Front Step Pop-Up Card

Greetings my stamping friends.  Today's card is a fun fold beauty that I'm sure you'll like.  Knowing how inept I can be when making fun fold cards, you can be sure I CASEd this card idea.  There's no way I'd be able to figure out dimensions and all by myself.  So, I want to give a big thanks to Lynn Dunn at stamptasticdesigns.com for sharing her lovely card.  After following her directions and making a similar card to her sample, I kept going and made another card that I'm sharing with you.  Hope you give this fun fold a try.  It's really not that hard to make once you wrap your head around the few basic parts you need.  Let's get creating.

I started with a base card of Pool Party.  Cut a piece a 11" x 4 1/4".  This is scored at 5 1/2".

For the front step section:  Cut a piece of Basic White cardstock 9 3/4" x 4".  Score on the long side at 2 1/4" and 4 1/2".  This is accordion folded, then the largest section is attached to the card front as shown.  I used "green glue" for this step.

Cut a floral print layer from the Wildflower Birthday DSP that measures 5" x 3 3/4".  This is attached over the white layer you just made.

Cut another piece of the same DSP print that measures 3 3/4" x 2".  This is attached to the front of the step out using "green glue".

Cut a piece of either Pool Party or the same DSP that measures 3 3/4" x 2".  This piece is attached inside the fold.  You can see where I attached the Pool Party layer from this picture.

Cut another piece of Pool Party cardstock.  This measures 4 1/4" x 3".  Cut another Basic White piece that measures 4" x 2 3/4".  This was embossed with the So Swirly Embossing Folder.  This sort of reminded me of frosting swirls.  You can use any other embossing you'd prefer.  After embossing, this layer is attached to the Pool Party layer with "green glue".  

Next, lay the card down flat and fold the step part closed.  This way you can position the Pool Party layer on the center of the front.  Lightly mark with a pencil and attach it only to the step portion.

The Wildflower Birthday DSP has 2 sheets of punch out pieces.  The cake piece and extra flowers comes from this.  The cake is attached to the white layer with Dimensionals.  This is closer to the top so the sentiment will fit.

A 3/4" strip of Basic White cardstock is used to stamp the Happy Birthday.  The sentiment comes from Arched Wishes stamp set.  It's stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  It's trimmed to about 3 3/4" long and the ends are flagged.  This is attached below the bottom of the cake stand and onto the card base.  It's attached with Dimensionals.

The inside of the card base has a layer of Basic White that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  There is a 3/4" strip of pink and white diagonal checked DSP.  This is another print from the Wildflower Birthday DSP.  It's attached at the bottom of the white layer.  One of the printed punch-outs from the DSP pack is added as an extra accent.

Back to the front of the card for the addition of a little bling.  Another little flower was attached to the cake stand.  Then what was it going to be - gems or sequins?  This time I chose the Iridescent Faceted Gems.  They are so sparkly and match most any color you place them on.  So pretty and just the right amount of sparkle for a fancy birthday card.

Here's a last look at my birthday card.  I'm so happy with it!

Now I want to share the original card I made following Lynn Dunn's post.  

This is being held closed to show how it fits in a regular size envelope for mailing. 

The main colors are Garden Green and white.  The stamp set is the Thankful Garden set.   I used the masks and Blending Brushes to color the flowers and leaves.  The green print paper is from the Lovely Garden DSP pack.  This green print is just beautiful!

Only two colors were used for the coloring - Crushed Curry and Garden Green.  Both of these colors were added with a very soft touch to keep these fairly dark colors lighter on the image.

The new Mini Corrugated Embossing Folder was used here.  Isn't it a cute background?

The sentiment is from the Thankful Garden set, and it's stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

Three of the Brushed Brass Butterflies were used for the accent on this card.  Looking at the card now, I'm thinking the little Bee Trinkets would be great here too.

I mentioned that I followed her instructions and colors - mostly.  There always have to be a few details that I change, because I can't help myself.  This is a beautiful card though and I'm very pleased with it.  I hope you too give this fun fold a try.   It's easier than it looks.

Just a heads up that the retired list is out.  Go to Last Chance List to see what will be leaving soon.  Don't wait too long to make those last-minute purchases of retiring stamps, cardstocks, products, and In Colors too.  Hope you'll consider putting my name in for your demonstrator.  Thanks!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

You Are Remarkable Card

Hello people!  Here it is, April 1st, and I think the weather is playing a joke on me.  The sun is shining, and it looks like a beautiful day.  But it's barely 60 degrees outside and I was shivering in the sun.  Guess I'll need that jacket after all.  Not quite summer yet.  Thinking about summer, that brings to mind the flowers and of course the bees buzzing around looking for sweet nectar.  That thought was on my mind when I was working on today's card idea.  Hope it reminds you of warm summer days with birds singing and bees buzzing.  Let me know what you think.

When I sat down to create, I had a totally different idea in mind.  First, I changed the DSP I was planning to use and next I changed the stamp set.  The only thing that is left of my original idea is the card template that I had planned to use.  I find it fascinating to go where the idea ends up taking me.  It's always a surprise when I keep changing my mind and adjusting my plans to what is working.  So, let me tell you about my card.

Start with a card base of Boho Blue.  This is retiring soon, and I will miss it so much!  This is folded in half for a basic card shape.

The next choice is the piece of Mixed Media Designer Series Paper.  (Online Exclusive)  This is a fun print that looks like dabs of paint, so it can be used for many different things.  This piece measures 5 1/4" x 2".  It is backed with a 5 1/2" x 2 1/4" piece of Basic White cardstock.  They are attached together with adhesive then attached to the card front about 1/4" from the left side.

Next job was cutting a piece of Basic White for stamping the focal point.  This piece measures 4" x 2 1/2".  The outline flower from the You Are Remarkable (Online Exclusive) set is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink in the center.  This is a two-step stamp so there are stamps to color in the image.  The petals were Flirty Flamingo ink, the leaves were Garden Green ink, and the flower center is stamped with Daffodil Delight ink.

Now the playing around begins.  I used a Blender Pen along with Poppy Parade ink to darken the petals near the center and add a small touch of shading.  A little Flirty Flamingo ink was added to a few petals also using the Blender Pen.

I wanted the leaves a little brighter, so a Light Shy Shamrock Stampin' Blends pen was used on portions of the leaves to change the color a bit.  On all the pictures, the leaves look much darker than they do in person.

The flower center has a few dots added in for shading.  I used a Pecan Pie Stampin' Blends pen.

The cardstock needed some color added to the edges.  Using a Blending Brush and Boho Blue ink, the edges were softened and darkened with color.  Always use a soft touch.  More ink can be easily added, but you can't take away too much ink!

After adding the background ink, the bee was added in with Memento Tuxedo Black.  The background still needed something more.  Wink of Stella was spattered over this piece.  (Make sure everything is out of the way when you spatter!)  This looked absolutely awesome but was hard to get a good picture to show the sparkle.  So pretty!

A layer of Basic White was cut to frame up the "artwork".  This measures 4 1/4" x 2 3/4".  The stamped layer is attached to this with adhesive.  Then this is attached to the card base with Dimensionals.  It's less than 1/2" from the right edge.

The sentiment is from the Mixed Labels Bundle.  (Online Exclusive)  It's stamped with Real Red ink on a scrap of Basic White.  (I tried Poppy Parade ink but wanted it darker.)  Then it's die-cut with the matching die from the set.  It's attached with Mini Dimensionals.

The inside of the card is fairly basic.  A piece of Basic White cardstock is cut to measure 5 1/4" x 4".  This has the flower stamped in the bottom right corner as an accent to bring the design inside the card.  It's stamped with Boho Blue ink.  A little bee is also stamped with the same ink as a cute little surprise accent.

All the design needed was a touch of bling to be finished.  I was actually looking for gems or sequins when I remembered the tiny Bee Trinkets.  Oh, perfect!  One of them is attached right over the stamped bee.  The other one is attached near the sentiment.  

Love this card!!  I really wish you could see how this card sparkles from the spattering of Wink of Stella.  I don't know why I don't add this step to more of my cards.  It really is a nice touch.

That's it for my card today, no foolin'.  I'm excited to get my new catalog soon.  I hope you are too.  But until it comes, I'll continue to stamp with the wonderful stamps and papers I already own.  Sometimes I get so caught up in the "new" that I totally ignore all the good stuff that I loved only months (or even days) ago.  

Thank you for stopping by today for a shot of inspiration.  Maybe you like the colors, or maybe it's the layout.  Whatever caught your eye, I hope you sit down and use that thought to create your own masterpiece.  It's sometimes frustrating when your idea sort of falls apart right in front of you.  But pick up those original pieces and see what you can create new from them.  That brings such satisfaction!

Before I go, I noticed some new items have been added to the Online Exclusive section of the store.  Make a point to visit often as there are new things added regularly now.  Some of my favorite stamps and bundles have been Online Exclusive items.  You never know what new treasures you'll find.  Ok, gotta run.  Talk to you soon.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Wishing a Happy Birthday

Hello, my stamping friends!  I've taken a step back from the Thankful Garden Bundle for a few minutes.  I needed a birthday card for a teen girl.  I don't know her personally, but I've been told she likes butterflies and bright colors.  So that's the beginning point for the card today.  I hope she likes her card and has a fabulous birthday.

For the bright colors, I thought the multi-color print from the Bloom Impressions DSP would work.  This was a Sale-a-bration free item that I'm sure most of you were able to pick up on.  That meant it was not a current item, but it fit the project.  The multi-color print on its own is a bit bright for me.  That meant for my happiness I needed to tone it down a little.  

I thought of the Spring Corners Bundle that has several die-cut corner designs.  One of these might have enough open area to reveal the print but wouldn't be over-powering.  I had a piece of Basic White cardstock left over from another project that measured 4 1/2" x 3 1/4" that would be a good size to do a die-cut corner.  I used the coneflower corner die that fit nicely with lots of space left over for my design.  The piece of DSP was attached behind the design area with adhesive.  Don't those slivers of color peeking through dance like sunlight through a stained-glass window?

While I had the DSP out, I die-cut a trio of butterflies from the same DSP print.  This die is from the Sketched Butterflies Bundle that is in the 2024-2025 Annual Catalog.  This is a lovely set with five different sentiments that match an array of butterflies just perfectly.  The butterflies are all hooked together into one piece, but I easily cut them apart.

Next was deciding on what color cardstock to use for the base and a layer.  Azure Afternoon seemed the best pick to enhance the DSP colors.  A piece was cut that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  I was planning on using Basic White for the card base, but at the last minute changed my mind and added Pretty in Pink cardstock instead.  

The die-cut sentiment from Delightful Wishes would be nice going across the card front.  Decided on Azure Afternoon for the sentiment layer on the "wishing" word.  It could be cut from the center of the card layer and then the layer could be used without it showing at all.  After cutting the sentiment, the Azure Afternoon layer was attached to the center of the pink card base.  It's attached flat with adhesive.

The more detailed "wishing" was cut from a piece of Basic White cardstock that had a strip of the Adhesive Sheets added to the back before die-cutting.  This made it easy to peel the backing and have a "sticker" to place over the blue layer.  (Oops!  I just noticed in the picture that one of the dots for the i fell off.  I'll have to replace that!)

The rest of the sentiment was stamped with Azure Afternoon ink onto a 3/8" strip of Basic White.  The words were snipped to separate them.  "Wishing" was placed slightly angled onto the card.  Then the rest of the words were cascaded down under it.  The first piece was attached flat, the second two were attached with Mini Dimensionals.  

The largest butterfly of the three was added to the top right corner to balance the colors.  It's attached with a sliver of a Dimensionals under the body.

Lastly three gems from the Tinsel Gems Four-Pack in the rosy color were added to the design.  They picked up and complimented the many pink colors in the cut-out design. 

I forgot to take a picture of the inside, but I'll tell you about it anyway.  There is another layer of Azure Afternoon with a layer of Basic White attached inside the card.  The sentiment inside the card is from the Translucent Florals and is stamped with Azure Afternoon ink.  The two extra butterflies were attached for a cute accent.

Hope you like this special card.  It's not often I can make a card to order for someone else to use.  The bright color was a little daunting, but I love the finished design.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  Try making something different today than what you normally gravitate towards.  It's time to stretch your creativity!  And don't forget the Mini Catalog and the Annual Catalog will both expire the end of April.  That's basically just another month. If there's anything in the current catalogs that you've got your eye on, consider ordering it now before it's too late.  And then the new Annual Catalog will start is May - exciting!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

You Are Remarkable Card

Hello, hello!  What a lovely day today.  I've been spending so much time creating in my craft room that I was forgetting to get some fresh air and sunshine.  Since today is one of those perfect days, I spent a little time out there walking and enjoying the beauty.  It really calms my spirit and lets me breathe fuller.  Things have been a little crazy around here for the past 2 weeks and that walk was just what I needed to clear my brain.

Now, back to stamping.  I was on a roll yesterday with way too many stamps and inks strewn across my desk.  My thoughts kept going back to the yellows.  And then that cute yellow and white checked print from the Floral Delight DSP kept calling to me.  So, here I am with another cheerful card for your perusal.  It's very clean, simple and straightforward and will be used to hopefully cheer up one of my friends.

I think I mentioned yesterday that I'd been on a pastel kick lately, and it shows with this card too.  I started with the You Are Remarkable stamp set and this cute daisy image as the basis for the card.  On a piece of Basic White cardstock that measures 3 1/8" x 2 1/4", the floral stem was stamped using Gray Granite ink.  The bottom of the stem doesn't fit on the cardstock piece, so don't worry.

This flower is a two-step stamp.   It has a stamp that fills in the flower petals and another fills the leaves, so the coloring is done in minutes.  Well, more like seconds not minutes.  The petals are stamped with Daffodil Delight ink.  The stamp produces all this great detail on its own.

The leaves are stamped with Gray Granite ink.  The flower center is stamped with Gray Granite also, but this time it was off-stamped to give a lighter color.  That's it for the coloring.  Told you it was quick!

Time to get that card put together.  The base is Daffodil Delight cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  This is scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.  

There is a layer of the yellow and white checked DSP that measures 4 7/8" x 3 5/8".  I used Gray Granite for layering on the card.  The largest piece measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8".  For a little texture on the areas that show, I used the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder.  I like that little bit of texture peeking out on the edges.  The DSP layer was attached to the Gray Granite with "green glue".  Then these two layers were added to the card base with "green glue" also.

There is a layer of the Gray Granite cut to frame the flower layer.  It measures 3 1/4" x 2 3/8". This gives me a skinny frame that is just enough for this layer.

The sentiment used is from the Storybook Friends stamp.  The strip of Basic White that it's stamped on is 3/8" wide.  The sentiment is stamped with Gray Granite ink.  The ends are angle cut to give it a slightly different look.  It's layered onto a 1/2" strip of Gray Granite cardstock.  After attaching together, I trimmed the Gray Granite to match the angles on the white layer.

Both the flower layers and the sentiment layers are attached with Dimensionals to the card front.  The flower is attached more to the left side and the sentiment to the right side.  Try to follow the checked grid of the paper to keep it all straight.

For bling, I added three of the Pebbled Path gems from the 2023-2025 In Color Dots.  I don't have any Pebbled Path on the card, but they blended nicely with the Gray Granite color, so why not use them before they are retired.

That's it for my clean and simple card for today.   I've always liked yellow and gray together.  Using the Gray Granite for the gray gives it a really different look compared to what I was expecting.  It's always good to try new color combos.  You might find another new favorite to use.  Or it could be a bust.  You never know.  Either way, it's just paper.  You can always turn it over and try again or just pitch it!  The fun is in the creative process and trying new things.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

More Thankful Garden Bouquets

 Hello friends.  I've been so busy playing with colors and these Thankful Garden Masks that I haven't gotten around to posting anything.  So today I have two cards to share.  Each of them uses the "other flowers", not the hydrangea.  I'm not sure what kind of flowers they are, but they do come out lovely when using the masks and mixing the colors.  Do you like pastels?  I tend to gravitate towards pastels when I'm creating for myself, so this is what you get today.  Two pastel versions of these pretty flowers.  If you prefer brighter and more intense colors, just blend the color on heavier or use darker ink colors.  You can make these beautiful flowers in any combination that you'd like to find in your garden.

Of course, my first try with this flower needed to be pink.  Very soft and pretty, isn't it?  First the flowers are stamped on a piece of Basic White cardstock.  I used Memento Tuxedo Black for this. 

Next come the masks.  I used a bit of Washi Tape to hold the cardstock in place.  After placing Mask #1 in place, I drew in the registration marks and used a piece of Washi Tape to hold in place.  I started with Pretty in Pink ink and a Blending Brush.  Using very little ink, I started blending at the bottom of the flowers and swirled the brush up.  I had to check if there was pink on the flowers because it was so light.

With Mask #2, I added a little more of the Pretty in Pink.  Then very lightly added a bit of Fresh Freesia ink to change the tone a little bit.

Mask #3 was adding more of the Fresh Freesia ink but still keeping it on the light side.

Mask #4 moves on to the leaves.  My first blended layer was Pool Party ink.  I thought this kept with the pale flowers.  It needed a little green added to the leaves.  

The last mask #5 is the details on the leaves.  For this I tried the Summer Splash In Color.  I really liked how that worked out on the Pool Party base.

Now that all the color has been added, the flowers are die-cut with the matching die.  Set aside until we're ready to put together.

The card base is Basic White cardstock.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is scored and folded in half.  There is a layer of Pretty in Pink cardstock next.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4".  It is attached to the folded card base with "green glue".

There is a Basic White layer next.  This measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/4".  The new Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder is used on this to give it texture.  (We used to have a corrugating tool that I used often.  I'm sure I'll like this one just as much.)

A length of sheer white and silver-edged ribbon is wrapped around the white layer and tied into a knot on the side.  I used "green glue" to attach this layer to the front of the card.  I also added a Mini Glue Dot under the knot to hold in place.

The pretty flowers are attached with Dimensionals to the upper part of the white layer.  A sentiment from the new Spring Corners stamp set is stamped onto a 1/2" strip of Basic White cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The left edge was angled to fit snuggly under the stem.  The right end was cut to fit the edge of the card and flagged to finish.  This is attached to the card front below the ribbon with Mini Dimensionals.

Three of the clear Rhinestone Basic Jewels were added to the design.  This compliments the silver edge on the ribbon nicely.

Thee second card is another pastel, but this time a cheerful, sunny yellow color.  The flowers were stamped the same with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Basic White cardstock.

Mask #1 was lightly colored in with a Blending Brush and Lemon Lolly ink.  

Mask #2 was another layer of Lemon Lolly ink.

Mask #3 is a layer of Daffodil Delight ink.  To change the color a little, I lightly blended on just a touch of Peach Pie ink.

Mask #4 is first a light layer of Lemon Lime Twist with just a smidgeon of Granny Apple Green added at the bottom of each leaf.

Mask #5 is a light layer of Granny Apple Green with just a few touches of Garden Green added.

This was die-cut and set aside.

The card base is Basic White cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.  

A layer of yellow and white checked paper from the Floral Delight DSP pack was added.  It is 5 1/4" x 4" and attached to the base with "green glue".  

There is a layer of Basic White cut that measures 4" x 2 3/4".

This sentiment fit from edge to edge on the Basic White piece.  The stamp was inked with Garden Green ink then stamped once, moved down and stamped again.  Then it was ink, stamp, stamp again, and repeat all the way down the cardstock piece.

This was stamped once more on a 3/8" piece of white to match.

The white layer was attached to the card front with "green glue".  The single strip was attached under this with Mini Dimensionals.  

The flowers were added to the white layer with Dimensionals.

A double bow was made with the Daffodil Delight 1/8" Ribbon.  It's added to the stem and attached with Mini Glue Dots.  This is a great addition with all these other yellows.

Up to this point, I haven't decided on which type of bling I want to add.  Or maybe it doesn't need anything extra as all.  You decide.  Hope you like both of these options for these lovely flowers.  Now that I've started in with these masks, I don't know how I'll tear myself away.

Have you gotten your fix for the Thankful Garden and it's coordinating set of masks?  If not, hang around a bit.  Chances are I'll be playing with them again soon.

The new catalogs should be mailed out shortly.  How exciting!   I always love getting the new catalog in my hands so I can dream and maybe "drool" over it!  If you're one of my customers, you should be getting yours in the mail soon.  If you don't have a demonstrator yet, I would like to be that person in your life - your stamping coach and friend.  Let me know if you have any questions about these projects and the products to make them.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

 

More Hydrangeas

Hello my friends!  I'm back with another Thankful Garden card using those fabulous hydrangeas.  I've been doing the prep work for when we get together to make the cards for the shut-ins at church.  My mind has been totally focused on Easter themed cards at this time.  I needed a break, and I've wanted to do another card with the hydrangeas.  Funny thing, my ideas kind of went sideways and I ended up with something totally different.  I really was going to play with pinks, blues, and purples this time around.  Then I got thinking of a very neutral idea instead.  As you can see, no pinks etc.  But I really love the pretty card that evolved from the mess on my table.

I wish you could see the soft, delicate colors in person.  Quite lovely.  I started the card by stamping the hydrangea onto a Basic White cardstock piece about 4 1/4" x 3 1/2".  This was just enough to have a good frame around it while I was doing the coloring on it.  I used Basic Gray ink for a slightly softer look.

Next, I lined up the stamped image with the 1st mask.  Using a Blending Brush and Basic Beige ink, I added a light base for the flowers.  I had to check under the mask to make sure that I actually added color!

Moving on to the 2nd mask, another light layer of Basic Beige ink was added.  Before removing this mask, I added in just a hint of Pool Party to the flowers.

For the 3rd mask, another layer of Pool Party was lightly added.  Check under the mask to make sure you can see it but keep it light.

Ready for the 4th mask.  This one is the base for the leaves.  This was colored with a Blending Brush and Soft Seafoam ink.  When I got to the leaves, it seems I got a little heavier handed with my coloring.  For some reason, they seem to show up even darker in the pictures.  You could definitely do it softer if you prefer.

The 5th mask is the detail on the leaves.  This is also done with Soft Seafoam ink.  After the coloring was complete, the image was die-cut with the coordinating die.

The card base is Soft Seafoam cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.

The DSP layer is one of the Country Lace DSP prints that are so pretty.  BTW, I noticed this DSP pack will not be in the coming catalog.  Boo Hoo.  I think I need to get another pack before it's gone.  This piece measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".

The DSP layer is backed with a Basic White cardstock layer.  This measures 4" x 5 1/4".  The layers are attached together with adhesive.  Then they are attached to the card base with adhesive too.

The sentiment is from the Faith Collection and is my favorite.  I wanted to add it to a die-cut label, and it took a while to find just the right one.  This one is from the Something Fancy Bundle.  It's just the right size.  It's die-cut from Basic White with the sentiment stamped on with Basic Gray ink.

The last part of the design is the grid piece going down the side of the card.  I'd noticed it in the Mixed Labels Bundle when looking for a label.  I thought this design element would be interesting.  It's die-cut from Soft Seafoam cardstock.  We've got all of our design pieces ready, so let's put it together!

After moving all the pieces around to fit properly, the grid was attached first on the right edge of the card.  I used a 'dotted adhesive' on the back and attached it.

The hydrangea was attached with five Dimensionals to pop it up nicely.  Lastly, the label was added near the bottom.  It's also attached with Dimensionals.

For a bit of subtle bling, three of the lightest Purple Adhesive-backed Sequins that were a popular Sale-a-bration item.  (Wish I had gotten more!)  These white iridescent sequins seem to pick up the greens on the card perfectly.

I loved how the design came together so much, that I prepped enough to make another five cards.  I was surprised how quickly I could color all the layers on the hydrangeas for all the cards.  Not sure if I'll use these myself for Easter or use them for the shut-ins.  Either way, these cards will definitely be sent out this Easter.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope you enjoyed a walk through another hydrangea card design.  Can you tell this is my favorite set at the moment?  Oops, I'm pretty sure I forgot to mention that the Thankful Garden and the Mixed Labels Bundles are both Online Exclusive items in case you're looking for them.  These are both 'must have' items for me.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Beautiful Hydrangeas

Hello fellow stampers!  Have you seen the new Thankful Garden Bundle with all the coordinating pieces that go with it?  If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you check out the Online Exclusives section.  It's there along with the gorgeous DSP that goes with it.  The two floral images in the set are lovely and will be a treat to color.  But one of the cool things about this bundle is the set of masks for coloring the images.  Oh boy, they are wonderful.  That's what I had to try out first.

Here's the first card of what will be many in the future.  We had a gorgeous Pool Party/Coastal Cabana colored hydrangea before my husband went on a "cutting all the unnecessary shrubbery" rant.  Unfortunately, the hydrangea was in that unnecessary category because it wasn't in bloom at the time.  Boo hoo!  Anyway, this card was colored in honor of that fallen bush.

 I started by stamping the hydrangea with Memento Tuxedo Black on a Basic White piece of cardstock.  I then lightly attached the cardstock to my work area with a little washi tape in the corners.  The first mask was laid over the design and the registration mark on the edge was made for lining up the other four masks.  The first color used was Balmy Blue ink blended on with the Blending Brush.  This is all the color between the petals and the first bit of color on the petals.  

Mask #2 was put in place and Pool Party ink and a Blending Brush added the next layer.  I felt that I added quite a bit of Pool Party to get some color on the flowers.  (Maybe I need to re-ink my pad.)

Mask #3 was put in place and another layer of Pool Party was added.  There wasn't enough definition and detail showing.  So I switched to Coastal Cabana and added a light layer of this.  That really helped the petals to stand out.

Masks #4 and #5 were to color the leaves.  The #4 mask was used to add a layer of Garden Green ink with a Blending Brush.  #5 was also Garden Green ink, but it was added more heavily.  That was it for the coloring.  Seems almost too easy!

The finished flower was die-cut with the matching dies. 

With the flower in hand to choose colors, I chose Pool Party for the card base.  This measures 11" x 4 1/4".  It's scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half.

The green print layer is from the Lovely Garden DSP which coordinates with the set.  A piece was cut from the two-toned green print that measured 5 1/2" x 4".  This piece was die-cut with largest die in the new Textured Notes dies set.  You can't see the edge details in my pictures, but the detail adds so much to the look in person.  This is attached to the folded card base with adhesive.

The next layer is a piece of Basic White that was cut with the 3rd largest die.  This time the detail shows up very nicely.  Doesn't it really add to the elegance of the design?  The die-cut hydrangeas were attached to the white layer with adhesive.  Then this was attached to the card front with Dimensionals.

The sentiment is one of the preprinted sayings in the Greetings For All Mix & Match Ephemera Pack.  This can be found on page 13 of the Jan-April Mini Catalog.  I usually don't buy these preprint words, but thought I'd give it a try.  It's full of basic sentiments you'll find helpful and use often.   I really like this Easter sentiment, and it was easy to release from the perforated sheet.  Maybe I'll have to try more of these ephemera packs.  

The sentiment was added to the card front with Dimensionals.  

After going through my stash of bling, I settled on the Rhinestone Basic Jewels.  One of those tiny gems was put in the center of most of the detailed flowers.  I used 9 of them.  Any more seemed like too many to me.  

I just love how this card sparkles in the sunlight!  So pretty and a fitting homage to my deceased hydrangea bush.  I can't wait to try the other pinks, blues, and purples to make these fabulously easy, but gorgeous flowers!  I'm always amazed how nice the masks work coloring the designs and then being able to finish a card so quickly.

Hope you enjoyed today's card idea.  You really need to try out these masks and easily create your own masterpiece.  It's always fun to see what a few color changes can do to change the total look of a card.  For me, these are my colors, but what would you choose to use?

Thanks for stopping by today.  It's always fun to hear from you.  Just a heads up, the cost of cardstock will be going up in the new catalog.  If you're in need of any soon, now would be a great time to stock up.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon