Gently Falling Thinking of You Card

Tonight I have some friends coming over to stamp, and this is one of the cards we'll be making.  I'm not sure why, but the colors are coming out kind of weird in the picture.  Ever since I rearranged my basement a few months ago, my pictures have been off.  I just haven't been able to recreate the lighting I had going on before, and I think that's why.  So in case you're wondering, that's Cajun Craze going across the middle of the card, not some crazy bright orange color!

Tips & Tricks

• I'm so sad that Gently Falling is retiring.  I love a good leaf set, and this is a favorite.  When I'm using this set, I always stamp the outline first (although the order doesn't really matter), then, before stamping the background, I stamp off once on my grid paper.  It makes the outline pop and gives a softer look.

• Another way to soften up any card is to sponge around the edges.  You'll see that I've done that twice here:  once on the Always Artichoke sentiment, and again on the tag.

• And if you are wanting some soft texture, crumple up some paper!  That Cajun Craze piece was just crumpled up, then when I was happy with the way it looked, I smoothed it out with a bone folder and adhered it to the card.  So simple!

Now, in case you are looking at this card thinking everything on it is either retiring or already retired, I have wonderful news.  The Tag Topper Punches will be in the new catalog!  I am super excited about that, because I love them both! 

Supplies

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Sincere Salutations, Woodgrain
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Always Artichoke
Paper:  Baked Brown Sugar, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Linen Thread, Angled Tag Topper Punch

Retro Fresh Angled Tag Topper Punch Card

I have another busy card filled with arrows today.  I think I've decided that I like this one from a couple of weeks ago after all, so why not try another take on the arrows?

This card uses paper from the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper, and I just love the color combination.  As time goes by, I am loving Coastal Cabana more and more, especially when it's paired with Tangerine Tango. 

Tips & Tricks

• I wanted to add some arrows to the card to go along with the arrows on the paper.  The Label Card Thinlits set has two different arrows in it.  Actually, the Circle Card Thinlits set also has an arrow, so if you have either set, you can cut out some arrows!

• See that little strip of Coastal Cabana in the middle?  By cutting your card stock 4" x 1/2", it will fit perfectly into one of the lines of arrows in the Arrows Embossing Folder.  It adds just a little bit of subtle texture that this card needed.

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Sayin', Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Coastal Cabana
Paper:  Retro Fresh DSP, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits,  Label Card Thinlits, Arrows Embossing Folder, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Sweet Sorbet Angled Tag Card

Happy Monday!  After being sick (again) all last week, I'm starting this week with some optimism.  Although it's a jam-packed week, so by Friday I may not be feeling quite so optimistic!

This is a bright fun card that makes me think of spring, which hopefully, is right around the corner.  This winter has been great, with more snow than I've ever seen since I've lived in Pennsylvania.  But it's time for spring, and hopefully the forecast is right and we'll have a few days of spring-like weather this week!

Tips & Tricks

• I love texture on a card.  To me, this is the best and easiest way to add interest to a card.  Not only do I have several layers here, but each one has a different texture, which I achieved by scoring, embossing, and stamping.  The little pearls in the middle of each punched out flower also add texture and depth.

• To add some texture to the piece of Pool Party card stock, I used my Simply Scored scoring tool and scored at every groove.  It sort of reminded me of the dry embossing I used to do before the Big Shot came along!  

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Sayin' 
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  Summer Starfruit, Pool Party, Sahara Sand, and Calypso Coral card stock, Sweet Sorbet DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Scallops Embossing Folder, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pearls Basic Jewels, Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon

Stampin' Up! Angled Tag Topper Punch

I'm not quite sure where to start with this card, because I'm not quite sure what it is.  There is a LOT going on here.  It's one of those cards that never started as a plan in my head (most do), and I just kind of sat down and started using some new things.  All that to say, the jury's still out on this one...I'm just not sure what I think.  But I do love the colors!

Tips & Tricks

• If you're stumped for a good color combination, start with an element that picks the colors for you, such as the Retro Fresh Washi Tape I used here (Designer Series Paper will also do the trick!) I only had to look to the tape to know that I needed to pull out Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Coastal Cabana. (When I say Coastal Cabana, I start singing "Copacabana" in my head.  Does this happen to anyone else?  No?  OK, what can I say?  I grew up listening to Barry Manilow, and I'll admit, I still like him.  Although I do prefer the younger, less plastic version of him.)

• The Angled Tag Topper Punch...you just need this.  That is my tip.  :)  No, really...this looks like it wraps around the Very Vanilla card stock, but I really just punched two tags.  So easy!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee, Gorgeous Grunge, Map it Out
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango 
Paper:  Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango 
Accessories:  Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits, Label Card Thinlits, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Linen Thread, Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape

And you really need to listen to this (but really just the first 3 1/2 minutes).  You'll thank me every time you pull out Coastal Cabana. :)

Now I can't stop...here's a bonus, my favorite. :)