Very Simply Susan

While I was very lucky to get this set at On Stage, I have to admit I was in a bit of a conundrum as to what to do with it.  I don’t usually choose the really detailed dies.  But I had signed up for a swap and I had to figure out a design with this set!  And I loved the Congratulations sentiment in the stamp, so that was my inspiration.

I started with Blushing Bride on the design, but I just wasn’t “feeling it”.  Somehow, I decided a “purple and turqoise” color combo would be an interesting look with a die this detailed.  After a couple of experiments, I ended up with the Sky Blue and Sweet Sugarplum combination you see because it picked up all the colors in the DSP.

Since the So Detailed thinly dies really speak “dainty”, this color combination along with butterflies seem to work the best.  I love, love love the Ballin In Love DSP in this suite and the butterfly design stood out as working well with the lacy design in the die cutout.  The actual butterflies were an afterthought, But I like how they added a playful look to the card.  A nice bow and some pearls and you have a very dainty, pretty card for all sorts of celebrations!

Recipe

Papers: Falling In Love DSP, Soft Sky, Sweet Sugarplum, Blushing Bride
Stamps: So In Love, Papillon Potpurri
Embellishments: Very Vanilla 1/4″ Satin Ribbon, Pearl Basic Jewels
Tools: So Detailed Thinlits Dies, Bitty Butterfly Punch

Yes indeed, I created this bee card with the new Dragonfly Dreams featured in the new Occasions!  The dragonfly is  getting all the attention, but I think the bee in this set is spectacular! I had some cards to create for an organized swap and I really wanted to come up with something using this bee stamp.  Looking through the  Inside the Lines DSP, which you can get FREE with Sale-A-Bration,  I saw the floral design with the bee and an idea was born!

Because this is a swap, I try to use colors I have plenty of and So Saffron happened to be one of those.  I like bright, but sometimes it is nice to be a little more subtle and the pale color of the So Saffron made a perfect backdrop for the bee stamp and the DSP.  I colored in only a few places on the DSP…just enough to draw interest to the paper.  I chose Basic Black as the layering color because it popped the bee and the DSP so well.  And black with yellow is a classic color combination.

The Inside the Lines DSP has 4 different designs in the pack.  You get 3 of each design. It is beautiful for coloring, using as a background or even scrapbooking!

Recipe

Papers: Whisper White, So Saffron, Basic Black
Stamps: Dragonfly Dreams
Embellishments: Black Baker’s Twine

Winter is coming this week!  And I pulled out Totally Trees to make this chilly looking card thinking about it.  We have been really lucky in that temperatures have been mild to even warm at times over the holidays.  But that all changes later this week as we dip into the teens and 20’s for a few days.  And maybe a little snow too!

This card was made for the Global Design Project #GDP067 challenge with the theme”trees”.  It was a 2 week challenge due to the holidays and I totally forgot to enter this card!  Oh well, I made it during the holidays and forgot to post it!  But there were some fantastic winners.  If you would like to see those, click HERE!

The card uses several retired items, so this is something I made just to have fun.  I had the idea I wanted a “Hello January” card and was sure I could find stamps in my stash to make it.  The card conveys exactly the feelings I have thinking about January!

Recipe

Papers: Basic Black, Marina Mist, Smoky Slate, Whisper White
Stamps: Totally Trees, Happy Scenes, Thoughtful Banners, Perpetual Birthday Calendar
Tools: Circle Punches, Whisper White Craft Ink and Sponge Daubers.