Watercolor Shapes Birthday Sketch

The Watercolor Shapes stamp set from Stampin' Up! along with four ink pads.

I saw this sketch from the Paper Players on Facebook. The simple layout offers a ton of possibilities. I wondered if I could make a quick fun birthday card using the Watercolor Shapes stamp set. I selected four colors of ink. Two 2022 In Colors: Parakeet Party and Tahitian Tide. And two 2021 In Colors: Fresh Freesia and Polished Pink.

A simple sketch. A basic shape. And four colors.

The Watercolor Shapes Card

I started with a base of Parakeet Party cardstock. Then I cut a piece of white card to 5″x3-3/4″. Then I stamped the ink colors randomly using the big circle stamp. I let the inks overlap and ignored that the images were a little juicy because my ink pads are so new. The imperfections just added more texture. And I really like how they look like a bunch of balloons in the background.

Next, I layered a strip of Tahitian Tide glimmer paper over the top. To finish the card, I added a stamped Happy Birthday sentiment from the Shaded Summer set in Tahitian Tide ink. Of course, I added a few In Color matte dots for the final touch.

Birthday card using the Watercolor Shapes stamp set from Stampin' Up!

Eden’s Garden Gorgeousness

I know, “gorgeousness” is not really a word, but the Eden’s Garden collection is so pretty it needs new ones. This collection is part preview, part limited time offer. The stamp set and dies will be in the new mini catalog that is coming out in January. But the specialty designer paper and cotton paper and garden gems are only available while supplies last or until January 3. Let’s look at how pretty that paper is.

Eden’s Garden Joy

A joy fold card to show the designer series paper and cotton paper from the Eden's Garden collection from Stampin' Up!

The first project is a joy-fold card. I have so much fun making this fun fold, especially since it allows me to use lots of different patterns of paper in the collection. The Blackberry Bliss cardstock compliments both the Evening Evergreen and the Soft Succulent colors that dominate the Eden’s Garden collection.

I used the specialty paper for the back of the card and the side panel. For the front, I used a bit of each of the colors of cotton paper. This paper is like linen, but softer. Yet, it die cuts beautifully even with the detailed wreath die included in the bundle.

I used some gold embossing for the sentiment and the banner is also cut with a die in the set. I didn’t have the Eden’s Garden gems when I made this card, so I used some with a touch of gold to complement the gold foil in the designer series paper.

Here is a link to the measurements and instructions for making a joy fold card.

A Tasteful Take

Another Eden's Garden card using the Tasteful Labels dies from Stampin' Up!

This second card really shows off several of the patterns in the specialty designer series paper pack. I used a sketch based on ovals, but instead of the oval shapes, I substituted the Tasteful Labels dies.

The base of the card is Evening Evergreen with a panel of Eden’s Garden DSP. On top of that I added a horizontal strip of paper, 1″x4″. Next, is a layer of Soft Succulent cardstock stamped in the matching ink with one of the leaf sprays from the stamp set.

The focal point is the series for the three shapes, two cut from the DSP and the final one stamped in Tuxedo Black with a sentiment from the set. Sending Hugs is such a great sentiment. I know I’ll use that one a lot.

For the final touch, I tucked a folded piece of Evening Evergreen woven ribbon under the Soft Succulent panel on the right-hand side. And of course, I had to decorate the panel of my envelope to match. #cutthepaper.

If you like this paper as much as I do, be sure to order soon. You can use the code found on the right-hand panel of this page. Until next time, “Ink up!”

Sketch for Scraps and Coloring

Sketch based greeting card that uses a coloring book page and DSP tied together with a color scheme.

I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Mine was spectacular. I love spending time with my family, and I was able to see a dear friend I haven’t seen in person in over a year. It doesn’t get better than that. Speaking of not seeing friends and family, this card is a design I’m using for some cards I’m donating to Operation Gratitude. You may recall that my Paper Pumpkin craft group makes Christmas Cards for this organization. This card is more of an all-occasion card someone could use to write back home.

The Scraps and Coloring Collide in a Card

I started this card with a sketch and the idea that I could use one of my Japanese coloring book pages as the primary patterned paper. Do you color? It’s relaxing, but I’m left with these gorgeous pages I’m not sure what to do with. The cherry blossoms inspired the color scheme and helped me tie together the pieces and parts of the sketch.

First, I used a Crumb Cake base. Then I layered on my piece of coloring book. Next, I took several scraps in the theme colors of soft brown and pink and also floral for the layers. The base is a 2.5″ circle, then a 2.5″ square. Only the edges of the square peek out in this layout. The next layer is a 1″x4″ strip. I used the Beautiful World DSP scrap that I had in my stash. The final layer is a 1.25″x4″ strip of DSP in Rococo Rose.

The tag was part of the Everything is Rosy product medley. Yes, I still have pieces of that in my stash. The metallic edge gave a touch of sparkle. If I hadn’t had that, I could have heat embossed the sentiment for the same effect. The sentiment is from the Waterfront stamp set that is retiring in a few days. Isn’t it great?

Lastly, I added two punched flowers with a sequin in the center. I’m hoping the sequins hold up better than rhinestones and pearls in the shipping process.

I enjoyed using the beautiful coloring page in this card. I know it is truly one of a kind. See what’s in your creativity cave and take some time to “Ink up!”