I have only been working with these markers for 2 months.  I LOVE THEM!!!!!  I have slowly but surely bought the entire line, and have nothing but good things to say regarding these markers.  They can be used in so many different ways.  For example, on his clothes I used a direct ink to paper technique almost like a Copic marker.  For his beard, face, hands, and the background however, I scribbled the ink down on to an acrylic block and used it to watercolor using Ranger's detail tipped water brush.  They are a TON of fun, and if you don't have them yet, I highly recommend at least trying them.  The Makers I used for Uncle Sam are listed below:

Fired Brick and Chipped Sapphire - Clothing and flag
Mustard Seed- Stars and buttons
Tattered Rose- Face and Hands
Pumice Stone- Beard and a little on his vest
Antique Linen- Background

For the sentiment, I cut and embossed using the Spellbinders "Labels Eight" dies.  I then inked the background using Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Antique Linen.  I used a glittered star brad from Recollections for the exclamation point.  I inked the edges on all of my papers with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink.

The inside was finished using all of the same materials.  The stamp on the inside is from Hero Arts stamp set CL498.  I had so much fun making this card.  I hope you all enjoy it, and if you have any questions please leave a comment and I will make sure to respond.  Stay tuned for many more posts!