Three Cards Using the Same Stamp

I'm so glad it's the weekend, even though I have plenty to do to keep me busy.  The sun is shining and it's delightfully warm outside.... time to start cleaning up the yard for Spring!  I really hate yardwork but it has to be done and there's no one here to do it but me! LOL

Today, I thought I would do something a little different and show you three cards I made using the same rose stamp by Inkadinkado, but colored differently. When I first got my Copic markers, I went crazy with them trying out all of the 144 luscious colors!  I ended up with all these roses.... some looked great and some not so much.  Of the dozen or so I colored, I think I kept half and tossed the rest.  I decided to use the keepers in my card making.  These are some of the ones I created this past week for my card stash.  I really dislike needing a card at the last minute and having to rush around to get one made, or even worse, going to the store and buying one! Yikes!  I haven't actually bought a card in two or three years though so I guess I'm doing pretty well.  I won't finish the insides of these cards until I decide who the recipient of each one will be so I can match the sentiment to the person.

Up first is a birthday card that could be used for a male who enjoys gardening or, at least, is secure in himself but generally speaking would probably work best for a female.  When I was employed, I made birthday cards for all of the people in my department and this would have been perfect for my boss or a co-worker.  The base is cardstock from Core'dinations, background paper is from Basic Grey's Porcelain Collection, the sentiment is by Rubber Stampede, wet embossed in gold, and the satin ribbon is from my stash. I also used some green cardstock from the Shimmer Stack by DCWV and beige cardstock from Recollections for layering.  The pearl accents are also from Recollections.  This card is entered in The Paper Variety's "Let's See Your Green" challenge.

Next, is a thank you card.  The pastel lavender base is a card from a value pack I purchased from Jo-Ann's, layers are a shimmery lavender cardstock by Core'dinations from their Gemstone line, white cardstock from Recollections and striped cardstock from K & Company's Amy Butler Designer Mat Pad. The "thanks" stamp is from Hampton Arts, also embossed in gold, and the vellum butterfly sticker is from K & Company. The punch I used to make the tag is one of Martha Stewart's Around the Page corner punches.

Finally, is a verrrry feminine friendship card.  The pink base card is from the same Jo-Ann's Value Pack, the metallic gold textured cardstock is by AC Specialty Papers and the flowered cardstock is from Basic Grey's Porcelain collection.  Can you tell I like that collection? The little bit of bling is from K & Company (the color is slightly off in the photo)  and the ribbon is from my stash.   The sentiment stamp is by Stampin' Up!

I don't know if you can tell from the photographs but the rose is recessed on the second and third cards.  I did this by using Pop Dots to raise the top layer instead of actually cutting a hole and recessing the design behind the base card.  I think this makes for a cleaner design and is easier to deal with in case you make a mistake.  It also allows you to write on the inside of the card if you want to.  I usually adhere a folded piece of white, cream-colored, or coordinating pastel paper or thin cardstock (cut to size) inside the card, especially if the base card is a darker shade.  I stamp the inside sentiment on this paper instead of directly onto the card.  Examples can be seen in yesterday's post.

I hope I have inspired you to create your own stash of cards and to use those stamps you have been collecting all these years.  I know some of you probably have a much larger collection than I have.  I would also like to give a big thank you to those of you who have decided to follow my new blog!  If I haven't already done so, I will pop by to say hello and to return the favor as soon as I have a chance.

Have a great Saturday, everyone!

Anniebee