Fun Fold with Designer Paper

Hello, hello!  Here we are into May already.  A full quarter of this year has already slipped by.  Whew!  And we're really gearing up for Travel Baseball season where we're on the road a lot of weekends.  This weekend isn't too bad - a little less than an hour to get there.  This isn't a time to forget things you might need because you can't run home quick to get it!  So, every time we go it consists of packing a cooler with water or pop, lawn chairs, sunscreen for me, snacks, etc.  Sounds like we're packing for a trip!  Enough of that.  On to stamping.  It's that time of month for me to get the cards made to send to the shut-ins.  I made an easy fun fold card that shows off both side of the Designer Series Paper.  Liked it so much, I made multiples.  Then I tried it with different DSPs to see how different they would look.  Oh my, with each change of DSP, the rest of the card ended up going through a make-over too.  Let me share what I did.

I wanted to try out the new Unbounded Beauty DSP, so that is what I started with.  This print looked like it needed a good dose of white to off-set the color, so I started with a base of Basic White cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  The length of this was trimmed to 6" long, scored at 4 1/4" and folded.

I cut the DSP in half across the 12" width.  Pay attention to the design of the paper.  You want your design going up and down.  And make sure the back side of the print compliments the front.  The DSP is cut 3" wide.  You need to cut the extra 1/2" from the bottom of this, so it measures 5 1/2".  Keep this to use later on the design.

I added adhesive to the very right edge of the Basic White folded over front of the card.  Line up the DSP along the open right side of the card and have both top and bottom edges even then attach to the area that is taped.  This gives you a full-size card and when opened shows the other DSP print.

The next step is cutting a 5 1/4" x 1" strip of cardstock that will fit in the open area on the left.  I used the new Eyelet 3D Embossing Folder to add interest to this piece.  Then it's attached to the card front.  I used "green glue" for this because I find it works very well holding an embossed design to my card.  

The sentiment on my card is from the So Sincere stamp set.  It's stamped on a 2 1/2" x 1" piece of Basic White using the new Petunia Pop ink.  Such a fun, plummy color!  It reminds me of Sweet Sugarplum that was a few years back, but has a richer look to it.

There is a 6" piece of the new Petunia Pop 3/8" Bordered Ribbon from the new Annual Catalog.  It is loosely folded in half and added behind the sentiment.  The sentiment layer is attached with Dimensionals.

The inside of the card is finished off to bring the design on the front inside.  A Basic White layer is cut 3" x 5".  The 1/2" strip left over from the card front is attached to the bottom area of the white. This is all attached to a Petunia Pop layer that measures 3 1/4" x 5 1/4".  Then they are attached to the center of the inside of the card.  Isn't it a pretty addition that coordinates with the DSP on the left?

After finishing the card, I felt it needed something else added.  I took the spiky leaf die from the Painted Lavender set and die-cut a piece of the new Summer Splash cardstock.  I added adhesive partially to the back of it and tucked it in under the ribbon area.  I liked it so much better.  Then I added a pinkish sequin from the Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins to the sentiment label.  I loved how this turned out.  I was able to make 4 of these cards with 1/2 sheet of DSP. 

Since I liked this look, I thought I'd try the idea with a piece of Simply Zinnia DSP.   So pretty!  I used the embossing folder that coordinates on the side of this.  The sentiment is from Simply Zinnias and stamped with Melon Mambo ink.  The cardstock piece measures about 5/8" x 4".  The frosted dots are from a few years back, but I liked the pink and yellow colors.

Inside is a layer of Lemon Lime Twist because I like how it goes with the backside of the DSP.  Easy peasy, another 4 cards were finished.

Spoiler alert!  The next card uses some current products, but a lot of retired items are thrown in because they worked!  Don't look if you only want new!!

Next, I tried the Painted Lavender suite of products.  I thought the Crumb Cake cardstock worked well with this DSP print.  An old, retired Meadows Embossing Folder was used for the 1" strip.

For some reason, I just love the spiky leaf stem and die-cut both Gorgeous Grape and Highland Heather pieces.  Then I switched to the floral stem and cut one from the Soft Shimmer Paper Combo Pack.  I also die-cut a few tiny butterflies from this paper.

The label is from the Meadows dies.  It's cut from the new Basic Beige cardstock and stamped with Gorgeous Grape ink using a sentiment from the Quiet Meadow stamp set.  Dimensionals were used to attach it to the card front.

A double bow using Linen Thread is attached to the sentiment with a Mini Glue Dot.  Three Purple Fine Shimmer Gems are attached to finish the card.

There you have a slew of ideas using this easy Fun Fold card idea.  I just tried to find an all-over print that had an interesting and coordinating back side to make these.  Really, the ideas are endless if you have double-sided designer paper like Stampin' Up! has.  Have fun coming up with your own combos with the stash you have at home, or you can always order new DSP through me!!

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

A Garden of Zinnias

Hi Friends!  I've just spent a good number of hours playing around with zinnias.  It's been raining here again so that means everything is gray and dreary.  So, what could cheer me up?  Some bright and happy zinnias that I can 'plant' on cards, not outside in the dirt.   I started out with a basic layout and made five cards with that layout but using different color combos.  I'm so happy with my latest 'garden' I want to share it with you.  Each card is slightly different, so I'll share each one individually.  Hope you enjoy them.

Card Base - Melon Mambo

Layers - Basic White and Flowering Zinnias DSP

Stamps - Simply Zinnias and Go to Greetings

Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Melon Mambo

Dies - Scalloped Contours for white layer

Colors for flower layers - Calypso Coral, Berry Burst, Melon Mambo, and Calypso Coral that has Melon Mambo ink sponged on the outer petals, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight.  Garden Green and Old Olive for stem and leaves

Embellishment - Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins

Punch - Banners Pick a Punch

Card Base - Daffodil Delight

Layers - Basic White and Flowering Zinnias DSP

Stamps - Simply Zinnias and Go to Greetings

Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

Dies - Deckled Rectangle Dies

Embossing Folder - Basics 3 D

Colors for flower layers - Pumpkin Pie, Copper Clay, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Copper Clay, and Pumpkin Pie.  Garden Green and Old Olive for stem and leaves.

Embellishment - Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins

Punch - Banners Pick a Punch

Card Base - Melon Mambo

Layers - Basic White and Flowering Zinnias DSP

Stamps - Simply Zinnias and Go to Greetings

Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

Dies - Deckled Rectangles Dies

Embossing Folder - Zinnia 3D

Colors for flower layers - Melon Mambo, Melon Mambo with ink sponged on petal tips, Berry Burst, Calypso Coral, and Pumpkin Pie.  Garden green for stem and leaves.

Embellishment - 2022-2024 In Color Pearls

Punch - Banners Pick a Punch

Card Base - Daffodil Delight

Layers - Basic White and Flowering Zinnias DSP

Stamps - Simply Zinnias and Go to Greetings

Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

Dies - Deckled Rectangles Dies

Embossing Folder - Basic 3D

Colors for flower layers - Crushed Curry, Crushed Curry, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Lemon Lolly.  Garden Green for stem and Old Olive for leaves.

Embellishment - Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins

Punch - Banners Pick a Punch

Card Base - Lemon Lime Twist

Layers - Basic White and Flowering Zinnias DSP

Stamps - Simply Zinnias and Go to Greetings

Ink - Melon Mambo

Dies - Deckled Rectangle and Stitched Whimsy

Embossing Folder - Softly Sophisticated (SAB)

Colors for flower layers - Pumpkin Pie, Flirty Flamingo with a touch of Melon Mambo ink sponged on petal tips, Pumpkin Pie, Flirty Flamingo, Copper Clay, Pumpkin Pie, and Lemon Lolly.  Lemon Lime Twist for stem and leaves.

Embellishment - 2022-2024 In Color Pearls

Close up on the first card.  You can see where some sponging was added to the petals on some flowers, but not all of them.  

A bone folder was used to curl the petals before the layers were put together.  This gives the flowers so much depth.

Dimensionals were added to each card, but not on the same layers of all the cards.  But each of the sentiment banners were attached with Dimensionals.  I also found I like the flower centers popped up with a Dimensional.

I used the zinnia stamp and a coordinating color of ink to stamp in the bottom corner on the Basic White layer on the inside of each card to finish them off.

One last picture of all the cards together.  Even though they are all made in the same fashion, because of the different colors used for the petals each one is unique.  This was really fun.  You should have seen the piles of different color flowers all die-cut and ready to create my garden.  If you want to spend some happy time, just grab a handful of different color cardstock and start die-cutting layers.  Then keep layering them together until you get flowers that make you happy. 

Hope you've gotten the items you've been wanting from the retiring list.  Items are going fast, and some are sold out already.  They will no longer be available after the end of April.  And then May 1st the new annual catalog goes live!!  Yah!  If you haven't gotten your catalog from me yet, please get in touch and I'll send one out to you.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

When Is Enough, Enough?

Hey there.  That is my conundrum today.  Well, the question really started yesterday.  I made a card that I'd been thinking about since I ordered the Painted Lavender stamp set.  I was really happy with the outcome of the idea.  But the more I looked at it, I felt it needed just a tiny touch of Berry Burst added to really make it stand out.  And that's where enough turned into I did too much.  Let me show you what I mean.

I should have taken pictures before the tweaking, so you could see it really needed just a bit more color.  Instead, I only have the frustrating 'after' pictures. 

To make the card, I started by cutting the focal image layers first.  These pieces are Basic White cardstock cut with the Deckled Rectangles for the frame.  The 3rd largest and 5th largest dies were used.  A small bit of washi tape held the dies in place to cut the frame evenly.  Another piece of Basic White was cut that measures 4 1/4" x 3".  This goes behind the frame and is where the garden scene was stamped.

I love adding a soft color in the background using the Blending Brushes.  My plan was to add Balmy Blue and Garden Green for the sky and ground.  The colors are darker in the top and bottom and very pale in the center.  

The 'grassy looking' stamp was stamped with Garden Green ink across the bottom of the piece.  Each time the stamp was inked, I stamped twice to get variations of green.

The tiny stamp with 3 stems of flowers was stamped the same way with Highland Heather then some Gorgeous Grape on top of that.  The edges of this piece were trimmed slightly to easily fit behind the frame.  The edges were glued to hold in place.

The base of the card is Soft Sea Foam cut at 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half to make a landscape card.

The sentiment is from the new Simply Zinnia set that is an Online Exclusive item.  I think the sentiment fit nicely with the images here.  It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink near the bottom of the card front making sure there's plenty of room to add the stamped lavender and frame.  Then the layers were added to the card front using Dimensionals.

The Painted Lavender dies have a leaf spray that was the perfect size.  It's cut from Garden Green cardstock.  I had three little flowers from the set left over already stamped and die-cut from a previous project.  They are a mix of Berry Burst and Gorgeous Grape.  These were added to the card front with Mini Glue Dots.  

The butterflies are from the Painted Lavender set.  They were stamped with Daffodil Delight ink with a bit of Basic Black marker added to the bodies.  Then they were die-cut with the matching dies.  The tiny one was attached with a Mini Glue Dot, but the full butterfly has a Mini Dimensional in the center.  

After looking at the finished card, I knew it needed just a few of the flower stems stamped in Berry Burst to match the flowers on the accent stem.  This is where I really messed up.  Have you noticed my mistakes all along?  I should have masked off the frame, but I didn't.  It never crossed my mind that I'd mess up the pristine white, but I truly did in grand fashion.  I love the added color, but what a mess.  I didn't even realize I did it until I was looking at the pictures and adding the copyright tags on the computer.  So, I tried to take it all apart to make a new frame and it sort of ripped a little.   Oops.  So now I have to either sit down and remake most of the card or pitch it. 

So, when is enough, enough?  Before I added the Berry Burst flowers without masking?  Or when I decided to take it apart and fix it?  My advice is to NOT do what I did!!  😂😏

Other than my mistakes, I hope you liked this idea.  Yes, I will make another card like this sometime because I like the overall idea.  But not today.  I've got other cards I need to make and get into the mail.  Thanks for taking time out of your day to share my tale of woes.  Thank goodness I don't always mess up this badly.  Hopefully the next card creation will come together without all these problems.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon

Flowering Zinnias Quick Card

Hello there!  Hope you're enjoying your day today.  It's another sunny day and that puts me in mind of summer and flowers.  Who cares if it's chilly as long as there's sunshine.  It always brightens my mood and gives me a little extra boost of creativity.  Each time I get a new suite of products, I have a tendency to first play with the DSP before I get around to the stamps, dies, etc.  This gives me a feel for the colors and overall ambiance of the new suite.  That's what I've done with today's card.  It's very simple and totally focuses on the Flowering Zinnias Designer Series Paper (Online Exclusive) which is bold and beautiful.  So, to my mind, it needs bold colors to balance it out.

Ok, here's my bright and beautiful card.  This uses two different prints of the Flowering Zinnias DSP that I think go perfectly together.  You know this bold color is outside of my comfort zone, but I'm happy with how it all came together.  Using the color choices that are listed on the DSP, I added a small bit of Blackberry Bliss to my card for an accent.  Let's do a step-by-step walk through on making this card.

Start with a base of Basic White Thick cardstock that measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 4 1/2" and folded in half.  I chose the white to frame up the bright colors and blend with the background of white on the main print.  White just seemed to draw it all together.

The layer on the card front is a Melon Mambo print from the paper pack.  The print is subtle, so it doesn't fight with the bold center piece.  This measures 5 1/4" x 4" and it's not attached just yet.

Next, I cut a piece of the zinnia print for the focal point.  This is trimmed to measure 4 1/4" x 3".  I made sure there was enough white space at the top to stamp in a sentiment.  The sentiment is from the Simply Zinnia stamp set and fit perfectly at the top.  It is stamped with Blackberry Bliss ink to coordinate with the darkest color on the flower print.  

The layer behind this print is Blackberry Bliss cardstock.  I was going to frame the whole layer with the Blackberry Bliss but thought that made the whole card fairly dark.  I wanted to keep more of the brightness showing.  So to compromise, I used a partial layer that is not as wide as the DSP, but it is longer.  The measurements are 4 3/4" x 2 3/4".  This added the Blackberry Bliss color but didn't add too much darkness to the overall look.

Next, the ribbon choice was made.  I wanted the ribbon to be a bold statement across the bold card.  The Black and White Gingham ribbon was a nice contrast to the print.  I preferred the look of the ribbon wrapped around all the layers instead of just the focal layers.  The floral layers were attached to the center of the Melon Mambo layer using Dimensionals.  Then the ribbon was wrapped around and tied into a bow in the front.  Finally, this all was attached to the white card base using "green glue".

The final touch was the Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins that are also an Online Exclusive item.  The colors of the sequins match the DSP to a "T".  I didn't choose the reddish color because there was so much of this on the card already.  But chose the yellower color to pick up some of the lighter colors on the print.  

Like I said in the beginning, this was a very simple card.  Because of the boldness of the DSP, I didn't think it needed any more fussiness going on.  I hope this inspires you to check out the Simply Zinnias Online Exclusive bundle and all the coordinating items made to go with it.  Even though I'm more of a pastel kind of gal, this suite caught my eye.  Looks like it will really be fun to create all those bright summery cards I'll be needing.  

Thanks for stopping by today.  Hope you noticed the Retiring Lists on the previous post so you can get some of those items on your wish list before they're gone.  Happy shopping, and I hope you can find everything that you need.  Email me at sharoncarr50@gmail.com if you need any help.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon