Vintage Steam Train TopperCompleted by Pamela Horton The whispering Platypus

I am always on the look -out for very special looking male Birthday card designs and I couldn’t let this wonderful design by Deloris pass me by without making it into a bright welcoming celebratory card.

I printed the sheet supplied twice onto the same A4 white 120gsm white card as I wanted to use the silver frame style surround as part of the insert and the very central image as decoupage on the topper.

The black card measures 28 x 15.75cm and is scored and folded before I have prepared the topper.

To complete the topper I used the second copy to cut out the main element and using D.S. tape attached it to the 15 x 13cm orange/red backing sheet 0.5cm down from the top edge.

I then used a silver metallic pen to edge the backing sheet, and used a white peel off fine line strip to attach onto the orange backing sheet around the perimeter of the main image leaving a very small margin of the colour of the backing sheet showing between the edge and the main image.

I then used silver decorative peel of strips around the 4 sides of the main image and covered the original horizontal lines in the same manner.

I used the main image I had saved to edge all 4 sides with a dark blue metallic pen before using D.S. padded tape to attach it to the topper.

I then used padded D.S. tape to attach the topper to the card front. I added the extra embellishments of fine line sliver peel off strips to form the appearance of a double frame.

I used the sentiment to mount onto orange and black backing sheets and attached it using padded D.S. small squares.

To complete the insert, I have used, on the left hand side, a silver satin finished backing sheet cut to size.

I have then chosen a verse from the free list to print and attach behind the frame I had retained previously from the small image copy, and then used D.S. tape to attach it in place.

I am very happy with the professional finished look I have been able to achieve so easily and quickly. I will keep this card and be able to make it many more times.

Thank You Deloris, I am sending you a virtual hug for your many designs I have used this year and wish you well for the festive season.

Pamela Horton. The Whispering Platypus