Just Checking On You

These are challenging times. While the pandemic rages on outside our doors, we hope the virus never touches our lives or the lives of anyone we know. Even if our loved ones never contract the virus, there are good reasons to check in on the ones we love to let them know we love them. Mom is stuck at home, but I think her chances of staying safe in Charleston are better than in the big city of Atlanta, so we FaceTime with each other frequently, and we’ve arranged for groceries to be delivered to her house. I made this card as quick reminder to check in on those you love – especially today:

Check You Out, Music From the Heart, Stampin Up!, Brian King

Tips, Tricks and Reminders

  • Check You Out. The sentiment, library pouch and heart are from the Check You Out stamp set in Stampin’ Up!’s 2019 Annual Catalog. The easily-overlooked photopolymer stamp set is filled with library-themed images and sentiments. I especially love the “just checking on you” sentiment for today’s card. Here’s a look at Check You Out:Check You Out, Stampin' Up!, 149462Repurposed from my last post using this stamp set: There may be people reading this blog who are much younger than I am, so I want to answer a few questions you might have before we move on:
    • What’s that brown thing on the front of your card? When we used to check out from the library, the books would have a pouch with a card in the front of each book. The librarian would stamp the date and write our name on the card (the librarian would keep the card and stamp the return date again inside the book). This tracked who checked out the book (“check out” – get it?) and when it. This has mostly been replaced with a barcode.
    • What is a library? A library is a place where you can check out books to borrow them for a short period of time. Libraries house lots of information – but mostly books.
    • What is a book? A book is a collection of printed words on paper that is bound together with many pages. A book can tell a story, provide information or serve to record history.
  • A Surprise Addition. While most of the images and sentiments on this card are from the Check You Out stamp set,  there’s on stamped element that’s not from this stamp set. Do you know which one that is? Do you know which stamp set it’s lifted from? Here’s a closer look:Check You Out, Music From the Heart, Stampin Up!, Brian KingYou’re pretty smart, so I know you figured this out already (but I’m still going to tell you). I stamped the library card in Coastal Cabana, which reminded me of notebook paper. To further mimic notebook paper, I stamped a strip of stripes on my Whisper White panel with the staff from Music from the Heart to create a fun backdrop for my library card pouch and sentiment. Here’s a look at Music from the Heart: Music from the Heart, Stampin Up! 151374
  • Color Confession. Sometimes I put cardstock in the wrong folder when I’m filing away my scraps. I thought I was building a card with Coastal Cabana and Melon Mambo – it wasn’t until I started gluing everything down that I realized I had used Lovely Lipstick for all my layering. That’s not really a problem (because Lovely Lipstick is also a gorgeous pink), but it wasn’t what I set out to do. I need to work on my paper sorting skills, I guess. If you like this color combination of Sahara Sand, Coastal Cabana and Lovely Lipstick, please save this for future reference:  Stampin Up! Color Inspiration - Sahara Sand, Coastal Cabana, Lovely Lipstick

Stamp Sets: Check You Out, Music from the Heart  Papers: Sahara Sand, Lovely Lipstick, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Thick Whisper White  Inks: Coastal Cabana, Lovely Lipstick (pretend), Memento Tuxedo Black  Accessories: 1″ Circle punch, Layering Circles Dies, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

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42 Comments

  1. I love your card and especially the comments on what is a library, brown thing in book, and book itself!! I will take a book anytime!! lol If only we could go back a little. Praying for all of you out there! Keep safe!!

  2. I’m happy to hear how you’ve planned to keep your mother safe. Your card is such a throwback to another time. Love all the elements and explanation. Staying safe is my hope for everyone. Be well and enjoy your day!

  3. I used to practically live in the library . I love them ! This is such a cute set that I am looking at in a different way now ! I can use these stamps for sure ! Thank you for another Basics With Brian Show !

  4. Warms my heart. What a beautiful way to brighten the spirits.

  5. Great card Brian, absolutely perfect to send to friends and family anytime, but especially now.

  6. Wonderful inspiration and info, Love your card.

  7. Brian, so cleverly written. Cute post which made me really chuckle. Take care.

  8. PERFECT little card. I see a CASE coming soon!

  9. You nailed this one, Brian!
    Great job…..wonderful message!

  10. What a great card and I love the trip down memory lane!! I remember checking out books and loving the sound of the stamp hitting the ink pad and then the card 🙂 I may have even asked the librarian if she would let me do the stamping – pretty sure she said no LOL! So glad your mom is safely hunkered down! Take care – stay well!

    • Thank you so much, Elisha! I did the same – except MY librarian let me stamp it. That may be when I first fell in love with office supplies. ♥

  11. Love your card and your sentiments. Take good care.

  12. Adorable card and love the colors! Tell Mom hi from me!

  13. This is a great card along with great blog copy. I am so glad your Mom is doing well and hope you and yours continue to stay safe. But with so much seriousness, thank you for the humorous read about the “library”. And about your color mixup, which we all have now and then!

  14. Love your humor, Brian! Thanks for making me LOL. And the card is great, too.

  15. Hi Brian:
    Either you got bit by the funny bug or you have been sequestered too long! LOL Your post today just cracked me up. Especially your definitions. I so love your sarcastic edge to humor. No wonder you are so popular – that and your ability to make amazing cards. Today’s card would certainly cheer up any of us that are getting just a bit tired of being homebound. At least we have your post to look forward to brighten every day. Thank you soooooo much! Love today’s card.

  16. Your color confession normalized us, LOL! Great post for a dreary Sunday, why, I think I’ll go stamp!

  17. You’re too funny Brian! GREAT card. Peace and good health to you. Stay safe! xoxo

  18. Praying that your mom stays safe and well… and the same thing for you, man!

    Peace and grace,

  19. Awwwww, my friend that’s so nice , thank you ,we’re staying in doors too, so I can stay healthy especially after my surgery,
    Stay healthy, and sending love to mom ,
    Hugs Frenchie ???????

  20. Love this card! Stay safe and sending up prayers that your mom recovers quickly. Love you my friend!

    • Hey Selina! Thanks! Mom’s not sick – she’s just stuck in Charleston. We want her to come to stay with us, but I fear there’s a greater chance she’ll find the virus here than where she is. Hope you and yours are staying safe. ♥

  21. I love all things libraries. I can’t believe I missed this stamp set! Great card!

  22. Glad you are checking in with those you love and whose life you’ve touched. Awesome card. Lines from music set ,.. Brilliant use!

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