I SPI on the Move

Hello everyone,

I SPI is moving! I SPI is moving!  I SPI is moving!

For whatever reason, later this month the Blogger platform is no longer going to support email subscriptions for blog followers.

This change caused me quite a bit of angst because though I don't have a lot of followers, I know from experience that it's much easier to have content pushed to you as opposed to having to search out new posts.  Even though I'm a pretty consistent blogger, I don't know that my followers would search out new posts.

I debated just shutting down I SPI because I've been blogging for a long time now and there are times when I'm less than enthusiastic about creating content.  I've also got some major life changes coming in the next year that will, no doubt, impact my card crafting.  That said, I really enjoy sharing my cards, my friends look forward to seeing my posts and frankly, my mother, who loves seeing my posts every day, would worry! 

I decided that my best option was to switch blogging platforms so, starting today, I SPI is now using the WordPress blogging platform.  I will attempt to migrate my active followers to the new platform but I've no idea if that will actually work.  If you want to keep following I SPI, the best thing to do is re-subscribe here or visit https://istamppaperink.wordpress.com/

I think I've selected a pretty good template for I SPI but I would appreciate any feedback you'd like to share.

Thank you so much for enjoying I SPI for all these years!  I look forward to having you I SPI at it's new home!

Gisèle

Beautiful Bicycles

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a wonderfully whimsical 'birthday' card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a white and a yellow Bazzill.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up Birthday Blossoms stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more yellow Bazzill. The embellishments are Recollections epoxy stickers.

Like grey and brown, I'm not a huge fan of using yellow because it can be hard to find just the right shade.  In this case, I drew on the yellow from the bicycle baskets and was so happy with the shade that I left a larger than usual reveal.  I also decided on simple yellow dots for embellishments because I just couldn't get enough of the colour.  I could have easily coloured the banner yellow but I think it would have been just a little over the top!

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

Gisèle

Colourful Hexagons

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another great neutral 'birthday' card.

The card base is Stampin’ Up Smoky Slate.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections White.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Pure Graphite on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Jolee’s All That Bling Blue Studs.

This is another great piece of printed paper! I consider it a neutral but leaning more to the masculine side.  I absolutely love the different subtle colours of the hexagons.  Grey is a colour that can be tricky but it was a pretty easy choice for this card.  I have used vertical sentiments all that frequently in this commission (don't know why) but I just love it here, sandwiched between simple silver embellishments.

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

Gisèle

Perfect Plaid Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is an awesome plaid 'birthday' card.

The card base is Stampin’ Up Early Espresso.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a tan and white Recollections.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Hero Greetings stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections White.  The embellishments are BasicGrey Metal Studs.

I'm generally not a big fan of browns but this predominantly brown plaid paper is fabulous and makes for a great, more masculine, 'birthday' card.  I think the different shades of brown just work really well together.  The square copper embellishments placed on an angle couldn't be a better finishing touch.  It's a fantastic result!

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

Gisèle

Fabulously Feathered

Hello everyone,

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

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Kaisercraft “Elegance Collection” Boho layered on Stampin’ Up Tranquil Tide.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up Birthday Blossoms stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Tranquil Tide.  The card is highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.

This is a piece of printed paper I've had in my stash for a long time.  I just couldn't resist these beautiful feathers!  I love the images against the gold background.  I've used this sentiment many panel and have often coloured the banner but in this case, I liked it well enough without any colour.  The feathers are so beautiful that I just had to use it with the 'beautiful' birthday sentiment.

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

Gisèle

Pretty Pink Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very pretty pink 'birthday' card.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla Linen Texture.  The printed paper is g.c.d. Studios “Rose Colored Glasses” Tinted Flowers layered on Stampin’ Up Powder Pink.  The sentiment is Altenew Tulip stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Powder Pink.  The ribbon is Close To My Heart Cranberry Organza.  The flower embellishment is of unknown origin and is highlighted with Fruit Punch Stickles.

I think this is such a lovely 'birthday' card.  All that pink is so very feminine.  It's always fun to craft a monochromatic card!  I think the font of the sentiment works really well with the images and the black ink really makes it stand out.  The ribbon and gem flower are the perfect anchor for the sentiment panel.  It's a wonderful result!

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

Gisèle

In Pink, Grey and Black

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a wonderfully feminine 'birthday' card.

The card base is Stampin’ Up Smoky Slate.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a pink also of unknown origin and Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Penny Black Special Wishes stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Smoky Slate and Recollections Black.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.

I've crafted a version of this card many times because I just love this printed paper.  It's allows me to use a favourite pink/grey/black colour combination that always works.  This collage style of paper is also quite appealing.  The card doesn't need a lot of extras but I do really like the flat bow that anchors the sentiment panel.  It's another wonderful result!

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

Gisèle

Oh Canada!

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a patriotic birthday card.

The card base is of unknown origin.  The printed paper is also of unknown origin layered on a red, black and white Recollections.  The sentiment is Gina K Follow Your Dreams stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more red and black.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Heartfelt Travel jewels.

I just had to craft a birthday card with this paper.  I'm hoping that at least one resident has a July 1st birthday!  With just two colours in the printed paper, choosing a card base and layering colours was limited.  I love how the black layers make everything else pop!  I wanted a bit of a more bold sentiment and this one from Gina K really suits.  It's a great result!

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

Gisèle

Fabulously Fun

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another really fun 'birthday' card.

The card base is of unknown origin.  The printed paper is also of unknown origin layered on a blue Recollections.  The sentiment is Stampendous Graceful Birthday stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more blue Recollections.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

This was such fun paper I just had to use it for a card.  I think it's more a vacation or travel paper but the images are so fun I thought it would make a rather jolly birthday card.  There were lots of choices for coordinating colours and I love the light blue layers.  Another angled sentiment but this was purposefully placed to have the flamingo looking over the sentiment panel which just adds to the whimsy.

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

Gisèle

All A Shimmer

Hello everyone,

Today's post is very pretty 'birthday' card.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla Linen Texture.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a pearlized pink and a shimmery copper both also of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Industrial Diamond on an ivory of unknown origin and layered on more pearlized pink and shimmery copper.  The sentiment is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

Every now and again I come across a piece of paper that turns into the most beautiful card and this is one of those.  There are hints of shimmer throughout this paper.  I love all the images and the colours are so soft and pretty.  The shimmery pink and copper layers coordinate wonderfully.  I didn't add any embellishments because the different elements are lovely all on their own.  I had a hard time not keeping this card for myself.

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

Gisèle

Funky Floral Wishes

Hello everyone,

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

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is PhotoPlay Be Loyal layered on a green Bazzill and Close To My Heart Blush.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Altenew Industrial Diamond on an ivory of unknown origin and layered on more green Bazzill and Blush.  The embellishments are The Paper Company Flowers and Frills Jewels and Queen & Company Snowflake Rhinestones.

This is not the type of floral paper to which I'm normally drawn but it is such a fun piece of paper I just couldn't resist using it for a card.  It was pretty easy to find coordinating solid colours and I didn't have to worry about trimming.  The flowers were great for adding a variety of gems, allowing me to use up some leftover packages of embellishments.

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

Gisèle

Birthday Balloons

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a really fun 'birthday' card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is Paper Adventures Rainbow Balloons layered on Stampin’ Up Lemon Lime Twist.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up Birthday Blossoms stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Lemon Lime Twist.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

Birthday's and balloons automatically go together so when I came across this glittery paper I knew I'd use it to make a couple of cards.  The colours are wonderful and it was pretty easy to trim the paper to work for a card.  I love the angled sentiment!  I chose pink gems for embellishments but really could have used any colour.

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

Gisèle

Another Simple Floral

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely floral 'birthday' card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin’ Up Soft Suede.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up Birthday Blossoms stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Soft Suede.  The embellishments are pearls of unknown origin.

This is another great piece of printed paper with great colours and perfect scale.  I love the Soft Suede with the pink and the row of pearls is lovely.  This is one of those papers which remind me of a vintage apron. The layout is very straightforward and one I've used often.

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

Gisèle

A Simple Floral

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 Stampin’ Up Mossy Meadow.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up Birthday Blossoms stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Mossy Meadow.  The embellishments are Recollections Rhinestones.

This is another lovely piece of printed paper.  The images are the perfect scale for a card and the colours were easy to coordinated.  I love the angled sentiment but wish I was more consistent with the centering.  A great result none-the-less.

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

Gisèle

Through the Grapevine

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is another great neutral 'birthday' card.

The card base is The Paper Studio.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections Black.  The sentiment is Serendipity stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are Pebbles Black Candy Dots.

This was the perfect piece of paper on which to stamp the sentiment.   Not only do I always love the results but it makes for a really quick and easy card.  I'm even quite happy with the placement of the embellishments!

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

Gisèle

Sweet Birdie Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another rather fun 'birthday' card.

The card base is Recollections Black.  The printed paper is Trinity Paper Arts Sincerely layered on a white and a deep red both of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more deep red.  The embellishments are Queen & Company Marble Rox.

I'm dating myself but these birds remind me of the 'Partridge Family'!  I love how there are smaller birds nestled into the tails of the larger birds!  This paper was actually a sheet of 12X12 but I trimmed it to showcase the birds.  I love the colours which are perfect for this neutral card and really pop against the black card base.  Whenever I use a dark card base, I add a white panel on the inside for writing space because I don't assume the residence will have a white or silver pen.  I think it also make it easier for the residents to read.  It's a fantastic result!

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

Gisèle

In Black and Grey

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a pretty and neutral 'birthday' card.

The card base is Recollections Black.  The printed paper is Momenta layered on a white of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up It’s Your Birthday stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

I know many will think a black/white/grey 'birthday' card is not necessarily appropriate but I do love the sophistication of this colour combination.  Obviously the angled sentiment was placed so as not to hide any more of the images than necessary.  It is wonderfully balanced.  The flowers have the perfect centers for placing gems which adds just a hint of sparkle.  It's a fantastic result!

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

Gisèle

Dotted Wishes

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is a fun, floral 'birthday' card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a green Bazzill and Stampin’ Up Wisteria Wonder.  The green layer was textured with Cuttlebug’s Swiss Dots embossing folder.  The sentiment is Hero Arts – Small Greetings stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more green Bazzill and Wisteria Wonder.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

This is another scrap where I only had enough for a layered strip.  The flowers are in a rather funky style and have great colours for coordinating.  I chose Wisteria Wonder because it's not a solid I use all that often because I'm not a huge fan.  I prefer a deep, rich purple!  The white dots inspired using the Swiss Dots embossing folder.  It coordinates wonderfully with the printed paper.  The sentiment has a simple font which I think works great with the style of the images.

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

Gisèle

Fall Tree Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very neutral 'birthday' card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin’ Up River Rock and Soft Suede.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Happy Birthday stamped in Soft Suede on an ivory of unknown origin and layered on more River Rock and Soft Suede.

I had just a little strip of this paper but managed to make is work for this great, neutral card.  I just love the subtle colours and think the River Rock and Soft Suede layers work perfectly to highlight the printed paper.  I'm really loving adhering the sentiment on an angle!  I think by not layering the sentiment panel it just adds to the simplicity of the overall effect.  This card could easily be turned into a 'sympathy' or 'thinking of you' card with a simple change of sentiment.

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

Gisèle

By the Numbers

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 Stampin’ Up Crushed Curry and Ridinghood Red.  The sentiment is Stampin’ Up Tin of Cards stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on and ivory of unknown origin and layered on more Crushed Curry and Ridinghood Red.

Normally I'd leave this printed paper for a kid's birthday card but I figured some of the seniors are probably 'kids at heart' so it is completely appropriate.  This paper was just too fun to not use.  I love all the different colours which, as always, makes coordination a lot easier.  I was inspired to use different colour gem embellishments.  This is a layout I've used in the past and just love the results.  

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

Gisèle