Pretty Circles

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely pair of 'birthday' cards.

The card bases are The Paper Studio and Recollections Vanilla Linen Texture.  The printed paper is My Mind’s Eye “Deena’s Penny Lane” Graceful Circles layered on Close To My Heart Baby Pink and Stampin’ Up Certainly Celery.  The sentiments are Flonz Happy Birthday stamped in Stampin’ Up Early Espresso on Very Vanilla and layered on more Baby Pink and Certainly Celery.  The cards are highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Stickers.

This is some more very pretty paper.  I love all the paler pinks, blues and greens, which made coordinating solids really easy.  This set of Flonz sentiments is fantastic as there are a lot of options from which to choose and they're a great size for cards.  I love the bits of glitter from the rhinestone stickers!  More great results!

I hope you enjoy these cards and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Thoughts of Butterflies

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a lovely 'thinking of you' card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Baja Breeze.  The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Vanity Fair layered on Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The sentiment is Penny Black Banner Sentiments stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more Early Espresso.  The embellishment is a ZVA Creative self-adhesive crystal.

I've realized that just because a card may use a favoured layout, it looks entirely different depending upon the elements used.  I really love this butterfly paper.  The images are the perfect scale for cards and the different colours offer a variety of coordination options.  I love the flowing sentiment as it reminded me of the flight of a butterfly so seemed eminently suitable for this great card.

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

Gisèle

Chevron Thanks

 Hello everyone,

Today's post is a great 'thank you' card.

The card base is Recollections Grey.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Best Year Ever layered on Stampin' Up Crushed Curry and Coastal Cabana.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Another Thank You stamped in Altenew Lava Rock on Recollections White and layered on more Crushed Curry.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye "I'm With" and "Oliver", and Echo Park "Have Faith" enamel dots.

A friend has commissioned 25 thank you cards for his clients so I've been quite busy over the holidays.  For the most part, this 'thank you' series is pretty neutral as they could be sent to either male or female clients.  I had a lot fun with a variety of simple and straightforward layouts.  I also really enjoyed dusting off the 'thank you' stamps in my stash.

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

Gisèle

Thank You Tree

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another commissioned 'thank you' card.

The card base is Stampin' up Baked Brown Sugar.  The printed paper is Close To My Heart Olivia layered on more Baked Brown Sugar and a dark brown Bazzill.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Tree stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections Vanilla and layered on more dark brown Bazzill.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Sleight Bells Rings wood dots.

This was another piece of printed paper that I wasn't too sure about.  It's a little on the dark side and very green.  What did appeal to me, and I think saves this as an autumn card, is the stylistic leaves and seeds.  I love the wood dots and think they work great with the sentiment/image.  The sentiment/image is a favourite of mine for thank you cards.

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

Gisèle

Warm Blooms

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another lovely 'sympathy' card.

The card base is Momenta Textured Cardstock.  The image is Hero Arts Tall Flower stamped in Tombow 126, 905, 933 and 985 on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla and is layered on Quickutz Tropical Quick Stripz and more Very Vanilla.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Say It All stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye My Girl enamel dots.

I love this warm sympathy card.  It's very simple and usually takes marker easily but this image took three attempts.  No matter, it was worth it.  I intended to place the sentiment on an angle but decided to keep it horizontal so it wouldn't cover the three little berries.  This is a great result!

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

Gisèle

Yellow Gingham

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a very striking birthday card.

The card base is Recollections White.  The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections Black.  The sentiment is cut from more Recollections Black with an Impression Obsession die.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Remarkable "Handsome" enamel dots.

I've always found using yellow a challenge but I couldn't resist this lovely gingham paper.  I love the slight reveal of black, along with the bold font sentiment also in black.  I debated using yellow banners but doubted I could find a good colour match.  The black banners work just fine.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

More Christmas Critters

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas In July post is a great masculine French card.

The card base is Stampin' Up Early Espresso.  The printed paper is of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Bonnidée C'est Noël stamped in Early Espresso on an ivory of unknown origin and layered on Bazzill Red Devil.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Sleigh Bells Ring wood dots affixed to mini Bazzill Red Devil banners.

This is the perfect masculine Christmas paper.  I love these critter silhouettes!  This piece of scrap was perfect for a vertical card which allowed for this slightly larger vertical sentiment.  French one on top of that!  There is just enough red in the printed paper to coordinate with bits of red.  The wooden embellishments work perfectly with the wood grain background on the printed paper.  A wonderful result!

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

Gis:le

Shimmer For You

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a simple all purpose card.

The card base is Recollections Vanilla.  The image is Stampin' Up Dandelion Wishes stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Lightening Black on more Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Greeting also stamped in Lightening Black.  The image/sentiment panel is layered on a shimmery gold of unknown origin, Recollections Vanilla and My Mind's Eye Cowboy.  The card is highlighted with Mercury Glass Stickles.

I didn't have any particular purpose in mind for this card, I was just experimenting with the image which I'd borrowed from a girlfriend and my stash of Tuskineko cat's eye inks.  The photo doesn't do the card justice as there is a hint of shimmer throughout.  For a very neutral colour palette, it's a card with a lot of depth and interest.  I'm very pleased with the result.

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

Gisèle

Cattail Wishes

Good morning everyone,

Today's post is another lovely natural birthday card.

The card base is Craft Smith.  The image is a stamp of unknown origin stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Recollections Vanilla and coloured with a variety of Stampin' Up watercolour crayons.  The image panel is layered on Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip and Close To My Heart Twilight.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Chocolate Chip.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Remarkable "Handsome" enamel dots.

I really love this card.  As a relatively simple line drawing, I didn't stress about colouring within the lines and I used a wetter brush to spread the colour around.  It's much easier to be pleased with the final results that way.  I also love how the colours ended up quite subtle.  The pleasing pop of blue was somewhat unexpected.  The sentiment is perfect in the design 'sweet spot'.  A great neutral and natural result!

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

Gisèle

Monarch Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's post is another really simple birthday card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a black Bazzill and a yellow of unknown origin.  The sentiment is cut from more Bazzill black with Stampin' Up Sizzix Happy Birthday Thinlits.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Unforgettable "Firsts" enamel dots.

Notwithstanding the butterflies on this paper, this is not one of my favourite cards in this series.  I was drawn to the paper by the butterflies but when it came to actually crafting this card, it was tough.  I didn't have the solid papers for coordinating.  I love the die cut sentiment but the yellow enamel dots are not the greatest.  It's not a bad card, just not my favourite.

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

Gisèle

Gone Fishin'

Hello everyone,

This birthday card post is a really fun masculine card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Close To My Heart Chocolate.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped in Altenew Expresso on Recollections White and layered on more Chocolate.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Unforgettable "Firsts" enamel dots.

This is such fun paper and perfect for a masculine birthday card.  The hints of brown in the rods were inspiration for the layers.  Once again, I played with punches for the sentiment.  I probably could have left off the enamel dots but I felt it needed a little more something, something.

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

Gisèle

Butterflied Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a wonderful butterfly birthday card.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye "Miss Caroline" Dolled Up Day Butterflies layered on a red and a grey Bazzill.  The sentiment is Flonz Happy Birthday stamped in Close To My Heart Tulip on Recollections White and layered on more grey Bazzill.  The embellishment is a butterfly punched glittered and Ranger alcohol inked piece of glossy paper.

I've had this printed paper in my stash for a long time.  It's not my favourite butterfly paper as the rows of images make it a challenge to use on cards.  That said, I love all the colours and patterns.  It's relatively easy to choose coordinating colours and it works with just about anything.  I particularly love it with this kraft paper card base.

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

Gisèle

Frivolously Fun

Hello everyone,

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

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on an orange Bazzill and highlighted with Star Dust Stickles.  The sentiment is Verve stamped in Altenew Autumn Blaze on Recollections White and layered on more orange.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye My Girl enamel dots.

When I chose this paper I figured not all seniors in the residence would enjoy vintage.  There has to be one who would appreciate these sweet flip flops with just a titch of added sparkle!  I could have chosen just about any solid colour with which to coordinate but I think the orange added just that little bit extra level of fun.  The enamel dots also add another bit of fun.

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

Gisèle

Out Of The Woods

Hello everyone,

Today's post is intended to be a more masculine birthday card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Crushed Curry and Old Olive.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Early Espresso on Recollections White and layered on a banner die cut with Sizzix Banners Framelits from Recollections Kraft.  The embellishment is My Mind's Eye Sleigh Bells Ring Wood Dots.

This is great paper for making more masculine/neutral cards.  I used a Kraft paper card base and also for layering because it just the feeling I was trying to evoke.  I wish I had used a bigger banner and maybe instead of using kraft paper I could have used the same green or yellow that was used in the layers.  I think using the wooden dot was inspired.  It's a great result.

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

Gisèle

Simply Serene

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a birthday card I crafted for a girlfriend who loves the outdoors and has had a pretty tough year.

The card base is Stampin' Up Pistachio Pudding.  The printed paper is Stampin' Up Sweet Sorbet layered on a white of unknown origin.  The image panel is Stampin' Up Waterfront stamped on more white of unknown origin with Altenew Sand Dunes, Evening Gray, Frayed Leaf and Sunkissed, and Stampin' Up Bordering Blue.  The sentiment is Gina Marie All Seasons stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye 'Lost & Found' Oliver enamel dots.

Ikat prints have been growing on my for the past few years.  Though from the same designer series as the previous two cards, this print is remarkably different.  I though it would be a good background for the serene image I'd intended.  It's not quite as stark in reality as this photo appears.  The colours I used in this card as ones that my girlfriend is drawn too.  She also lives on the water and takes advantage of kayaking on the river whenever she needs some respite.  I really hope this card will keep that serenity going.

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

Gisèle

Meow Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the birthday card I crafted for my brother.

The card base is Stampin' Up So Saffrom.  The printed paper is Photoplay Meow Mix layered on Recollections Black.  The sentiment is cut with Altenew Halftone Happy die from a white of unknown origin and stamped with Marina Mist.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye "Lost & Found" Oliver enamel dots.

I always love crafting funny cat cards for my brother.  In this case, I love how the brown cat with the glasses is peeking over the 'happy'.  It actually took me a while to figure out the best placement for the word.  This is a great sheet of paper which works equally well for either masculine or feminine cards.

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

Gisèle

Flourished Goodbye

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a more sophisticated French goodbye card.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Coastal Comfort layered on Stampin' Up Really Rust and More Mustard.  The sentiment is Microsoft Word font layered on Recollections Vanilla and more Really Rust.  The image is Joy Craft Floral Flourishes 6003/0006 die cut from Close To My Heart Lagoon and highlighted with Wink of Stella Clear 999.

I've had this sheet of My Mind's Eye in my stash for years.  It's not the most pretty piece of paper but there is something about it which I find very appealing.  It's got some wonderful fall colours with slight hints of turquoise with glittered petals.  I wanted this card to be somewhat simple because the paper is pretty spectacular on its own.  Once I'd placed the sentiment however I felt it needed just a little something more so I decided to add this flourished butterfly.  I drew it's colour from the hints of turquoise in the flowers petals and it worked surprisingly well.

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

Gisèle 

Interestingly Inked

Hello everyone,

Today's post is a more general purpose card.

The printed paper is My Mind's Eye Vanity Fair layered on Stampin' Up Bravo Burgundy.  The image is Stampin' Up Just Believe stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate, Rust and Thyme on Recollections Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped in more Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate.  The banners were punched from more Bravo Burgundy.  The embellishments are brads of unknown origin.

One great thing about larger commissions such as this is that I have an opportunity to experiment.  I decided to try playing with inking.  The few Tsukineko inks I have are ovals which are easier to play with on these bigger stamps.  I particularly love this image and using only three colours of ink, I think I got a nice variety of colour on the image.  The ink colours don't match the background paper perfectly but it still works just fine.  The Kraft card base makes this card even more interesting.

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

Gisèle

Neutral And Serene

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card is the complete opposite of yesterday's card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up River Rock.  The images are Close To My Heart Brushstrokes stamped in River Rock and Stampin' Up Summer Silhouettes stamped in Altenew Evening Grey.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Die 74-W Greeting Set die cut in Soft Suede.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Unforgettable "Firsts" enamel dots.

I love this card!  It's so wonderfully neutral and utterly serene.  It still uses the layered stamping technique that I love doing so very much.  I picked out this piece of paper in the box of donations expressly because it was perfect for stamping.  I added this this birthday die cut to my stash because I wanted some variety and this set offered some great options.  I had to play with the layout quite a bit to make it pleasing to the eye but the final results are awesome!

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

Gisèle

Celebrated Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's birthday card uses a truly beautiful piece of donated paper.

The printed paper is of unknown origin (likely Graphic 45) layered on a green also of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Avant-Garden stamped in Altenew Jet Black on Recollections Vanilla.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Remarkable "Handsome" Dots.

I love this piece of printed paper.  I don't know the exact brand but it has the style of Graphic 45. I think the corals and pinks are really lovely and just pop against the bright greens.  This layout couldn't be simpler - a couple of layers and a sentiment.  It was done purposely so as not to cover any more of the printed paper than needed.

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

Gisèle