5 cards with 1 Sheet DSP

Hey there.  Do you have problems trying to figure out what to do with those sheets of DSP that are broken up into segments of different pictures?  Like this one?

This is a sheet of the Lovely Blossoms Designer Series Paper.  I love the colors and prints in this pack of paper, and I've used some of it already.  But it comes with 3 sheets of this design, and it's been a struggle figuring out what to create with it.  All the images are lovely, but I'm more used to stamping or die-cutting the focal pieces on my cards and not just using something ready-made.  So, I chopped this one up and got ready to create with these pieces.  The 2" x 12" section along the bottom didn't get cut into 2" squares but left long.  I turned it over and used the flip side of the design.  Let's see what I came up with, and you can decide if it all worked out well.

Let's start with the design in the top left corner and continue from there.  This piece of the design measured 6" x 4".  It's trimmed down to 5 1/8" x 3 3/4" to fit a card front.  There is a layer of Cloud Cover behind it that measures 5 1/4" x 3 7/8".  This is just enough to give it a skinny frame of color.  The card base is Old Olive cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored and folded in half.

After attaching the print to the Cloud Cover layer, a piece of Secret Sea Bordered Open Weave Ribbon was wrapped around and tied into a bow.  Then the layers were attached with Dimensionals to the card base.

The sentiment is from the Banner Sayings stamp set.  I intended to use the full sentiment but ended up trimming between the words to get a smaller banner.  This is curled at the left edge a little and attached at the right edge only.

There are three of the green Moody Palette Glossy Dots used as an accent to the design. 

This is the 2nd design across the DSP.  Again, it measures 6" x 4".  The Textured Notes die was used to cut out the design.  Then the DSP was turned over and trimmed to have the DSP measure 5 1/2" x 4" with the die-cut area centered on the paper.  This was attached to a Secret Sea cardstock piece that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is folded in half.  

The die cut piece was attached in the center to cover the hole using Dimensionals.  Looking at the card at an angle you can see a slight edge of the Secret Sea peeking through.

The sentiment is stamped onto a Basic White die-cut using the Textured Notes dies.  It's stamped with Secret Sea ink.  A double bow of Linen Thread was added to the corner.

Three of the Secret Sea dots from the Moody Palette Glossy Dots were added for contrast.

The next card is the 6" x 4" design in the right top corner of the DSP sheet.  This was trimmed to 5" x 3 3/4".  It's layered onto a Secret Sea cardstock piece measuring 5 1/4" x 4".  A length of Secret Sea Bordered Open Weave Ribbon was wrapped around this and tied into a knot.

A card base was made from an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" Petal Pink cardstock that was folded in half.  The layers were attached to this with adhesive.

The sentiment is from Banner Sayings and punched with the Three Banner Punch.  This was tucked under the knot in the ribbon and attached with adhesive.

Three of the white Moody Palette Glossy Dots were added to the design for interest.

Now we move down to the next row in the DSP design. This piece measured 3" x 4".  There is a layer of Secret Sea cardstock that's cut at 3 1/4" x 4 1/4".

A card base was made from Crumb Cake cardstock and measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  The bottom 2" strip of DSP was trimmed to 5 1/2" and attached along the left side of the card base using adhesive.

The layers were attached to the card base with Dimensionals.  The sentiment is from Banner Sayings and is stamped with Secret Sea ink onto a 1/2" white strip.  The ends were angle cut with scissors.  Then it was attached with Dimensionals.  Three Secret Sea Moody Palette Glossy Dots were added to the design.

This last card I made has a design piece that was trimmed to 3" x 3 3/4".  It's layered onto a Secret Sea piece that measures 3 1/4" x 4".

The card base is Cloud Cover that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  Another piece of the 2" wide strip of DSP was trimmed at 5 1/2".  This was attached on the left side of the card base using adhesive.  The focal image layers were attached to this with adhesive also.

The sentiment is from Banner Sayings again.  It's also trimmed at an angle with scissors.  Then it's attached to the card front with Dimensionals.  Three Secret Sea color gems from the Moody Palette Glossy Gems were added to the design.

Here's another quick look at the five cards I made from this one piece of the Lovely Blossoms DSP.  Seeing them all together, I think they'd make a really nice gift tucked inside a card holder that matched.  Hmmm, I'll have to consider that.  

There are still two pieces of the sheet of paper left that I have no plans for yet.  That will take a bit more thought also.  Hope you liked these card ideas.  They were a pretty easy way to get a card assortment done quickly.  If you don't need thank you cards, just change the sentiments to what you need.  They are all simple but pretty and I think they would definitely brighten the day of anyone receiving them.  

Have you heard about the free shipping Stampin'Up! is giving us?

There is Free Shipping for 3 days!  From February 18 to 20, you can shop and save on all qualifying orders of $75 or more.  You won’t want to miss this chance to stock up on all your favorite products from the catalog, Online Exclusives, kits, and more!

Plus, when your order total reaches $75 (after subtracting any rewards) you are eligible to purchase the Product of the Month for only $5 which is an awesome pack of the Painted Illusions Designer Series Paper!  This is a doubly - great bargain for you.

Thanks for sharing some time with me today.  If I can help you in any way, just get in touch.  I'd be happy to be your demonstrator if you're looking for one!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Lovely Arrangements Fun Fold

Hello my friends!  Are you having a good day?  I feel like I'm on a roll with getting this card finished and still have time to share it on a blog post today.  Don't you love it when things actually come together like you think they will?  It doesn't happen often so you need to enjoy it while you can!  Since I haven't made any fun folds in a while, it seemed like today would be a good day to do that.  I've shared before that fun folds are not what I'm good at - not at all!  But I have found some fairly simple ones over the years that I enjoy making, and the card today is one of those simple fun folds.  Today's card features the Brushed with Beauty Designer Series Paper.  This is such a pretty pack of paper.  I love the color mix, and the prints are great for designing.  Let's dive right into this card.

Here's the card all folded up and ready to go into the envelope.  You can see that the DSP really makes up the basis of the card with the folds giving the card its stability.  Let me give you all the information on cutting the pieces first and then we'll cut and score the DSP and put it together.

Using the Branching Out dies:

3rd largest - Mossy Meadow

4th largest - Very Vanilla

5th largest - Very Vanilla

Cut Very Vanilla cardstock at 2 1/2" x 5" and

1/2" x 2 1/2" (sentiment)

Also cut a 2" strip of Very Vanilla for die-cutting flowers

Cut Mossy Meadow cardstock at 2 5/8" x 5 1/8"  and 5/8" x 2 5/8" (sentiment layer)

Also cut a 2" strip of Mossy Meadow for cutting leaves

In the center area of both Very Vanilla Branching Out die-cuts, use a Blending Brush and Crumb Cake ink to lightly add a blush of color.  This will help the flowers stand out from the vanilla background.

Stamp two larger flowers and one smaller flower with the Lovely Arrangements stamps.  Use Crumb Cake ink and add Early Expresso marker onto the stamens before stamping onto the Very Vanilla strip.  Die-cut these 3 flowers with the matching dies.

Also stamp 3 clusters of three leaves using Mossy Meadow ink on Mossy Meadow cardstock.  Die-cut these with matching dies.  Die-cut the 2 single leaves from Mossy Meadow cardstock.

Stamp the birthday sentiment from the Lovely Arrangements set onto the 1/2" piece of Very Vanilla cardstock.  Use Mossy Meadow ink for this.

On the smaller vanilla Branching Out die-cut, stamp the first part of the sentiment (from Perennial Postage set) at the top with Mossy Meadow ink.  Clean and dry the stamp well, then ink up the 2nd part of the sentiment and stamp it at the bottom of the die-cut.

Stamp another sentiment from the Perennial Postage set onto the larger Very Vanilla piece for the inside of the card.  Use Mossy Meadow for this again.

Ok, I think we've got everything stamped, die-cut and ready to go.

Cut the Brushed with Beauty DSP print to measure 11 1/4" x 5 1/2".  Then score at 1", 4", and 7".  Fold this to make a W fold with the short flap on the left side.

Since this picture is right here, we'll start from the back.  Attached the vanilla to the mossy cardstock with adhesive.  Cut apart one set of stamped leaves and attach as shown.  Then attach layers inside the card making sure they don't show beyond the flap when it's closed.

The center flap has the smaller vanilla layer attached with the smaller flower and the two single leaves attached to the center of the layer.

Now for the front layer.  Attach the two layers of die-cuts together.  Attach the sentiment strip to the Mossy Meadow layer.  Position flower, leaves and sentiment on this layer.  Attach one flower flat tucking one set of leaves under this.  Attach 2nd flower with a Dimensional in the center.  Cut apart remaining leaves and tuck in under this flower.  Attach the sentiment with Mini Dimensionals making sure to keep them only on this layer.  None on the overhanging edge.

To attach this layer to the card front, I used Tear & Tape.  There is a strip along the left edge of the layer from top to bottom.  This holds the layer firmly on the small edge of the DSP.

This card uses some antique brass looking dots that blend nicely with the more neutral colors used here.  These are retired, but there are similar current ones.  

I hope these directions make sense to you as you create along with me.  If you have any questions, get in touch and I'll try to clarify any problems you have.  I totally love how this card evolved and the finished look.  Give it a try.  There are so many lovely DSP prints that it's a shame you can only see one side of them.  I like to find ways to get the full effect of the pretty prints.  If you make this with other prints, I'd love to hear what you've created!  Please share.

Since it's February now, that means it's also time to redeem any of those Bonus Days rewards you earned.  Don't forget, redemption is only in February.  That's it, so don't miss out!!

Thanks for stopping by again to see what's been going on here.  I've been having fun holed up in my stamp room trying to ignore all the cold, snowy-icy-rainy weather we've been having.  I think I need to come up for air pretty soon!  Where's that sunshine?

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

More Fragrant Layer Ideas

Hi again!  Back with more ideas for using the fun new Fragrant Layers stamp and die bundle.  It seems the more I play around with it the more ideas that start swirling in my brain.  The Fragrant Layers bundle is only found as an Online Exclusive item and not in any catalog.  It really is an interesting set to play with in my opinion.  For these next card samples, I'll still be focusing mostly on the dies again, but stepping it up a bit with another layer that's die-cut to add more dimension and color.  Again, this will be much simpler than it looks, and it's so surprisingly easy!  I was on Pinterest and found a post from Su Mohr at Aromas and Art using this bundle that I absolutely fell in love with and had to try making it too.  You can find her post here.

Doesn't this look like it's really difficult and time-consuming to make?  But it really isn't at all.  Just follow along and you'll see how easy this is to make.

Let's start with the Basic White die-cut layer.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4".  The die is placed about 3/4" from the top edge and centered, then run it through the machine.  Set this aside while the next pieces are die-cut.

There is another die that is a wider outline of just the flowers.  This was used to die-cut Petunia Pop cardstock.  There are also 3 different leaf dies.  These were used to cut Shy Shamrock cardstock.

This picture shows the back side of the white layer.  You can easily see how the flower layer and each of the leaves just nestle right in place on the back.  Little dots of Tombow Liquid Glue (green glue) were carefully added along the white lines of the die-cut images.  Then the colored cardstock was carefully set down right over the design and pressed in place.  Then the appropriate leaves were added to the design.  Just remember a very light touch on the "green glue" and this comes together perfectly.

Next a card base of Basic White cardstock was cut.  This measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.

I was looking through all my DSP to find something that I liked behind the flowers.  I found a left-over piece of something that was subtle stripes in a plummy/purply shade that looked fine with the design.  If I remember correctly, it was a Sale-a-bration item a year or maybe two years back.  Maybe?  Anyway, the piece measured 3 1/4" x 4" and would fit nicely under the design.  It was attached to the card front with "green glue" so there was time to wiggle it into place.

Before adding the front layers to the card, the sentiment was added.  This is from the new Simply Beautiful stamp and die bundle.  I like the mix of two fonts used here.  It's stamped with Petunia Pop ink in the center of the bottom area.

From the previous picture you can see all the Dimensionals that I used to attach this layer to the card base.

I thought the addition of the Brushed Brass Butterflies on the design kept up with the spring look of this card.  They're the perfect touch.

Now, I have a picture of another card I made along with this one with a different color scheme.  I wanted to add a little extra color instead of so much white, so the ribbon was added.  Not sure I'm totally happy with the finished design.  Why don't you let me know what you think??

The colors used on this card are Calypso Coral and Shy Shamrock.  I'm wondering if the addition of the Shy Shamrock ribbon is a little overpowering for the design.  Or should I have used softer colors?  I think I like the gems in the flower centers, but should it be more neutral instead of matching the leaves to stay within the color confines.  Oh my, I'm really picking this one apart, aren't I.  Funny thing is, the more I look at it the more it all doesn't bother me.

While I'm doing all this considering about 'what ifs', I've just had a thought that I really want to try this with only blue and white.  Wouldn't that be striking?  Hmmm.  What do you think?

Before finishing up the post here, I wanted to give you a real close-up view of the die-cut layers fitting together perfectly.  I'm just so tickled with how easy this is yet looks so cool.

I hope today's post has inspired you to give this lovely Fragrant Layers stamp and die bundle a try.  I think it's well worth your time to try it out.  There seem to be so many different ways to use this set, and I definitely haven't tried them all yet.  So, stay tuned for more ideas using the Fragrant Layers bundle.

Thank you for coming by to see what I've been up to lately.  Hope you're staying warm and dry.  This has really been an experience this winter.  I've always lived in Michigan, so I'm used to the cold and snow.  But I've learned houses here in the south are not insulated the way they are in the northern states.  And Brrrrr!  It's been cold around here!  Normally you hear about dressing in layers to stay warm when you go outside.  Shoot, we're doing that inside the house!  Sending "warm" hugs your way!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

New Fragrant Layers Set

Hello, my stamping friends!  Hope you're all safe and sound on this snowy day.  I can't believe all the wintry weather we've had so far this year and there's even more on the way.  It's still snowing and we've already gotten 4"+ since early this morning.  Who said moving south we'd miss all the snowy weather?  Boy, were they ever wrong!  At least staying inside and looking out on this winter wonderland is great.  I sure don't miss having to be out and driving in it!  I'm so glad my latest order arrived last week so I had new goodies to play with.  Today's card is all about the new Fragrant Layers stamp and die bundle which is an Online Exclusive.  This was the first attempt at creating with the set and I kept it all pretty simple - mostly dies and very little stamping.

Like I said, very simple with mostly dies.  But this design really shows off the lovely detail on this large die.  Though I'll admit I was a little surprised by the size of the die.  I was thinking it would be more of the size to cover a card front, which it definitely is not.

The first thing I did was cut a Basic White cardstock piece to 3 1/4" x 4 3/4" for cutting the large die.  This gave me a great border around the image that filled a card front nicely and gave me room to add either words or flowers at the bottom.  When die-cutting the image, I left a larger border at the bottom for this.

A piece of Basic White cardstock was cut to measure 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It was scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half to make the card base.

Next, a piece of Bokeh 6" x 6" DSP was cut to measure 5 1/4" x 4" to layer onto the card front.  I wanted a very subtle texture to add to this.  So, I dug out my retired Subtle 3D Embossing Folder from the back of the drawer and used it here.  This just gives the print a nice texture almost like fabric.  

After embossing, it was attached to the card base with Tombow Liquid Glue.  The die-cut frame was layered onto this with Foam Adhesive Strips.  If you're looking for them, you'll find them on page 113 in the Annual Catalog.  The strips make it easy to keep the sides of the die-cut suspended evenly.

The Fragrant Layers dies have three different leaves to choose from, and I cut one of each from Shy Shamrock cardstock.  This die set also has a die that cuts 7 small flowers at once.  I used this to cut the flowers from a scrap of the DSP I trimmed off to make the layer for the card.  If you notice, both the flowers and the leaves have lots of detail from the die-cutting process.

The leaves and flowers were positioned in a pleasing pattern.  Then each of the individual pieces were attached using a Mini Glue Dot, except the flower in the center.  This has a Mini Dimensional holding it up just a little higher than the other flowers.

The sentiment is one of the four from the Fragrant Layers set.  The label die is also from the die set so the sentiment fits it perfectly.  The sentiment is stamped with Calypso Coral ink.  Then the label is attached to the frame with some adhesive.

After trying multiple different gems for the touch of bling on this card, I settled on a retired set - Pecan Pie & Clear Ribboned Adhesive-Backed dots.  I liked the softer look of the Pecan Pie Dots for these flowers.  They still have enough sparkle, and the color is soft and subtle.  Just right for this design.

If all goes well, I'll be back tomorrow with another card using the new Fragrant Layers bundle which I am sure enjoying using.  It's such a pretty set with lots of possibilities when it comes to designing.  We'll have to see how many different ways we can use it.

Thanks for stopping in today.  And if you're getting snow, stay warm and dry.  If you're young enough, hope you can get some skiing in - either downhill or cross country.  Wish I was younger!!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Another Petals of Beauty Idea

Hello friends!  What do you do when it's cold outside and there's still ice everywhere?  I'm not sure what you do, but I went downstairs to my craft room and had fun creating some more cards.  This has really been a good several days of getting cards made and even sent out a couple today.  So that's a win in my book.  Yesterday I started playing with the Petals of Beauty stamp set.  There were several color combos I tried for the flowers.  I'll be honest, some I liked more than others.  Today's card uses Peach Pie and Calypso Coral together, and this is a combo I really like a lot.  Let's get right to the card.

I was really struggling to get a good shot of this card.  In reality, the card is so warm and almost has a glow to it.  Seeing this, it looks a little dull.  Honestly, it's not!

The card base is Calypso Coral that is cut to measure 4 1/4" x 11".  It's scored at 5 1/2" for a top-fold card.  The print layer is cut with the largest rectangle die in the Textured Notes Die set.  The print is from the Beautiful Gallery 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper.  This is layered onto the folded card base.  You'll notice there is not an even frame of Calypso Coral showing around the DSP as it's wider at the sides.  I think as long as the sides are kept even it doesn't make any difference.

Next the Basic White layer is cut with the 4th largest die from the same set.  I love the interesting designs on all of these rectangle dies!  They add so much interest to the design.  A layer of Calypso Coral was cut at 2 3/8" x 3 7/8".  I was going to have a wider frame showing on this layer, but I didn't like the looks of it.  So instead, it was cut down to make a thinner frame.

The triple leaf stamp was used to stamp near the top and bottom of the white layer.  I used Old Olive ink that was off-stamped before stamping.  Then the detail stamp was added to them with full-strength Old Olive ink.  

Two of the open leaf branches were die-cut from Old Olive cardstock.  These were diagonally attached to the white layer with adhesive making sure sections of the leaves were beyond the layer.

Next, yesterday's extra flowers I had made using Peach Pie and Calypso Coral inks were added to the design.  The centers on all three sizes of flowers were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The largest flower was added to the middle of the white layer using one Dimensional in the center of the flower.  The group of three tiny flowers were cut apart.   Two were tucked under to the side and one was tucked in at the top of the large flower.  Each of them was attached with a Mini Glue Dot.

The sentiment is from the Banner Sayings set.  I love this sentiment and have used it often.  It's stamped onto a 1/2" strip of Basic White cardstock that was cut to fit and flagged on the end.  There are two Mini Dimensionals under this to hold in place only on the white layer.  Where it is off the layer, it is not attached at all.

So bummed out!  I thought I was using an embellishment that was current.  Wrong!  These peachy gems are from the Opaque Faceted Gems that are NOT current.  Sorry.

The inside of the card has a Basic White layer that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  This has a 3/4" strip of the same DSP print that is used on the front of the card.  There is also a skinny strip of Calypso Coral as an accent at the bottom.

The same Peach Pie and Calypso Coral inks were used to stamp the medium-sized flower to match the front.  And the triple leaf stamp was used to stamp Old Olive ink onto a white scrap to match the leaves on the front also.  Both the flower and the leaves were attached with adhesive.  Lovely accent for the inside of your card, and you still have plenty of room to write that note that you've been putting off.  Well, maybe not you, but I've got several notes I need to write and get in the mail.

Just wanted to share a picture of the two Petals of Beauty cards side by side.  As you can see, many of the elements of the cards are very similar.  But changing the color, orientation, and extra products used, you get quite a different look.  Keep playing with what you have and see what you can come up with by using some of your tried-and-true favorites with maybe something new added to spice it up.

If you have any questions about what I've made or stamping in general, I'd love to have you contact me.  It's always fun to help others enjoy this creative pastime.  There is always something new to learn and something fun to try!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Petals of Beauty Today

Hello all my snowy and icy friends!  I hope everyone has survived the crazy winter storm that came through over the weekend.  My hubby just called it a 'cuddle alert' and said not to worry about it.  Thank goodness he was right in this instance.  But it looks gorgeous outside with the sunshine on the tree limbs.  Against the vivid blue sky, it almost looks like sparkly lace. Wish I was young enough to get on a saucer and go sailing down the hill in our backyard like the neighborhood kids are doing.  But that is so NOT going to happen again in this lifetime.  Anyway, let's talk about cards instead.  At the beginning of the month, I ordered the Petals of Beauty stamp and die bundle, and I finally got around to play with it.  What a nice and easy two-step stamp to use!  I had to stop and make a card right away with these pretty flowers.

This pretty pink card just brightened my spirits right up.  I started out just stamping the two sizes of flowers and the leaves in several color combos.  This first card is made with Pretty in Pink and Strawberry Slush inked flowers with the centers stamped with Secret Sea ink.  The tiny flowers are Strawberry Slush and Secret Sea.  The other flower combos I made are still waiting for me.  I'll probably go downstairs and do a little creating with them later today.  But for now, let me tell you about this one.  

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

There is a layer of Pretty in Pink that measures 5 1/4" x 4".  This is embossed with the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder.  Don't you love the look of this?  It's attached to the card base with Tombow Liquid Glue for a good seal.

The Basic White square was die-cut with the largest square die in the Stylish Shapes die set.  Using the triple leaf stamp, it was inked with Granny Apple Green ink, then off-stamped, and stamped onto the white square.  This was done twice in opposite corners.  Then the detail for the leaves was stamped full strength.

Along with die-cutting the flowers I had stamped, two of the open leaf stems were die-cut from Lemon Lime Twist cardstock.  I liked that little bit of contrast in the greens.

A 3" x 3" layer of Granny Apple Green cardstock was cut.  This was attached behind the Basic White die-cut layer.  This leaves a nice frame around it to accent the color of the stamped leaves.  It was attached with adhesive.

All of these pieces were positioned onto the white square until I was happy with it.  The open leaves were attached flat to the design.  The largest flower was attached with a Dimensional in the center.  The trio of smaller flowers were tucked in under the large flower.  

Then a 5 1/2" length of Sheer Soft Sea Foam ribbon was folded in half, ends trimmed and then tucked under the flower too.  I thought the softness of the ribbon contrasted nicely with this design.  I didn't add this all to the card front until I had the sentiment ready.

This sweet sentiment is from the Extraordinary Flora stamp set.  It was stamped on a 1/2" wide strip of Basic White cardstock.  I used Secret Sea to stamp it to coordinate with the flower centers.  This was stamped onto one of the Three Banner Punch labels.  

It was attached to the side of the card right out to the edge.  Then the focal piece was attached slightly over this using Dimensionals to give it lift.

The design needed a little bling to make it pop.  Three of the Iridescent Faceted Gems.  Unfortunately, I forgot they are retired and I should have used something else.  But I still like them a lot!

One last thing, I wanted to share the inside of the card too.  There is a layer of Pretty in Pink cardstock that's 5 1/4" x 4".  Then a layer of Basic White that's 5" x 3 3/4".  

The smaller two-step flower from the set was added to the corner along with one of the triple leaf stamps that was die-cut also.  I thought this made a pretty accent inside the card.

Hope you enjoyed this first look at the Petals of Beauty stamp and die set.  You can be sure there will be more inspired stamping coming up with this set.  I really like the looks of the two-step style of stamping and of course, I'm a sucker for flowers of just about any kind!

Thanks for stopping in today to see what I've been creating.  If you have any questions about anything, please ask.  I'm here to help you enjoy the stamping experience.  And to make sure you've got ideas to use once you've purchased your stamps.  There's almost nothing worse than spending your hard-earned cash and then not using those stamps, papers, and other goodies you've purchased.  So, let's get out those items and start creating with them!  And if you're looking for a Stampin'Up! demonstrator, I'd be happy to be your demonstrator.  Just let me know how I can help you.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Love Nature's Symphony!

Hi y'all!  Just getting ready for the ice storm that will be coming through here this weekend.  So not looking forward to this, but there's not much that can be done about it but hunker down.  Instead, let's do a little creating with one of my new sets that I totally adore.  Nature's Symphony has interesting images, awesome dies, and great wording.  In other words, it has it all and I'm having so much fun using it.

I hope you can see some of the new extras that I've used on this design too.  First of all, I finally purchased the Old Olive Two-Tone 12" x 12" cardstock.  I have a few other colors and finally got this one to add to my stash.  It was cut to measure 5 1/4" x 4" for this card.  

Then I used my new Stone & Vine 3D Embossing Folder to add texture to the Two-Tone cardstock.  Oh, my goodness!  Can you see all this fabulous texture?  This is the lighter side of the cardstock, and the edges of the ivy leaves show the white core of the cardstock.  So very fabulous!  If you wanted more of the white detail to show, you could take a sanding block to it lightly to add even more contrast.

Here's a super extreme close-up of some of the embossed detail.  This really shows how the white core of the paper shows on the edges of the design.  Honestly, I just want to reach out and run my fingers over it because of all the texture.

This layer is attached to a piece of Mossy Meadow for the card base.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and is scored and folded in half.  The embossed layer is attached with Tombow Liquid Glue.

The focal images for the card are the great leafy branches die-cut using the die from the Nature's Symphony set.  The leaves are cut from Mossy Meadow and Old Olive cardstock pieces to match.

I used a strip of Basic Beige that was in my left-over cut pieces.  It measures 4" long and just a bit less than 1 1/4" high.  The sentiment is from the Nature's Symphony set.  (I love both the sentiment and the cute font.)  It's stamped with Mossy Meadow ink onto the far-right edge of the piece. 

When all the pieces were ready, the Mossy Meadow leaves were attached to the card flat onto the card front.  Adhesive was added mostly to the branches and not the leaves.  

Then the sentiment layer was attached with adhesive.  It's covering just a tiny bit of the stems.  The Old Olive leaves were cut into two separate stems.  The longer stem was added first with adhesive mostly on the stem with one Mini Dimensional under the very top leaf.  The smaller stem was also attached with adhesive on the bottom of the stem and then the top three leaves all have a Mini Dimensional holding them up for more definition.

Three of the beautiful Holographic Gems were added to the design to give it a little bit of bling.  These are my absolute favorite gems for cards that are predominantly green.

Still needed a little something.  A small double bow made from Linen Thread was added to the stems to finish the design.  The bow was attached with a Mini Glue Dot rolled into a tube to hold the bow securely.

Once I had the design idea in my head, I was surprised how quickly it came together.  There was almost no stamping and no coloring to take up extra time.  Just a really fast, but still interesting, card idea for you.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  Hope you were inspired to try a card like this that is full of textures and interest but still so quick it took almost no time at all to make.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon