Want to see something ugly? I wanted to try something new, so I painted a piece of So Saffron cardstock with Merry Merlot and Blackberry Bliss inks using my Blending Brushes. Here’s what I made:
You agree that it’s not very pretty, right?! Well wait until you see what this mess looks like after I crop it with a collection of gorgeous leaves from the Beautiful Leaves Dies, new in Stampin’ Up!’s July-December 2021 Mini Catalog. Here’s the card I made:
It doesn’t seem possible that this cutout is from that page of mixed colors, but it is – and it’s gorgeous, isn’t it?! The spray of leaves that I cropped with the new dies fits right on a 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ cardfront. You really have to plan to get that carefully aligned on the cardfront such that it doesn’t overlap. ♥
Here’s a look at the Beautiful Leaves Dies, part of the Beauty of Tomorrow Bundle, new in Stampin’ Up!’s July-December 2021 Mini Catalog:
The gorgeous sentiment at the heart of my card is from a new stamp set in the Mini Catalog you might have overlooked in your haste to get to all the Holiday goodies. The Strong of Heart stamp set is featured on page 5 of the Mini Catalog. As a part of Stampin’ Up!’s commitment to giving back to the community, the company will donate $3 to support heart health for each Strong of Heart stamp set sold. Here’s a look at this gorgeous set:
I had fun building the sentiment on the front of my card. Here’s a closer look:
The sentiment is stamped on So Saffron with Blackberry Bliss ink and cropped with a Layering Circles Die. That is framed with a Hippo & Friends Die (that I love so much) that’s positioned over a Stitched So Sweetly Dies frame (that I also love so much). I cut the Hippo & Friends Die in half so it would extend over the Stitched So Sweetly Die and beautifully frame the sentiment.
The colors in my sentiment and surrounding frame mimic the colors in the leaves and the layers beneath the leaves. Such a sweet combination! If you love this mix of So Saffron, Merry Merlot and Blackberry Bliss (a Subtle, a Neutral and a Regal) as much as I do, I hope you’ll save this for future reference:
What do you think of this color combination and this fun, simple technique for creating a gorgeous panel of leaves? I had fun with this card and hope you like it. ♥
Stamp Sets: Strong of Heart Papers: Merry Merlot, Blackberry Bliss, So Saffron Inks: Blackberry Bliss, Merry Merlot Accessories: Beautiful Leaves Dies, Blending Brushes, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Hippo & Friends Dies, Layering Circles Dies, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by today!
Brian
Shelli’s Hope Box Paper Pumpkin Kit
It’s not often we get the change to buy a Paper Pumpkin kit that’s already been released – and it’s not usually offered to those who don’t subscribe to Paper Pumpkin. The August Kit has been added to the online store for ANYONE to purchase now through September 30 (or when supplies run out). If you’d like to learn more, click on the image below:
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 – Y7NK3DAD – when prompted. Thank you!
Thanks for showing us the before and after of your blended piece. Brilliant idea. It gives so much texture to your card. I love the inspiring sentiment. I have several people in my life who could use this card. Enjoy your day!
I like the way you layered your sentiment and love the leaves! Beautiful card!
Wow Brian, cool technique, love the color combo.
From “ugly” to lovely! Great before and after of the shaded card stock. Pretty card.
Thanks for showing us this! I haven’t had great success with the blending brushes. But your card shows that great results are achievable. Your card turned out beautiful with the uniquely colored die cut. Well done!
You think like a MASTER my friend. This will stop me in my tracks the next time I feel I might have messed up on a project. It will be used to die-cut something PRETTY. TFS!
Amazing!
Always inspiring!
I, too, love the triple matting for the sentiment. It plays off the beautiful leaves background; a perfect complement. Kadie is right about not ditching “messed up” blending, although I have more pieces of “save for something else” than I can use in a month!
Beautiful card and great color combo.
Well, well, well. I read your words slowly, to savor the moment for the reveal. And I was not disappointed! I do love my brushes and will include them in my WCMD project…..Happy Friday, Brian!
Bravo! What a fabulous idea to show a “not so perfect” technique and turn it into a masterpiece! Not only have you made another gorgeous card, you’ve given us hope to never throw anything away! Brilliant!
What a cool idea Brian! My class could do this and be really surprised at how beautiful it turns out!
Just LOVE that you showed a card that “didn’t work”
Makes me feel better… like I used to tell my patients… we ALL have aches and pains to conquer …one step at a time no mountains, now!
Wow! This is like those beauty makeover shows, pretty amazing transformation!
Love it!