When Words Are Not Enough to Say Thank You

I was honored to be asked to make a special thank you card.  After listening to the request, I realized this card had to be something more than special - it had to be full of love, because of the kindness that was offered in the aid that contributed to my friend's long recovery.  Words, I felt, could not be enough.

So, with that in mind, I set to work and here is the result:

You can see there is a combination of of stamped sentiment, sponged edges, layered florals, and thinlit die cuts.  

While I wanted the colors to be subdued and soft, I found the perfect shade of pop (Watermelon Wonder - In Color '16), and made a layered flower.  To make this flower, I punched 4 layers of card stock, fastened them together with a tiny SU brad, then rolled each petal up until I liked the look.  This took a bit of time and fuss… and love.

The butterfly on top of the note tag is a layered with multiple punches to repeat the shape, adding dimension, texture and even a little flutter.  The gold die cut center adds the shine.  The personal note tag can be pulled out from the pocket by the burlap ribbon.

My favorite little accent is this detail in the corner.  I cut, rolled and sponged a layer of the designer paper to create a curl that I purposely made to reveal a subtle bird in flight… freedom.

Above the curl, I added a rhinestone accent and a piece of a doily.  Did I mention that I love texture?

This card helped me to slow down and enjoy each layer as I built it, loving each piece.  Maybe I achieved the goal for making this thank you card after all - it had to be filled with love.

NOTE:  There are some ideas that made this card in the "flying spirit of birds" from Time Out Challenges.  Were you able to find my winged friends - and their spirit - in this card?  Thank you Steph for recommending!

May your day be filled with creative joy.

Luci

How to Make a Twisted Easel Card with Votive

The twisted easel card has a few steps, and since I decided to make more of these as appreciation gifts for some wonderful people, I tried to take pictures of the steps (bad lighting, though) to record the steps:

Before beginning:   Make a template from a 4.25 x 5.5 piece of card stock.  Punch a circle in the  bottom right corner.  Use the template to punch the hole in the same place on each card layer.

Steps:

1.  Fold the card base (4.25 x 11) in half.  Score a diagonal line from the top right to the bottom left of the card.  Use the template and punch a circle in the bottom right part of the triangle. 

2.  Use the template and punch a circle in the bottom right of a piece of 5.5 x 4.25 card stock.  This will be the top layer of the card.  Add card stock and designer paper trim on the bottom of this front panel.

3.  Turn the front panel to the backside.  Circle punch the trim away. 

4.  Adhere vellum to the backside of the front panel.

5.  Adhere the front panel to the base of the card, matching the circles together.  Add die cut shapes and stamp sentiments.

6.  Package the card in a cellophane bag with chocolate, a votive and directions.   Top with a tag.

 

Enjoy!  If you found this inspiring or think someone else would, please Pin this idea.

Wishing you a bright season and a happy 2017!

Easel Twist & Glow Card for Making Spirits Bright

Here's a twist on an easel card.  This card appears to bend to the side as it folds back!  A small, raised star keeps the card open with a pocket for the LED candle.

Battery operated LED candles make a safe and bright glow in the back.  I thought it would be perfect to use the Star of Light thinlet die cut to create a silhouette as it sits upon the vellum.

Here's the view from the back.

Now, I just need to find a way to enclose this all in an "envelope."

Thanks for stopping by.  Please leave a comment if you have questions or comments.

Wishing you a warm and cozy season.

Luci

Watercoloring Some Christmas Magic

Stampin Up's Christmas Magic set brings a sense of calming scenery and magic your way.  So, that's why I thought some soft watercolors would be the perfect way to color this image.

What I love about watercoloring is that it is perfectly imperfect.  Not one stamped design and watercolor image will ever look exactly the same.  The colors blend into one another as the water allows, and each sunset can be unique and beautiful.

In addition to the watercoloring, I added a snowflake from the Starlight Thinlits.  Yes, the stars can become snowflakes when the points are trimmed!

AND... where can you use those lace-y points that you cut off?

I took mine and adhered them to another piece of Whisper White cardstock, then punched them out to make small ornaments on the side of the card:

And, that little bow?  That came from the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch... Love that punch... and its tiny accessories.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I appreciate your comments, so if you have a moment... do leave a note.  Have a great day stamping!

Wishing you some magic today,

Luci

Warm Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses

Look closely.  This is not your ordinary Christmas or Holiday stamp set.  I took a 5 pointed flower to create a poinsettia bouquet at the top of a leafy wreath.  But, I only accented one flower with a pearl and a stampin' dimensional (sometimes less is more).  

I used three petals from the flower punch to create the leaves.  And, did you notice a puddle of silver thread behind the leaves.  I like those tiny details that keep the eye traveling around the card, don't you?

To make the wreath, I lightly drew a circle shape using a circular container (from Stampin Up's circular container in which the pearls came).  Then, stamp on and around the circle with leaves from your favorite floral set.  Lastly add holly berries and leaves, colored onto the stamp with the red and green marker.

The velum band in wrapped around the white card and adhered in the back, so the adhesive would not show.  I quite liked making this card from a stamp set that turned out to be more versatile than I thought.

Hope you enjoyed your stop here.  Please come back again - and if you leave a comment, I would enjoy that, too!

Warm Wishes,

Luci

Gingerbread Cookie Love

I'm a little addicted to this cute Cookie Cutter stamp and punch set.  I added googley eyes and a red glitter heart for more gingerbread cuteness.

Can you believe the icing is simply Whisper White cardstock?  Whisper White is so smooth that the full stamp comes out so crisp and vibrant.

Do you notice a slight burnt edge?  Try rocking a little bit of darker ink on the edges of the stamp.  It's subtle, but kinda' gives him a little texture, no?

Here he is clipped to the card (...attached to a paper clip, which is then attached to the card on gold glimmer paper and tear & tape adhesive).

Thanks for visiting.  Please add comments when you have a moment.

I always appreciate them!

Have a sweet day!

Can We JUST Fall in Love?

Halloween has passed, but I had to share this couple.  They are made from the Cookie Cutter Halloween stamp set and punch.  I added googley eyes for fun and a heart... because, well... don't we just all need to get together these days?

Though not shown here, I clipped them to a ribbon which was tied around a candy bar for Halloween treats.  Maybe the kiddos will eat the candy while using one as a bookmark?  LOL...anything to get a kid to read.  

I hope you will see what I did with the Christmas Cookie Cutter set in my next post.  Love these little dudes.

Have a day filled with love and peace.

Luci