Spectrum Pad in Fall Cards





Fall is my favorite season!  When I saw the Spectrum pad in the annual catalog, I knew I had to have it to make fall cards. I inked my pad with Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, and Cajun Craze. As you can see, I went a little crazy stamping all sorts of leaves!! It was a lot of fun to mix and match stamps from different sets. In the samples below, I used the limited-edition Color Your Season bundle, Rooted in Nature bundle and Color Seasons stamps and coordinating dies.
Card #1



I wanted to make my own DSP using the Rainbow Spectrum Pad, but it didn't turn out as planned. My idea was to use the diamond mask to stamp onto paper which didn't work. When I stamped the pad over the mask, nothing showed on the card stock. I suspect that the mask was too thick for the felt pad to reach the paper. Not to be discouraged, I misted the mask and then laid the card stock onto the mask to create this lattice look DSP. Misting the mask really helped the inks to blend out on the paper. I just love happy accidents! I stamped the leaf cluster in the Blended Seasons stamp set randomly onto Whisper White card stock for the top portion of the card. I misted the solid leaves before stamping them. The detailed leaves and accents were tapped directed onto the Spectrum Pad. I used my Stampin' Blends to color the rhinestones and added some gold thread to give the card some bling.


 Card #2



This card came together quickly! I used the leaf cluster from the Rooted in Nature set. Stamping the leaves was super easy. I just picked different parts of the Rainbow Spectrum Pad to be sure to have a variety of color. To form the wreath, I used the two largest circle dies and made a ring to adhere the leaves. I love the way the long sentiment showcases the color range in the ink pad!


Card #3



The first thing that I did after inking my Spectrum pad was putting direct to paper and dragging it across to make stripes. I like the end result, but it took several passes to cover! I think glossy or shimmery white paper would work better and use less ink. When stamping some of the leaves, I misted the stamp after inking it to help blend the color. I like the effect when I was able to get a super fine mist which keeps the detail of the stamp while allowing the colors to blend more. I used the speckle stamp from the Waterfront set to emboss gold specks on the leaves. It is hard to see in the picture, but I layered vellum, then a gold strip, and then tied these with twine and topped it with the gold embossed sentiment. To tie the gold together, I matted the card with gold foil. The card was still missing something, so I added the little flourish accents from the new Stitched Seasons dies. So far, this card is my favorite using the Spectrum Pad. Please leave me a comment below to tell me which is your favorite!

Card #4


This card did not turn out as I envisioned. It is the result of a lot of trial and error. The Rooted in Nature stamp set is one of my favorites in the new catalog. It is the whole reason that I inked my Rainbow Spectrum Pad with fall colors. The trees were lovely stamped in autumn colors. I wanted a trifold card that revealed a forest changing color. I used the Stitched Seasons large die to frame my forest. I used the Waterfront stamp set to ground my trees and painted a Balmy Blue wash for sky. To create depth, I stamped off some trees in the distance. Then I layered the die cut images over this by gluing two directly on the card and then popping the center tree on Dimensionals. The card opens upward and then down for the trifold effect. I used the trunk on the center tree to keep the frame in place. It worked perfectly. My issue was the frame took so much card stock that my card was not functioning the way I wanted. So, I cut it down and attached it to another base and made a stand so the card will stay upright when closed. It was definitely a challenge, but all in all it didn't turn out too bad!

  


Don't miss out on the Color Your Season Limited Time Products!


I am in love with the new Belnded Seasons bundle!  It is so versatile. It covers birthdays, holidays, weddings, all occasion - the possiblities are endless.  Have you been hoping for more colors of watercolor pencils? This offer includes a new set of pencils in 10 fabulous colors. These products are only available in August while supplies last - get yours today!

Bonus Days are back!!!


For every $50 you spend in August, you will earn $5 to spend in September! What a great way to save on all the new items in our Holiday catalog!!



Product List

July DSP Special!






The Petal Promenade DSP is one of my favorites in the new catalog!  I love cottage roses so this paper speaks to my heart.  The real beauty is that the paper doesn't need a lot to make a special card!  These cards came together quickly and they are quite stunning if I do say so myself!

Wishing You All The Best

Cut List:
Base - Petal Pink 5 1/2" x 8", scored at 3 3/4" to leave a 1/2" on back of card
Petal Promenade DSP - 3 3/4" x 5 1/2"
Strip of Soft Seafoam CS 3/4" x 3 3/4"
Scalloped Border Strip from Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut DSP

Stamping/Inking/Coloring:
The sentiment "Wishing You All The Best" is from the new Blended Seasons stamp set available in August.  It is stamped in Petal Pink on a laser cut label from the Share What You Love Embellishment Kit.

Assembly:
Using Tombo glue the detailed scallop border to the edge of the card front.  Next, glue the Petal Promenade DSP to the card front. Thread the Soft Seafoam strip through the laser cut label.  It is hard to tell in the photo, but the label is arched slightly and has a double layer of dimensionals in the center and single layer on either side of the double layer.  This will help keep the arched shape.  Center the label on the Soft Seafoam strip and use Tombo or snail to adhere to the card base, but only at the edges.  Next, trim out the center of a Pearlized Doily and then arrange it under the sentiment. I preferred not to use a full circle and cut mine into two wedges.  I adhered the doily with Tombo and added an extra bit under the Soft Seafoam strip to secure it once the doily pieces were in place.

Embellishment:

I added two Artisan Pearls in Petal Pink to the label and that was all the embellishment the card needed!

Petal Promenade Gift Card

Cut List:
Base - Highland Heather 3 1/4" x 6 1/2", Scored at 3 1/4"
Petal Pink Mat - 3 1/8" x 3 1/8"
Petal Promenade Rose Frame DSP - 3" x 3"

Stamping/Inking/Coloring:
Stamp the rose cluster from the Petal Palette stamp set in Highland Heather and again in Mossy Meadow.  Using an aqua painter, pull out the color from the border of the stamped image.  Stamp the "For You" image from the Blended Seasons stamp set in the lower left side of the frame.

Assembly:
Adhere the Petal Promenade Frame to the Petal Pink Mat and then adhere this to the card base. Trim out the roses and leaves.  Arrange the roses in the upper right edge of the floral frame and pop them up on dimensionals.  Glue the leaves directly to to the base tucked under the roses.

Embellishment:
I added three Artisan Pearls in Petal Pink to finish off this gift card!


Don't miss out on the July DSP Sale!
Check out all the fun patterns! Which packs will you choose?



The Story Behind the Card...



I am always sad to see one of my favorite stamp sets retire. This is especially true for the Paisley and Posies set. I love paisley patterns. This set is so pretty and lends itself to many different designs. When I purchased it I searched ideas for cards on Pinterest and discovered a few ideas that used the stamps to make your own bandana DSP! The designs really spoke to my heart!!

My father used to carry a bandana in the pocket of his jeans every day. It was his redneck handkerchief! He had it at the ready for tears. It also served as a bandage and wiped a few runny noses too. Carrying a handkerchief is a tradition that is from another era. One that, like aprons, has fallen out of practice in our hustle and bustle world. I can't help feeling nostalgic every time I see the bandana paisley pattern; I am reminded of my dad and the simple act of caring his bandana represented.

My father also wore boots every day. He had work boots, everyday cowboy boots, and a pair of dress cowboy boots. Aside from a pair of laced dress shoes, I don't think he ever owned anything but boots. When I saw the Country Livin' set, I had to have it because of the boots!  Fortunately, this set will is returning in the new catalog!!

While my card design may be appear to be intended for a rancher, horseman, or cowboy, it was actually inspired by a country farm boy that grew up to be a hard working plumber who loved living a simple small town life, and whenever possible spending time hunting, fishing and just enjoying nature.





Are any of your favorite stamps retiring?  Check my shop and get yours today before they are gone.

Which stamp sets are you sad to see on the retiring list? Leave me a comment and tell me which one you will miss and why. I love to hear what it is about a stamp that inspires people!




Instructions:


Cut List: 
  • Card base - Basic Black 5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
  • Background - Cherry Cobbler 4" X 5 ¼”
  • Basic Black CS - 3" square for circle mat
  • Watercolor Paper - 2 ¾” square for boots
  • Strip of Wood DSP – 5/8” x 5 ¼”
Stamping/Inking/Coloring:
  • Paisley images stamped Basic Black Archival ink in random pattern on Cherry Cobbler CS
  • Used White Gel Pen to accent Paisley
  • Country Livin’ boot image stamped in Basic Black Archival
  • Colored with an Aqua Painter using Soft Suede for the Boots, a mix of Soft Suede and Basic Gray for boot sole and heel and Smoky Slate to shade under boot
  • Truly Tailored Dad sentiment and cravat icon stamped in Basic Black Archival on wood DSP strip
  • Soft Suede ink dabbed on stitches of the stitched circle die before die cutting the boot image
  • Wood DSP inked around edges lightly with Early Espresso
Assembly:
  • Adhere Wood DSP strip to paisley background about 3/4" from top using snail
  • Adhere paisley background to card base using dimensionals
  • Adhere boots to black mat using snail
  • Adhere assembled boot to card using dimensionals
Embellish:
  • Loop Linen Thread 3-4 times and tie a single knot to form a lasso
  • Attach lasso to card using glue dots