Tutorials And Techniques Archives - PageThe Maine Stamper

Bright Baubles In Pale Papaya

November 24, 2021

In Color: Pale Papaya Part II

I was hoping that the Bright Baubles Stamp Set would come to the rescue. I struggled with great difficulty to create a card with this color combo: Pale Papaya, Merry Merlot, and So Saffron. On the color swatch book, these colors seem to blend quite nicely.

But, as I pulled out the papers and began to design, I just didn’t feel these colors clicking. Merry Merlot is a deep red-wine color, lending itself to Christmas. I wanted Pale Papaya and So Saffron to be gleaming, glowing bright baubles. In the end, I may have come up with the “ugly sweater” of Christmas cards! Let’s see how I got there…

Slimline Card

While I was creating an unusual color-combo Christmas card, I decided to also start with an unusual size card base, the slimline card. To see another slimline card in an unusual Christmas In Color, click here.

To begin, I cut my Basic White Thick Cardstock Base to measure 7 x 8-1/2″ with my Paper Trimmer. If your trimmer doesn’t have an extended arm for measurements, just cut 4″ off the 11″ length of an 8-1/2 x 11″ sheet of cardstock.

Cutting a slimline card base with the Paper Trimmer

After your cardbase is cut to slimline size, score the 7″ width in half, at 3-1/2″. The Paper Trimmer has both a cutting blade (the darker gray color) and a scoring blade (the lighter gray color). Be sure not to confuse the two!

Scoring the slimline card base with the Paper Trimmer

Bright Baubles Stamp Set

The Bright Baubles Stamp Set is an over the top larger than life Christmas ornament set, with 2 different shaped baubles. With a slimline card in mind, I wanted to use both images of the bright baubles. Because I intended to color my baubles in with Stampin’ Blends, I needed a dark Memento Black Ink outline.

Stamparatus to the rescue! Did you know that this amazing tool comes with a foam mat that is needed for photopolymer stamp sets, but removable for cling (red rubber) stamp sets? This is based on the thickness or height of the stamps themselves.

Bright Baubles Stamps on the Stamparatus

After 3-4 ink-ups and stamps using Memento Black Ink, I was able to get the dark outlines I wanted. I love using the Stamparatus when I know I will need to re-stamp an image. This tool makes it effortless to repeat stamp and not worry about lining up my stamp each time, exactly.

Bright Bauble stamped images using the Stamparatus — *** Use extreme caution keeping the 2 included magnets far away from each other. They may shatter if the strong magnetic pull attracts them together. Replacement magnets are sold separately.

Colorful Bright Baubles

Coloring the round bright bauble image with Stampin' Blends

These Bright Baubles are big images, which makes them fun to color. I say this as someone who doesn’t necessarily enjoy coloring. In keeping with my color theme of Pale Papaya, So Saffron and Merry Merlot, I pulled my Stampin’ Blends and got to work. To temper my color palette, I also added a touch of Pool Party and Soft Seafoam.

Coloring the fancy bright bauble image with Stampin' Blends

After I finished coloring in my bright bauble images with my Stampin’ Blends, I used the coordinating die set, Delicate Baubles Dies and my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine to die cut them. Notice that the white surrounding edge of my die cut bauble is larger on one side? My die shifted during the cutting process, so I simply trimmed it a bit with my Paper Snips.

Die cutting the bright bauble images with the Delicate Baubles Dies

Merry & Bright

In order to make my card more merry & bright, I relied on the sentiment stamp from the Bright Baubles Stamp Set. I love to create background paper by stamping a fully inked word image, followed by a stamped off image. And then I continued the process with Merry Merlot Ink… repeatedly!

Creating a background paper with a sentiment stamp from the Bright Baubles Stamp Set

After filling my paper with merry & bright wishes, I added some soft color with my Blending Brushes. I started with So Saffron Ink at the top. As I moved to the bottom, I switched brushes and color, to Pale Papaya Ink.

Colorful Cardstock

With my Basic White Thick Cardstock base, I don’t have to worry about adding an insert to the inside of my card. This also gives me more freedom to add layers to the card front without the worry of additional bulk. I began with a layer of Merry Merlot Cardstock, then added my Merry & Bright stamped and shaded paper over that.

Remember the dies I used to cut my bauble images? I die cut two more in Merry Merlot Cardstock to place behind each bauble. By placing them slightly offset, this creates a shadow for my baubles. I also added a piece of So Saffron Cardstock and Pale Papaya Cardstock behind each bauble as I assembled my card.

Beautiful Bright Baubles

Just like Christmas ornaments, ribbon and embellishments make them incredibly beautiful. I added a bow to the top of each bright bauble, using Pale Papaya Open Weave Ribbon and some Mini Glue Dots to adhere.

Adding ribbon bows to the bright bauble stamped images

There are certainly lots of embellishments to chose from! After careful consideration, I chose the Artistry Blooms Adhesive Backed Sequins. These sequins come in a variety of colors, and the shiny faceted gleam of Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana and Rich Razzleberry blended perfectly. I used my Take Your Pick Tool for easy application.

Adding Atristry Blooms Adhesive Backed Sequins uisng the Take Your Pick Tool.

Ugly Christmas Card?

This card sat on my desk for almost a week, while I pondered its fate. I just wasn’t confident that I had used the color combo to the best of my ability. I worried that I had created…an “ugly sweater” Christmas card! Then, I decided that even if it wasn’t the most glamorous of cards, maybe someone would love it. Or at least laugh with me, as I determine that if there is a place for ugly Christmas sweaters, why not ugly Christmas cards?

During my 2021-2023 In Color tour, I have created many cards. To see another unusual Christmas card color combo, click here. And if I have inspired you to try your hand at a Bright Bauble Christmas card (ugly or pretty), be sure to pick up the Bright Baubles Bundle so that you save 10% automatically. My online store has everything you will need!

My In Color tour will come to a close with just one more card, so stop back in soon to see how this chapter ends…

Shaded Summer In Pale Papaya

November 17, 2021

Finished card in Pale Papaya using the Shaded Summer Stamp Set

In Color: Pale Papaya Part I

As my 2021-2023 In Color tour comes to an end this month, we are turning to the last color, Pale Papaya and the stamp set, Shaded Summer. I have to admit, Pale Papaya is not my favorite color hue. In fact, I struggle with this yellow/orange color that seems to shift tendencies depending on its color partners.

Our first combo with Pale Papaya is Calypso Coral and Basic Gray. Of course, Basic Gray lends some neutral sensibility to this mix. And Calypso Coral actually coordinates well with Pale Papaya! When I put all three colors together, I was very pleasantly surprised.

Shaded Summer

I realize as I make this card and write this blog post that it is November. Summer is long over. But, the color combo of Pale Papaya and Calypso Coral reminds me a little of summer. And Basic Gray is definitely “shade”! So, I just had to pull out my Shaded Summer Stamp Set.

Something else that I used on this card is long over too: the retired, coordinating dies from January-February 2021 Sale-A-Bration, Shaded Summer Dies. If you don’t have these dies, you could fussy cut the flower image from the Shaded Summer Stamp Set using Paper Snips. Another option would be to swap it out for a similar image with a matching die.

Watercolor Flowers

I started first by stamping my floral image from the Shaded Summer Stamp Set, using third generation Crumb Cake Ink on Basic White Cardstock. Not sure what this means? After inking my stamp, I stamped off twice and used the third stamped image. I wanted a very light outline image to work with.

Stamping third generation ink with the Shaded Summer Stamp Set

Next, I grabbed my Watercolor Pencils. I added Calypso Coral to the flowers and Old Olive to the leaves and stems. While coloring, I focused on the outlines and Crumb Cake shaded areas. Notice from my picture that there are plenty of white spaces left un-colored.

Coloring a Shaded Summer Stamp Set image with Watercolor Pencils

You may be wondering why I left so much white space! This is where my Water Painters come in handy. With just the wet brush tip, the watercolor pencil lines are blended and softened beautifully. This artistic wash is simply something that I could not accomplish on my own.

Using Water Painters on the watercolor pencil image

TIP #1: Squeeze some water from the barrel of the Water Painter onto a clear acrylic block and use that water to blend your pencil lines. It is so much easier than squeezing the Water Painter to moisten the brush as you go along.

TIP #2: After you use your Water Painter to blend your lines, you can go back over your image with the Watercolor Pencils again to add more color or sharpen the look of certain areas.

Cutting Edge Beauty

Remember those retired Shaded Summer Dies I spoke of earlier? I used mine to die cut my colorful flower image with my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Paper Snips are a great alternative if you need to fussy cut instead.

I took advantage of other dies in the retired set, and die cut leaves in both Basic Gray Cardstock and Smoky Slate Cardstock. Any leaf dies or punches would work here as well.

Die cut leaves in Basic Gray and Smoky Slate

It was easy to add elegant die cuts to my card front with the Encircled In Beauty Dies. These dies may remind you of a spiro-graph image or doilies when you see them. The lacy circles come in a variety of sizes and designs, and work together so nicely.

I die cut one of medium sized circles using Calypso Coral Cardstock. Next, I die cut a larger circle in Basic White Cardstock. Since I only wanted a rim of white cardstock, I used my Layering Circles Dies to remove the middle portion, donut style.

Die cut images using the Encircled in Beauty Dies

After that, I die cut some 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum in Pale Papaya with the same Layering Circle Die. This Pale Papaya circle now fits inside my white die cut rim perfectly, and will add a bit of sheen to my finished card.

Perfect Punches and Elegant Embossing

I love the look of an embossed image on my card front. The raised texture adds a richness and lots of interest for so little effort. For this card, I decided a floral embossing folder would be too busy, competing with all the images and die cuts I already have.

So, I turned to the Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder. This one provides a hint of print, and works well on both feminine and masculine cards. I used my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine with the Specialty Plate on Pale Papaya Cardstock.

The final elements of this card came together quickly. I love my punches for that very reason. Starting with the Treasured Tags Pick A Punch, I punched both ends of my Pale Papaya Cardstock using the largest width allowance. All of the Pick A Punch’s are channeled to give you 3 different width options and 2 designs.

The Treasured Tags Pick A Punch and sentiment from Shaded Summer Stamp Sett

After my paper was punched, I stamped my sentiment from the Shaded Summer Stamp Set, using Basic Gray Ink. This ink color is a good option when you want something a little lighter in color from a harsh black ink. I sponged the edges of my sentiment piece using Pale Papaya Ink to help it stand out.

Using Pale Papaya Ink to sponge the edges of the sentiment piece from the Shaded Summer Stamp Set.

And last but not least, I used my Sprig Punch. This one is my go-to for some extra layering behind a focal piece or sentiment. The 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum allowed me to use some sparkly Pale Papaya to get a couple of sprigs in no time flat. The sprigs and previously die cut circle in the same medium bring continuity to my card.

Sprig Punch and 2021-2023 In Color Pale Papaya Vellum

Beauty Of Assembly

Once I had all the parts and pieces finalized for my card, it was time to assemble. Instead of automatically adding layers to my Basic Gray Card Base, I began with the embossed piece of Pale Papaya. First, I adhered a piece of Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper. Next, I added my white rim die cut.

Following in order, I adhered the circular shimmer vellum, adding tape only where it would be next covered by the Calypso Coral die cut piece.

Before I went any further, I added a strip of Gray Granite 1/4″ Shimmer Ribbon on the bottom third of my circular pieces. I wrapped the ends of the ribbon around the back of the Pale Papaya embossed cardstock and secured them with Tear & Tape Adhesive.

From there, it was just a matter of layering on the rest of my pieces. I tucked in the gray die cuts leaves and the shimmer vellum sprigs. Then, I centered my watercolor flowers over the Calypso Coral die cut. Next, I adhered my sentiment and added a bow from another length of the same ribbon. I placed my artistic ensemble on my card base.

For a final bit of bling, I added some Pearl Basic Jewels. The elegance of pearls fits this card perfectly. I love the ease of adding small embellishments with my Take Your Pick Tool. Whether you use the spatula end or the putty end, the application is effortless.

Adding Pearl Basic Jewels to the card with the Take Your Pick Tool

Meant To Be

Much like the sentiment says, some friendships are meant to be. And the color combo I used here is also meant to be. I was so happy mixing Calypso Coral and Basic Gray to Pale Papaya. This card made with the Shaded Summer Stamp Set is perfectly beautiful.

Finished card using Shaded Summer Stamp Set in Pale Papaya.

If you haven’t seen any of the other In Color cards from this series, be sure to check them out. Click here to see another card that showcases a different way to use the Water Painters.

All of the current supplies used to make this card can be found in my online store, so shop anytime at your convenience to add these items to your crafty stash. And please come back and visit, to see where the next adventures in Pale Papaya take us!

Enjoy The Moment in Soft Succulent

November 1, 2021

Finished card with the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set

In Color: Soft Succulent Part III

In this final installment of Soft Succulent, I have another color pairing that will help you enjoy the moment you discover how nicely they coordinate. For this card, I am using So Saffron and Early Espresso along with Soft Succulent.

I have really enjoyed my moments with Soft Succulent. It is such a warm gray-green color; it sometimes lends itself toward blue. And mixing in Early Espresso is easy, this deep and rich neutral brown always shines. But, So Saffron has never been my favorite yellow. However, once I began to work this subtle color in, it started to grow on me.

Enjoy The Moment

With my color palette of green, brown and yellow, I wanted a nature themed card. My first thought was some lovely autumn leaves or trees. But as I thumbed through the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog, another stamp set caught my eye: Enjoy The Moment.

The Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set has great sketch style images of various seed pods, nuts, seeds and the like. I began with the largest image, the trio of seed pods, and stamped it using VersaMark Ink on Water Color Paper. Next, I added Copper Metallic Embossing Powder and heat set it with my Heat Tool.

Heat embossing with a stamp from Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set

TIP: Keep a small generic paintbrush handy to swipe away loose particles of embossing powder from your paper before you heat emboss it. This will help minimize stray powder from being a permanent fixture.

Moments of Watercoloring

After my focal point image was heat embossed, I began to watercolor the image and surrounding paper. I started by placing a single drop of ink refill from Early Espresso, Soft Succulent and So Saffron onto a Clear Acrylic Block. By keeping the refill bottles near the corner of the clear block that coordinates with the ink drops, I know what color is where at a glance.

I started with the Early Espresso Ink Refill drop and my smallest Water Painter Brush. With a small squeeze of the barrel, I mixed some water with the ink. Then, I covered the middle of my embossed seed pod trio.

Watercoloring with Early Espresso Ink Refill

Next, I moved onto the medium Water Painter Brush and the Soft Succulent Ink Refill drop. Again, I added some water from my Water Painter barrel to the ink drop to lighten the color and make it easier to water wash with. I swept the color along the bottom and sides of the embossed stem.

Watercoloring with Soft Succulent Ink Refill

Lastly, I used the largest Water Painter Brush and the So Saffron Ink Refill drop. I took care to not run the yellow into either the brown or green. This way, each color would stand out on its own.

Watercoloring with So Saffron Ink Refill

TIP: Cleaning Your Water Painter Brushes

Squeeze some water from the barrel and let it wash over the brush end. At the same time, use either a baby wipe or a paper towel to wipe away the inky remains. It is okay if your brush ends are stained. As long as no ink transfers when you swipe the bristles, you are good to go!

Enjoying Background Stamping

There is not a lot of designer series paper in either Early Espresso or So Saffron that I could use on my card. So instead, I created my own.

On a layer of So Saffron Cardstock, I stamped the hanging thistle image from the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set, using So Saffron Ink. By using tone on tone ink to paper, the result is noticeable but not glaring.

Background stamping using Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set on So Saffron Cardstock

I repeated tone on tone stamping using Early Espresso Cardstock and Early Espresso Ink. This time, I chose the small trio of seeds from the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set. The petite size was perfect, and instead of stamping all four sides, I stuck with just one edge.

Background stamping using the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set and Early Espresso Cardstock

Checks & Dots

When it came time to add texture to my card, I looked for just the right embossing folder. Of course, I didn’t want anything floral. Bricks and animal print were not even considered. I wanted something neutral, almost masculine.

So, I turned to the Checks & Dots Embossing Folders. They are sold as a pack of two, one is checks and the other is dots. These slim folders measure 3-3/8” wide, perfect for smaller embossing machines, like the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. They are also perfect for smaller pieces of cardstock, like my Soft Succulent. Did you know the black line along the bottom of the folder will help you to line up your paper straight when preparing it for embossing?

Great Grapevines

Usually, I am adding swirly leaves and flowers to my card designs. Since this card is more “natural” and masculine themed, I had to look for something a little different.

The Grapevine Dies are perfect for my need of ‘swirly’. The large die bends around in a lovely L shape, sending shoots of leaves and vines along the way. I die cut this in Watercolor Paper with my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Because this paper is thicker (to hold watercolor washing), it may require some removal of small cut pieces. To make quick clean-up of my die cut. I use the Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip on my Take Your Pick Tool.

Take Your Pick Tool with Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip

TIP: It is easy to switch up all the tool heads on the Take Your Pick Tool, but I prefer to have 2 of the Take Your Pick Tools so that my tool is ready to go without swapping back and forth. And the foam pad that comes with the Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip fits nicely in a clear Standard Stamp Case for storage.

After cleaning up my grapevine, I gave it a watercolor wash using my Water Painter Brush and some more Soft Succulent Ink Refill.

Sprigs And Sentiment

My card layers are starting to develop nicely, so it’s time to look for the right sentiment for my card. I love generic sentiments when I am not sure who my card is going to, or what occasion it may eventually cover.

The “a little note…” stamp from the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set is perfect in this instance. I chose to heat emboss it on a small slip of Early Espresso Cardstock. First, I applied VersaMark Ink, then covered my wet stamping in Copper Metallic Embossing Powder. Lastly, I heat set the powder using my Heat Tool. The copper shine of the sentiment mimics the embossed focal point.

Heat embossing the sentiment from Enjoy the Moment Stamp Set

Because there are no coordinating dies or a punch for the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set, I am free to try different products where needed. I chose the Sprig Punch to add a decorative touch behind my sentiment. This time, I punched Soft Saffron Designer Series Paper from the Subtles Collection.

Enjoy The Moment Base Assembly

Once I have everything stamped, die cut, punched, colored, embossed and prepared, it is time to put the card together. I started with an Early Espresso Cardstock base, then added my background stamped So Saffron piece, followed by my Checks embossed Soft Succulent.

Base Layers for the Enjoy The Moment Card

Next, I adhered the large leaves of the grapevine die down on my card front. I found it easiest to place the image where I wanted it to go, then lift the large leaves and added a drop of glue behind each. This was much easier than adding Mulitpurpose Liquid Glue to all of it and trying to place it precisely in one motion.

Enjoy The Moment Focal Assembly

Before I went too far with my focal point, I decided to do a rough tear along one edge. I also added a little Early Espresso Ink with a sponge along the opposite side. Although Stampin’ Up! retired their round sponges, I keep mine handy for small jobs like this.

My focal point layers consist of the watercolor paper, the edge stamped Early Espresso Cardstock and another piece of plain So Saffron Cardstock.

As I prepare to attach the focal point to the front of my card, I realize I have a lot of odd layer depths. My quick fix for this is to add a piece of like color cardstock to the back. This helps to raise up the “lower” side and make it lay flat when I adhere it to my card. By using the same color, it blends in beautifully if viewed from a side angle.

Adding a little lift to the layer with additional cardstock

Preparing the focal point for adhering to the card front

Before I could adhere the sentiment, I needed to place my sprig punched pieces. After a dry fit, I stuck them down with some Tear & Tape. I always place my tape in a manner that will be covered by another layer. In this instance, the tape also artfully secures some sweeping Linen Thread.

Adding sprig punched pieces and Linen Thread to card

The very last thing that I attached to my card was the sentiment. Because there were some bumps and lumps from the Linen Thread to cover up, I chose to place Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of my sentiment piece. This bit of “lift” helps give the sentiment prominence too.

Adding sentiment with Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Soft Succulent Moments

I have truly enjoyed my color exploration of the 2021-2023 In Color, Soft Succulent. To see my last card and color combo with this great green, click here. And don’t despair because we are done exploring Soft Succulent, there is still one more new In Color to delight us in November.

Do you need any of the products I used here for your next creation? Make sure you stop by my online store at any time and enjoy the moment of shopping for your stamping supplies! Until next time, stay inspired!

Beauty of Tomorrow in Soft Succulent

October 27, 2021

Card using Beauty Of Tomorrow Bundle featuring Soft Succulent.

In Color: Soft Succulent Part II

As I began another color journey with Soft Succulent, I noted the color pairing with Soft Suede and Old Olive. My thoughts turned to fall colors immediately. But it was not an autumn themed stamp set that caught my eye as I started to design!

Instead, I chose the flora and fauna of the Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set and Beautiful Leaves Dies. The blue-green of the Soft Succulent blends so nicely with the warm brown of Soft Suede. Old Olive, almost a spring-time green, seemed like the odd man out here. But, once I tucked some Old Olive in, I discovered that I not only like these colors together…I love them together!

Big and Beautiful Leaves Dies

The largest die in the Beautiful Leaves Dies measures a whopping 6-1/4 x 4″. I needed a good sized piece of Old Olive Cardstock to use this background fern with my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. One pass thru, and you will have a lot of foliage to work into your own project too!

Large fern die from Beautiful Leaves Dies using Old Olive Cardstock.

You may be wondering how one would fit “all” of that green on one card front! I simply chose to chop mine up a bit. I wanted a little Old Olive peeping out from behind my focal point. With my Paper Snips, I trimmed this die cut apart. There was plenty left over for other card use, too.

Using Paper Snips to trim the large die cut from the Beauty of Leaves Dies.

Small Shimmery Leaves Dies

Not everything needs to be oversized! In fact, the Beautiful Leaves Dies feature four smaller dies for foliage too. Because I wanted my leaf color to vary, I chose to create the smaller leaves in Soft Succulent. For immediate and easy glimmer, I pulled out my 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum. A small piece of this fantastic vellum was all that I needed to die cut these leaves.

Die cutting smaller leaves from the Beauty of Leaves Dies, using 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum in Soft Succulent.

Beauty of Tomorrow Bouquets

One of the beautiful things about the Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set is that the sprig-like flowers are stamp and go. You don’t need to two-step stamp, or color the leaves and flowers in. They are simply gorgeous stamped once. And that is just what I did.

Stamping the sprig stamp from Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set in Soft Suede Ink.

I chose to stamp the larger sprig-like stamp from the Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set using Soft Suede Ink on Basic White Cardstock. For the smaller floral bouquet, I stamped the image using Soft Succulent Ink. After my stamping was complete, I used the coordinating dies from the Beautiful Leaves Dies and ran them thru my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.

Stamping the floral bouquet from the Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set using Soft Succulent ink.

Tastefully Stamped and Embossed

One of my favorite techniques to do is use a sentiment stamp as a background image. The large sentiment stamp from the Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set reads, “the changing of the leaves reminds us that new wonders are just around the corner”.

I chose to stamp this image using VersaMark Ink on a piece of Soft Succulent Cardstock. The effect of the watermark ink is subtle. I varied the placement of the stamped words, and although the image is not “readable”, one only has to look to see that there is a hidden message.

Stamping the sentiment stamp from Beauty of Tomorrow Stamp Set as a background stamp in VersaMark ink.

After my sentiment stamping was complete, I embossed my Soft Succulent Cardstock. The Tasteful Textile Embossing Folder leaves a barely discernible texture. The softness of this embossing adds to the richness of this card without being overpowering. Lastly, I used my Blending Brush and Soft Succulent Ink to deepen the outer edges of my cardstock.

Embossing with the Tasteful Textile Embossing Folder and sponging Soft Succulent Ink with a Blending Brush.

The Beauty of Assembly

Now it’s time to take a look at the layers of this card. I began with a Soft Succulent card base. Next, I added a layer of Soft Suede Cardstock. My third layering piece is Soft Succulent in nature, but comes from the Tidings of Christmas 6 x 6″ Designer Series Paper. This pattern worked wonderfully with my card, and did not lend itself to Christmas tidings at all.

Once I had my layering pieces adhered, I began to place my leafy die cuts. I started with the Old Olive snippings, and dry-fit them beneath my Soft Succulent embossed piece. When I was happy with the placement, I used Tear & Tape Adhesive to attach my greens to my card base. I am always careful to place the tape in a position I know will be covered up as I continue to build my card.

After my Old Olive leaves were in place, it was time for me to add in the shimmery Soft Succulent leaves. Again, I took care to place them in a peeping manner. I used more Tear & Tape Adhesive to secure these small leaves as well.

Beautiful Embellishments

Every beautiful card needs some beautiful embellishments! For this card, I chose an elegant ribbon- the Very Vanilla Scalloped Laced Trim Ribbon. First, I placed my stamped and die-cut bouquets on the embossed Soft Succulent cardstock. Next, I wrapped a small piece of lace across the width, securing the lace in the back.

Using Very Vanilla Scalloped Lace Trim Ribbon on the card front.

From there, I created a small lacey bow, and attached that over the front. For an adhesive that really holds ribbons well, I recommend the Tear & Tape Adhesive. Once completed, I placed my entire assembly over the tape that is securing my leaves!

A bow in lace trim is added using Tear & Tape Adhesive.

I am loving the Brushed Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots! I chose 3 in the gold tone, and placed them in a row along the open space at the bottom of my card front. If you struggle to line up embellishments in a straight row, try doing this: use some Grid Paper (or graph paper) and a ruler as your guide. I also find the Take Your Pick Tool so helpful in lifting the adhesive embellishments off their backing paper and onto my project.

Using the Take Your Pick Tool to add Brushed Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots.

Nothing As Beautiful

This card featuring the Beauty of Tomorrow Bundle, along with Soft Succulent, Soft Suede and Old Olive, came together beautifully! As I worked with this color combination, I discovered that I really enjoy this mix. In fact, I could see myself creating some beach themed cards with these three colors.

If I have inspired you and you need some of the supplies I used to create this card, stop by my online store anytime. Need more Soft Succulent inspiration? Check out this card and an unusual color combination that may put you in the holiday spirit, by clicking here. And be sure to come back for the final installment of Soft Succulent and a new color combo that is sure to please!

Tidings & Trimmings In Soft Succulent

October 13, 2021

Finished Tidings & Trimmings Card using Soft Succulent, Rich Razzleberry and Mint Macaron

In Color: Soft Succulent Part I

Papercrafters everywhere are thinking thoughts of Christmas as October deepens. While I turn to another 2021-2023 In Color, Soft Succulent, I am thinking Christmas too.

This soft, calm green shade may remind you more of spring, but don’t let it fool you. I find that Soft Succulent can hold its own along with Real Red and Cherry Cobbler for festive makings.

In fact, for this card, my challenge is to use Rich Razzleberry, a tone that lends towards purple. Along with Rich Razzleberry, I am tasked to use Mint Macaron. Mint Mac and Soft Succulent are very similar shades, but I was able to work all three of these colors cohesively for my Tidings & Trimmings Card.

Snowy White

I adore the sweet stockings from the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set. You will discover two different designs to choose from. And the good news is, they both fit the same die from the Christmas Trimmings Dies.

With my stockings, I wanted to use some colorful cardstock as the base. Rather than just stamping ink on top of my Soft Succulent cardstock and Rich Razzlebery cardstock, I chose to heat emboss instead. First, I stamped the stocking image using Versamark Ink. Next, I sprinkled on white embossing powder and set the powder with my Heat Tool. Then I ran each stocking thru my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine to die cut it out.

Stockings heat embossed with white embossing powder and die cut with the Christmas Trimmings Dies.

*TIP: While prepping your paper for embossing, attach the cardstock to a clothespin or clip first. Hold on to the clothespin rather than the paper to prevent the Heat Tool from burning your fingers.

To top off my stockings, I chose to use the tied ribbon bow stamp from the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set. Again, I used Versamark Ink and white embossing powder, then heat set my bows. I chose a Rich Razzleberry bow for my Soft Succulent Stocking, and a Mint Macaron bow for my Rich Razzleberry Stocking. The white embossing brings the look together and adds elegance too.

Bow ribbon from the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set, stamped in Versamark and embossed with white powder.

Paper Delight

Even though I looked high and low for some Christmas designer paper in Rich Razzleberry, I could not find any. Instead, I chose a neutral design from what could be considered a fall pack of paper, Blackberry Beauty Specialty DSP.

Blackberry Beauty Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Barely noticeable but significant just the same, is the tone on tone stamping on the Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper. I measured my paper to stamp the berry sprigs from the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set in Rich Razzleberry Ink. By stamping in just the right location, my design elements would be accented.

Stamping a sprig from the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set on the designer series paper using Rich Razzleberry Ink for tone on tone.

As a fan of adding a lot of layers to my card fronts, I started with a Thick White Cardstock base. The thicker cardstock really holds up to the task at hand! Next, I added a layer of Rich Razzleberry CS, followed by Soft Succulent CS. Then, came the pretty designer series paper.

My card layers in Basic White, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Succulent and the berry colored designer series paper from Blackberry Beauty Specialty DSP>

And to add even more texture to my card, along with the heat embossing, I chose to use the Snowy White Velvet Sheets. From the Christmas Trimmings Dies, I chose 3 different “sprig’ dies from the Christmas Trimmings Dies and die cut them from this fuzzy velvet paper using my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. These sprigs look adorable peeping out of the tops of my Christmas stockings. They also add a brightness to this card.

Die cutting holly sprigs from Snowy White Velvet Sheet using the Christmas Trimmings sprig dies.

Stamping Sentiments

I chose two sentiments to work with from the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set. The scripty “Noel” is a timeless classic. I wanted to keep it front and center, so I stamped it in Versamark Ink on Soft Succulent CS. After that, I heat embossed it using white embossing powder.

Heat embossing the sentiment "Noel" in white embossing powder with my Heat Tool.

Next, I used the sentiment “May your days be merry & bright”. Again, I stamped in Versamark Ink, but this time only used the ink as a watermark image. Against my Mint Macaron CS, it shows very lightly and subtly in the background. By using Versarmark Ink instead of Mint Macaron Ink (tone on tone), I was able to keep my sentiment light and simplistic.

Background stamping a sentiment image using Versamark Ink.

Tidings & Trimmings Together

I felt that my stockings needed a little holly. With the Christmas Tidings Dies, this was an easy fix. There are two holly dies, but you will end up with four individual holly leaves after die cutting. How awesome is that? I chose Evening Evergreen CS as a great complimentary green for this particular task.

Die cut hollly leaves in Evening Evergreen from the Christmas Trimmings Dies.

After adding my sentiment pieces to my card front, it was time to add my stockings and the trimmings. I glued the holly leaves and bows to each stocking first, using Multipurpose Liquid Glue. This made it easy for me to later place the decorated stockings on my card front.

Adding the holly and ribbons to the stockings using Liquid Glue Adhesive.

My next step was a dry fit for the Snowy White Velvet die cut sprigs and my stockings. A dry fit is when you put elements on your card front without adding any adhesive. You can move parts and pieces around as you decide where you want them to go.

When I was happy with the sprig placement, I removed the stockings and taped the base of my sprigs in place. I prefer to use Tear & Tape Adhesive for jobs like this.

Adhering the Snowy White Velvet die cut sprigs with Tar & Tape Adhesive.

Next, I simply glued down my stockings over the taped down sprigs. The stockings interlocked just slightly in a natural position. You can see that they are off-set in height nicely too.

Adhering the stockings to the card front.

To complete my card, I chose to add a few Pearl Basic Jewels. With all the white elements on this card, these pearls look very natural. I find it easiest to place adhesive backed embellishments on my projects using the Take Your Pick Tool.

Adding Pearl Basic Jewels using the Take Your Pick Tool.

Soft Succulent Success

If you enjoyed this Christmas card using Soft Succulent and the Tidings & Trimmings Bundle, please stop by my online store for the supplies you need to re-create it. Did you know that by purchasing the bundle instead of adding the stamp set and dies to your cart individually, you will automatically save 10%?

For another Christmas style card using the In Color, Evening Evergreen, click here. I have also explored Christmas cards in Polished Pink and Fresh Freesia.

My In Color exploration will continue with Soft Succulent, so be sure to come back and visit to see my next color combos and creations! It is with great joy that I experiment with color and delight you with my efforts.

Finished card using the Tidings & Trimmings Stamp Set.