Today I will share my thoughts and my projects using Stampin’ Up!’s Positive Thoughts Stamp Set, and from the Coordination Product Release, the Nature’s Thoughts Dies.
Let’s start with the stamps. The Positive Thoughts Stamp Set is new in the January-June Mini Catalog. Because it is not featured as a bundle, this set may have been overlooked in its simplicity.
Positive Thoughts Stamp Set
This stamp set has plenty of natural attributes, from the butterfly and feather to the flower and leaves. Any of these make great background images in your stamped projects, or work well as a stand alone item.
Additionally, the sentiments are exceptionally unique. I believe they are perfect for occasions when you need to offer get well wishes, thinking of you, or sending supportive thoughts to someone you care about.
Nature’s Thoughts Dies
The Coordination Product Release, Nature’s Thoughts Dies, allow you to easily cut out the 4 main images of the stamp set. Even better, you have the ability to die cut detailed accent pieces to correspond.
I love the large rectangle with its whimsical detailed stitched effect. It is the perfect compliment to any project- a real workhorse in the craft room. You will find yourself reaching for this particular die quite often.
Positive Thoughts Cards
It is easy to create cards when the stamp set has multiple features to it. Stamps can be combined into a single project, or spotlighted separately. Following are my projects and a few “making of” details.
Hugs Prayers Love
I wanted to keep this card from being completely feminine, but not entirely masculine in nature. The grays and greens provide the perfect combination for the die cut leaves and sprigs. I softened this card by the use of Soft Sea Foam (a very pale green) and a white bow.
The rectangle die was used twice in this card, once in Whisper White and a shadow in Basic Gray. I used the Stitched Shapes ovals to create layering for the sentiment, a great way to add shape variety to the mix. The sentiment ‘sending positive thoughts…’ was randomly stamped in soft green on the white rectangle background as a filler to the starkness.
Butterfly Friends
Petal Pink and Pool Party combine to make this soft and sweet color palette. The beautiful Designers Series Paper (DSP) is compliments of Parisian Blossoms from the January-June Mini Catalog. Did you know the DSP is double sided? The patterns in this card are the front and back of the same paper. I also used the Parisian Flourish Embossing Folder on the white cardstock for texture.
I stamped the butterfly image 3 times in Petal Pink and die cut each one. The butterfly accents were die cut in Pool Party. I gave the butterflies and sentiment a lift, with dimensionals underneath. In addition, I used the embellishments Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels and Petal Pink Metallic-Edge Ribbon, both so very pretty.
3 x 3 Mini
Small images and die cuts lend themselves well to small cards. In this 3″ x 3″ card, I heat embossed the feather stamp image in black powder before die cutting. I am a fan of sponging, so ink was liberally applied by sponge to all the features of this card in corresponding colors. Sponging really changes the finished look, so make sure you try it!
My bricks were created using the Brick and Mortar Embossing Folder in Cajun Craze. The antique copper embellishment is one of 3 colors offered in the adhesive backed Designer Elements pack. And the sentiment is found in the stamp set Itty Bitty Greetings, one of 32 optional phrases.
Share the Positivity
Putting positive thoughts, actions and tangible items into the world helps to make it a better place to be. Giving someone a card that lets them know you care is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Cardmakers know there is a lot of love in the details.
If you need any of the items featured in my projects to help you create positively, please visit my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net. For more inspiration, check out my additional post regarding the Coordination Product Release. Most importantly, share the positivity today!