Fun For Fall Card

Hello friends and happy fall y'all!  I've made a sharp pivot away from summer and have jumped solidly into fall with the cards I've made in the last few days.  That means I've got a lot to share and need to start in getting these posts written.  Have you seen the Fun For Fall stamp and die bundle in the Online Exclusives yet?   I love scarecrows so this set was a must-have for me.  But when I got it and really paid attention to all the details included in the bundle, I was totally hooked.  If you like die-cutting (yes Sue, this is you for sure!) you'll love this set too.  This card features both the die-cutting and coloring to make a cute fall scene.

The card starts with a card base of Pecan Pie which is a perfect fall color.  This is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is folded in half.  Next is a skinny layer of Basic Black cardstock that measures 5 3/8" x 4 1/8".  On top of this is a layer of Golden Glow.  This is such a lovely warm color and perfect for the card.  The layer measures 5 1/4" x 4".  These layers are attached together with adhesive.

Next is a layer of Basic White that we'll do all the stamping and layering onto before attaching to the card front.  I started with Blending Brushes and both Balmy Blue and Old Olive inks.  The blue was blended across the top two-thirds for the sky, and the bottom has a blending of Old Olive to look like grass.

Next the hay bales and crows were stamped onto Basic White with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  There were three bales and 5 crows stamped.  They were colored with Stampin'Blends:

Hay - Golden Glow Light

Twine - Crumb Cake Light

Beaks - Daffodil Delight Dark

Bodies - Pebbled Path Dark (I wanted it a little lighter than black)

After coloring, these pieces were die-cut with the matching dies in the set.  Then it was time to die-cut the rest of the pieces for the card.

Corn stalks - Old Olive cardstock (cut 4 times)

Ears - Daffodil Delight cardstock (cut enough to fit stalks)

Fence - Crumb Cake cardstock (cut 3 sections)

Before adding anything to the white layer, the sentiment was stamped near the top of the layer.   I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

The ears of corn were attached behind the greenery with a little dab of adhesive.  Then 3 of the stalks were positioned on the left of the card and attached with adhesive.  Then 2 of the fence sections were attached over the corn.  Used adhesive for this. 

 

Then the right side was worked on.  First the 3 stacked hay bales were attached with adhesive.  Then 3 of the crows were added.  I didn't want to use Dimensionals, but wanted a little definition.  So, each of the crows have two Mini Glue Dots rolled up and placed behind them to hold in place to add just a little height.

I couldn't resist the "hay there" sentiment, so it was stamped under the first sentiment.  I'm still wishy-washy about whether I should have added it.  But it's there now, so it's staying!

The white layer was finished so it was attached to the card front with adhesive.  (I tried Dimensionals, but I didn't like it, so they were peeled off)

For the inside of the card, I thought it would be fun to have a mini version of the card front added inside too.

The bottom of the layer has a small band of Old Olive ink blended along this to mimic the front.  I added the last corn stalk set to the right with the fence added in front of it.  

The sentiment is another one from the Fun For Fall set.  It's stamped with the same black ink.

I couldn't forget the last couple of crows that were left.  They were added to the inside with Mini Glue Dots also.  Then this white layer was attached inside the card to finish it.

There's no extra bling added to this card.  With all the die-cut layers going on, there didn't seem to be a need for anything else.  I think it would just get too busy looking.

Thanks for hanging out with me on this fall adventure.  There will be a few more coming soon.  Hope you're ready for fall.  Since kids are back to school now, it seems to be the right time for fall themed creations.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Forever Florals with Arches

Hello stamping friends!  It's back to school time here already.  I keep thinking this summer was so short and hot we really didn't do anything.  But that doesn't make any difference.  School started this past week anyway, and football season is underway.  Normally I really wouldn't care much for football.  I hate to admit it's the one sport that really never made a whole lot of sense to me.  But since my youngest grandson is playing again this year, I'm trying to figure it out.  Wish me luck in this venture!!  That said, it is time for another post sharing what I've been stamping lately.  I've been playing with the Everyday Arches dies on different projects lately.  The shape is easy to work with and can be used in different ways on my projects.  Today's card starts with the arch shape and pairs it with the Forever Florals stamps and dies to create a soft card that makes me smile.  I think anyone would be happy to receive this card in their mailbox.

The base for the card is the lovely Hydrangea Hue which is one of my all-time favorites.  A layer of the denim-looking print in the Paper Medley Designer Series Paper was cut to match.   The measurements are 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".  There needed to be a little more definition between this layer and the card base.  

A layer of 2026-2028 In Color Pearlized Specialty Paper was added.  This measures 4" x 5 1/4".  This creates a very skinny frame around the denim print that shines nicely when the light hits it just right.  It's surprising just how much this skinny layer adds to the overall design.  (If I would have been thinking ahead, I would have die-cut a smaller layer from the inside of this pearlized paper to use later on another project.)

The layers were all attached together with adhesive between them.  This keeps them flat and the rest of the card stands out more.

Next was die-cutting the Basic White arched layer.  The 5th largest Everyday Arches die was used for this.  After cutting, one of the sentiments in the Forever Florals set was stamped near the top with Hydrangea Hue ink.  I really like the four sentiments included in the set and have used them often.

The Forever Florals die set has two different sizes of just tiny flower dies.  Both sizes were used to die-cut Basic White cardstock.  Then they were used again with 2026-2028 In Color Pearlized Specialty Paper to cut several pieces.  There is also a multi-leaf stem in the die set.  This was used to die-cut 3 stems in Peaceful Pine and 2 cut from Soft Sea Foam cardstocks.  All these pieces were arranged and adhered to the bottom of the arch.

The arch was placed onto the card base, but it looked too plain.  It just needed something to break up the large amount of background.  The Lily of the Valley set has a die that makes this pretty trellis look.  It's die-cut from Basic White Thick cardstock.  After cutting, it was attached as shown flat onto the card front.  The arch was added to this using Dimensionals to hold in place.

A few of the 2026-2028 In Color Butterflies in Hydrangea Hue were scattered on the design for a little extra interest.

That's it for today's card.  Seems like I ended up pulling in bits of different sets to create this card.  Sometimes you just need something a little extra to make a design work.  Hope you give this idea a try.  This Hydrangea Hue color makes up into such pretty cards.

It's still August and Stampin'Up! still has its selected cardstock and Designer Series Paper sale going on.  Visit the store to see what is on sale.  Getting ready for Christmas card making, I just ordered several 12" x 12" Two-Tone Cardstock colors that were on sale.  Can hardly wait to get started on some of the ideas I have rolling around in this brain of mine.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Violets Fun Fold Idea

Hello friends.  I've been flitting around making cards for so many people having shoulder, knee, hip replacements lately.  Are we becoming a country of bionic people??  There is definitely a rash of them going on.  Why is everyone scheduling them now?  Something going on that I don't know about?  I have no idea, but it's been keeping me busy making and sending out cards.  I've been trying to send a card that reflects that person as much as possible, so they've all been one-of-a-kind.  One of the cards used the Framed Violets set and turned out really pretty so I thought I'd share it with you.

Because I wanted to use the Violets Dreams Designer Series Paper, the first order of business was to find an image the I could die-cut from the pretty prints.  The 5th largest die from the Everyday Arches die set was used to cut the image.  From this, the colors on the card were chosen.

The card base is Fresh Freesia that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 2 1/8" and 4 1/4" to make the z-fold.

I chose the back side of the print which is a lovely soft stripe as the inner layer.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4".  It's attached with adhesive on the inside of the card.

Couldn't really find a print I wanted for the front fold-back section.  I ended up using this checked vellum print from the Berry Botanical Vellum that was a previous Product of the Month from a couple of months back.  I'm so glad I had some of this left, because it's the perfect contrast for the rest of the card.  It measures 1 7/8" x 5 1/4" and is attached with adhesive.

Two pieces of Basic White cardstock were die-cut with the 4th largest die from the Everyday Arches set.  One of them was used to back the DSP print that was already cut and one was saved for the inside of the card.

One of the white pieces and the DSP print piece were adhered together with adhesive.  Then they were positioned on the card front.  Dimensionals were used to attach this.  Make sure they are added only to the left side of the arch so there is no problem opening the card.

The sentiment chosen for the card is from the Prayers & Promises stamp set.  This simple sentiment was stamped on a 1/2" strip of Basic White cardstock.  Petunia Pop ink was used for this because it's a little darker than the Fresh Freesia, but it still blends nicely with the colors.  Then the edges were trimmed with paper snips to finish.  The final length is 2 1/2" long and it's attached with Dimensionals.

A Fresh Freesia 1/4" Satin Ribbon was tied into a bow and attached near the top of the front layers with Mini Glue Dots.

So far, I don't think this design needs any bling added.  I may change my mind when I write a note inside and I'm ready to mail it.  What do you think?  Any suggestions?

Back to the inside of the card.  Using the 2nd white arched piece I cut, another of the sentiments in the Prayers & Promises was stamped on this.  Petunia Pop ink was used again for this sentiment.

In the bottom corner of this white layer, a single violet was stamped as an accent.  This time I did use Fresh Freesia because it is a little lighter.

After the stamping, the layer was attached inside the card, making sure it won't show.   

TIP - Put adhesive on the back of this layer.  Open the card with the top flap folded back.  This way you can easily see the edge.  Lay the sentiment layer over this face down and line up the edges.  Then close the card.  The inside layer will be attached in just the right place.

One last look.  I just love the soft colors and the fun fold on this card.  Because the main image was die-cut from a DSP print, this card was made in no time at all.  Still pretty, but so easy to make up several of these for when needed.

FYI - Have you heard that Stampin'Up! is having a sale on selected Designer Series Papers and Cardstock?  This is going on August 4th - 31st.  You can click here to see what's available.  There are even some Two-Tone Cardstocks in the sale!  Stock up on some of your favorites or use this opportunity to try something new!

Another piece of information for you - there is a new Product of the Month also.  Check here to see how pretty this is!  It's going to be perfect for some of my fall-themed cards.  I'm sure you'll love it too!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Fall Scarecrow Card

Hello my friends.  Are you ready for a cute little autumn themed card?  I hope so, because that's what I have in store for you today.  For some reason I just love a cute scarecrow come fall.  It just seems the epitome of going to cider mills and apple orchards or going to pumpkin patches.  Brings back sweet memories of fun times.  I've got a picture of one of my little grandsons in a patch of sunflowers and a scarecrow that is one of my favorites.  I'm sure he'd be embarrassed by it now, but I love it!  When I saw the cute Fun For Fall stamp and die bundle show up in the Online Store at Stampin'Up!, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  Here's the first card made with the set.  Just stamping and coloring, no die-cutting the images.

Isn't he just adorable?  He really didn't take much time to color at all, and you can change up the colors to fit your ideas.  I have new plaid DSP on order that wasn't here yet. But I did have a piece of A Little Latte Designer Series Paper left over from last fall.  I really love this plaid and was sparingly playing with it to make it stretch as far as possible.  Isn't it the perfect match for this little scarecrow?

My first job was to find a die that would fit the scarecrow nicely.  I used two sizes of dies from the Sweet Words & Labels set.  The smaller die cut Basic White cardstock and the larger cut Pecan Pie.

The scarecrow and leaves were stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  Then colored with a bunch of different Stampin' Blends:

Misty Moonlight, Lemon Lolly, Timid Tiger, Golden Glow, Granny Apple Green, Lost Lagoon, Petal Pink, Pecan Pie, Darling Duckling, Pebbled Path, and Bronze/Ivory

Whew, that's a lot of colors, but most of them were just a bit here and there.  Of course, you can change colors to fit your design.  I was trying to get most of these colors to blend with the DSP.

After coloring it all, the design was spattered with a Pecan Pie marker to break up the open white background.

The card base was cut from Pecan Pie to blend with the DSP.  The plaid print was attached to the card base with adhesive.  The two die-cut layers were put together with adhesive.  Then they were attached to the card base with Dimensionals.

The tiny sentiment is from Fun For Fall.  It's stamped with Pecan Pie ink then trimmed to shape.  It's attached partially to the labels with adhesive and a Mini Dimensional added on the overlap part.

The inside of the card is a layer of Basic White cardstock.  All the stamps here are from the Fun For Fall stamp set and were all stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  The three of the hay bales were stamped stacked at the bottom.  A scattering of leaves was added to the design.  And we can't forget the two crows to finish it off.  The same Stampin' Blends were used to color these pieces.

Again, the background was spattered with Pecan Pie ink for interest.  It was surprising just how much those little speckles changed the look of the design!

To complete the design, a double strand of Linen Thread was tied into a bow and attached at the bottom of the die-cut layer using Mini Glue Dots.

Several of the 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls in the Timid Tiger color were added for a little bling.  Even though the color listed on the DSP was Calypso Coral, I think the Timid Tiger color blended very nicely with it.

Well, what did you think of this little guy?  Doesn't he make up into an adorable scarecrow?  I had lots of fun coloring him to match the plaid.  Now I'm waiting for my new DSP prints and plaids to get here to see how else he's going to show up next.

Hope you're inspired to get out one of your outline images and do a little coloring yourself.  For me coloring is pretty relaxing and enjoyable.  I should really do it more often.

Thanks for stopping in to see what's new.  August is just around the corner, and the new catalog will be sent out soon.  If you're one of my customers, please make sure you've told Stampin'Up! that you want to receive mailings from me so I can send you one!!  There is no time like the present to start thinking about all your autumn projects.  Oh my, maybe even Christmas too!  I think I've totally missed out on Christmas in July to get a start on my Christmas cards.  Guess I'll just have my own Christmas in August instead.  You just never know what I might feel like creating!  I hope you'll check in often to see.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Montage of Simply Leaves Ideas

Hello stamping buddies!  I've been playing around with the Simply Leaves stamp set quite a bit lately.  I can't seem to leave it alone!  Unfortunately, I haven't gotten around to posting all the cards separately.  So, today I thought I'd do something a little differently.  Instead of going in depth on a single card, I'd give a thumbnail version of each card and share them all at once.  Let's see how this works out.  I'd love to hear your feedback on what you think about it.

For the first idea, the 2026-2028 In Color Gingham DSP would be used.  Start with Very Vanilla cardstock for the card base.  A 5 1/4" x 4" layer of Very Vanilla was cut and embossed with the Forever Plaid Embossing Folder.  

This layer was softly colored on the edges with a Blending Brush and Golden Glow ink.  Then it was attached to the card base with Dimensionals.  

The Gingham DSP in Golden Glow was cut to 2 1/4" x 5 1/4" and attached to the vanilla layer with adhesive.

Two different large leaves were stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  One used Golden Glow and the other was Cajun Craze ink.  Both were punched with the coordinating punch.  The small leaf was stamped with Cajun Craze ink and fussy cut.  The leaves are arranged on the card and attached with both adhesive and Dimensionals.

The sentiment is from Simply Leaves.  It's stamped on Very Vanilla with Cajun Craze ink.  A little Golden Glow ink was brushes on the edges.  It's attached with Dimensionals.  

A double strand of Linen Thread was tied into a bow and attached with Mini Glue Dots.

Three of the 2026-2028 In Color Dots in Golden Glow were added to the design.

This card starts with a Basic Beige cardstock base.  A 3 3/4" x 5" layer of the same was cut.  It's embossed with the new Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder that will be available in August.  A slight amount of Peaceful Pine ink was added to it with a Blending Brush.  

A 3 7/8"x 5 1/8" layer of Peaceful Pine was added between the two layers.

Three different leaves from the Simply Leaves set were stamped onto Basic Beige cardstock, then punched with the coordinating punch.  Two leaves were off-stamped before stamping to give a lighter color.  

The leaves were arranged and attached to the card front using both adhesive and Dimensionals.

The 3/8" Bordered Ribbon in Peaceful Pine was cut in half lengthwise then tied into a double bow.  It's attached with Mini Glue Dots.

The sentiment is from Banner Sayings stamp set.  It's stamped on a Basic Beige strip with Peaceful Pine ink.  A skinny layer of Peaceful Pine cardstock is added behind the stamped layer.  Then it's added to the card front with Dimensionals.

Two of the red Ladybug Garden Epoxy Shapes were attached to the card for a cute pop of color.

This version has a Golden Glow base with a layer of the 2026-2028 In Color Gingham DSP added.

A 2 1/4" wide strip of Basic White was punched with a retired edge punch to give a lacy design.  This was added across the card front.

Three of the large leaves from Simply Leaves were stamped using either Cajun Craze or Peaceful Pine inks.  The golden one is punched from 2026-2028 In Color Pearlized Specialty Paper.  Nice addition!

The sentiment is from the new Fun For Fall stamp set.  It's stamped with Cajun Craze ink.

There is a bow added made from the Peaceful Pine Ribbon.  It's attached with Mini Glue Dots.

Two of the 2026-2028 In Color Dots in the Peaceful Pine color were added near the sentiment.

The last card is a CASE card from Barb Brimhall - BZBStamper.  Even though I cased the card there are a few changes.

The card base is Basic Beige.  Five different prints from the Paper Medley DSP were used to punch out two leaves each.  The dotted vein stamp was stamped onto each leaf with Cajun Craze ink.  The leaves were arranged on the card then attached with adhesive.  Then any extra hanging over the edges was cut off.

A Sweet Words & Labels die was used to cut a Basic White label.  Another sentiment from the Fun For Fall set was stamped with Peaceful Pine ink.  The label is attached with Dimensionals.

A double strand of Linen Thread was used to tie a bow that is attached with Mini Glue Dots.

One last look at the mix of cards shared today.  I hope you have enough information that you can copy any of these that catch your eye.   They were all fairly quick and easy to create.  I find that to be a good way to build up my stash of cards so I'm ready when something is needed at the last minute.  Any questions you have about any of them, feel free to contact me at sharoncarr50@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by today.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of the new format.  Does less commentary and less info on measurements etc., but more ideas shown work?  Also, do the products in bold type help or hinder your perusal of the ideas.  Just trying to give you a better experience and make it easier to try the ideas yourself.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Time for Another Layout

Hello friends.  While meandering through all the interesting Pinterest card ideas, I kept seeing cards that had a similar layout.  This is something that I've used through the years and thought it was time to get it out and try it with current ideas.  I love having layouts that work well through the years and always look fresh and current because of the colors and papers used.  I think this is definitely one of them!  This layout also works well with either a landscape or portrait style card.  Let me show you what I mean.

We'll start with the portrait style card.  This card features the Valley in Bloom Designer Series Paper.  The print is cut to measure 4" x 3 1/2".  Then this piece is cut into 4 pieces with each piece measuring 1" x 3 1/2".  You want to keep these strips in the correct order for constructing your card later.

Next is a layer that measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/4".  This lets the under-layer show on each side when finished.   I used Basic White cardstock for this layer, but you can use whatever works best for your design. Position each of the DSP strips on the layer until it looks right.  Then each strip is attached to the base layer as shown.  Can you see how the DSP ends overlap the white layer on the sides, and the ends of the white layer show at the top and bottom?  That's the basic look you want from this layout.

For the card, Cloud Cover cardstock was chosen as the card base because it blended nicely with the DSP print, and it keeps the whole design sort of 'misty' looking.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is folded in half.  The white layer is attached to the card base with Dimensionals to enhance the design look.

A sentiment from the Simply Leaves stamp set was used.  I just love this sentiment not only because of what it says, but the two fonts used on each of the sentiments in this set make them really stand out.  It's stamped on a long 1/2" strip of Basic White cardstock using Pretty Peacock ink.  After stamping, the ends were trimmed closer to the words and given a fishtail cut with paper snips to finish it.

The design just needed something more to make it special.  Then I remembered the geometric die that's part of the Lily of the Valley die set.  I die-cut it from Basic White Thick cardstock so it would be a little sturdier.  It's added to the card front with touches of adhesive.  Then the sentiment is attached over this with Dimesionals.

Of course, the design needed just a bit of subtle bling.  The 2026 - 2028 In Color Dots in the Peaceful Pine color were used here.  They're very subtle, but the bit of iridescent shine on them gives the card a soft glisten.  Just what I wanted for this card.

The inside of the card has a white cardstock layer.  There is a 1/2" strip of a different Valley in Bloom print was added to the bottom of this layer before attaching inside.

Now you've seen how this layout works in portrait style cards, let's see how the same layout works for a landscape style card.

This time, my DSP layer comes from the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper.  The design pictured is bigger than the 4" x 3 1/2" that is needed for this layout.  It needed a little creative cutting - some off the top, the bottom, and the left side to get the correct dimensions. Then the piece was cut into 1" strips for the design.

Again, I used Basic White for the backing layer which measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/4".  The strips were arranged on this and attached with adhesive.  This was attached to the Pool Party card base with Dimensionals.

The sentiment used here is from Fragrant Layer stamp set.  It's stamped with Misty Moonlight ink onto a 5/8" wide strip of Basic White cardstock.  It's trimmed close then fishtailed with Paper Snips.   It's added to the bottom of the design with Dimensionals.

The inside of the card is a layer of Basic White cardstock.  It has a 1/4" strip of the same DSP (but the striped back side) added to either side of the white layer.  They're attached with adhesive.  These strips came from the area on the left side of the front design that was too wide.  Never throw away those scraps.  You never know when they'll be the perfect accent to the card!

I made another card with this same layout.  At least it was the same until I cut the white layer wrong.  After thinking about it, I decided to share my boo-boos too.  This is how learning happens.  If everything came out perfect the first time, I guess it means I'm not stretching myself enough and trying different things.  Besides it's only paper and I can try again!

So the mistake was only cutting it 4 1/4" long so the DSP comes right to the edges instead of the white showing at the edges.  I thought I'd still put it together as I'd planned and see how I liked it.  

For this one, I used Hydrangea Hue cardstock and the beautiful Delicate Dreams DSP which is currently unavailable.  This paper is just beautiful.  I guess lots of people agree on that.  It will be coming back in stock, so watch for it.

This sentiment comes from the Lily of the Valley set.  I don't remember the name of punch I used - sorry.    The ink color is Hydrangea Hue.  The label has just a hint of the blue around it.  I used a marker tip to run around the edges.  The label also has a spattering of the same marker for added color.  

Did you notice the small strip of ribbon that's tucked under the label?  For the bling this time, I added some of the retired Brass Butterflies to flit in the design.  Thought they were a good size and the new ones got lost in all the busyness of the print.  

I still think the first version of this layout is great.  Not so crazy about the mistake version.  I should have just set the wrong-sized cardstock aside and recut to the correct measurements.  But I had to try.  You never know whether an idea will work if you don't try it.  This mistake is ok, but not as eye-catching as the first version as far as I'm concerned.  It's something I don't want to do the wrong way again.

I'm so glad you stopped by today.  Let me know what you think about this layout.  I think I should use it more often.  What do you think?

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Splash & Relax Ideas

Hello fellow stampers!  Looks like our rainy cooler weather will be gone for another day or two.  Or maybe even a week or more!  We're back in the mid 90's and I gotta tell ya, that's just too dog-gone hot to be hanging outside for this ole lady!  So that means more stamping!  Woo Hoo!  This is the time of month I usually start planning for the cards being sent to the shut-ins from church for the next month.  This gives me a little time to think and plan, and throw out ideas that just won't work, you know?  I decided on an idea that I loved and wanted to share it with you too.

This idea hit me as pure summer.  What could be more fun than spending time at the beach or the pool on a summer day?  The stamp and die bundle used is called Splash & Relax, and it's found in the Online Exclusive section of the SU! store.  Isn't this perfect for a summer idea?  I started with a Thick Basic White cardstock piece for my base which measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.    Next, a 5 1/2" x 2 1/4" piece of Lemon Lime Twist cardstock was ripped in half along the full length.  These two pieces were attached to the top and bottom edges of the white card base.  I used "green glue" to adhere them.  This way I'd have a little "wiggle time" to get them exactly at the edges.

I'm not sure what these "water rings" are actually called.  I've really not spent much time playing in the water because I burn so badly, so my terminology is sadly lacking concerning beach/water toys.   

Whatever they're called, I stamped three of them using Coastal Cabana, Granny Apple Green, and Lemon Lolly inks.  The two darker colors were off-stamped before stamping the solid ring.  Then full strength in the same color was stamped over with the detail stamp.  I was concerned about how easy it would be to line up the detail stamp, but it was surprisingly quite easy.  Which was a really good thing considering I was prepping for 23 cards!   (What was I thinking?!?)  I only had a little problem with the Lemon Lolly rings because the color was so light it was hard to see through the stamp.  Note to self:  Use slightly darker colors to see them better.

After stamping them, it was easy to die-cut them with the coordinating die in the set.  At this point, I added three Dimensionals on the back of the rings but didn't take off the backing.  This way I could position them and get an idea of how it looked.

The sentiment came next, and it's from the same set.  I didn't want to use the entire sentiment, so only the end of the sentiment stamp was inked.  After trying a few colors of ink, I used the Coastal Cabana color.  It's dark enough that it can be read, and it played well with the other colors.  It's stamped onto a 1/2" strip.  Then the ends were angle cut for interest.

The card looked a little bare at this point, so maybe a cool pair of sunglasses would work.  The main color on these glasses is Shy Shamrock from a year ago.  It was a good contrast to the other colors, but it didn't overpower them.  The lens for the sunglasses was cut from Basic Black cardstock and then attached with adhesive to the glasses.

The rings were attached with their Dimensionals.  Then the sunglasses and sentiment were attached with Mini Dimensionals.

For a bit of splashy bling, the pale blue glitter dots from the Traditional Sparkling Sequins that were around either last Christmas or the year before.  I thought they were the perfect accent.

You would think that this is all I have for you today.  But no, you would be wrong.  Trying to figure out what color sunglasses to add to the card, I tried several different colors to go with the design.  So, what do you do with those extra sunglasses?  Ta-da...

For this card, start with a Balmy Blue card base that is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".

Next, a layer of Vellum was added.  It's cut at 5 1/4" x 4".  To give it a look of a swirly water background, it was embossed with the retired So Swirly Embossing Folder.  It was attached to the card base by adding adhesive under the covered area.

I've got a die that looks like a film strip that isn't SU!.  Yep, it's contraband.  Shh, don't tell anybody!  But I thought it would be a good way to display my pile of sunglasses.  It's die-cut from Basic White.

It's stamped at the bottom with a sentiment from the Splash & Relax set.  It's stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Then this was attached to the vellum with "green glue".  

The sunglasses shown are all the colors I tried for the previous card.  The top one is Coastal Cabana.  The middle one is Granny Apple Green.  The bottom one is Pool Party.  Each of them has two coats of Wink of Stella on them to make them sparkly.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get a decent picture of them.  Take my word for it, they're cute!

The perfect accent for this card seemed to be some iridescent gems.  They're called Flat Adhesive-backed Pearls from several years ago.  Yes, I always hang on to my gems after they retire.  You never know when it will be just what is needed.

Ok, that's it for my bout of sharing for today.  I hope you get in a summery frame of mind seeming these ideas.  I've got several more summer birthdays coming up yet, so this one just might end up as a birthday card.

Be sure and leave a comment so I know you've visited here.  Have fun in the sun if you can handle it.  I wish it was 10 years ago when I was outside playing with my grandsons in whatever scenario their little minds could think up.  It was always so much fun.  Tiring, but absolutely never boring!  Enjoy your summer in whatever way puts a smile on your face!  (like stamping!)

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon