How R U

I have to say that I was having a really hard time with the washi theme for this year's Gallery Idol first round challenge.  I have lots of washi, but I find that I don't use it much.  

But, I decided that if I could come up with an idea that really got me excited - something unique and different - that I would throw my hat in the ring.  

So here you have that card, my one and only entry into the competition this year.  Whether or not it gets picked up I have to say I love it and I loved the creative process that went into it.

I decided I wanted to piece an image with washi.  I've done this before using the technique I learned here, but sorting through my stamps, I just didn't find one that was speaking to me.  And then I found this pin, and I knew it was going to be the death of me to make a card like that, but I just had to try.

I used the same basic outer shape for the different continents, although I simplified them as I started to sketch in the inner lines.  I tried to simplify those as well since I knew I was going to be piecing with washi and didn't want to have to do a ton of teeny tiny pieces.  Once I had the lines set in pencil (with much erasing and changing) I used a ruler and fine Sharpie to draw them all in.  Then I went to work with a pile of washi and cutting knife.  

Piecing with washi is tricky work, you have to cut through the washi, but you don't want to mess up the paper underneath.  I tried to keep patterns to a minimum, and use smaller ones or some that read more as solids from a distance, and there are plenty of solid washi tapes in there too.  

A very simple sentiment from Altenew finished it off.  

That's all for today.  Tomorrow is release week at Neat & Tangled....if you follow me on FB or Instagram you may have seen some sneaks I've posted....I've got two new sets releasing and I'll be joining in on all the release week fun over there, so please be sure to come back tomorrow to check it all out!

Supplies Used

Paper/Cardstock:  CTMH - White Daisy cardstock; Avery Elle - Mimosa cardstock; PTI - True Black cardstock

Stamps:  Altenew - Label Love

Ink:  Versafine

Other:  A whole lot of washi; CTMH - Cutting Knife; Extra fine Sharpie; Tombow - Stamp Runner