I have been wanting to play around with this image from Boards & Beams ever since I first designed it. The city house is what I have been informally referring to it as, or in today's case, the brownstone. The other night I envisioned being able to make the window transparent like real glass, and last night I figured out just how to do so!
I started by stamping the image on both Classic Kraft cardstock & clear transparency using black palette ink. Using a ruler and a craft knife I cut out the windows of the version on the kraft cardstock.
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I cut the kraft house out and I then did some coloring with a few Copics, just on the shingled roof, door, shutters & trim. The remainder of the house I sponged with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to help add some depth.
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I used an extra fine gold paint pen to carefully trace over the stairway railing and emphasize the itty-bitty doorknob.
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I applied adhesive to the FRONT of the transparency house, being careful to not apply any over the windows.
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I then adhered the cut-out kraft house onto the transparency, being sure to line up the windows. What a fun effect, huh?!?!?
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I wanted to create a little background for my brownstone to sit on, so I began with these adorable topiaries which are also included in the set. I stamped one on each side. I knew I was going to add some fencing too, so a mask was in order. I created one quickly form a post-it note and added that on top of one of the topiaries.
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Notice the fence? If you go back and look at THIS POST, you'll see that this one is a bit different than the one I used before! With two different styles of fencing, you can't go wrong! I stamped the fence directly on top of the masked topiary. I repeated the same step on the opposite side after moving the mask.
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After a bit of coloring and sponging with distress ink, I am left with this!
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I wanted to also create a bit of background paper, so I pulled out my new trusty go to background set, Guide Lines, and stamped this patterns. Once I completed the stamping, I added small dots of gold at all the intersections of the grid with the same gold pen I used on the railing earlier.
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Once I assembled all of my bits & pieces together I ended up with this. I think it is so autumn!
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Here is a closeup view of the brownstone and all it's little details. Notice the intricate shutters and the finials above the windows. Just love this images!!!
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The railing detail & transparent windows are such a little addition, but they really help to bring this project to the next level! I hope you will play around with one of these techniques once you receive your very own Boards & Beams set!
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Stamps: Boards & Beams
Ink: Noir Black & Burnt Sienna (pattern on accent strip) Palette, Frayed Burlap Distress Ink from Ranger
Paper: Classic Kraft, Vintage Cream from PTI, rust from Prism
Other: gold brads from Paper Studio, transparency from Office Depot, extra fine gold paint pen from Marvy, foam dimensionals from Fiskars
Wow!! This is great!! I love the gold accents and the depth of it all!!
Posted by: crystal | June 14, 2008 at 02:46 PM
So cute! I love the transparancy idea and I love the extra detail from the gold pen!
Posted by: Belinda Chang | June 14, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I absolutely LOVE this card! You may have just convinced me that I *need* this set!!
Posted by: Maureen W. | June 14, 2008 at 02:49 PM
How cute - and homey! Same here about being convinced to buy this set!
Posted by: Sandy Kay | June 14, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Wowzers!!! I love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Heather
Posted by: Heather J. | June 14, 2008 at 02:53 PM
I really love what I've seen of this set. This card is great...the details are perfect.
Charmaine
Posted by: Charmaine | June 14, 2008 at 02:57 PM
FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! I love this! I cannot wait to get this set! It is just awesome...
Thanks for another GREAT card...now to just make it until midnight!!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | June 14, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Wow! I love this, Nichole! Love the colors, inking, and the stamp set. Lots of great accessories with it.
Posted by: Niki Estes | June 14, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I think I'm feeling faint....
THUD!
Posted by: Julie Campbell | June 14, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Absolutely gorgeous Nichole!! That house is amazing!!
Posted by: Sandy B | June 14, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Such a BEAUTIFUL card! Nothing short of genius- thanks for the step by step visuals. It looks a little time consuming, but do-able!!! I can hardly wait for the new purple, that much requested cream CS and... well, everything!!!!!! THANK YOU!
Posted by: Sheryl | June 14, 2008 at 03:36 PM
So spectacular! Love the colors and how you used the transparency sheet!
Can't for tonight so I can finally see all the stamp sets in their entirety!
Posted by: Tabitha | June 14, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Wow, what a beautiful card. I can't wait to see this whole set.
Posted by: Jennifer | June 14, 2008 at 04:05 PM
I'm loving the city house! I think this is my favorite set from what I've seen so far. Can't wait for tonight! See you at the party ;)
Posted by: Steph | June 14, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Makes me want to move right in! Love it Nichole; as usual you are a creative genious!
Posted by: Kacey | June 14, 2008 at 04:30 PM
We are moving into a new home in one week. This is the perfect set to announce the news! Love your work Nichole. You rock!!!
Posted by: Susan | June 14, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I love the "city house", this is a fantastic card. Look how wonderful the little things become, amazing!
Posted by: Sara | June 14, 2008 at 04:35 PM
WOW! I am totally speachless.
Posted by: hb | June 14, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Wonderful card!
Posted by: Sue Kment | June 14, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Oh my goodness! What a clever way to make the windows like that...I'm totally floored! Thanks so much for sharing that great tip! Definitely gonna try that one! :o)
Posted by: Tina W | June 14, 2008 at 05:12 PM
I love both houses!! City and country living both have their charms, don't they?! I absolutely cannot wait to try this with the 'real' windows ;) .
Posted by: Nancy | June 14, 2008 at 05:21 PM
OMGoodness, bless you for making this set!!!! Your card is adorable!!!!!!
Posted by: Kimberly O'Rosky | June 14, 2008 at 05:33 PM
WOW!! This card is stunning!!
Posted by: Katie | June 14, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Wow! Nichole, you have done it again. Do you ever sleep before a new release? Your city house is absolutely stunning and how you made such drama with the little details. I love it!!!!!!!!!
You never cease to amaze!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Granna on the Go | June 14, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Oooo-- I CANNOT WAIT for these houses! They are so adorable! I commented on Debbie Olson's blog that I had just been thinking of house stamps a few days ago, then voila-- here they are!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Posted by: DeborahLynneS | June 14, 2008 at 07:44 PM