Sep 4, 2019 | CAS(E) This Sketch |
Season of Thanks
Each Thanksgiving, I create at least 15 Thanksgiving cards for family and friends at our dinner. I try to create a variety so that no two cards are exactly the same. Therefore, I rely on sketch challenges for inspiration and I used CTS #377 for inspiration for the card below. I did take some creative liberty with the sketch, but I think it is still evident in the card.
Here’s the challenge banner:

Here’s the card I created:

I have come to the conclusion that the non-traditional fall colors of Pretty Peacock, Mint Macaron, and Early Espresso might just be my favorite in this Come to Gather DSP!
My Liberties
The horizontal banner, which is made from the 2019 – 2021 In Color DSP, definitely follows the sketch. I knew I wanted to use the Everyday Label Punch for the sentiment with matted layers of Pretty Peacock and Early Espresso. Early Espresso provides the cardstock for the horizontal mat and the card outline. I also used it to stamp the maple leaf and pumpkins on vellum cardstock. While I wanted the maple leaf to be see-through, I did not want the pumpkins see-through. I used my dark Mint Macaron blend to color the back of the pumpkin stamps. Then, I used the dark Crumb Cake blend on top of the Mint Macaron. The pumpkins were then matted on cropped white cardstock.
I miss the fall season. I can’t begin to tell you how long it’s been since I’ve seen a real fall in person. The maple leaf reminds me of fall on Long Island. I really can’t get over how this gorgeous, non-traditional color combination brings happy memories to the forefront.
The placement of the sentiment starts my creative liberties. There’s no sentiment on the sketch, so I made sure it almost exactly lined up with the horizontal band to stay within the spirit of the sketch.
Following the Sketch
When I started placing the vellum elements, I realized I would need a grounding element. I solved this problem by using the Come to Gather Crumb Cake ribbon. However, I still wasn’t happy with the way the maple leaf, blended into the DSP. I thought of an open square, which I created by using two of the Stitched Shapes square dies, would solve this dilemma. I used the splatter stamp from the Gather Together stamp set and Pretty Peacock ink to create a subtle pattern on the square. When I put all these elements together, I decided that I had followed the sketch while also taking liberties with it.
I struggle with collage cards, but this one pleases me and it came together relatively quickly. As always, I finished by stamping the inside of the card, pictured below:

I had to use third generation stamping to get the maple leaf light enough for the sentiment to show, which comes from the Gather Together stamp set.
I used a gingham print from the DSP for the envelope flap. Then, stamped an Early Espresso maple leaf on the front of the envelope.
With that, I had completed my card and envelope combination.
Thank you for stopping by today.
Have a Peachy day!
Sue
You Know You Want to…….

If you would like to order the bundle, stamp set, and/or punches, and live in the U.S., please use the icon above to be connected to my store. With just a few simple supplies, you, too, can create fabulous cards, and I would be honored to help you do so.
IF you are placing an order (you know you want to do so) over $150, please contact me so you can earn all the Host Rewards to which you are entitled. If your order is less than $150, please use YYX6FBEC for the host code.
Wednesday was a HUGE day for Stampin’ Up! Not only did the Holiday Catalog go live for customers, the Buy 3, get 1 Free DSP sale from the annual catalog starts! I already have my FOUR sets of DSP picked out! Get yours now!


To shop from the holiday catalog, available now, click on the image below:

Supply list:
Gather Together bundle, item # 153036
OR
Gather Together stamp set, item # 150589
Gathered Leaves dies, item # 150662
Come to Gather DSP, item # 150454
2019 – 2021 In Color DSP, item # 149617
Come to Gather Ribbon Combo Pack, item # 150456
Everyday Label Punch, item # 144668
Pretty Peacock cardstock, item # 150880
Early Espresso cardstock, item # 119686
Whisper White cardstock, item # 100730
Early Espresso ink pad, item # 147114
Pretty Peacock ink pad, item # 150083
Crumb Cake Blends combo, item # 144601
Mint Macaron blends combo, item # 147283
Tombow Liquid Adhesive, item # 110755
Dimensionals, item # 104430
Feb 20, 2019 | InKing Royalty Blog Hop |

InKing Royalty February Blog Hop
Welcome to InKing Royalty’s February Blog Hop! This year’s Blog Hop themes are inspired by a single word – and this month our projects are centered around BIRTHDAY. It’s always special to celebrate the birthday of someone you love, so handmade birthday cards are always fun to share. We are excited to share our creations with you today! After you read my post, I hope you’ll hop over to the next person on the list at the base of this post.
I Didn’t Create This All in One Night
I knew I wanted to create a fun fold for this blog hop, and I found a video tutorial by Frances Martin for the wiper card. So much fun! I also found a diagram on Pinterest by Stamping with Belinda, which I tweaked just a 1/8 of an inch, so my finished card is 5.5 inches by 4.25 inches. The number of pictures I took trying to explain the process would have made this post the length of a booklet, so please visit these two links as the directions are clear and concise.
I knew that the moving parts and the base would take some time since it’s the first time trying to create it. Therefore, I created the front and back elements the first night and the moving base and parts was created the next night.
Here are multiple shots of the card I created using the Bloom by Bloom DSP with the front first:

The Card Basic Elements
I used the Bloom by Bloom DSP for the background of both sides, and used a piece of vellum cardstock to tone down the DSP behind the layered”Happy Birthday” sentiment. In order to hold down the vellum, there is some liquid Tombow behind the sentiment, but that didn’t do anything for the corners. Enter the Night of Navy enamel dots, which cover a glue dot holding the vellum down on the DSP.
I layered the DSP on Mint Macaron, which I then layered on Coastal Coral. The bases and moving parts are Call Me Clover.
The next decisions I made all had to do with the stamp sets. I have not recieved the Bloom by Bloom stamp set yet (I initially thought I wouldn’t need it if I had the DSP. WRONG!) so I used the Incredible Like You photopolymer stamp set for the back greeting and flower/leaves.
Magic Happens When the Sides are Pulled Apart.
I usually run my cards past my husband (and his comments have become much more detailed and informed), and he had me pull the sides open and closed 3 or 4 times. He loved the magic of the interaction.
Here are photos of the front and back after the card is pulled open:

I had to make another decision about a mini sentiment and flower stamp set. I turned to the Varied Vases stamp set for the Birthday Wishes and flower stems. Initially I thought I would cut the Birthday Wishes stamp in half to fit it on the little flap. I tried, and even got the scissors positioned between the words, but couldn’t bring myself to cut it apart. I decided to use the Call Me Clover Stamping Marker to color each word so I could stamp them separately.
Last, but Not Least
After all these layers, I thought for sure I would have a difficult time getting the card in the medium SU envelope. I was pleasantly surprised when it fit in the envelope, and have pictures to proof it. Mind you, this card is going to need extra postage, but it easily fit in the envelope.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you’ll hop along to the next stop on the blog hop, Candy Ford at Stamp Candy. There are some very talented people in this hop and you won’t want to miss any of them. If you get stuck during the Blog Hop, please use the following line-up for a guide:
Have a Peachy Day!
Sue
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Lynn Kolcun at Avery’s Owlery
- Nina King at InkPaperSequins
- Julie DiMatteo at The Paper Pixie
- Sue Jackson at Just Peachy Stamping
- Candy Ford at Stamp Candy
- Jackie Beers at Blue Line Stamping
- Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
- Jennifer Spiller at Westside Paper Creations
- Deb Cozzone at Grand Central Stamping
- Robbye Hamilton at Miss Hammie’s Crafts
- Robin Myren at Songbird Designs by Robin
- Katie Ferguson at Cottage Paper
- Shawn de Oliveira at Shawn Stamps
Jul 8, 2018 | Global Design Project |
Global Design Project Challenge # 145
This week’s color challenge contains the trio of Grapefruit Grove, Fresh Fig, and Mint Macaron. Until this very second, I thought my card matched what I finally figured out in my head. Now, I am pretty bummed because I just realized I used Rich Razzleberry. UGH! I don’t know if I should go ahead and post it anyway or make another one using the correct colors. Decisions, decisions.
Anyway, when I first saw the colors I thought that it was an interesting combination, to say the least. But then again, I usually react that way to their combinations. It truly is a challenge, but it widens my color world, so it’s all good. Admit it, you wouldn’t have put these three colors together if not for a challenge. But look how gorgeous they are together.
A Couple of Firsts
First, I couldn’t stand knowing/thinking that I used the wrong color so I just finished another card for this challenge. In the original I actually used half Fresh Fig and half Rich Razzleberry. There are a couple of differences, and I will post my original card at the end of this blog post.
The original couple of firsts mentioned in the subheading refers to the first time I used two new stamp sets: the Bokeh Dots clear mount set and the Calligraphy Essentials set. Both are fabulous, but there are some tips I’d like to share regarding each set.
I’ve been participating in a couple of threads with demos on facebook regarding the Bokeh dots stamp. I have tried some of the tips and have found that the best results are achieved when the ink is rolled on the stamp using a brayer. I have a rubber brayer and it worked fabulously! Without the brayer, I was getting blotches instead of dots. Evidently, the stars stamp in this set doesn’t have an issue with ink.
For the Calligraphy Essentials, which really goes with the current lettering trend, I found the coloring really needs a light hand for the ink. I also practiced coloring in the letters a few times on my grid paper before coloring on the Bokeh Dots. I used the Fresh Fig Stamping Write Marker, but have also seen cards where the Blends were used.
Here’s the second card I created:

Here’s the challenge post:

The Elements
I used the DSP from Share What You Love, which I love, love, love. There are so many different colors leading to seemingly endless combinations. Some of the papers almost able to be printed on Shiny Whisper White cardstock because they have a beautiful shine. For this card, I chose the words in this on point font in Grapefruit Grove and Basic Black. Just a little side not about the DSP. While I was working on the first card I found the word “florida” included in the various other words. I just kind of thought that was interesting since I live in Florida. Oh well.
I mounted the DSP on Fresh Fig cardstock and used the retired Fresh Fig ribbon as well. Since I am completely square knot challenged right now, I used a tip I saw somewhere; if it’s your idea, please let me know so I can give you credit. I’m including three photos to illustrate this tip.



First, tie your ribbon around a TomBow liquid glue container. When you slide the ribbon off, you have a loop, which you cut in half. Now you have your square knot, and then just play with it until you get what knot you wanted. Easy Peasy. Also, does the word “florida” pop out at you in the third picture.
For this card, I cropped two circles using the Stitched Shape framelits. Here’s one of the differences from the first card because I used an inner circle of Mint Macaron. You’ll see there’s no inner circle on the original card.
Stitching in the Ditch
One of my favorite things to do with the crops shapes from the Stitched Shapes framelits is to color in the ditch. I usually use the same marker as the color of cardstock. If I am coloring the ditch on DSP, I pull a coordinating color. I also used the Mint Macaron Stamping Write Marker to outline the sentiment piece, including the corners punched with the trio punch. After I added three Share What You Love Mint Macaron pearls, I popped the sentiment up on mini-dimensionals.
While the first card was definitely an evolution, I knew what I was doing for the second. Well, except for cutting the DSP in the landscape instead of portrait orientation.
Here’s my first card:

Thanks so much for stopping by my little piece of the internet blog world. I completely enjoy hearing your thoughts and comments, so please feel free to leave one.
Have a Peachy day!
Sue