Blooming in Heather & Grapefruit

One of my challenges these days is a lot of my stampers are very advanced. Some have been stamping longer than I have. But there are also a few who are brand new to Stampin’ Up!® products and paper crafting. They want to attend classes with their friends, but they also need simple cards to start with. So my challenge is to design cards that are new stamper friendly as well as technical enough to keep more advanced stampers happy. We also make five cards, and no one wants to hang around all day long making labor intensive cards, no matter how much they enjoy the company and the craft!

I think these two cards will please everyone. New stampers love using the Big Shot at events. Die-cutting and embossing really step up a card!

Here are two options for cards for events this month.

Originally, I had planned the Highland Heather card, but I had a few last minute RSVPs and I forgot I had given away some of my Gingham Gala Designer Series Paper (DSP) so didn’t have enough for everyone. I quickly created the same card but in Grapefruit Grove, so class attendees can have a choice.

Details

First, die cut the rectangles using the Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies. I diecut a Whisper White rectangle, then layered two framelits to create a frame from Highland Heather Cardstock. When I started cutting paper for class, I decided I needed to take an easier route for everyone. It was easier for me to cut two rectangles – one Whisper White and one either Highland Heather or Grapefruit Grove – and layer them (no frame). It will be much easier for the class members to put them together, because they don’t have to cut dimensionals – even the mini ones – to fit under the frame. So in the end, I think everyone will be happier.

The Rectangle Stitched Framelits are part of a Stampin’ Up!® Occasions Catalog Bundle – Amazing Life. You can purchase them separately, or bundle the stamp set and framelits for a 10% savings. Purchasing the bundle will qualify you for a free Sale-a-bration Level 1 product as well. We’re using the stamp set in another project this week, so my classes will get to use the entire bundle and see how versatile it is.

After you have your rectangles cut, it’s time to stamp! Before you put ink on anything, place the larger petals from the Stampin’ Up!® Occasions Catalog Stamp Set, Bloom By Bloom on the Whisper White Rectangle. Placement is key, because if you stamp it too centered, you won’t have room for your stem or sentiment. So you want it close to the left side, and up a bit. If part of the flower is off the paper, it’s ok. Check to make sure you will have enough room for the sentiment you choose.

Now that you have an idea of where the stamp will be, ink the smaller petal stamp with either Calypso Coral or Gorgeous Grape (depending on which card you’re making). I like to stamp the darker color first, because it’s easier for me to line them up.

Next, ink the larger stamp in Grapefruit Grove or Highland Heather and stamp over the smaller image. Add your stem. The Grapefruit card has a Call Me Coral stem and leaves; the Heather card has Pear Pizzazz leaves and stem.

The Bloom By Bloom Stamp Set can also be bundled with the Bitty Blooms Punch Pack. This pack is four little flower punches that also coordinate with the Happiness Blooms DSP. You can punch flowers from the DSP or from cardstock and add as embellishments to your project. One punch is a builder punch with a flower center and leaf shape.

The final step for the rectangle is to add the sentiment. I used a sentiment from Itty Bitty Greetings in Grapefruit Grove, and on the Heather card, a sentiment from Floral Frames in Highland Heather. Layer this to the appropriate color rectangle and set aside for a minute.

Stamp the large floral spray from Beauty Abounds along the edge of the card front in the same color as the card base (Highland Heather or Grapefruit Grove). Beauty Abounds is another very versatile stamp set, and the Beauty Abounds Bundle will qualify you for another Sale-a-bration Level 1 item as well as a 10% discount on the bundled products. If you also purchase the Amazing Life Bundle (or any $50 in product), you will be able to select a Level 2 item instead, if you choose.

Next, add a 2″ x 5-1/4″ strip of Gingham Gala DSP to the side of the card as shown. Layer the stamped layers using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I love the Gingham Gala DSP. It gives the card a little something extra without being too bold and overwhelming. Here’s one more look at the cards.

I may go back and add a few embellishments to the card, but even without them, I think they’re so fresh and springlike. I think our weather is following my card making. Our temperatures are going to be back in the 40’s tomorrow. 6 degrees was a shock to this southern girl! I’m happy it will be back about freezing this week.

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

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