Thoughtful Branches & Seaside Shore for GDP047

The Global Design Project is hosting a nautical-themed challenge this week.  When I think of making a card that features the beach and ocean, I think of two types of cards – one is a vibrant, fun card with bright colors and sea life and one is a peaceful showcase of the beach’s serenity.  I made both – but am only sharing one with you today.  Here’s a sympathy card that features sea shells from Seaside Shore and a sentiment from Thoughtful Branches (available tomorrow):

Seaside Shore, Thoughtful Branches, Stampin' Up!, GDP047Don’t you agree that these colors and images really capture the serenity of the beach?  With some just a couple of stamps, some ink and paper, I was happy to create the feeling I was going for.

Here’s the banner for the challenge that inspired my card:

GDP047Tips, Tricks and Reminders

  • Seaside Shore.  The stamps I used the create the smattering of shells (there are two different sizes of the same shell) are from Seaside Shore.  While the set is filled to the brim with fun images and cartoon-like fish, there are some images in the set that are actually really beautiful (or can be used to make beautiful cards).  The sea shells and sea stars are quite lovely (although tiny), and the anchor and the sea weed have a simple sophistication to it, too.  If you passed by this set because you thought it was cartoon-ish, maybe take another look?  🙂

    Seaside Shore, Stampin' Up!

    Seaside Shore, Stampin’ Up!

  • Graduated Shells.  The shells create a soft burst from the center of the circle that the sentiment ultimately covers.  I decided where I wanted the circle to be featured and drew a little dot on the Very Vanilla cardstock.  I created this graduated specking of shells by stamping off first and the stamping out from the center of the circle in repeated fashion.  This was definitely a “squint” moment – where is it balanced?  What area needs more?  The larger shells were stamped in Crumb Cake, while the smaller shells wee stamped in Soft Suede.  Beneath the circle is an ugly area that almost solid brown.
  • A Neutral Landscape.  There’s nothing more peaceful than a soft, neutral background.  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla provide this “you’re in my thoughts” card with a calm, serene backdrop.  If you are inspired by this color combination, feel free to save this:Stampin' Up! Color Inspiration: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Stamp Sets:  Seaside Shore, Thoughtful Branches  Papers:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla  Inks:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake  Accessories:  Layering Circle Framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I hope you’ll pop over to the Global Design Project site to see the cards by the design team members and to play along with this week’s challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

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15 Comments

  1. This is such a gorgeous card Brian! So much to love. TFS.

  2. BK sells seashells by the seashore! Darling, simple background that truly meets the challenge’s nautical requirements!

  3. OK, that stamp set just moved up my list. Great card. I love how you used the seashell. What a clever person!

  4. Absolutely stunning, Brian! I love the way you stamped the seashell background…a gorgeous card to CASE, my friend!

  5. In a million years I would never have thought to do this clever idea. Yes in-deed I agree with the neutrals being calm and peaceful.

  6. It is truly a serene card and does capture the calmness of the beach. Great design for the challenge.

  7. Absolutely stunning Brian! Soft, warm and calming colors and using the shell to make your own background could not have been more perfect. I love how you see things placed perfectly and colors that compliment each other. No wonder you are so popular among stampers, you are a total inspiration!

  8. Love it ! I think this stamp set is great . I love what you did with those shells and your color choices are different from the usual .Your colors are so “sandy” ! This is a winner card !!

  9. Definitely a beautiful card Brian with an especially serene feel to it. Amazed at what you can do with one little stamp!

  10. What a lovely card, simple yet very effective and design worthy. I love it!

  11. I sooooo agree with Katrina and I LOVE your card! Beautiful! hugs.

  12. Fantastic idea Brian! Love your card!

  13. Those shells look great Brian. I love how you have stamped some fully inked and some stamped off. I did not purchase Thoughtful Branches but I really love this sentiment – so pretty!

  14. Wonderful, Brian, the shells are great – very clever, again, young man!
    The word that comes to me is AW-STUNNING! Wonderful!!

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