Red Prompt Rétablissement

Hello everyone,

Today's card is a red French get well card.

The printed and solid papers are Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection.  The sentiment is Bonnidee French Wording #1 stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The brads are of unknown origin.

At this stage of the charity card series, I'm drawing on any inspiration I can find.  I like doing the banners and thought the points of the stars would work well together.  The black stars, which I couldn't believe I actually had, coordinate with the black ink of the sentiment.  All in all, a really quick and easy card!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Yellow Bonne Fête

Hello everyone,

There is a lot of demand for French cards at the charity sale.  I usually only craft French cards on commission as I can't use any leftovers so for the sale, I have to play with the few French sentiments I have.

The printed and layered papers are Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection.  The image is Marianne Design Collectables COL1319 (stamp and die) stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and coloured with Sakura Glaze pen.  The sentiment is Bonnidee French Wording #1 stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Pearl Strips.

This card turned out more lovely than I pictured.  I'm not a big fan of yellow and I was a little worried this would be rather 'bumble bee-ish' but it isn't at all.  In fact, I'm going to craft a few more like these because this is an awesome simple card!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Green Thinking of You

Hello everyone,

Today's post is yet another charity sale card.

The printed and layered papers are Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection.  The image is Stampin' Up Work of Art stamped in Color Box Aurora green in stamped and layered on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Sassy Salutations stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Pearl Strips.

I hope someone out there really likes green stripes.  This is a lot of stripes!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Blue Congratulations

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another is this series for the Fall charity sale at work.

The printed paper is Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection layered on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curly Cute stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection.  The ribbon is White Rose.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Pearl Strips.

I wanted to craft a card that would really work for any occasion.  I thought this would work for male or female, birthday, baby, promotion or even wedding.  I love how the black pops against the blue and white!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Red Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another charity sale card.

The printed paper and bottom layer is Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Delightful Dozen stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The bow is of unknown origin.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Class Act mini jewels.

This printed paper reminds me of a picnic and if I had 'ant' embellishments, I would have used them.  I've had this bow sitting on my desk for eons.  I can't even remember where it's from but I suspect it salvaged it from somewhere.  I've used black ink on this entire series of cards not only because it pops on all this paper but it helps keeps them clean and simple.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Yellow Thank You

Hello everyone,

This next series of cards have been crafted for the Fall charity card sale at work.  These cards are quick, simple and straightforward.

The printed paper and bottom layer is Generations Pretty Simple Primary Color Collection.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wacky Wishes stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The ribbon is White Rose.  The embellishment is of unknown origin.

I didn't have any black brads so I took a random brad and coloured it with StazOn Jet Black - super easy solution.  I had a teacher thank you in mind when I crafted this card and I'm pretty happy with the results.  The plan for these charity cards is to use up material that I either have leftover or have not used in ages.  I've had this pad of Generations paper for years and it is perfect for cards like these.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Danke

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a card that was commissioned by a colleague.  I had made her this card in June and she wanted another along the same German theme.

The background image is Stampin' Up Gorgeous Grunge stamped in Versafine Onyx Black, Real Red and Crushed Curry, and layered on Basic Black, Real Red and Crushed Curry.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Onyx Black.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Class Act and Rustic Garden mini jewels.

I really love this card!  My colleague had requested another 'German' themed thank you card and I really wanted to craft something entirely different from her first card.  This worked!  Using 'grunge art' stamps, I've managed to craft a quintessential 'I SPI' card.  I'm really looking forward to playing with this set as I see a multitude of possibilities.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Sympathy

Hello everyone,

A colleague commissioned today's sympathy card.

The printed paper is DCWV Floral Prints layered on Bazzill.  The horizontal element is more Bazzill cut with Martha Stewart Layered Arches border punch.  The sentiment is Bonnidee French Wording #1 stamped in Close To My Heart Hollyhock on Stampin' Up Whisper White and layered on more Bazzill.  The embellishments are Forever In Time Diamond Gem Strips.

My colleague was going through my stash and liked this card but was looking for something with a French sentiment and no ribbon.  I didn't want to copy the card exactly so I just pulled out the same paper pad and ran with it to see what I could come up with.  I'm pretty pleased with the results but I don't find this card is as inspired as I usually craft.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Red, White and Blue

Hello everyone,

Today's post is an American-inspired thank you card commissioned by a colleague.

The image is Stampin' Up Work of Art stamped in Real Red and Not Quite Navy on Recollections White and layered on Real Red and Not Quite Navy.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Say It All stamped in Not Quite Navy.  The embellishments are brads of unknown origin.

I describe my style to be fairly clean-lined, layered and colourful.  I don't usually stray to far from that however, I've so loved some of the grunge style cards proliferating on Pinterest that I decided to take a leap and ordered a couple of stamp sets to see if I could spread my creativity a little.  I love this card!  It is very much an I SPI card.  I can't wait to see what else I can craft using this set.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

From This Day Forward

Hello everyone,

Today I posting a card that I crafted for my cousin who is getting married.  She has a real 'green thumb' so I had a great excuse to go totally floral.

The printed paper is Carta Bella Beautiful Moment layered on Stampin' Up Always Artichoke.  The image is Stampin' Up Stippled Blossoms stamped in Ruby Red, Close To My Heart Whisper and Slate and StazOn Black Cherry, on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Always Artichoke.  The sentiment is Fiskars Just Married in Early Espresso.  The embellishment is of unknown origin.

I was going for a natural and really spectacular card.  I believe I succeeded!  I love how the stamped images work so well with the printed paper.  I think I tested every red ink I own to find something that worked.  This is a metal butterfly that I found in a bin on the counter of my local scrapbooking store, Crop A While.  My cousin likes butterflies as much as I do so I thought I'd add this special embellishment to her card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Horsey Thanks

Hello everyone,

On our recent vacation to Calgary to visit my cousins and go to the Stampede, we took an afternoon and went on a fabulous trail ride in Alberta's Kananaskis Provincial Park.  I decided to craft this special thank you card for the folks at the Rafter Six Ranch who showed us some wonderful Alberta hospitality and provided us an amazing experience!

The printed paper is Carta Bella Giddy Up! Bandana layered on Stampin' Up Bravo Burgundy.  The photos are layered on Recollections Vanilla and more Stampin' Up Bravo Burgundy.  The sentiment is Verve Celebration of Thanks stamped in Bravo Burgundy.  The ribbon is White Rose.  The embellishment is of unknown origin.

This will be the last western-inspired card for a while.  I really have to get back to some commissions and charity sale cards.  I love the bandana paper and I found this scrap of old, old, old White Rose ribbon with the lacy edges that worked beautifully together.  I have a ton of photos from this spectacular afternoon and it was hard to choose which to use.  I couldn't resist using the flags with the mountain in the background, it really spoke to me about the beauty of this country.

I hope you enjoy this card and the entire western vacation inspired series, and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

MOOOOO

Hello everyone,

Today I'm posting the last western card in the series I've crafted as a gift for my cousins.

The printed paper is Carta Bella Giddy Up! Bandana layered on Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The photos are layered on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Just Believe stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla.  The embellishments are Fabricland.

I couldn't resist this piece of cowhide paper!  I'm not even sure what to write about it because I just love it!  Needless to say, I love the results and almost wish I could keep this card.  I have some left, maybe I should see what I can come up with...

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Calico Birthday

Hello everyone,

I'm still working on western themed cards for my cousins.

The printed paper is Carta Bella Giddy Up! Calico layered on Recollections Pink.  The horizontal strip Carta Bella Giddy Up! Bandana.  The photos are layered on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla.  The embellishment is from Multicrafts.

I really wanted to craft a super pretty card but still keep it western and this pretty Calico paper fit the bill perfectly.  This is a lovely card!  The pink and brown work as beautifully as blue and brown in terms of combination..  Again I had to find a way to balance the two different sized photos.  I offset the embellishment (a great metal flower) and the sentiment in the visual 'sweet spot' and it couldn't have worked better.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Rodeo Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses a couple more dog photos.

The printed paper is Carta Bella Giddy Up Rodeo Kid layered on textured Bazzill.  The image was layered on Recollections Vanilla and Best Creation Inc Cowboy Up!  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Happy Days stamped in Stampin' Up Ruby Red and Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Very Vanilla and layered on more Best Creation Inc.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.

I picked up a number of western/cowboy related papers when I was on a supply hunt for these cards.  This is not my favourite but I thought it would look great as a background layer.  The card turned out so much better than I expected.  This particular ribbon was bought with this paper in mind as it has all the same colours.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Giddy Up!

Hello everyone,

Today I have another vacation-inspired card that I'm sending as a gift set to my cousins.

The printed paper is Best Creation Inc. Cowboy Up! layered on a blue of unknown origin.  The photo is also layered on the blue.  The sentiment is Rusty Pickle Git R 'Dun stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Recollections Vanilla.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I really love brown and blue together and given the photo had so much blue, it seemed a great combination for this card.  I'm really into placing horizontal sentiments on the vertical.  I suspect is will confuse people but I really like the look.  Using this sentiment was a given with this photo.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Yahoo

Hello everyone,

Today's card is another in the set that I've crafted for my cousins in Calgary.

The printed paper is Authentique Adventure layered on Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The images are layered on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Git R 'Dun stamped in Early Espresso on Vanilla.  The ribbon is White Rose.  The hemp is Darice.  The embellishment is Fabricland.

I just love this card!  It is so very Western and natural.  The photos are not exactly the same size so I tried to fool the eye by placing the sentiment in between.  It's not a perfect fix but the layout worked so well I don't think it really matters.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Howdy!

Hello everyone,

In early July my husband and I traveled to Calgary to visit my cousins and go to the Stampede.  I wanted to craft some very special cards as a thank you for showing us such a wonderful time.  I crafted a half dozen Christmas cards, which I post as part of my Christmas In July series, and now I'm just going totally country with the second part of their thank you gift.

The printed papers are Best Creation Inc Cowboy Up! and Carta Bella Giddy Up Ride On layered on Close To My Heart Cocoa.  The photo is layered on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Rusty Pickle Git R' Dun stamped in Stampin' Up Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Carta Bella.  The card is highlighted with Cinnamon Stickles.

When I have hold of a theme, I just run with it and this is certainly the case with these next number of cards.  I didn't know I had that much yee haw in me and I think I'm done now.  It was actually a lot of fun to step out of my comfortable florals and butterflies and craft some entire different types of cards.  I really hope my cousins like them because I had a blast crafting away on them.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Hearts and Love

Hello everyone,

Today's card is one of two cards I've crafted for a cousin who is getting married later this month.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla. The printed paper is BoBunny Trail Mix Meadow.  The sentiment is Fiskars Just Married Quotes stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more BoBunny Trail Mix Meadow and Recollections Vanilla.  The ribbon is Crafts.  The embellishments are ZVA Creative Pearls.

This is the card my Mom will be giving to my cousin.  She, my Mom, asked for a money holder after she saw this post in April.  My cousin loves the outdoors so I picked up this paper especially for this card.  I loved the leaves and the birds.  I added the ribbon and bling as nod to the wedding aspect because this seems a rather non-traditional weeding card.  My Mom loved the card and I am pretty sure my cousin will as well.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Goodbye Nat

Hello everyone,

One of my dog walker friends lost her beloved 'Nat' last month.  I crafted this special sympathy card just for them.

The printed papers are DCWV Pet's Stack layered on Stampin' Up Island Indigo.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Everyday Sayings stamped in Early Espresso.  The brad is of unknown origin.

I printed this photo of Nat from Facebook.  I love the look on his face.  I believe he is looking for a cookie!  I've always found it extremely difficult to find the right words when a pet passes away.  Pets hold very special places in our hearts and losing them is often like losing a family member or close friend.  I'm really glad I could craft this card and I hope it speaks the words I can't seem to find.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bannered and Bumped

Hello everyone,

Today's card is the last of the commission thank you card for my girlfriend's daycare.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Boy Crazy Imagine layered on Stampin' Up Soft Suede.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Banners stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla and die cut.  The vertical element is a piece of crimped Baja Breeze.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Collectable enamel dots.

I had a bit of a hard time deciding on the different elements for this card.  Too much stuff!  I'm not all that pleased with the die cut stamped sentiment.  I had a tough time getting it properly aligned and I'm still not all that satisfied with the results.  More practice I think!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

More Clean and Simple

Hello everyone,

Today's thank you card is another clean and simple.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Boy Crazy Imagine layered on Stampin' Up Baja Breeze and Soft Suede.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla.  The hemp is Darice.

I was quite inspired by yesterday's card so decided to try a follow-up version.  I drew on the predominant colours in the printed paper for the layers.  I added the hemp for just a little more interest but still with a clean and simple feel.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Clean and Simple

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another thank you card for my girlfriend's daycare.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Boy Crazy Imagine layered on Stampin' Up Crushed Curry and Soft Suede.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Message stamped in Soft Suede.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Collectable Enamel Dots.

There isn't much to say about this great card.  A simple layout, great colour coordination and some easy embellishments.  Clean and simple is sometimes the best way to go.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Blippin' and Bleepin' Robots

Hello everyone,

After yesterday's interruption to post my sister's birthday card, I'm back to the daycare thank you cards.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Boy Crazy Imagine layered on Stampin' Up Soft Suede.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Say It All stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla and layered on more Soft Suede.  The embellishment is TPC Studio Blips and Bleeps sticker.

This is a layout that I particularly love.  It's rather fun to cut a single piece of paper is strips and align them with a space.  I think it works great with this paper.  I used this particular 'robot' sticker because it 'matched' the robot in the paper.  The colours were a pretty close match too.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Musical Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today is my sister's birthday and I crafted this special card just for her.

The printed paper is Forever In Time Orchestra layered on Canford gold and Stampin' Up Basic Black.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Beautiful Birthday stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more gold and black.  The vanilla layer was stamped with Technique Tuesday Glee in Crumb Cake.  The ribbon is Crafts.  The embellishments are Darice.

I saw this paper and knew right away it would end up in my stash.  My sister is quite musically inclined so many of the cards I craft for her have this theme.  When I find something unique with a music theme, it's impossible not to buy.  I could have placed the strips of ribbon more evenly but I didn't realize they were so far off until it was too later.  I doubt it will matter much when all is said and done.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Simply Boy

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another card commissioned by a girlfriend for her daycare.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Boy Crazy Imagine layered on Stampin' Up Crushed Curry.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart A True Thank You stamped in Crushed Curry on Very Vanilla and layered on more Crushed Curry.  The embellishment is of unknown origin.

I kept this card really quick and easy.  With this great paper, you really don't need much by way of extras.  As this series of cards are 'boy' inspired, I didn't want to add any extra bells and whistles.  I added one simple star brad but you're rather hard pressed to see it against the busy paper.  I love how this sentiment works with the paper.  Both are rather simple and crude and are perfect for a kid's card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Boyishly Berserk

Hello everyone,

The next few posts are the remainder of my girlfriend's commissioned cards for her daycare.  I wanted to do some more fun boy cards.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Boy Crazy Imagine layered on Stampin' Up Baja Breeze.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart For Every Occasion stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla and layered on Crushed Curry.  The embellishment is Dress It Up.

This is super fun paper!  It makes for some perfect boy cards.  I scoured my embellishments for a less perfect embellishment but didn't have anything suitable.  I thought this train went rather well with the other transportation modes in the paper.  It was a 'best of what I've got' situation.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Terrifically Tied

Hello everyone,

Today's is the last post of critter thank you cards but I still have to post the rest of this commission.

The printed papers are DCWV Nana's Kids layered on Stampin' Up Close To Cocoa.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wacky Wishes stamped in Marina Mist on Very Vanilla and layered on Certainly Celery.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.

This card is an attempt to use up some of the leftover paper pieces sitting on my desk.  I love the pop of the blue sentiment.  It coordinates with the monkey's bow tie and suits this kid-friendly card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Critter Cuteness

Hello everyone,

And another critter filled thank you for my girlfriend's commission.

The printed papers are DCWV Nana's Kids layered on Stampin' Up Creamy Caramel.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curly Cute stamped in Pear Pizzazz on Very Vanilla.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I'm into sentiment banners at the moment.  It is the influence of the latest card styles to which I always seem to lag behind..  I meant to clip the right side of the banner but stamped the sentiment too close to the edge.  No matter, the two small square brads provide the balance needed.  If I had had more time, I would have planned out this one sheet wonder a little better.  The sentiment banner really should have been placed higher on the page but I didn't want to cover the lion's faces.  Oh well, still lovely!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Plenty of Paws

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another in the thank you card series commissioned by a girlfriend for her daycare.

The printed paper is DCWV Nana's Kids layered on Stampin' Up Certainly Celery and Close To Cocoa.  The Certainly Celery layer was textured with Darice Paw Print Background.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Sassy Salutations stamped in Pear Pizzazz on Very Vanilla.

This is another really quick and easy card.  The embossed background adds enough interest to the card that I could get away with a small piece of the printed paper.  No extras here!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thankful Critter Faces

Hello everyone,

Continuing with the series of thank you cards that were commissioned by my girlfriend for her daycare back in June.

The printed papers are DCWV Nana's Kids with the bottom element layered on Stampin' Up Certainly Celery.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Marina Mist on Very Vanilla.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I didn't give myself a lot of time to craft this series of cards so I kept them all very simple and straightforward.  Minimal bling and no complicated layouts.  I've done a similar layout to this is the past and it was very well received.  I cut this paper carefully to make sure that the faces of these three critters were really visible.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Simply Sweet

Hello everyone,

Now that my Christmas In July series is posted, it's time to get back to posting the thank you cards my girlfriend commission for her daycare in June.

The printed papers are DCWV Nana's Kids with the focal piece layered on Stampin' Up Creamy Caramel.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Pear Pizzazz on Very Vanilla.  The embellishment is Multicrafts Dress It Up.

I couldn't resist deconstructing this little horse button!  It was too cute not to use on this card. With this wonderful paper, it was pretty easy and inspiring to craft some simple yet beautiful cards.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle