I love designer series paper, but I tend to hoard it. I like to look at it, I like to say, “Oh, this would work with this project!” – but I don’t use it like I should. When I brought all my retired paper to the Open House last week, I knew I had to start using more paper. Or buying less paper. (I’m the same way with ribbon, but that’s another story.)

To help with my paper hoarding addiction, I decided to limit my dsp purchases this year. I bought three sets – Color Me Irresistible, English Garden (used in today’s card), and Timeless Elegance. And the Cherry on Top dsp stack, but that doesn’t count, because it’s 6″ x 6″, and it was during the preorder. And I promised myself I wouldn’t buy any more until this was all gone.

And then my dear friend and fellow demonstrator Christy Tobin made me a Designer Series Paper sampler with all the different designs. So now, of course, I want it all, because, although the catalog photos are beautiful, the paper is much prettier in person than in the catalog. However – I’m determined to use a lot of paper this year.

This design in the English Garden pack reminds me of a stone wall. I picked up three of the colors – Mint Macaron, Night of Navy, and Mossy Meadow – and used Stampin’ Write markers to scribble on a stamp block. I spritzed it with water, stamped on Whisper White card stock and let it dry. Then I stamped the train image from the Traveler set in Soft Suede over the background. It needed something, so I sponged a little ink around the edges. I think it’s mostly Soft Suede, but I think there was a little Hello Honey or Delightful Dijon on the sponge as well. It kind of ages it, though, and makes it look like an old photo.

I wanted to use some new ribbon, but thought the Mint Macaron would be too light and lacy for a Father’s Day card, so I used Tip Top Taupe. When we make this in class, we’ll use burlap, because even the Tip Top Taupe is a little frilly for the men in my life!

The sentiment is from “And Many More,” and I used the Word Window and Washi Label punches with more Soft Suede ink and Whisper White and Mossy Meadow card stock. The image and sentiment layers are popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals.

So there you are – a quick and easy card for anyone. If you already have your Father’s Day needs taken care of, you can use this as a birthday, retirement, or “bon voyage” card.

Thanks for stopping by Stamping with Buffy. Have a wonderful day!