Broccoli or Ice Cream

One of the really fun things about stamping for me is to find ways to use images that might be different than what the designer first envisioned.  Anything that stretches my collection seems like a good idea to me . . .

The bunches of broccoli images on this card are actually trees!  The coloring was concentrated in various areas and enhanced with a few added pen squiggles to suggest broccoli florets.  The original image is pretty much an outline of a fully leafed tree - the designer left most of the interior open because she thought it would be great to use it for clouds.  She was right!  But I needed broccoli for this card, so that's what it became.

As with anything artistic, learning how to really see is part of the process of growing your talent.  I'm still working very hard on that aspect of design . . .

Cardstock:  Bazzill Raven, Premier #100 Bristol Smooth White      

Stamps:       Rubber Baby Tree, Stampin Up Itty Bitty Backgrounds,

                     Purple Daisy Sand

Inks:             ColorBox Black, Hero Black, Distress Iced Spruce,

                     Mowed Lawn, Pine Needles

Emb Pwdr:  Judikins Detail Black

Dies:            Goodculler Stitched Rectangles               

Doo Dads:   Inkssentials Enamel Accents Black        

Thank You

Another rescue from my stash . . .

There's just something about that bird with his star that really grabs me.  In addition to Christmas, I think he's usable on many occasions.  It would be great for an encouragement card, such as for a student in a school play, or anyone stepping up to a new job . . .

Cardstock:           Bazzill Raven, Generic scraps Dull Silver, Kraft

Stamps:                River City Crow with Star, Hero Thanks Galore Set,

                              Stamp a Mania Line Background

Inks:                      ColorBox Black, Silver

Emb Powder:        Ranger Silver

Doo Dads:             Black and Silver fibers, Silver feather charms,

                               Deckled scissors

Thanks a Bunch

A wonderfully patterned commercial gift bag inspired the layout on my Christmas Thank You note cards . . .

The layout was a good way to use up some scraps that had been moldering in my Scrap Stash for too long.  I used two different colors for the card base, just to enjoy a little variety.  I think the black background worked the best . . .

Cardstock:   Bazzill Raven, White, assorted embossed scraps from

                     my Scrap Stash      

Stamps:       Judikins Bead Curtain Background, Elizabeth Craft

                     Banner Sentiments

Inks:             ColorBox Gold

Emb Pwdr:   Ranger Gold, Judikins Detail Black

Dies:            Penny Black Modern Christmas Tree, Cheery Lynn

                     Christmas Knick Knacks, Elizabeth Craft Banners                      

Doo Dads:    Elizabeth Craft Stickers Gold        

The House

In our recent local Mayoral election, I campaigned for a friend I’ve known for thirty seven years.  Happily, he won!  As a devout believer, I knew he would appreciate some Biblical wisdom to add light to his new journey . . .

The inside message reads, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans.”  Howard has a lot to do in order to get our town back on track . . . God’s word will undoubtedly help him to do just that.

Cardstock:   Bazzill Light Grey, Strathmore Ultimate White, various 

                      scraps           

Text:             Typed

Dies:            Neat & Tangled Warm Winter Scene                  

Doo Dads:    Inkssentials Enamel Accents White        

With Sympathy

Way too many uses for condolence cards lately . . .

Jack, my friend of 37 years, made a profound difference in the lives of everyone he knew - mine included.  Along with his family, he helped people get their troubled lives back on track and turn despair into hope.  He will be missed for decades to come.

Memory Eternal . . .

Cardstock:   Bazzill Kachina, Stedner Bright White    

Stamps:       Clearly Wordsworth Comfort Collection: “With Sympathy”,

                     Stampendous Encouraging Words: Leaf Spray

Inks:             Distress Brushed Corduroy, Walnut Stain

Colorants:    Bister Die Powders Blue, Green

Dies:            Marianne Design Flower and Leaves, Arich Rounded

                     Corners Stitched Rectangles                

Doo Dads:    Glitter Ritz White     

Something Beautiful Remains

This card features one of my favorite sentiments to use on a sympathy card . . .

It reads:

The tide recedes but leaves behind

bright sea shells on the sand.

The sun goes down but gentle

warmth still lingers on the land.

The music stops and yet it

echoes on in sweet refrain.

For every joy that passes

something beautiful remains . . .

Wally was a Flight Service Manger on TWA and as a Flight Attendant, I was privileged to fly with him on numerous occasions which were always fun and memorable.  As we airline folks say, Wally has Flown West now . . . rest in sweet peace, my friend.

Cardstock:   Neenah Desert Storm, Generic White    

Stamps:       Brutus & Monroe Watercolor Background, Technique

                     Junkies Something Beautiful Remains, Sweet ‘n Sassy

                     Decorative Frame Toppers

Inks:             Distress Scattered Straw, Weathered Wood, Bundled

                     Sage, Hero Black, VersaMark

Emb Pwdr:   Seth Apter Dirty Sand

Dies:            Lawn Cuts Just Stitching Double Rectangles, The Stamp

                     Doctor A2 Card Layers #1                   

Emb Fldr:     Stampin’ Up Fancy Fan

Doo Dads:    Delta Paint Jewels Liquid Lead Gold      

Thanks!

Back to some more machine stitching . . .

 . . . so simple, quick, and easy - especially if you don't stress over straight lines and allow the stitching to be a little wonky!  More fun, less agida . . .

Cardstock:            Marcos Jute, Generic Black, assorted handmade

                                papers

Stamps:                 Stampin' Up Thanks

Inks:                       ColorBox Black

Emb Pwdr:             Judikins Detail Black

Punches:                Punch Bunch Flower                              

Doo Dads:              Pearl button, Black satin ribbon, machine stitching