New Card Template to Try

 Hello friends!  I've been going through my stash of DSP trying to figure out what I can use up without having just bits and pieces left taking up space.  I landed on the Floral Impressions Designer Series Paper as the DSP for the cards I'm sharing today, and I played around with even more ideas which we'll get to at a later date.  Now just because I chose this paper which happens to be retired, it doesn't mean you can't use this idea on a multitude of other prints that are in your stash.  Use what you have!!!

First you need to have the dimensions used for this card making template.  It's very basic and so easy to work with once you have everything cut and ready to go.

Card base - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"      score at 4 1/4"

Inside layer - 4" x 5 1/4"

DSP layer - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"  (note the length on this and the next two layers!)

Cardstock layer - 2 3/4" x 5 1/2"

DSP layer - 2 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Cardstock for sentiment layer - 2 3/4" x 2 1/4"   or 3" x 2 1/4"

White for sentiment layer - 2 3/4" x 2                 or 3" x 2"

This is your template that you'll be working with today.  For all my cards, I used the same color cardstock for each of the cardstock layers to keep a cohesive design look.  If you'd like to change them and use two different colors, that is totally up to you.  Now let's look at the cards and I'll give you the stamp sets used for the floral accent and the colors used on each design.

This is the first card made using this new template.  The first thing to notice is that the layers are the full length of the card, so the card has a tall sleek look to it.  The sentiment layer also extends to mimic the other layers.  It's just a slightly different look that I found appealing. 

The card base and the cardstock layering pieces for this first card is Strawberry Slush.  I like how it contrasts with the more geometric print layer that comes next.  Make sure your sides line up nicely to enhance the long look of the card.

The next layers on the card showcase the other side of the geometric print.  These flowers make a nice contrast.  Again, be careful lining up the layers to keep a symmetrical look.

The sentiment layers are 2 3/4" wide to match the Strawberry Slush layer under it.  The flower is from the Charming Day set and is stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  It's colored with Stampin' Blends:

Strawberry Slush light and dark, Pretty in Pink light and dark, Daffodil Delight dark, Pecan Pie dark, Call Me Clover light and dark, and the Color Lifter.

After coloring it's die-cut with the matching dies.  The leafy stem is from Charming Day also and die-cut from Garden Green scraps.

The sentiment was stamped with Pecan Pie ink.  Then the leaves were added to the design with adhesive.  And the flower was added with Dimensionals.

Dimensionals were also used to attach the sentiment layers onto the card front.

A final touch was adding several of the darker Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems to the design.  

The next card needed two different pieces of the Floral Impressions DSP.  The center floral print was chosen first, then the Old Olive striped print was chosen as the accent piece.  After trying the different green an yellow cardstock colors to use for the card base, I decided that I liked the Lemon Lolly cardstock for the card base the best.  Again, all the layers are the full 5 1/2" long to keep the sleek look going.

When I got to the sentiment layer, I liked the wider overlapping look for this card.  This time the layers are 3" wide.  I'm sorry I didn't write down all the sentiment sets I used for these cards.  Just look for something that fits.  This time it was stamped with Garden Green ink.

The flowers are from the Gallery Blooms set. They were stamped with Pecan Pie ink on Basic White.  Coloring was done with Stampin' Blends:

Lemon Lolly light and dark, Daffodil Delight light and dark, Pecan Pie light and dark, Granny Apple Green dark, Old Olive light and dark, and a small touch of Call Me Clover dark

After coloring, the flowers were die-cut with the matching die in the Gallery Blooms set.  There were also three of the smaller leafy stems cut from Garden Green cardstock with another die from this set.

The flowers were attached to the sentiment layer with Dimensionals.  The extra leafy stems with tucked in around the flowers to fill it out.

The sentiment layers were attached to the card front flat this time using adhesive.  There were three Holographic Gems added to finish the design.  I loved how these gems pick up all the yellows and greens in the design.

For the last card design, I chose Daffodil Delight for the card base and cardstock layers.  The daisy-looking DSP print has the green print on the backside so that was an easy choice.

As you can see, the sentiment layers were cut at 3" wide again.  I really prefer that little bit of overlap.

I really struggled to find a floral accent to match the DSP print.  Surprisingly, the Lifetime of Love set had a darling little daisy spray that worked well.  And wonder of wonders, it is still a current set.  Yay.  You really have no idea how hard it is to only use current sets when finding card ideas to share with you.  I rarely get rid of my retired goodies that I really, really like, so I also tend to grab them when in a pinch.  Anyway...

Flowers were colored with Stampin' Blends:

Daffodil Delight light and dark, Lemon Lolly dark, Pecan Pie light and dark, Call Me Clover dark, and Old Olive light  

After coloring the flowers were die-cut with the matching die from the set.  The sentiments are also from the Lifetime of Love set.  The words were stamped with Garden Green ink.  The sentiment layers were attached flat to the card front using adhesive.  The flowers were attached with Dimensionals.  And some of the Holographic Gems were added to finish the design.

Okay, one last look at all three of the cards made with this easy template.  I hope you're inspired to use some of the gorgeous prints you've got sitting around collecting dust.  Oops, I didn't say that out loud, did I?  This one is too new to have collected very much dust yet.  But I know I've got lots of other DSP packs that are just patiently waiting for me to get around to designing with them.

Oh, I forgot to mention, each of the cards has a layer of Basic White inside for either a sentiment or a newsy note that is long overdue.  At the bottom of each one is a 3/4" strip of DSP that matches the front design.  That just makes such a lovely accent.

Don't forget that there's another week to go to earn Bonus Rewards for your purchases that reach $50.  And that's on top of your regular rewards!!  It's always a win when you can get a coupon for $5 that you use for a purchase next month.  Win win!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you cut some cardstock and DSP in the beginning of the post and stamped (played) along with me.  Let me know what you used for your creations!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon 

Welcome Baby Card

Hi there.  I don't know about you, but I haven't needed to send a new baby card out for quite a while, like years.  It was fun playing with the Storybook Friends Bundle to create a card to send out to a new grandma.  The little girl was born almost two weeks ago, so I got this bundle just in time!  Now let's get creating so I can get this card in the mail.

I wanted the main color on this card to be Pretty in Pink just because she is a little girl.  And pink is always sweet for girls as far as I'm concerned.  The card base is Pretty in Pink that measures 11" x 4 1/4".  It's scored at 5 1/2" and folded in half.

Next a pink checked layer of the new Wildflower Birthday Designer Series Paper was cut.  It measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8".  It needed a white frame to set it off, so a piece of Basic White cardstock was cut a little bit bigger at 5 1/4" x 4".  These are layered together with adhesive.  

A length of crinkled 1/4" seam binding ribbon was wrapped around this.  A bow was tied to the left side of the card.  The ends were trimmed to fit.  Then this was attached to the folded card base using Dimensionals.

The little girl bunny was stamped onto the center of a piece of Basic White about 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" in size.  Pecan Pie ink was used to give it a softer color than black.  She was colored with Stampin' Blends:

Dress - Pool Party Light & Dark

Fur - Crumb Cake Light & Dark

Ear - Pink Pirouette Light  (this is still my go-to very light pink choice)

After coloring, she was die-cut with the scalloped oval die from the Unbounded Love Dies.  It was the perfect size.  After trying several options to layer behind her, I went with a die from the Stitched Ovals die that have been retired.  It was cut from Pool Party cardstock to match her dress.  These are layered together with adhesive.  Then it was popped up over the ribbon by using Dimensionals.

Here's a better look at the cute little bunny girl.  I guess I should call her Zara after the new baby girl.  Does she look like she could be called Zara Rabbit?

The sentiment on the card comes from the Storybook Friends set.  Perfect for this card.  It's stamped with Pecan Pie ink onto a strip of Basic White cardstock about 1 1/2" wide.  The scalloped oval was punched out with Oval Duo Punch.  The scallops on this matched the previous oval nicely to carry the theme.  It's attached to the card front with Dimensionals.

The sentiment seemed to need a little something more.  After checking through a bunch of stamp sets looking for a small flower die, I found what I was looking for.  The Lifetime of Love has a small die with three flowers that worked well in size for this design.  These are attached with Mini Glue Dots.

The design still needed a little bit of bling.  Three of the Iridescent Foil Gems were tucked around little Zara Rabbit to help her shine.

That's it for grandma's card to congratulate and welcome little Zara.  Hope she likes it.  It's been fun creating a new baby card again.  It's been way too long since we've had a new baby in the extended family.  

Speaking about way too long, I can't believe my oldest grandson is doing the Driver's Ed thing already.  When did that happen?  Wasn't he a little toddler just a short time ago?  In South Carolina kids can take Driver's Ed at 14 and get their license at 15.  Holy Cow!  He's so excited!

As you've read through this post, you probably noted several items that have been retired.  After 28 years of being a demonstrator, I've accumulated a good number of products that I love and don't want to give up.  I know many of you have these items in your stamping stash, so I've been getting a little more lax in what I share on my blog.  I hope you don't mind, but that's kind of where I'm going with this blog.

Okay, so much for today's post.  Hope it gave you some inspiration and made you smile because this bunny is so darn cute.  Sale-a-bration is still going strong.  I'm having fun playing with new items and I'll get around to sharing more of them.  If you're placing an order with me, please consider using the Host Code at the top of this blog.  It's sincerely appreciated.  I'd love to be your demonstrator.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Lifetime of Love Birthday Card

Hello friends!  Seems like I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the cards I need to send out.  Since I have a bunch of birthdays coming up soon, this is a good time to add another one to my dwindling stash.  I was waiting for my order to come in to make this card, then decided to use papers I already have to get started on my birthday card marathon.  So, today's card uses an Online Exclusive DSP called Naturally Gilded.  I almost forgot I had this.  If you want to recreate this card, check your stash to see what you have that would work for this design.  If you're like me, you've got an abundance of designer paper.  Does that mean I quit buying more beautiful papers?  Ummm, that would be a resounding no!  Sometimes new DSP is just too pretty to pass up, so I don't.  But I do need to break out some of my stash and create with it on a regular basis.  Otherwise, I might end up buried under all the pretty prints and colors that I seem to need to be happy.  So on with today's card.  Hope you'll be inspired to create with what you have.  And if you don't have something comparable, there are always new prints and designs available for purchase!  😄

I couldn't resist the Lifetime of Love Bundle (pg 15 Mini Catalog) when I saw it.  I didn't think I'd need the DSP or the Cards & Envelopes that coordinate with the set.  I think I was definitely wrong about that decision, and I've since ordered those items.  But without them for this card, I went with what I had.

Let's stamp!

Start with a Cherry Cobbler cardstock piece that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  This is scored and folded in half.  Next a piece of Naturally Gilded gold-patterned DSP was die-cut with the largest die in the Scalloped Contours Die set.  This gives it a pretty edge to work with right away.  This gorgeous DSP is one the Online Exclusives you'll want to get your hands on.  So pretty!

Using a Blending Brush and Cherry Cobbler ink, color was added to the background.  The bottom right corner has the darkest color concentration and fades up.  After adding the color, it's important to rub over the paper with a tissue or soft cloth to remove any ink residue from the gold foil areas.  It's then attached to the center of the Cherry Cobbler card base with adhesive.

My idea was to use the flowers in the Lifetime of Love to frame a sentiment for a birthday card.  The larger and smaller flowers were stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  A Blending Brush was used with Cherry Cobbler ink to loosely color in the flowers.  The leaves were lightly colored using Shaded Spruce ink and a Blender Pen.  After coloring the flowers, I thought they looked a little 'flat', so the Blending Pen was used to darken around the edges of the flower centers just a tiny bit.  The pieces were all die-cut using the Lifetime of Love dies.

The sentiment layers were cut using the new Thoughtful Expressions Bundle (pg 61-62 in the Mini Catalog).  Oh my, these are really lovely! There are two different label shapes and multiple sizes of each shape to give you lots of options for labels.  The largest 'rectangle' shape was used to die-cut a Cherry Cobbler layer.  The 2nd smallest size cut a Very Vanilla layer.  The sentiment used is from the Heartfelt Hexagon set (pg 12 Mini Catalog).  It's stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink in the center.  The two labels are attached with adhesive, then centered on the card front using Dimensionals.  The flowers were tucked around the sentiment and attached with adhesive just in the centers so that the edges were not flat to the label.

I wanted the inside to coordinate with the outside, so I used another of the Scalloped Contours dies to cut the Very Vanilla layer for the inside of the card.  After cutting, I stamped words from one of my favorite sentiment sets - Charming Sentiments.  It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The little flower from the front of the card is stamped in the bottom corner using Cherry Cobbler ink.  

Upon looking at this card a lot while typing out this post, I think I'll go back and touch up the flower using the Blender Pen to give it just a little more color and definition.

I debated about which style of bling to add to the card.  I thought about the new gold-toned Birds and Dragonflies that are an Online Exclusive, but they kind of got lost.  Next, I tried the Petal Pink & Pretty Peacock Foiled Gems thinking they might blend nicely with my colors.  Nope, neither of those colors were quite what I was looking for.  Next, I tried the Iridescent Foil Gems.  Even though they look more purple-y in the catalog picture and the package, they were the perfect accent when I tried them on the card.  You never know what will work until you give it a try. 

So there you have another birthday card creation that could easily be used for a Valentine or even a wedding card.    If you've got lots of lovely DSP stored, this card would be a good time to get it out and use it!!

Thanks for sharing some time with me today.  I love your feedback and I'm always here to help in any way I can.  Thank you for all the lovely cards that have been coming my way.  I'm so impressed with how creative you are.  Especially when you're thinking outside the box on some of these cards.  You bless me so much with your cards and your kindness.  Love you my friends and miss you so much!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon