Cool Friend

Four years ago I moved to Canada, specifically to the Vancouver area of British Columbia. It was long a joke in California, where I lived before, that Canadians are hockey obsessed. It's not a joke, it's true *laugh* For many it's an every day of the week thing.

Supplies

InLinkz.com

Challenges

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Saturday challenge: Square cards
Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge: Chill Out
The Paper Shelter: Shades of Blue
The Crafter's Cafe: Photo Inspiration (animal, fur colour, cold/winter)
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper challenge: Anything Goes
Crafting From the Heart: Anything Goes
Creative Moments: Anything Goes
Through the Craftroom Door: Anything Goes

Putting It Together

The colours of my squirrel's jersey and toque are for the home team, Vancouver Canucks. Go 'Nuks!

I was working pretty late night (or early morning, depending on how you look at the clock *laugh*) so didn't take many pictures as I worked.

To colour images, I use Distress Ink with water brushes. I take notes on the colours I use. I start with a light base colour, then add shadow colours, then a blending colour, then more shadow, then water to lift colour, then more blending with either base or mid colour or even a different colour, then more shadowing or detail, then... basically lots of layering in the colouring. I love the lovely colours of Distress Ink and think waterbrushes are the best thing since sliced bread.

I used white gel pen to add the white accents and Glossy Accents to subtly highlight the puck and stick. 

I used the Elizabeth Craft Designs stitched squares die and a light treatment of Tumbled Glass for ice to finish the panel.

My hockey squirrel fits the Crafter's Cafe photo inspiration pretty well *laugh*

I matted both the image panel and the patterned paper with Stampin' Up Not Quite Navy. The image panel is elevated from the back with foam mounting tape.

I used scrap from the front panel to add some of the patterned paper to the inside and stamped the sentiment with Faded Jeans. You're a cool friend every day!