Scenic Stamps

As one of the people at work who had always like my cards and was keen to view what I had made was leaving, I decided that it was about time that I made her a card. 

I wanted to give her a card that was different to the one that she had previously seen and decided that it was about time to get out the stamps and ink that I had bought when I was at Ally Pally in September. 

I had stood at the Serendipidity stand and just loved the cards that were being made there with stamps by Stampscape.  Although the effect looked fantastic, the demonstrator did make it look easy but I wondered whether it really was.  I bought 7 stamps, 2 stamps pads and the glossy paper that was suggested and then got home and promptly put it my craft stash and left it until now.

The ink pad used for the background was KaleidaColor Ink Pad in Blue Breeze and this was put onto the glossy card with a brayer.  It does not show up too well on the photo but there is a blending of colours from dark to light on the card. 

I then stamped the scene using all 7 stamps that I had bought with a Versacraft ink pad in black  to create the scene above.  I stamped them onto a piece of plain paper first to ensure that the scene flowed.  I actually wished now that I had bought more stamps but was pleased with the effect that I achieved with what I had, especially as this was was first go at this technique.    It certainly won't be my last and I am looking forward to creating more scenes once I get some more stamps and will use my stash of Big 'n Juicy to create different backgrounds.

Card for January's Birthdays

I was going to make a card for my Mother-in-Law's and friends January birthdays using a design that I had used before but then realised that I had layered the cards without putting the ribbon on, so it was all change. I think I actually like these better than the ones I was going to make - maybe I have made too many of them before!  I used made them both in blue and white but used a lighter shade for my Mother-in-Law's card.  I used the darker blue and white for my friend's card as it is the same colours as our football team and I know that she will appreciate the thought behind it. 

I had already cut out the Elegant Posts for the top and bottom pieces of the card and decided that I would set it  landscape rather than portrait so that I could have a centre sentiment with the words that I wanted.  I used Spellbinders Lattice Rectangles, alternating the colour for each size.  With the final size, I printed out in matching colours, the sentiment that I wanted for each card and then cut it out with the Spellbinder die to ensure that the sentiment was centred correctly - and I do not know of a printer that would take card that small!

I then added roses that I had bought from willdorchidcrafts.com in opposite corners to finish the cards.  To ensure that they do not get damaged in the post, I have made box envelopes for them and also put an insert inside with a verse printed on some beautiful Gold Dust Shimmer paper that I got from ebay.  It is 120gsm and it a beautiful paper to use. 

Although this is my first post for the year, I am determined this year to ensure that I post at least twice a month - and even more if possible but at least I am setting a realistic target. 

Check back soon to see if I am actually achieving it!