Thinking of You

Every now and then, a cleanout can yield some real treasures.  This is especially true if you’ve collected so much stuff you’ve forgotten half of what’s in your bloated stash . . .

I unearthed a packet of this wonderful card-making set.  The layered rectangular windows were already cut out and the oatmeal insert I stamped on was also included.  The black layer was pre-trimmed to allow the Kraft card base to show.  This was a real time-saver and while this particular kit is no longer available, other pre-cut/layered choices abound.  Meanwhile, I found this five-card pack on sale at the Allentown PA stamp show a few years ago and as I picked up three packs, you’ll be seeing this set again!  I think this design would be especially great for guy cards . . .    

The card base is 5 ¾” square and I’ll be mailing it in a 6x9” envelope in order to avoid the extra postage that is charged for square envelopes.  The postal sorting machines are programmed to deal with rectangular shapes - square shapes evidently drive them crazy, hence the extra charge to cover the mental health issues involved.

Coloring was done with mostly Prismas and plenty of Gamsol to blend and smooth out the pencil strokes.  I am everlastingly grateful to both the inventor of Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits and to the creative genius who introduced it to the stamping world.  Blending and shading are now a cinch instead of a struggle and I have a smile on my face every time I use it!

Cardstock:   The Paper Cut Square Card Overlay Kit with Fossil,

Black Hopsack, Oatmeal cardstocks       

Stamps:       Rubber Moon Summertime: Large Tree with Hills

Inks:             Hero Cup O’ Joe

Colorants:    Prisma Sap Green Light, Kelly Green, Sienna Brown,

Chocolate, Powder Blue, Staedtler Non-photo Blue,

Stabilo #8043

Dies:            Wplus9 Banner Trio, DieVersions Hint of Lime           

Doo Dads:    Gamsol, Candi Dots Choc-a-Mocha