I am hosting a workshop today with a group of 11 card making newbies. Since I love to teach and share this craft with others, this is a perfect group for me. I love the challenge of organizing all the materials and making sure I have all the supplies lined up and ready to go – I’m a nerd like that. Most of all, though, I love to see how much fun people have when they stamp their first image or punch their first punch. Their faces always light up. It’s always a joy.
The workshop organizer requested a Thanksgiving themed card, so I went to work on a simple, but beautiful, card. From the start, I knew I’d use my Day of Gratitude stamp set (was there ever a more perfect Thanksgiving/Fall set?). 
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- Let the colors set the tone. This would still be a beautiful background if I had used bold and bright pinks and greens. For a Fall-themed card, though, how could I not let Always Artichoke, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze and Summer Starfruit take center stage? The combination is flawless (in my opinion). By habit, I reached for More Mustard but was so happy when Summer Startfruit raised his hand and asked if I would give him a shot at this. He’s such a go-getter!
- Perfect placement for a “random” background. When I want that random background look, I always start by stamping the largest images around the page and work my way to the smallest. It’s a lot easier to fill in gaps on the page with the acorn than it would be with the big, fat leaf. Find balance on the card with each layer you add before moving on to the next – it makes all the difference in the world. And don’t forget to use my patented squint method for reviewing the layout. For this particular card, I chose to not overlap any of the images (I wanted to ensure the sentiment stood out enough), but consider trying that. It can make for a lovely effect.
I think these newbies are really going to enjoy making this card. Fingers crossed…
Stamp sets: Day of Gratitude Papers: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze Inks: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit Accessories: Decorative Label punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
Phew! 11 Newbies! They’re sure to enjoy stamping this beautiful card! Nice simple layering no Big Shot work. When I first “punched” a sentiment with SU supplies, I was hooked and Crossed on over to this channel. Have a great evening stamping with new friends!
Love this card! I agree, the color combo is “flawless”. This will surely make stamping addicts of them all!
You are right – this color combo works for your beautiful fall card. I love this set too – along with Fall Foliage. However, when Summer Starfruit raises his hand in my house, I kindly ask him to sit on his hands – I will call on him when I’m ready for his hue. I am trying to warm up to the guy, but it just ain’t happening.
Bet this card would be a stunner with a hint of Baja. Just sayin’
Ho! She said the “B” Word Brian! Take 10 deep breaths, you can do it, relax! 🙂
I’m sorry, but picture Baja, River Rock and Soft Suede. OMG, I need to sit down!!
Patti – sounds like you are taking delight in the torture my Baja hiatus (I will now call it my Bajiatus) has caused. I hope I’m wrong, but I think I’m right. 🙂
Linda, you are quite the temptress. I will be honest with you – I had my Baja paper and inks pulled out and was eyeballing the binding ribbon. (This has been quite a predictable pattern during my Baja Hiatus). BUT, I was strong and let the feeling pass. SOMETHING will be coming soon with Baja, though. 🙂 I feel I have experienced enough torture that my self-inflicted challenge can soon be over. Soon, Linda, soon. 🙂
Lets hope so Brian! I’m struggling to understand how Summer Starpuke can win out over the ever-fabulous Baja Breeeze (my favorite SU color ever!!)
Lovely and easy card, Brian. I’m sure all of those newbies will become experts in no time. Who can resist this wonderful craft and, with you sharing your enthusiasm for it…..well, need I say more? Lucky newbies!!!!!
Brian, this is a great card. Your newbies will love it! In fact, remember when you so kindly posted the tutorial on your triple time stamping? Well, I finally gave it a try, and used this stamp set with almost the same colors …. and it turned out great. My group loved it! I thank you for teaching me a new thing or two! 🙂
This is such a pretty stamp set…and so so versatile. Great choice Brian..I can see class #2 almost a given. Wish I could be there …just think of all the colors that can be used with it .It is a winner . Let us know how it goes . Now in defense of Summer Starfruit… when I first saw it was not love at first sight. i later began to realize how this little fella made other colors pop…look how great it looks on Patti`s card yesterday paired with that pretty midnight muse ..time and time again I have seen this peculiar color do it`s magic . By itself it`s not so great.,..but there are a lot of people I know who fall into that catagory. Must run I have more trees to do and I think I will do some in B.B.(we have whisper that name around here.)
Love your card and your tips.
I really look forward to your posts every morning. I love your style and your sense of humor! Thanks for giving me a smile to start my day! : )
Quite the challenge having 11 new stampers…but you rise to the challenge beautifully – great card and I’m happy to see this color combo…sad to admit that I’ve only used my Summer Starfruit maybe one time…time to let him come out more often. Thanks for your tips….always sooo very helpful!
Beautiful card Brian & the tip on placement was really helpful. I especially loved the idea of a Thanksgiving card in these colors. Thanks for another great post!