I feel like it’s been a while since I was inspired to do a Whip It Up Wednesday post. But Floral Essence did it. The stamped images are graphic and delicate and can be incorporated into your crafting no matter what your style. I have three different cards for you using this set. It has a punch that goes with it that cuts the three-petal flower stamp. The cool thing about the three-petal flower is that you can layer the pieces to get the effect you want. I used two layers for my cards, but you could easily keep going for a more three-dimensional look.
Black and White
This card was inspired when I was making my inventory cards. Yes, I am the crafter that inventories and sorts her stamps. I use three-ring binders and baseball card sleeves or photo sleeves for the larger images. But back to my story. I was blown away by how cool the line drawings on these stamps are. The images have a graphic quality that begged for a black and white card. Then the June Paper Pumpkin came in with the pin-dot sticker and I was half-way to a card.
To start, I added a layer of the DSP that was featured in the last sale-a-bration onto a Basic Black card base. Then I added a teeny-tiny happy birthday sentiment. I did fussy cut several of the images, but with these clear graphic edges, it isn’t difficult to do and end up with a great result. To finish off the flowers I used faceted gems that were retired with the last annual catalog. But I still have some in my stash, so you will likely see them occasionally.
Rich Color
The second card is rich with gorgeous deep color. I started with a base of Blackberry Bliss card stock. I added a layer of the retired (as of two days ago) Perennial Essence paper. If you don’t have this in your stash, find your most favorite paper and use it for a card like this. The paper makes it sing. Next, I stamped the solid flowers from the stamp set in Blackberry Bliss. The set has stamps for the centers of the flowers. I used Bumblebee for the middles of these two. The leaves are Pretty Peacock.
Next, I stamped the sentiment in Blackberry Bliss on Whisper White card stock. Isn’t that a great sentiment? It deserved an elegant banner cut, so I used the new Tasteful Labels dies. These may have replaced my oval obsession. The flowers are lifted on Dimensionals. For a final bit of bling, I added Champagne Rhinestones. These come in three sizes which is so helpful, for this card I used the largest.
And I wasn’t done. When I used dark card stock as a base, I like to add a layer of Whisper White to the inside of the card. This makes writing a note just a little bit easier. In this case, I did some stamping on the inside as well to feature those graphic flowers I love so much and to use another one of the fantastic sentiments in the set.
Vanilla Lace
This last card was the result of deciding I don’t use near enough vellum in my crafting. I’m going to try to incorporate more of it. I started with a laser cut card base in Very Vanilla. If you don’t have this. there are square lace doilies in the new catalog or use a gorgeous paper or there are even gold laser cut pieces that could be layered on top of card stock to get the same effect.
Next, I did a whole lot of heat embossing on my vellum. I had colored vellum, but don’t worry if you don’t. Vellum takes color well, it can be sponged on or use blends. I like to color the back of the vellum but I’ve seen it done both ways and it depends on the effect you want. But I digress, back to heat embossing on vellum. Two tips. 1. Use your Embossing Buddy. This little chalk bag should be tapped on the paper to release some chalk and then rubbed around. And while your rubbing, try to keep your fingers off the paper. The goal is a static/oil free environment on which to stamp your image using clear Versamark ink. 2. Use the low heat setting on your heat tool. I like to let it heat up for a minute and then I start heating from the back. This keeps the powder from blowing a way before you can set it. It’s also easier to see the powder melt if the tool isn’t in the way.
With the images heat embossed, I punched out the flowers and fussy cut the leaves. I used my Tombow liquid glue to layer my flowers. I also used the glue to put a layer of velum behind the lace cut card front. If you’re using card stock and laser cut layers, add a layer of vellum in between for that frosted look. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment in Pear Pizzaz on Very Vanilla card stock and die cut it with the Tasteful Labels dies. Putting this together with a bit of glue was super simple and I love the ultra-feminine result.
Which one is your favorite? Hope I’ve inspired you to try different styles. Happy Crafting.