Very Simply Susan

Today’s card is a big, bold nautical look for my brother’s 60th birthday. He is the second of the three of us to turn 60(I am not saying who was first).  And of course, with such a big milestone, you have to do a special card with a decorated envelope!   I am not sure he will notice it much, but his wife will be thrilled to get it!

I couldn’t resist doing nautical as my family are all Floridians. And lucky for me, this week’s Global Design Project is a Theme Project for Nautical!  How lucky was that?  I used the Seaside Shore set and some By The Shore DSP.  This suite offers beautiful colors and lots of great DSP for masculine cards. You really must jump over to Global Design Project #GDP047 and see what everyone else has created.  It will inspire you to do more nautical!  And a bonus this week, Kylie Bertucci has a most excellent video on how to participate in the Global Design Project challenges if you don’t have a blog! Be sure to watch it.

The Number of Years stamp set and matching framelits is the centerpiece of this card and the celebration. Since this set is in the Artistic Expression suite, you might think it is only for dainty cards with flowers. This card shows you can use it on a masculine card just by choosing a tailored looking DSP and a more masculine color palette.  I was very surprised myself. I had decided to try it out and loved the results!  The little fish coming out of the “6” is cut from the DSP. It was a much better size than the stamped image for this position.  And I liked the way it balanced the banner on the “0”.

The background behind the 60 was inspired by Brian King’s post today! I had all the parts sitting on my desk trying to figure out a background for the “60”. I saw his post and didn’t even remember seeing that design in the DSP Set.  It looks just like a watery background and was perfect!  Problem solved.  That was all I needed to finish the card up. So amazing how much we miss!  But, everything in this year’s Stampin’ Up catalog is beyond beautiful, so, this is a delightful problem to have!

Recipe

Papers: By The Shore DSP, Calypso Coral, Dapper Denim, Very Vanilla
Stamps: Seaside Shore, Number of Years
Tools: Large Number Framelits, Envelope Liner Framelit(retired), Big Shot

I’ve had the Moroccan Nights set since On Stage in April and it was one of the free sets we got!  I  finally came up with a design using this set that I am happy with.  The set has a unique look to it and you really have to think outside the box to use it. Usually, I love images with a Moorish look to them, but this one was a challenge for me.  So, I just sat down with some of the matching DSP and came up with this card design.

For me, adding the Gold Sequin trim with some Gold Metallic Thread was what tied it all together.  I also added a Rhinestone to the star in the one lamp as well as taking some of the Gold Sequins from the trim and scattering a few.  The bling really makes the card pop.  I wish I could have gotten it to photograph better!  I love the Moroccan DSP and will be trying out a few more ideas for “autumn” type cards.

Recipe

Papers: Moroccan DSP, Early Expresso, Cajun Craze
Stamps: Moroccan Nights
Embellishments: Basic Rhinestones, Delightful Dijon 5/8″ Striped Ribbon, Gold Sequin Trim