This past weekend, my dear friend Louise Sharp hosted a three-day stamping retreat in Kiama, Australia. I am fortunate that Louise shared many of her designs and surprises with me during the planning of the event, but I was still very sad I couldn’t be there. I designed three projects for her event (I’ll be sharing those on my blog this week) and created a fun video for the group – but it still wasn’t like being there. In all my sadness for missing out, the “Take Me to the Sea” theme at the Global Design Project came at a perfect time. Here’s my simple, solemn card for this week’s challenge:
And here’s the banner for the challenge that inspired my card:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- A Beautiful Lighthouse. Is there anything as lonely as a lighthouse? I know they are beacons of safety for ships at sea, but they are also secluded and quiet. I grew up on the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina where I’ve visited many lighthouses. They always feel like a great place to read a book. I stamped the High Tide lighthouse in two colors – Real Red and Gray Granite. The stamp is a two-step combination of two images that layer over one another beautifully. Here’s a look at this beautiful stamp set:
- Simple Accents. The light house is gorgeous, but the clouds and sentiment really add to the atmosphere of this simple card. In all it’s simplicity, the three of stamped images are a beautiful trio that need nothing more. The sentiment is from Blended Season stamp set – available only during August (or while supplies last). I love the sentiments in this set. Here’s a look at the must-have Blended Seasons Bundle:
How gorgeous is this white cloud-cover in the background of this scene? Here’s a closer look at this image: 
Such beautiful texture! The watercolored image is from a snowflake-themed stamp set in Stampin’ Up!’s 2018 Holiday Catalog called Beautiful Blizzard. I stamped the image in Whisper White Craft ink (slow-drying white ink) and then rolled some edges in the ink for a thicker coverage. Here’s a look at the upcoming Beautiful Blizzard Bundle:
- Coastal Colors. While Real Red and Pool Party are the principal players on this card, Gray Granite plays a very important supporting role. I love this combination of colors (as Nina already knew I would) – they are a perfect combination for this coastal-themed challenge. If you like this combination of Pool Party, Gray Granite and Real Red as much as I do, please save this:
Stamp Sets: High Tide, Blended Seasons, Beautiful Blizzard Papers: Real Red, Thick Whisper White, Pool Party Inks: Real Red, Gray Granite, Whisper White Craft, Basic Black Accessories: 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
August Promotions
Stampin’ Up! is hosting two amazing promotions in August.
For every $50 you spend on an order in August, you will earn a $5 coupon to be redeemed in September. How fun is that? To learn more, click on the image below:
I’m also excited about Stampin’ Up!’s Limited-Time Release (through August 31 or while supplies last) of Color Your Season products. Click below to read more about these wonderful, new products:
Ok, I love how you made that cloud, Brian. Great card!
Thanks so much, Dawn! I really love this oversized watercolor image – was happy with how it looked as a cloud. <3
I agree with Dawn about the beautiful cloud you made. Great take on the challenge! Enjoy your day!
Thanks so much, HJ! I always love to hear from you. Glad you like the card. <3
The sentiment is the perfect balance to a lovely card. Gorgeous cloud!
Thanks so much, my friend! <3
What a lonely lighthouse, great job Brian! This card speaks volumes.
Thanks so much, Katrina! That’s how I felt about it – no need to add much more because these images and sentiment say a lot. Glad you like it. <3
What an exceptionally beautiful card you’ve made for us today. A great example of less is sometimes better. The high tide set is one that I just love and the cards I’ve made with it have brought me praise from their recipients. The cloud you added was absolutely perfect. Another outstanding card from the King. Thank you for sharing Brian!
Thanks so much, Grace! Your comments always make me smile. It’s a beautiful set, so I didn’t have to work very hard. <3
Wonderful card with such dimension and the cloud is beautiful! And the sentiment, I just miss you! Thank you for cheering up my day! I love lighthouses.
Awww…thanks, Susan! I had fun with these two images and single sentiment. Glad you like it. <3
Perfect card and always a great color combo!!!!
Thanks, my friend! <3
Brian, I love how you used the Blizzard stamp for the clouds in the background. Genius!
Thanks so much, Candy! I was so happy to have it. <3
Brian, that is a lovely card. I was lucky enough to attend Louise’s Retreat, she created a weekend that was truely amazing, perfection to a tee and nothing less from Louise. Your video was inspiring and we love the cards you designed for us. We hope you can join us next time.
I’m so happy to hear that you had a great time with Louise and that you enjoyed the video and projects I shared. Thanks for your sweet comments, Mehala – I hope to meet you one day. <3
We were so excited to see your beautiful face on the screen Brian, and those projects – amazing! Thank you so so much for being so awesome ? While we do with you could have been with us, this is a pretty darn cute tribute to our retreat. I’ll start saving now to get you here for next year xxx
🙂 Thanks so much, Lisa! I enjoyed sharing with y’all and loved all the pictures I received. It was fun to get in a quick FaceTime with you all. <3
Love the red and aqua colors and your wonderful white cloud!
Thanks so much, Julia! This has to be my go-to color combination. Glad you like it – thanks for your sweet comments.
Hi, Brian. It was such a wonderful treat to have you take part in Lou’s Stampin’ By the Sea II retreat! Thank you so much for designing such fun cards for us to make. I think we’ll all wet our pants if you do come to the retreat next year – but don’t let thought that stop you!! Love your work and thanks again. x
“everyone will pee their pants” – there’s an enticing invitation if I’ve ever heard one. I don’t know how I could miss it now, Lissa! <3 I was happy to participate and am grateful for all of the kind responses I've received. Thanks!
What a nice idea for the clous. Simple and lovely card Brian.
Thanks so much, Stefanie! I’m glad you like it. <3
The lighthouse is majestic in red! Beautiful card!
Thanks, Linda! I had the urge to add something more to the card, but I also liked it just the way it is. This is my first time using the lighthouse, and I love it. <3