Because You're Worth It

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a Stampin' Up card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss.  The printed paper is Lily Impressions designer series paper layered on Granny Apple Green.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Here's A Card stamped in Blackberry Bliss on Recollections White and layered on more Granny Apple Green.  The vellum butterfly embellishment is of unknown origin.

Now that I've finished the birthday card commission for the senior's residence I need to craft anything but a birthday card.  I don't have anything in particular in mind but received my latest Stampin' Up order this week so though I'd play a little bit.  I was really drawn to this Lily Impressions paper.  I love all the colours and the obvious brushstrokes.  I envision lots of awesome cards with this designer series paper.

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

Gisèle

Blossoming Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the final birthday card in this commission.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a yellow of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Avant Garden stamped in Altenew Grapevine on Recollections White and layered on a blue Core'dinations.  The embellishments are Stampin' Up Metallic pearls.

I can't remember if this is a piece of Stampin' Up or Close To My Heart printed paper.  Not that it matters, it turned into a great card.  It's a super simple layout in which I used layered punched pieces for the sentiment.  It was placed in the design 'sweet spot'.  I placed the pearls somewhat randomly and am pretty happy with the overall results.

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

Gisèle

Blooms and Vines

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another soft and pretty birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is K&Company Emma layered on green Core'dinations and Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Warmest Regards stamped in Soft Suede on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more green.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft December 25th pearls.

This is another really pretty piece of printed paper.  I love the colours and the images are so delicate.  Again I wasn't planning to add a ribbon but I was so happy with yesterday's results I couldn't resist repeating it.  The sentiment is from a really old Stampin' Up set that I love even though I don't use it all that often.  I think the pearls work great!

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

Gisèle

Winged Triptych

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is K&Company Emma layered on green Core'dinations.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Take Three stamped in Soft Suede on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more green.  The ribbon is from Michael's.  The embellishment is Kaisercraft December 25th pearls.

This is another really pretty card in this commission.  I love the images against the written background.  I didn't plan on the ribbon when I was pulling the elements together but thought it was a nice addition.  I think the simple knot to the left of the sentiment is just the right touch.  I picked up this stamp set second hand eons ago but just never got around to using it.  It's perfect for this card.

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

Gisèle

Ice Cream Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a really fun birthday card!

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a yellow Bazzill.  The sentiment is Stampendous Graceful Birthday stamped in Altenew Coral Berry on Recollections White and layered on more yellow Bazzill.  The embellishment is Dress It Up.

I couldn't resist this fun paper.  These ice cream cone paper makes for a great fun birthday card!  I was thrilled to find an embellishment is just the right ice cream cone shape.  I wasn't surprised to find the right colour pink ink.  I really shouldn't have that many shades of pink ink!

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

Gisèle

A Bird's Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another great birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Autumn Leaves Rhonna Farrer layered on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Stampendous stamped in Altenew Crimson on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Carta Bella Flora enamel dots.

I wasn't sure about this paper when I came across it but decided to give it a go.  I actually ended up keeping this card for myself I was so happy with the results.  It's another really simple card because the paper is just wonderful.  I used a simple sentiment, using the banner to echo the wings of the bird (sort of).  It's a great result and I can't wait to send it to someone.

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

Gisèle

A Rainbow Plaid

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a really wonderful birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curly Cute stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections White.  The card is highlighted with Sequins Stickles.

This is one of my favourite cards in this commission.  I absolutely love this rainbow plaid paper!  I added the Stickles because plaid is just perfect for Stickles!  I did nothing special in terms of layout because I didn't want anything to detract from the paper.  It's an awesome result!

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

Gisèle

A Delicate Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a sweet birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is DoCrafts Papermania by Lucy Cromwell layered on a white and grey Recollections.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up It's Your Birthday stamped in Altenew Industrial Diamond on Recollections White.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.  The embellishments is Close To My Heart Pearl Opaques.

I really love this colour combination!  It took me a while to find as I was too focused on the light purple background.  Once I ignored the purple and looked at the butterflies and the stems, it all came together.  I think the font of the sentiment works well with the stems and the colour coordinates so well overall.  It's a wonderful result.

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

Gisèle

Kitchen Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's card is a fun kitchen-inspired birthday card.

The card base is a vanilla Bazzill.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections Black and a light green Bazzill.  The sentiment is The Rubber Café Happy Birthday C-385 stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more black and light green.

This is the greatest piece of printed paper!  I think it makes for a wonderful birthday card and I really hope there is a perfect recipient at the seniors residence.  The paper has a bit of a retro style to it that I found particularly appealing.  It's also a little on the funky side with the upside down teapots.  I felt this font worked perfectly as it's as fun as the paper. 

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

Gisèle

Watercoloured Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card post is really cheerful!

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is Ken Oliver Watercolored Memories layered on a yellow Bazzill.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections White.  The embellishments are TPC Studio So Delish mini jewels.

This is another great watercoloured floral card.  I had a bit of a challenge finding a coordinating solid colour, finally settling on a yellow because it was so cheerful.  I placed the sentiment on an angle to add interest.  The red embellishments on either long edge of the sentiment add even more interest without it being over-the-top.  It's another great, cheerful result.

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

Gisèle

Bold and Bright Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another really great birthday card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket layered on a teal Bazzill.  The sentiment is Creative Expressions Scribbled Sentiments stamped in Stampin' Up Melon Mambo on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart pink sparkles.

When I first bought this paper pad, I loved this pattern.  Fast forward a few years and I think I've outgrown it.  Each of the colours is great but together, not as pleasing as I use to think.  All this being said, this is a really cheerful card.  The sentiment works wonderfully with the images and the ink colours couldn't coordinate better.  Overall it's a great result and I hope it will really brighten the recipient's day.

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

Gisèle

Butterfly Kaleidoscope

Hello everyone,

Today's post is yet another sweet birthday card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is Crafts layered on an orange Bazzill.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Banner Greeting stamped in Altenew Turquoise on Recollections White and layered on more orange.  The embellishments are Darice Glitter Crystal gems.  The card is highlighted with Diamond Stickles.

As much as I love butterflies, this is not a favourite piece of printed paper.  It's just a little to orange and light blue.  That said, I ran with those colours and came up with a card that's not too bad in the overall scheme of things.  I also added some dots of Stickles which always seems to making everything better.  I think I should have used a darker colour for the sentiment as there is not as much as of a contrast as I would have liked.

By the way, a group of butterflies can be known as a kaleidoscope, a flutter, or a swarm.

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

Gisèle

Floral Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a great floral birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a yellow Bazzill and Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Vertical Greetings stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Recollections Rhinestones.

This wasn't my favourite piece of printed paper until I put it together with the pink, yellow and black.  Again I used the banner for the sentiment, only wishing I had centered it just a little better.  Thank goodness it's not a straight font to begin with.  The embellishments are a lot more obvious than in this photo.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Softly Water Coloured

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a lovely birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Ken Oliver Water Colored Memories layered on Recollections White and a yellow Bazzill.  The sentiment is Creative Expressions Celebration Sentiments stamped in Stampin' Up Elegant Eggplant on Recollections White and more yellow Bazzill.  The butterfly brad is Creative Impressions.

This is a great birthday card.  This paper is wonderful with a darker, glossier version of the same image on the flip side.  I was quite pleased to find a pale enough yellow to coordinate with the paper.  I do love this colour combination!  I couldn't resist using a banner for the sentiment.  It really is a favourite layout. 

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

Gisèle

Neutral Botanical

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is Momenta Denise Urban layered on a beige of unknown origin and a dark grey Recollections.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Well Scripted stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite on more beige.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.  The card is highlighted with Platinum Liquid Pearls.

This is a really lovely card.  I love the soft neutral tones.  I used a very straightforward layout with the sentiment placed in the design 'sweet spot'.  I was quite pleased with how the ribbon tails come out on either side of the sentiment.  I don't think I really needed to add the Liquid Pearls but somehow just couldn't resist.

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

Gisèle

Funky Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a great funky floral birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is Momenta layered on pink Core'dinations and a dark grey Bazzill.  The sentiment is Stampabilities Happy Birthday 01 stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite on an ivory of unknown origin and layered on more dark grey Bazzill.  The ribbon is also of unknown origin.

I've used this paper a number of times in the past.  I love a pink and grey colour combination!  I thought the font of this sentiment worked great with the folk art style images.  I had a great time finding a ribbon.  I actually think this piece is from the old and long-closed White Rose company.  I actually made this bow on my first try which rather shocked me!  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Winter Dream Take II

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another wonderful birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is Marianne Design Winter Dream layered on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Sweet and Sassy Script Birthdays stamped in Altenew Moon Rock on Recollections White and layered on a light brown of unknown origin.  The ribbon and the flower embellishment are both of unknown origin.

I just couldn't resist using this paper for a second card in this commissioned series.  This piece is just gorgeous and I'll likely use it judiciously.  The layout is pretty straightforward with a simple band of a coordinating solid paper to anchor the sentiment and the embellishment.  The ribbon has a light sheen and is sheer so adds to the overall lightness of the final result.  I wish I could keep this card which is one of my favourites in this series.

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

Gisèle

A Touch of Feathers

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another great birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is Marianne Design Winter Dream layered on Recollections White and a light brown of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Joy Crafts 6410/0308 Sayings stamped in Altenew Jet Black.

I loved this paper pack as soon as I saw it!  There are some lovely patterns and the colours are so soft.  I decided to use this piece to do my favourite layout - stamping the sentiment directly on the printed paper.  I'm so happy with the result even though the sentiment isn't as centered as I would have liked.  No matter!

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

Gisèle

Berry Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's post is yet another lovely birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Gina K Berries & Vines layered on a red Bazzill.  The sentiment is Avery Elle So Happy stamped in Altenew Starlight on Recollections White and layered on more red Bazzill.  The embellishments are Recollections Rhinestone stickers.

Today's card is a CASE (copy and share everything) of yesterday's card.  What has always amazed me during all the years I've been crafting cards is how different each card is even when layouts are repeated.  Gina K paper is wonderful to work with as it's got a bit of a sheen and trims beautifully.  I picked up this strawberry years ago, thinking of my Mom.

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

Gisèle

Pretty In Purple

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Kaisercraft Violet Crush layered on Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Just Rite Large Fancy Sentiments stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Forever In Time.

I think this purple card is just pretty.  The printed paper is wonderful and the perfect scale for a card.  I love the touches of black which just seem to make the rest of the card pop!  This is a really simple layout although the final results are anything but.

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

Gisèle

A Retro Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a fun floral birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more black.  The ribbon is American Crafts.

As soon as I came across this scrap of daisy paper I knew I'd craft a great birthday card.  I think these daisies are awesome!  I couldn't quite figure out which way was up with this paper as the shadow on the centers suggest it's upside down but the buds go every which way.  It took me a while to find the perfect yellow/gold ribbon for the bow.  I tried red and black ribbon too but the yellow/gold seemed to be the best fit.  It's a great result!

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

Gisèle

More Vintage Inspiration

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another vintage inspired birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is BasicGrey Lucille layered on a shimmery dark pink of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Stampin' Up Soft Suede on Recollections Vanilla.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.  The embellishments are Want 2 Scrap LeCreme Baby Bling Pearls.

This is another great piece of printed paper.  I love the big bold flowers!  The colours are warm and were pretty easy for coordinating.  I switched things up with the sentiment by placing it like a tag under the ribbon.  I had to sort through a lot of different ribbons to find something pleasing but am fairly satisfied with this thin sheer gold ribbon.  The extra bling wasn't necessarily needed but the package was just sitting on my desk further to yesterday's card.

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

Gisèle

Vintage Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a great vintage-styled birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Early Espresso and Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Flonz Happy Birthday stamped in Stampin' Up Soft Suede on an ivory of unknown origin and layered on more Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Want 2 Scrap LeCreme Baby Bling Pearls.

Cards don't have to be complex to be beautiful and with such a large commission, it's just not feasible to craft a few hundred complex cards.  I adore this paper!  The images are so delicate as are the colours.  I love the contrast with the big, bold sentiment which is in the design 'sweet' spot for maximum impact.  The pearl placement isn't as cohesive as I'd like but it isn't terrible either.

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

Gisèle

Soft and Sweet

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a really sweet feminine birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a lilac Bazzill and and ivory of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Flonz Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Industrial Diamond on more ivory.  The floral embellishments are of unknown origin.

This is such a pretty birthday card.  I love the watercolour effect of the printed paper.  I was utterly thrilled to find these perfectly coordinating flower embellishments in my stash.  I couldn't believe how well they worked with the printed paper.  I stamped the sentiment in grey as opposed to black as it is much less stark and works with the softness of the overall style.

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

Gisèle

All Aboard

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a more masculine birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a dark grey Recollections and an unknown ivory.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up It's Your Birthday stamped in Altenew Jet Black on more ivory.

This is a great masculine birthday card!  The ships are a great scale for a card and the colours make for easy coordination.  I'm quite pleased to have finally centered the sentiment on a diagonal.  I didn't add any extra embellishments because the result is just fine as is.

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

Gisèle

Tagged Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another great birthday card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Mossy Meadow.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a black Bazzill and tan Recollections.  The tag is stamped with Stampin' Up Artisan Textures stamped in Altenew Morning Frost, Sand Dunes, Arctic and Silver Stone.  The butterfly is Stampin' Up Creative Elements stamped in Altenew Dusk.  The sentiment is Verve stamped in Altenew Jet Black.  The embellishment is a Crafts brad.

I've been looking for this tag punch for a while.  I've come across a ton of great cards that incorporate the punched piece.  I'm not disappointed with this result.  It was fun to mimic the printed paper on the tag though I added the butterfly because I could.  The sentiment couldn't fit more perfectly on the tag.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Dotted Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is one of the more funky cards in this commission.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on an orange and a dark teal both of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections White.  The sentiment panel is layered on a piece of Recollections White stamped with Stampin' Up Playful Backgrounds in Altenew Teal Dave and Caramel Toffee and is layered on more orange and teal.

I was inspired by the dots.  This is certainly note a colour combination I would have been looking at but decided to use orange and teal as they're found in the printed paper.  I'm not sure I'd go this route again but as a one off, it's not a terrible card. 

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

Gisèle

A Sweet Plaid

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another super sweet birthday card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a purple and a green of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Frantic Stamper stamped in Color Box "Aurora" Violet on Recollections White and layered on more green.  The card is highlighted with Worn Lipstick Stickles.

This is one of my favourites in this commission.  It's such a happy card!  The sparkle of the Stickles is awesome and in this case, the more the better!  This simple plaid paper was perfect for adding a lot of sparkle.  The sentiment is simple and the little bigger dots of sparkle is a great highlight.

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

Gisèle

More Feathered Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely birthday card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is Kaisercraft "Elegance" Boho layered on a light and a dark teal of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Aqualicious on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Aqua Dots.

This is one of those cards that turned out better than I envisioned.  The light and dark teals are fantastic layered with this printed paper.  I couldn't believe how well I found the right colours to coordinate with the feathers.  I thought the font of the sentiment worked especially well.  I wasn't so surprised to find a teal ink that worked.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Paisley Wishes

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!

Today's post is a lovely birthday card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Recollections layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Joyful Birthday stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite stamped on Recollections White and layered on a blue and a grey Core'dinations.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Licorice Opaques.

This is a favourite printed paper which I've used sparingly.  The paisley is lovely and the colours are in my wheelhouse.  The flowing font of the sentiment works great with the printed paper.  I added my favourite banner embellishment and coordinated with pearls.  A great result!

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

Gisèle