Shaded Summer for FMS492

It can sometimes be difficult to pick a color scheme or layout for a card – that’s where online challenges come in handy. They take some of the decision making out of card making if you choose to lean on them. I looked to this week’s Freshly Made Sketches challenge for the layout of today’s card. Because I was doubly lazy this weekend, I avoided colors and went with a classic black-and-white combination. Here’s my card:

And here’s the banner for Cécile Ribon’s challenge that inspired my card:

I scooched my sentiment up a bit and positioned it along the lower, right side of the square to cover a little blank space that needed covering. The small alteration helped me to balance my card the way I wanted – the inspiration is still there.

Tips, Tricks and Reminders

• Shaded Summer. With the release of every catalog, there is always a standalone stamp set that is often overlooked. It can be an amazing set, but it’s overlooked because of all the “shiny things” that surround it. I passed by Shaded Summer pretty quickly in Stampin’ Up!’s 2021 Annual Catalog. Like other sets, I studied the images and sentiments – I like them all, but there are no coordinating dies or punches to help me seal the deal. Here’s a look at this beautiful stamp set: It’s a beauty, right?! I feel guilty about initially passing over the set because there’s some good news coming your way. Starting August 3, Stampin’ Up! kicks off a second two-month Sale-a-Bration (giving you a chance to earn select products with every $50 you spend). One of the Sale-a-Bration options is the Summer Shadows Dies, a set of 11 dies that coordinate with this set. Yay! I used one of the dies to crop the stamped image on my card.
• Pattern Party Designer Series Paper. Polka dots, flowers, stripes, and more – every pattern you need can be found in the Pattern Party Designer Series Paper. I love this pack of papers (there are 48 12″ x 12″ sheets in the pack – 4 each of 12 double-sided designs). How incredible is that?! Here’s a closer look at the patterns and colors in this pack of papers: I love all of the colorful patterns in this pack of papers, but I REALLY love that each page has one side that’s black-and-white. This is a host product that is only available with Stampin’ Rewards – if you would like to earn this paper, save up for a big order during August’s Sale-a-Bration event or find a friend who wants to order with you. You really, really want this paper. ♥
• Square Cards. Do you struggle with finding balance on the cards you make? If so, I suggest you make a handful of square cards – the base of my card measures 4-1/4″ x 4-1/4″ which means it can tuck into a medium envelope to avoid additional postage. As I build square cards, I find myself really playing with the layers – adding layers and cutting down pieces to give me the proportions I want. Several layers were added to this card as I built it – such fun!

Stamp Sets: Shaded Summer, Blossoms in Bloom  Papers: Pattern Party Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Thick Basic White  Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black  Accessories: Summer Shadows Dies (coming soon), Stampin’ Dimensionals

Shaded Summer Cling Stamp Set – 155783

Price: $23.00

Blossoms In Bloom Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) – 158283

Price: $22.00

Pattern Party 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper – 155426

Price: $18.00

Basic Black 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 121045

Price: $8.75

Basic White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock – 159229

Price: $8.25

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad – 132708

Price: $6.00

Stampin’ Dimensionals – 104430

Price: $4.00

I hope you’ll pop over to the Freshly Made Sketches 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

Designer Series Paper Sale

Between now and August 2, Stampin’ Up! is offering 15% off select Designer Series Papers. What a wonderful opportunity to pick up some new papers or stock up on some favorites!

• CLICK HERE to download the flyer for the sale that showcases all of the Designer Series Papers that are included in this sale.
• CLICK HERE to see these discounted Designer Series Paper in my online store.

Placing an order today?  Of course you are! If you are placing an order for $150 or more, I want you to enjoy all of the Host Rewards you have earned.  If your order is less than $150, I’d love for you please add this Host Code – X7C4AUU3 – when prompted. Thank you!