Hello Friends,
I’m back again today with another one of my favorite new bundles from the Stampin’ Up! ’20-’21 Annual Catalog! Celebrate Sunflowers. It’s part of the Flowers For Every Season Suite as well, which you’re going to want if you’re like me and gotta have it all!
Sunflowers just shout Summertime but certainly stretch into Fall making them so versatile. They’re such a cheery flower.
Celebrate Sunflowers includes a large image of a sunflower with dies to match. I love BIG rubberstamps that make a statement on their own, and this one certainly fits the bill!
Before I get to cardmaking, however, I just have to share pictures of a “friend” which was recently found lurking near a squirrel hole near our horse barn.
I initially walked right past him without even seeing him. He was apparently quite comfortable, as he didn’t bother to rattle at me. What I did notice, and likely why I didn’t notice the snake, was a dead squirrel in the driveway which didn’t appear to have been run over. On closer inspection, it was apparent that he had a bite mark on his head. It was then that I turned and saw the rattlesnake lying quite comfortably in the grass nearby.
Rattlesnakes aren’t an altogether uncommon sight on our property, but not a situation I choose to deal with myself. A quick call to the house and Dean was on his way with his rattlesnake tongs. He quickly snatched it with his tongs, placed it in a bag, carefully tied the top, and set the rattlesnake in the bag in a shady spot to be dealt with later.
I know I’ve mentioned in earlier posts that Dean is sort of fond of what most of us consider “creepy-crawlies”, but what I may not have mentioned was that rattlesnakes are rather his “specialty” in that department. He’s quite adept at catching them, and has been doing so since his early teen years. One of his favorite summertime activities is rattlesnake hunting. We’ve made trips to the California desert in search of snakes; Nevada, Montana, Mississippi, Florida… the list goes on. If we’re there and the weather and habitat look right, Dean’s on the hunt. Over the years, I’ve become accustomed to this and enjoy the hunt as well, although upon spying a snake, I quickly call for Dean and then stand back and issue multiple, “Be careful!” warnings as he proceeds to catch it. Need I say… don’t try this at home!!! Or, if you’re tempted to try it, call Dean for some tips on how not to get bit!
But, enough about snakes!
Let’s get back to rubberstamping, pretty paper, and handmade cards… that which I’m fond of!!!
I should mention, while I’m on that subject, if you’re as fond of papercrafting as I am, or looking for a little side hustle for a little extra cash while doing what you love to do, Stampin’ Up is offering an additional free bundle to new demonstrators through June 30. That means that for $99, you get the usual $125 worth of product (that you get to choose) for your starter kit, plus any bundle in the new ’20-’21 annual catalog free! So, if you’re interested in joining my team, now’s a great time to do so – either as a hobbyist or for a little extra cash! If you’re interested and have questions, please reach out to me ASAP so we can get you in on that free bundle! I’d love to welcome you to my team! Oh what fun we could have….
Okay, LET’S GET INKY!
Colors and Measurements:
Cajun Craze: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ – score at 4 1/4″ and fold in half for your card base.
Flowers For Every Season Designer Series Paper (DSP) Yellow Sunflowers 5 1/4″ x 4″ – cut in half diagonally to make triangle.
Early Espresso Cardstock (CS) 5 1/4″ x 4″ – cut in half diagonally to make triangle and then run through Big Shot in the Scripty 3D embossing folder.
Whisper White for stamped images, and rectangle sentiment tag.
Directions:
- Run the Early Espresso CS triangle through Big Shot in the Scripty embossing folder.
- Stamp the large sunflower image and leaf image (x3) from Celebrate Sunflowers in Early Espresso Ink on Whisper White CS.
- Using a sponge dauber, sponge Early Espresso ink in the center of the sunflower – heavier in the center and allowing it to become lighter as you move out.
- Using Stampin’ Blends, color images.
- Sunflower – I started with Dark Cajun Craze near the base of the flower petals and then went back with Light Cajun Craze to widen it out and blend it. Then I used Dark So Saffron, going right over the Cajun Craze to blend them together and extend the color further into the petals. Finally, using Light So Saffron, I colored the tips of the petals, blending into the darker colors.
- Leaves – I used Old Olive, dark down the center and picking up the veining in the leaves, then finished off with light for the rest of the leaves.
- I wanted to use a piece of the Early Espresso Faux Suede Trim on the left side of the card, attaching it to the back side of the matting, but the mat is in two pieces. I turned my two triangles over and aligned them with space between, making sure my spacing around the card edge was equal also. I then used two scraps of cardstock to join them together. Just make sure that you put your joining pieces in a place where they’ll be hidden by the sunflower!
- Now turn your “mat” over and attach the ribbon to the left side.
- I didn’t care for the width of the ribbon when tied in a knot, it was too bulky. So, I cut a 3″ piece of the Faux Suede Trim and then modified it, cutting it in half lengthwise. I then tied these to the vertical-running trim. While it’s the same amount of ribbon, the narrower pieces make the appearance lighter.
- Stamp your sentiment on a scrap of Whisper White CS and crop it out using the Stitched Rectangle Dies.
- Now adhere it all together!
- I used a couple of Elegant Faceted Gems in the right upper corner for balance and a little bling!
- Finish off the inside with a Whisper White panel and sentiment of your choice, or a little handwritten note!
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you take a look around my site and find some inspiration. If I can answer any questions, help you place an order, or otherwise assist you in your papercrafting adventures, please let me know!
Again, that extra free bundle for new demonstrators is only good until June 30. Give it some thought, ask me questions, and let me know if you’re interested!
Until next time,
Janet
Product List
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
