There are times when I like the matching die sets more than I do the stamp set. The Dandy Wishes dies I used in this card are one of these times! I had a Demonstrator swap due and the theme was Sympathy cards. I wanted something cheery but simple. The graphics in these patterns from the Dandy Garden DSP really caught my eye the first time I looked at this paper set. I always think there is a lot of potential with monochromatic graphic paper designs.

By using the two patterns in the paper and piecing them, I was able to make enough cards the swap required with a 6″ x 6″ DSP paper stack. I simply cut the paper to the width I needed and cut each of those pieces in half and then pieced them to make the background. The ribbon hides the seam, mostly!

All the contrast for this tone on tone paper is provided by the ribbon trim, the die cuts and a layer behind the sentiment. Using a “dark-light” combination makes the contrast dramatic and eye-catching. A couple of enamel dots and the card was done! It’s understated enough for a sympathy card with just enough whimsy to make the recipient feel a little cheer.

What I Used To Make This Card:

If you like to craft with kids, you don’t want to miss this one! 

Here’s a card I made for Valentine’s Day and never got around to posting. But I don’t think it is exclusively a Valentine’s Day card. Just something a little flirty when you feel like sending someone a little wink!

I wanted to try some of the gold leafing technique, which is oh so cool and easy to do. With just some Heat & Stick emboss powder and the new Gilded Leafing flakes, it is such an easy touch to elevate the look of your cards. I have worked with gold leafing a lot in the past and I have to say the Stampin’ Up! gold leafing is great.

In fact, the gold leafing is so easy, I decided to try gold leafing one of the Silver Heart Charms. I think it came out great. I then added a the punch out lips from the Heart & Kisses set. It was mounted on one of those spring pop mounts everyone is so crazy about.  It makes a nice little touch.

If you like lots of shine and gold accents in a card, you just have to try gold leafing! It really does up your card making game! And sending a little flirt now and then to someone is a good thing too!

What I Used For This Card: 

How do I love thee Flower & Field DSP? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth of Bumblebee, Cherry Cobbler and Granny Apple Green.

With you, my imagination can reach when feeling out of ideas for the longest time. 

I love thee at  every day’s most quiet need to create a nice card. 

I love thee freely tho I have more DSP than I can count. 

I love thee with a passion because you look lovely on so much.

In my grief, when you are retired at the end of Sale-A-Bration, 

I shall but love thee even better.

Of course, I am being a bit silly here. But I really do love this Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper! Anytime I see bright colors on a black background, it has my attention. And the floral designs are just scrumptious!

This card started with the Flower & Field pattern paper. I loved the possibilities with the Cherry Cobbler and the Granny Apple Green with a little Bumblebee thrown in.  And I knew it would make a card that was colorful and vibrant.

And, I wanted to make a Valentine’s Day card using things I had on hand. Because January is always a month I have a hard time finding time to stamp, I don’t always invest in a lot of Valentine’s themed stamps. Plus I usually only need a couple of Valentine’s Cards. I wish I needed many more, but honestly I am not that kind of girl.

Just kidding! If I had more time in January to stamp, I would send everyone a card. Who doesn’t deserve a card for Valentines’ Day? Not to mention making gifts and decorating your house with all the gorgeous things in the new mini catalog!

This was a fun card to make and I liked the challenge of using what I had on hand! But I did sneak in an order for a few new things!  After all, a girl’s gotta have options, right?

What I Used To Make This Card: