Kraftin' with Kraftin' Kimmie

Over at Kraftin' Kimmie stamps, they're having a "Krafty" challenge. Ya know...using Kraft paper somewhere on a project. Well, do I have the PERFECT card to enter! I made this card a little while back using the lovely Kimiko stamp from Kraftin' Kimmie.

I was inspired to recreate those little Japanese hand-carved cork dioramas. I happen to own a couple of these...they are INCREDIBLY detailed and so lovely. Here's what they look like. They usually consist of a Pagoda, some trees, a bridge and at least one crane. They are so intricate, it's hard to fathom that someone actually carved them by hand. This particular one is about 4 inches wide. Teeny.

So, here is my version. I built it on a side-step card base, so it really does fold flat (ish). I used my Cricut to cut out all the elements from Kraft cardstock (to mimic the look of cork). Kimiko is also stamped on Kraft cardsock...and I colored her with my Prismacolor pencils. I even gave her traditional Geisha makeup--with porcelain looking skin and a rose-color blush across her eyes.

That's basically all there is to this card...even though it looks really elaborate, the magic is in the assembly and placement of the elements on that stair-stepped background.

Alas, there is no crane on my little diorama...I had one cut out, but decided he looked like an afterthought, so he flew off to rest on an ATC. But, if you look closely, you'll see three little dragonflies resting on the bamboo and the sentiment. Domo very much for visiting my blog!

Here is a closer look at the beautiful Kimiko

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

• Kraftin Kimmie - #144 Let's Get Krafty 
• The Kraft Outlet - Make It Monday--Shape It Up 
• Simon Says Stamp - Put a Stamp on It

Ingredients:
Kimiko stamp - Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps
Pagoda cartridge (Cricut) - Provo Craft
Dragonfly punch - McGill
Prismacolor colored pencils
Kraft cardstock