Lots of Painted Pumpkins!

Hello stamping friends!  Do you like autumn and especially all the pumpkins in the many sizes, shapes, and colors they grow in?  I do, I do!!  I kind of went a little crazy the last few days playing with the Painted Pumpkins bundle and those fun coordinating stencils.  I seem to have a whole pumpkin patch growing on my worktable and now I'm creating cards with them. So much fun!   Are you ready for a pumpkin patch visit?  I've got five cards ready for sharing already, so instead of a separate post and going in depth on each one, it's going to be a fairly quick overview on each card.  OK? 

I'll start with this one.  Using the stencils and Basic White cardstock, I made two batches of pumpkins.  One batch was using just Crisp Cantaloupe for all three layers of stencils and darkened the color each stencil.  On the last stencil, a little Pumpkin Pie ink was added to it to darken the color on some of the pumpkins.  The fourth stencil makes the stems  which I colored with Crumb Cake and just a tiny bit of Pecan Pie to darken.  (The stencils can make 6 pumpkins at a time.)  

After wiping and drying the stencils, I did the same thing with Crumb Cake ink on the layers of stencils.  On the 3rd stencil layer, a little blush of Pumpkin Pie was added to a few like you can see on the front pumpkin on this card.

All the pumpkins were die-cut along with a bunch of leaves and curly stems.  For the leaves on this card, Lost Lagoon cardstock was used.

A layer of Soft Sea Foam cardstock was stenciled with the all-over leaf background stencil using Soft Sea Foam ink.

The card base is Crisp Cantaloupe that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  The stenciled Soft Sea Foam layer measures 3 3/4" x 5".  It's backed with a Lost Lagoon layer that measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".  The two layers are attached together with adhesive then added to the base with Dimensionals.

All six pumpkins and the greenery were attached with adhesive, except for the front pumpkin which was popped up with Dimensionals.

The sentiment was stamped onto a 3/4" strip using Crumb Cake ink.  It's trimmed and added to the card front with Dimensionals.

Several of the 2026-2028 In Color Butterflies were added to the design.  I used the Crisp Cantaloupe and White butterflies for this card.

The next card is very similar in coloring as I was using more of the pumpkins made for the last card.  This time, the Lost Lagoon layer was attached to the card front with adhesive.  Then the stenciled Soft Sea Foam layer was attached to it with Dimensionals.

The fence from the die set was used to cut some Wood Grain Wonder DSP.  This has not only the printed graining, but the die also has graining when it cuts.  The sections of fence were attached with adhesive about an 1" from the bottom of the card front.

Then four of the pumpkins were arranged staggered in front of the fence and attached with Dimensionals.  Lots of the Lost Lagoon leaves and curly stems were tucked in around the pumpkins and the fence.

The sentiment used here is from the Thanks & Giving stamp set that is an Online Exclusive set.  I don't remember where I got the circular die from, but it worked.  The sentiment was stamped with Lost Lagoon ink to match the leaves.  This is popped up in the corner with Dimensionals.

I decided not to add any sort of bling to this design.  It was nice as it was.

For this next card, I went back to the pumpkin stencils and made darker pumpkins.  These started out with Pumpkin Pie ink for the three layers. Then some Cajun Craze ink was added on the 3rd stencil to add more depth to them.  The stems were still Crumb Cake ink.

This time a batch of leaves and stems were die-cut from Mossy Meadow cardstock.

The card base is Crumb Cake cardstock.  There is a layer of Mossy Meadow cardstock that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  This was embossed with the new Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder.  This detail shows up so nicely here.  It was attached to the card base with "green glue" to hold securely.

There is a layer of the checked 2026-2028 In Color Gingham Gallery DSP in Golden Glow cut.  This measures 3 1/4" x 4 1/2".  

Before attaching to the base, a 12" piece of Early Espresso jute from the Neutrals Jute Combo Pack was cut.  Then it was unraveled to get three strands instead of one bulky one.  This was wrapped around the DSP layer and tied into a knot.  Then the layer was attached to the embossed layer with "green glue".  

Next a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock was cut to 2 3/4" x 3".  This piece has some splattering from Early Espresso ink and water mix and flicked on with a water painter.  After it dried, a little Early Espresso ink was blended on the edges with a Blending Brush.

The larger pumpkin was attached with adhesive with the smaller one added with Dimensionals.  The leaves and curlicues were tucked in around the pumpkins.  

The sentiment comes from the Thanks & Giving set. It's stamped on Basic White with Early Espresso ink.  Then fussy cut around the words.  It's attached with Dimensionals.

Three of the Sunset Sparkle Sequins in an orange-y color were added to the design to finish.

I still had more pumpkins to play with yet.  These are two of the Pumpkin Pie/Cajun Craze and one of the Crumb Cake with a blush of pumpkin on it.  This time I die-cut Old Olive leaves and stems to use.

The card base is Golden Glow that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  The wood-grain print is from the Country Woods DSP in a weathered wood look.  It measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8".  It's backed with a layer of Early Espresso cardstock.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4".  The two layers are attached with adhesive, then attached to the card base with adhesive also.

The three pumpkins are arranged on this, then attached with Dimensionals.  The leaves and vines are tucked in all around them.

The sentiment this time comes from the Elegant Leaves stamp set.  They are stamped with Early Espresso ink on a 1/2" x 4" strip of Basic White cardstock.  This is layered onto an Early Espresso cardstock piece that measures 3/4" x 4 1/4".  It's attached with Dimensionals.

A short length of a Neutral Jute Combo Pack in Pecan Pie is tied into a bow.  The ends are frayed.  Then it's attached at the bottom corner of the sentiment strip using a Mini Glue Dot.

Five of the Sunset Sparkle Sequins in the orange-y color are scattered around the design to finish.

Okay, we have come to the last design and the one I think I like the most.  Two of the pumpkins this time are made with Pumpkin Pie/Cajun Craze inks.  The middle one has Timid Tiger added so it's a little brighter.  The leaves and vines are cut from Peaceful Pine cardstock this time.

The card base is Peaceful Pine cardstock.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  There is a layer of Country Woods DSP added.  This measures 5 1/4"x 4".  It's attached to the card base with adhesive.

There is a gate cut from another print of the Country Woods DSP that is quite dark but has a nice, weathered look.  The fence section was not cut this time, just the gate.  It's attached to the card front at the left side with the right edge not glued down yet.  

One of the pumpkins was tucked partially behind the gate, then the gate was fully attached over this.

The other two pumpkins were attached in front of the gate using Dimensionals.  The leaves and vines were tucked around the pumpkins and into the gate.

The sentiment is another from the Thanks & Giving stamp set.  The words are stamped on a piece of Basic White cardstock using Early Espresso ink.  It's die-cut with a small Perennial Postage die. 

After die-cutting, a Blending Brush and Pumpkin Pie ink was added lightly around the edges.

A large bow was made from Linen Thread and attached behind the sentiment.  Then Dimensionals were added behind to hold in place.

Several Low-Profile Sparkle Dots in the dark blue color were added to the design.  I liked how the golden sparkles in the dots really tied in with the warm glow of the pumpkins.

Whew!!  That was a lot to get through.  I hope I gave you enough info to CASe any of these that you would like to try.  If you have questions about any of these specifically, please feel free to contact me at sharoncarr50@gmail.com .  I'm always happy to talk with you about anything I've made or any other questions you might have.

Thank you for spending your time here with me today.  Yes, I've given you a lot to take in, but I truly hope you give this bundle of goodies a try.  I totally love these stencils for coloring the pumpkins.  It's so easy to add a blush of another color over what you've already made, and it changes the look so much.  It's definitely something to play with and try combining different colors for these cool pumpkins.  Time for a color play date!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Another Radiant Sunflowers Idea

Hi friends!  Do you ever get kind of stuck with one stamp set or one pack of DSP that you've just fallen in love with and keep going back to again and again?  That seems to be my problem with the Radiant Sunflowers bundle and the matching Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper.  I like them both individually, but when you start pairing them up, I'm in sunflower heaven!  So here we go with another card using two different prints from the DSP pack and of course, the sunflower stamp too.  This just says fall to me so much.  Hope you don't mind another idea with this bundle.

I love the mix of the printed paper and the hand-colored focal image.  They just make me happy together.

Start with a Golden Glow cardstock piece that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  This is scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.  

Next there is a layer of Cajun Craze that is 5 1/4" x 4".  On this is layered the Cajun Craze print that measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".  They're attached together with adhesive.  Then attached to the folded card base with adhesive also.  Looking good so far.

Next is the band that cuts across the card.  The DSP is another print from the Sunflower Fields DSP.  This measures 2" x 4".  To make this strip stand out more, there is a layer of Cajun Craze cardstock underneath it.  This measures 2 1/4" x 4".  These are attached together with adhesive, then attached to the card front with adhesive also.  

Rather than splitting the card in half, these layers are attached about 2/3 of the way down.  I like that better than directly in half.

The sentiment label is one of the dies in the Radiant Sunflowers dies.  It has die-cut a Basic White label to stand out on the card front.

The cute little hello sentiment is from the Elegant Leaves stamp set.  It's stamped with Cajun Craze ink in the bottom right corner.  If you don't have this set, after a quick look at my sets, I noticed at least six other sentiments that would work here nicely.  So, make sure to visit your stash for ideas.

Next the sunflower is stamped onto a piece of Basic White cardstock.  This time I used Cajun Craze ink.  The leaf was stamped three times onto Old Olive cardstock using Old Olive ink.

Stampin' Blends were used for coloring with these colors:

Petals - Golden Glow Light & Dark, Cajun Craze Light

Center - Crumb Cake Light & Dark, Pecan Pie Light & Dark, and a small touch of Cajun Craze light

Next the sunflower and three leaves were die-cut with matching dies.  The sentiment label was attached with Dimensionals.  The sunflower was added next with just one Dimensional in the center of the flower.  The leaves were tucked in around the flower for accents.

The inside of the card is a piece of Basic White that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  Before attaching, the two sentiments were stamped with Cajun Craze ink.  Both of these sentiments are from the Botanical Expressions stamp set.  I like how they work together for this card.

At the bottom is a 1/2" strip of the 2nd DSP print on the front of the card.  It carries some of the design from the front to the inside of the card.

To finish off the design on the card front, several Moody Palette Dots were added to the design.  I thought the old olive colored dots were more eye-catching rather than going with either a gold or rust color.

I hope this gives you more to think about when you take out your Radiant Sunflowers stamps and dies and the coordinating Sunflower Fields DSP.  If you don't have these yet, you might want to get them on your wish list soon.  I'm finding this combo just perfect for autumn birthday cards and get-well cards too.  Thinking they might be good for some of my Thanksgiving cards too!  Definitely a keeper in my honest opinion.

Thanks for stopping in today to see what's going on here.  We've been back up in the 90's all week with no end in sight.  I'm so ready for some crisp fall days watching the leaves change color in a glorious display.  But all in all, life is very good and I'm not complaining!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Neutral Noel Suite CASE

Hey gang!  Today I wanted to share my re-make of one of the cards featured in the new catalog.  Do you ever CASE (Copy And Share Everything) a card when you get a new set and are trying to get a feel for it?  My order came in and the Noel Tidings bundle was part of the order.  I had all these ideas to try until it arrived and I promptly forgot my plans.  Every once in a while, when I don't know where to start with a new set I'll CASE one of the sample ideas.  Get your catalog handy and you can see the inspiration for this card.  Check page 44 to see the inspiration, then read on and see how closely I ended up following the original.

Well, I started out following the card sample, and then I started doing my own thing by the time I finished.  😆😉 The card base is Pecan Pie.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is scored and folded in half.

The fullest evergreen branch was stamped diagonally on the card front using Pean Pie ink.  Set aside until ready to put the design together.

Next up is the Very Vanilla layer and the 1st change.  I decided to use the new Tile Garden dies.  These square dies are so like the Spotlight on Nature circle dies that I use frequently.  The square I used measures approximately 2 5/8" x 2 5/8".  On this was stamped the bare stem three times using Crumb Cake ink.  Afterwards, all the little berries were added to the stems with the same ink.

Next a 3" x 3" square of Gold Foil was cut for layering behind the vanilla layer.  The gold foil was embossed with the Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder.  I love this textured look with the foil.  This is the 2nd change. 

The gold foil was attached to the card base slightly at an angle using 'green glue'.  Then the Very Vanilla layer was attached over this using 'green glue' also.  The vanilla layer is attached straight on the design.

The same evergreen branch was stamped twice on Very Vanilla cardstock using Peaceful Pine ink.  The middle-sized evergreen branch was stamped 3 times on vanilla also.  These were all die-cut with the coordinating dies.

The season's greetings sentiment from Noel Tidings set was stamped onto a 5/8" wide strip of Crumb Cake cardstock using Pecan Pie ink.  The words were cut apart at an angle, and the ends were angle cut to match.

The greenery pieces were arranged diagonally on the Very Vanilla layer.  Then they were attached with adhesive.

Next the sentiment was attached over the center of the branches evergreen.  Dimensionals were used for this to give the sentiment more prominence.

I thought the card looked too drab for my tastes.  So, a splattering of Wink of Stella was used over the card front.  This looked so much like snowflakes on the card!  This was another change that I think added so much interest to the card.

The last change was adding a bow.  I used a Gold & White Ribbon that I thought was still current, but it's not.  Oops.  This is a 3/8" woven ribbon that I cut in half lengthwise and made a skinny bow from it.  It's attached to the top left corner of the vanilla layer.  I liked this little bit of extra interest added here.

I thought about adding some form of gold-tone bling, but it seemed just fine without any more extras added to the design.

So that is my version of CASEing a card design.  Yes, I follow the original idea to an extent, then I put my own spin on it.  Don't feel you have to follow someone's design exactly.  Have some fun with it and make it your own design.  And if you really don't like what you did to the design, you can always scrap the idea, pull all the pieces apart and start over.  Now that has happened more than once over here!  😆😆😆

Hope you enjoyed this little walk thru of this card design.  Feel free to use this, or any other card I ever make, as a jumping off place for your own creations.

Are you enjoying perusing the catalog and getting lots of ideas to use?  It's really a treasure trove of ideas that are waiting for you to try.  Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with me at sharoncarr50@gmail.com

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Late Glow of Harvest DSP

 Hey friends!  Running late as usual. Yesterday was the final day for getting the Glow of Harvest Designer Series Paper as the Product of the Month.  I was hurrying to get some samples made to share with you and I just ran out of time.  So, for those of you who own this lovely pearlized paper, I'm just sharing a few more ideas for using it.  Because I've got a good size collection, I'm not going into a lot of detail on each card.  Just a quick blurb will have to suffice, but it will give you a starting place if you're interested.

Stamps - Radiant Sunflowers and Botanical Expressions

Cardstock - Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Golden Glow, Basic White, and Pecan Pie

Specialty Papers - Glow of Harvest DSP

Dies - Party Banners and Radiant Sunflowers

Embossing Folder - Softly Woven 3D

Ink - Golden Glow, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Extras - White Gel Pen, Sponge Daubers, Mossy Meadow & Very Vanilla Gingham Ribbon, 2026-2028 In Color Butterflies

Just a quick peek inside.  Stamped edges and cardstock layers along bottom to accent.

Stamps - Poetic Petals (outside sentiment) and Botanical Expressions (inside sentiment)

Cardstock - Basic Beige, Cajun Craze, Basic White, and Early Espresso

Specialty Papers - Glow of Harvest DSP

Dies - Elegant Leaves

Ink - Cajun Craze

Extras - Cajun Craze & Gold Dots, Gold Striped Mesh Ribbon

Quick peek inside.  Skinny strip of DSP layered onto Cajun Craze cardstock for an accent.

Stamps - Radiant Sunflowers and Sweet Words & Labels 

Cardstock - Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Golden Glow, Cajun Craze, and Basic White

Specialty Papers - Glow of Harvest DSP

Dies - Sweet Words & Labels

Ink - Early Espresso and VersaMark (for background stamping)

In case you're wondering, the small oak leaves and the acorns are also part of the Sweet Word & Labels die set.  Awesome!

Stamps - Sweet Words & Labels

Cardstock - Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Cajun Craze, Golden Glow, Basic White

Specialty Papers - Glow of Harvest DSP (two different prints)

Dies - Sweet Words & Labels

Embossing - Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders (leaves)

Ink - Early Espresso and White Craft Ink

Stamps - Radiant Sunflowers

Cardstock - Cajun Craze, Golden Glow, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Basic White

Specialty Papers - Glow of Harvest DSP

Dies - Sweet Words & Labels, Radiant Sunflowers

Ink - Early Espresso

Extras - Linen Thread

As you can see, this is a fun fold card.  The measurements are 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 1 7/8", and 3" from both ends.

The center panels measure 2 1/4" x 5 1/4".  One is DSP and the one on back is Basic White.

The DSP on the side panels both front and back measure 1 5/8" x 5 1/4".

This gives you a cute card that stands up very nicely on its own.

Whew!  That was a lot to take in.  Hope you use this as a resource for using your own DSP.  Pay attention to all the different ways to lay out the elements.  Layers really do stand out in this batch of cards.  Of course, if you like these ideas, you can always change DSP and cardstock colors to match any season at all.  Have fun doing the mix-and-match game to see what prints you like together and what colors really set them apart.

Can you believe it's finally September 1st today?  Seems like I've been waiting forever for it to get here.  But that means all those holidays are coming up one after another, and we better get started on them.  If you have any questions about these cards, I'll be happy to answer them.  Just get in touch with me at sharoncarr50@gmail.com  and I'll get back with you as soon as possible.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Painted Pumpkin Stencils

Hello stamping friends!  Happy almost fall y'all.  So, let's talk a minute.  What are your thoughts on stencils for cardmaking?  Have you tried them?  Do you like them?  I'm totally hooked on the idea, so I of course had to get the Painted Pumpkins Bundle found on page 30 of the new catalog.  I'll admit that the colors SU! chose for displaying the suite aren't quite my cup of tea for fall.  But that said, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the stamps, dies, and coordinating stencils.  They are so much fun to play around with to get different color combos.  I've got my first card made with these stencils to share with you.  It's just a simple card with a few layers including some pretty DSP and a few stenciled and die-cut pumpkins to round it out.  Psst - if you don't like seeing any retired items used, then you don't want to go any further.  This uses a retired die, woven trim, and bling.  Sorry, sometimes you just have to use what works!

The first thing done to make this card was to stencil the three pumpkins onto Basic White cardstock.  The stencils in the Painted Pumpkins bundle have 4 stencils for the pumpkins and 1 stencil that is leaves and vines that would cover a card front size area.  So far, I've only used the pumpkins stencils, but will get around to the leaves at a later date.

The first batch of pumpkins stenciled used Crisp Cantaloupe ink and stencils labelled 1-3 to build the pumpkin colors.  Then a bit of Timid Tiger was added to the third stencil layer to darken it a little.  The fourth stencil adds the stems to each of the pumpkins.  For this I used Crumb Cake ink to keep the pumpkins on the light side.

After the stenciling was finished, these pumpkins were die-cut with the matching die from the set.  While die-cutting, I also cut several loose leaves and all the vines that are in the set.  For cutting, I took a section of Basic White Thick cardstock and Blending Brushes with several green inks - Garden Green, Old Olive, and Peaceful Pine.  The colors were swirled, light and dark, and blended into a fun mixture that was perfect for die-cutting all the leaves and vines.  You can see multiple greens on each piece.  Now that all the pieces were ready, it was time to plan the card.

The layer needed for these pumpkins to reside on was die-cut with the (R) Textured Notes dies from Peaceful Pine cardstock.  I really liked the contrast of this green with the pumpkin colors.  This die measures approximately 4 3/4" x 3 1/4".

Next, a length of (R) Irregular Weave Trim was wrapped around this and taped in the back.  The earthy neutral trim fit in well with this design.  After attaching the trim, the pumpkins were arranged on the right side.  The largest was attached flat with adhesive, and the other two were layered on with Dimensionals.  One of the vines was tucked in over the pumpkins, and the other one was tucked behind.  The leaves on the vines each have a Mini Dimensional behind it to give it depth.

The sentiment is from the Thanks & Giving set.  You'll find this in the Online Exclusive section starting Sept. 1st.  It's stamped with Pecan Pie ink onto a Basic White scrap.  Then it was cut with scissors.  It's attached to the layer with a Dimensional in the center.  Then a couple of loose leaves are tucked under it.

Now, on to the card base.  This is Pecan Pie cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.

It took a while to decide on a DSP print to use.  I wanted to stay rather muted and let the pumpkins shine.  Looking through my stash, I found this lovely muted Peaceful Pine print in the new Autumn Opulence Designer Series Paper that I just love.  It's so unassuming, but it was just what this design needed.  This will be another Online Exclusive find on Sept. 1st.  A layer was cut that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  It's attached to the card base with adhesive.  Then the Peaceful Pine layer that was just finished was added to the center with adhesive also.

Several (R) Low-Profile Dots in a soft Petal Pink color were added.  Surprisingly these looked perfect with the Crisp Cantaloupe pumpkins.

Now, to finish off the inside of the card.  Another piece of the Autumn Opulence DSP was added.  This measures 5" x 4".

Then a layer of Basic White was cut that measures 4" x 3".  On this, another one of the sentiments in the Thanks & Giving set was stamped in the left corner using Pecan Pie ink.

There's also a tiny pumpkin stamp in this set that is so cute.  It's stamped in the bottom right corner with Pecan Pie ink.  Then Crisp Cantaloupe and Crumb Cake Stampin'Blends were used to add a little color.  Then the white layer was attached inside the card with adhesive.  And that's it.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  If you haven't tried using the Decorative Masks (stencils) yet, I hope you give them a try.  It's really fun seeing how the colors blend and change as you keep adding layers until you have the final design.

Remember, the new catalog starts September 1st, just two more days to wait!  I'm so excited to see what you'll be getting and the fun things you'll make.  I'd love to hear what you're creating!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Another Radiant Sunflowers Idea

Hello my friends!  Are you tired of ideas using the new Radiant Sunflowers bundle yet?  I sure hope not, because this is turning into a real favorite with me.  I keep thinking up more things to do with this stamp and die set.  And then add in the pretty Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper to really have a great creative palette to use.  I'm totally hooked on these products and keep coming up with more things I have to try.  Hang in there.  I'll be moving on to something else soon.  I promise!

I love all these muted autumn colors that are so warm and inviting.  This just puts me in the mood for pumpkin patches and cider.  Mm-mmm.  

I wanted to see how this worked with a Basic Beige cardstock base.  That base seemed to make it so much more muted than on either white or vanilla.  It's stamped with Early Espresso ink then colored with Stampin'Blends.

Sunflowers - Daffodil Delight Light, Golden Glow Light & Dark, touches of Crisp Cantaloupe Light

Centers - Pecan Pie Light, (R) dk brown, Crisp Cantaloupe Light

Flower - Golden Glow Light, Cajun Craze Light & Dark

Leaves & stems - Crumb Cake Light

After coloring the image, it was die-cut with the matching die in the bundle.

I wanted to use this checked print from the Sunflower Fields DSP as a backdrop for the image.  It's cut to measure 5 1/4" x 4".  For the card base, a half sheet of Golden Glow cardstock was cut.  This measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.

A 6" length of (R) Early Expresso Seam Binding ribbon was wrapped around the DSP approximately in the middle and attached in the back with adhesive.  Then a short length of ribbon was tied into a knot around this.  To finish the look on this ribbon, a length of linen Thread was wrapped around the brown ribbon then tied into a bow.  The look of those two together gave this a more rustic feel.

This layer was attached to the folded card base using adhesive.

The main image was added over the ribbon using Dimensionals.  The card looked a little empty with just the colored image added, so I improvised.  

The Fern & Flora dies have a pretty leafy stem that would fill in a little more.  I die-cut 3 stems from Early Espresso cardstock.  These were trimmed into smaller sections that tucked in under the main image and were attached with adhesive.

The same die set has a tiny die with 3 itty bitty flowers.  I used this to die-cut several tiny flowers from Cajun Craze cardstock.  I wanted a little extra color there, but not too much.  These were added to the leafy areas with just a touch of "green glue" to hold.  Did you notice those bitty flowers?

The sentiment used here is from the Banner Sayings stamp set.  It's stamped on a 1/2" strip of Basic Beige cardstock using Early Espresso ink.  Both ends were trimmed with scissors to finish.  In case you haven't noticed, I really like this stamp set.  All these little sentiments are so easy to tuck into a design, and they see to cover just about any occasion.

It's attached near the bottom of the card. This time Dimensionals were used to make the sentiment more prominent.

The final touches for this card are a few dark brown dots added to the design.  These are from the Earthy Matte Dots.  I think they're a nice touch here.

That's it for today folks.  Yes, I seem to be stuck on this Radiant Sunflowers bundle.  But I'm not apologizing here.  There are just too many ideas for using this bundle that I haven't tried yet.  But I promise I'll move on soon.

Hope you're excited about trying out some of the awesome new products coming out in the next catalog on September 1st.  I know there are a bunch of stamps, dies, and other goodies that I'm having fun with, and I know you will too.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Quick Retirement Card

Hello friends!  Hope you're doing well this week and getting a lot accomplished.  I've been holed up in my stamp room and getting a lot done, but I'm doing an awful job of posting what I've been working on.  Today is a quick card that lets the DSP do most of the work.  Sometimes when I'm really crunched for time, that's the best way to go.

The Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper seemed like the perfect feel for this retirement card.  The card focuses on one of the multi-image sheets of DSP that need to be cut apart for use on cards.  This print was actually bigger than a full card size, so it was trimmed down to fit.  It measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8" in size.

There is a very skinny layer of Pecan Pie added behind it.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4".  They are glued together with adhesive. 

Then they're attached to a folded Lost Lagoon cardstock base.  The base measures 11" x 4 1/4" and is scored and folded at 5 1/2".  Dimensionals were used here.

The sentiment used here is from the Sunset Coast stamp set.  It's stamped with Pretty Peacock ink onto a 1/2" strip of Basic White cardstock.  The ends are angle cut to finish.  The sentiment is attached to a 5/8" layer of Lost Lagoon cardstock.  They are attached with adhesive.  Then the Lost Lagoon layer is angle cut to match the sentiment.  

This was added to the card front using several Dimensionals near the top of the card.

A length of Linen Thread is wrapped around the card front twice, then it's ties into a bow.

For this design, I dug out my retired golden birds and dragonflies embellishments.  The birds added a little glitz to the design without being over-the-top and too girlie.

The inside of the card has a layer of Basic White that measures 5 1/4" x 4".

There is a 1/2" strip of the same DSP along the bottom.    Then I couldn't resist fussy cutting one of the life preservers from another print from the same DSP.  I thought it was a good addition.

The sentiments inside are from the Relaxing Waterside stamp set.  The 'relax' is stamped with Lost Lagoon ink on a Basic White cardstock scrap and then fussy cut.  The rest of the sentiment is stamped onto the white layer with Lost Lagoon ink.

After stamping and attaching the bottom strip, the white layer was attached inside the card.  Then the 'relax' was added with Dimenisonals so it really stands out.

That's it for making this quick retirement card.  Like I said, the DSP really did make the card.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Only another couple of days until September 1st.  And you know what that means - the new catalog goes live, and you can shop to your heart's content!  I've been having so much fun creating with some of the new stamps and dies.  I really have to get a move on and finish all these posts for the cards I have sitting by my computer!  I still have six more to go in the lineup right now!!  Yikes.  Yes, I'm working on it!!!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon