Thanks So Much

I don't know about you, but I was shocked to see the Square Lattice embossing folder on the retiring list!  I love that folder, and use it all the time.  I just love the unique texture it gives, but hopefully there will be something similar in the new catalog.

Because I love this folder so much, I thought I'd show it off with this card.  I really like to layer it on a same colored card base, as it gives a subtle bit of texture and interest without drawing attention away from the main image. 

I'm also linking this card to the Fab Friday challenge.  This one was a color challenge and was really tough for me!  These are NOT colors I would normally use together, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them work as well together as they do.  That's why I like to do challenges...they push me outside my comfort zone.  Considering the creative block I've had going for the last few weeks, this was just the push I needed!

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Believe (retired), Tiny Tags (retired), Papillion Potpourri
Ink:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate
Paper:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate, and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Jewelry Tag Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Basic Jewels Pearls

Gorgeous Grunge Valentine

I can't believe I forgot to post this on Friday!  What can I say, it was a busy day.  But now I have something on a Saturday, which is kind of a fun change. 

As I mentioned before, I've been having fun making Valentine cards, and this one is definitely my kids' favorite. I think it might be mine, too.

Tips & Tricks

• I love this layout, as it's so versatile.  If it looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen it before here.  Two very different cards, using the same layout (and even some of the same elements, like washi tape!)  Don't be afraid to CASE your own cards!

• Vellum can be tricky, because it's transparent.  That means that your adhesive is going to show through.  I've found that just a dot of the Tombo Multipurpose Glue, or even a glue dot are the best adhesives to use.  I used the glue on the lower vellum heart here, and it's barely visible.  For the higher heart, I just tucked it behind another heart, which is where I hid my adhesive. 

Supplies

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Tiny Tags (retired)
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Blushing Bride
Paper:  Raspberry Ripple, Pink Pirouette, and Naturals White card stock, Vellum
Accessories:  Big Shot, Fashionable Hearts Embosslits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, Linen Thread

October Club Card #2

Have I mentioned before that I love leaves?  I could make cards that feature leaves and fall colors all year long.  The Gently Falling stamp set is a perfect pairing with the woodgrain embossing folder.  To make the woodgrain really stand out, we sponged a bit of Soft Suede ink on the embossed card stock, working against the grain.  The piece of more mustard card stock was spritzed with the Color Spritzing Tool and then crumpled up.  It's not visible in the picture, but the leaves have a bit of sparkle to them.  I made my own shimmer spritz using rubbing alcohol and a few drops of shimmer paint.  It was so easy to make, and even easier to use!

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Tiny Tags

Ink:  Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, and More Mustard Classic Ink

Paper:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla card stock

Accessories:  Crochet Trim, Linen Thread, Woodgrain embossing folder, Jewelry Tag punch, Color Spritzing Tool

Old and New

Here's a bright, fun card using the retiring set, Always Elegant.  I've always thought that it matched the Elegant Lines embossing folder so well, which is why I used them together!

This card features the combination of Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, and Old Olive.  I simply ran the Pacific Point card stock through the Big Shot with the Elegant Lines embossing folder, and used the crimper on the little strip of Tempting Turquoise.  I'm sad that the crimper is retiring...I like to use it to give a bit of texture to little pieces like that one.  I tied a piece of whisper white 1/4" grosgrain ribbon around the crimped piece...the ribbon is retiring, too!  I used Staz-On black in to stamp the image on Whisper White card stock.  That's important, because the black won't run when watercoloring.  I dipped the tip of my aquapainter into the ink from the top of my ink pads to color in parts of the image, and then added some rhinestones to a couple of spots.  They're hard to see in the picture, but I promise they're there!  Oh, and those little tags...I stamped them with the Tiny Tags set and punched them with the Jewelry Tag punch, then poked a hole with my paper piercing tool. 

And now for some new stuff!  This card has a fun color combination, which I pulled from the Floral District DSP.  It, and the bird from Betsy's Blossoms, are both mounted on Daffodil Delight card stock.  I also used a piece behind the strip of Tangerine Tango, both of which I punched with the scallop edge punch and then pierce with my paper piercing tool (did you know there's a brand new one coming out in the new catalog?  The mat is bigger and there are templates that match some of the new Framelits...so exciting!)  Back to the card...I rounded the corners on the DSP and bird pieces, then added some brand new Daffodil Delight 1/4" stitched grosgrain ribbon...it's such cute stuff!  I also sponged the edges of the bird and added a little bit of white baker's twine to a button before popping it on as a final touch.