Today's sketch challenge on SplitCoast is one of my favorites, so of course I had to play along! The image is by Penny Black. The green layer was scalloped using my Fiskars scalloped scissors. The stitching on the white layer is real ... the stitching everywhere else is faux stitching - I dig it. I watercolored the image, and then added Stardust Stickles on Santa's hat and beard for sparkle. I used a fine dusting of Pearlescent Pebble Chalks on the other parts of the image for a little festive shimmer.
I've received emails from people asking how I take my photos, and since a friend and I were just talking briefly about it last night, I thought I'd take a quick photo and show you just what I do. It's certainly NOT fancy, but for quick photos of cards it's fine.
I use a natural light bulb in a desk lamp tilted down so it shines on the face of the card. Sometimes set up sheets of paper to block out the mess on my table, and sometimes I don't even bother with that. This process needs to be quick and easy for me. I don't have a space were I can set up and leave a photo station, and this set up works just fine for me. Easy peasy!

So cute! I have this same image. Will have to drag it out to play with!
Posted by: Novell | November 26, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Super cute card Anna! I love this sleigh stamp.
Posted by: Stefanie (ssummerer) | November 25, 2007 at 06:50 AM
What a cute & festive card. I just love it.
Posted by: Ida | November 23, 2007 at 03:49 PM
This is adorable!! Love the colors!
Posted by: Bev Hammack | November 22, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Great stamp! Great card! And thanks for sharing the photo tips! Mine always look so washed out! I'll try this.
Posted by: Queen Mary | November 22, 2007 at 06:33 AM
Soooooo, the secret is "natural light"? I don't have one of those except when I go outside!
Posted by: kathynruss | November 22, 2007 at 05:32 AM
Such a great card! I love it!
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | November 21, 2007 at 09:29 PM
What an adorable image. Cute card.
Posted by: lacyquilter | November 21, 2007 at 08:24 PM
How cute! Love the photo lesson. I needed that!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | November 21, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Another great card, Anna! I love the Penny Black image and your coloring is always the best. I check your blog every day and am never disappointed. Your cards are so much fun to check out - and case :>) !
Mary
Posted by: Mary Ferris | November 21, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Love the card. Great Santa & Reindeer stamp.
Posted by: Sherri | November 21, 2007 at 04:53 PM
Wonderful card!
Posted by: Linda C. | November 21, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Your photo set up looks surprisingly like mine! Except I use an Ott light ~
Happy Thanksgiving, Anna.
Posted by: Val | November 21, 2007 at 02:19 PM
This card is GREAT, Anna! I love the coloring and the scallops and the ribbon....heck I just love it all. :-)
Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!
Holly
Posted by: Holly | November 21, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I love that card! You are very good with those scallop scissors, too - mine always look a little wonky. That is the easiest way to take photos, it's basically what I do as well. I tried a more complicated setup but got tired of setting it up all the time.
Posted by: Jackie Parkins | November 21, 2007 at 02:01 PM
OMgosh I love this! The watercoloring is wonderful!
I'm so glad you are willing to post your work here. TYK!
Posted by: Anne | November 21, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Yeah, I tried to get fancy with a photo box...I like my desktop better!
Love this Santa and sleigh image! Did you use watercolor paper or cardstock?
Posted by: broni | November 21, 2007 at 01:27 PM
I love this card - it's so fun and it makes me chuckle.
Posted by: Cindy H. | November 21, 2007 at 01:13 PM
The card is adorable!! I LOVE the image and what you've done with it is FAB!
Posted by: Dotty | November 21, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Adorable card Anna!!
Too funny, that's almost exactly what I used to do with photos. Got fancy and then the troubles started........lol
Posted by: Jeanne S | November 21, 2007 at 12:21 PM