Grace in the Garden

Well, my crafty friends, it’s another Monday in “quarantine.” I have to say, I’m kind of enjoying this “social distancing.” I think maybe I’m enjoying it a little too much, because I totally forgot to write and schedule my blog yesterday. On the other hand, I did create a lot of cards and other projects and have a huge stack of mail to go out today.

While I was home over the weekend, I created this card for a swap.

There’s just something peaceful and calming about a garden. My parents have the most beautiful flower gardens and lawn. I did not inherit those genes. Perhaps I’m adopted, because I’m the only member of our family (on both sides) that can’t garden. I had a beautiful houseplant that I kept alive for over a year. Then one of the cats decided to make it her personal hiding spot. Apparently the plant didn’t enjoy that, because it shriveled and died.

I do love creating paper flowers and coloring images of flowers, though, which is why I love the Grace’s Garden Stamp Set from the Stampin’ Up!® January-June Mini Catalog. I stamped and colored the flowers and cat images using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and Stampin’ Blends. Next, I die-cut the gate and arch from Whisper White Cardstock, and die-cut the stamped flowers and cat, using the Garden Gateway Dies that coordinate with Grace’s Garden. If you bundle the stamps and dies through June 2, 2020, you will save 10%.

There’s another die that cuts a piece behind the arched gateway. I used that with Whisper White Cardstock, then stamped some flowering trees from the My Meadow Stamp Set using Early Espresso, Melon Mambo, and Flirty Flamingo Classic Ink. Last, I sponged Balmy Blue and Granny Apple Green over the die-cut panel.

I decided to use Seaside Spray for my card base. I cut a 3-1/4″ x 4-1/2″ piece of Seaside Spray Cardstock and embossed it with the Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder. I added the sponged background to the center of the embossed layer.

Grace’s Garden needed a Grace, so I stamped the lady with umbrella from the Beautiful You Stamp Set (still one of my favorites in the Annual Catalog!) in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and colored with Daffodil Delight, Lovely Lipstick, and Petal Pink Stampin’ Blends. I fussy cut her (yes, I did use scissors to cut!) then added her to the garden with Stampin’ Dimensioanls. Finally, I added the embossed layer to the card base, then added the die-cut cat and flowers with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I didn’t want to add a sentiment to the front, so right now, it’s just a note card. I showed a photo of this to Mom and she thinks it would make a beautiful Mother’s Day card. My mom is not at all subtle about dropping hints. I’ll probably change the “Grace” image to the lady in the hat, though. I think that would be more happy that a rainy, cloudy day card.

I hope you’re staying well and staying home, if you can. I know there are some jobs that are essential, so employees have to work – and I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart! I know it can be difficult to be quarantined – especially if you’re not an introvert or craftaholic – but it won’t be forever if we all work together! I’m working on online classes and meetings where we can be together emotionally while staying physically distant. And, of course, this is a great time to send cards to friends and family you can’t visit with in person. I think I have about 30 cards going out today! And that’s after eight on Friday. (Did I mention I’m enjoying the quarantine?)

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

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