Easter Wreath

Here it is just before Easter and I don't even have a pretty wreath on my door.  Things sure are different this year.  So instead of a wreath on my door, I made Easter cards with a lovely spring wreath on each one of them.  I've got to admit though, I didn't get them finished or out in the mail in a timely fashion.  Oh well, for those of you looking for an Easter card from me, enjoy this until your card finally comes in the mail.  <giggle>

Don't they all look like a bunch of pretty spring flowers?  I'm so ready to see flowers in bloom outside my windows.  Oh yes, back to the cards...  Oh bummer, I still haven't found all my cardstock yet.  (I think some of it's still in Michigan!)  So these cards were made from a mixture of retired 12 x 12 Subtles cardstock cut to make the cards and die-cut flowers.  If you've been with Stampin'Up! for awhile, you may recognize colors like Pale Plum, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace and Bashful Blue.  Yes, I know.  I never get rid of anything!  But this time it was a life-saver.  Otherwise I would have had an even greater struggle trying to make my Easter cards!  In fact, after I finished making this batch of cards, I realized that the only current items on them were some of the dies I used.  Oh well, it's the thought that counts.  I guess this is a great opportunity to make the claim that you need to look at what you own already and put it to use.  Not saying that you can't buy something new, but don't forget the older goodies that you have lying around and give them some love and attention!

This card is a representation of all the cards I made.  Each was a little different depending on what cardstock made the card base.  All the cards used a layer of the Golden Honey Specialty Designer Paper (retired).  I liked the geometric design against the wreath and flowers as a contrast.

The wreaths were all cut with the Wreath Builder Dies using the Oh So Ombre DSP (retired, SAB).  I love the varigated greens and print to add interest to the wreath greenery.  It was attached to the cardfront using Tombow Liquid Adhesive behind the main circular shape and leaving many of the leaves unattached.

The flowers were all die-cut with the Pierced Blooms dies.  I had thought to sponge color on the edges of each petal, but I ran out of time.  I'm still happy with the look.  All the stitching on the petals, centers, and leaves give them enough interest without it.  Here's a closer look to give you a better idea of the texture.

I die-cut the tiny cross using the Cross of Hope Framelits (retired).  I used a pearlized cardstock to make them, but couldn't get a good picture showing the different look of this.  It really is pretty though.

The tiny butterflies were cut from Lavender Lace cardstock using the Butterfly Beauty Thinlits.  Aren't these lacy little butterflies just adorable?

Oh yes, the the sentiment is also from Stampin'Up! just a few years back.  It fit just what I wanted to say.  I stamped it in Gorgeous Grape ink - oh my - that's actually something that's in the current catalog!

I apologize that I'm always showing you ideas using retired products.  When I started this blog up again I had no idea that all my supplies wouldn't be available for such a long time.  It's really frustrating me, so I'm guessing it's probably frustrating you too.   For that I'm very sorry!  Here's hoping that my supplies will be sorted out and available to use soon!!

One last item here.  If you're thinking of ordering in April, please consider ordering with me as your demonstrator.  And please use the April Host Code as well.  I love my customers and want to spoil you with goodies when you order from me.  

Well, that's it for now.  I wish you and your family a very blessed and sacred Easter.  I hope you're able to spend it with your family and really appreciate the day.

Love and blessings to you,

Sharon