• Keeping it simple! To allow the beauty of the blossoms to take center stage, I kept the background simple.  Whisper White allows the gorgeous colors to “pop”.  The diamond texture was created with the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, while the Delicate Designs Textured Impressions Embossing Folder adds a decidedly feminine touch.

• A beautiful bow! The new 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon, gorgeous in the new In Color, Mossy Meadow, has enough firmness to form absolutely stunning bows!  A few strategically placed glue dots hold the ribbon in position.

• A beautiful bouquet!  Images from the Bloom with Hope set were stamped multiple times with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.  The leaves were tinted with Old Olive Blendabilities, while the flowers were colored with Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Rich Razzleberry Blendabilities.  Of course, a few pearls make “pearl-fect” centers!

 

 
Why choose Stampin’ Up!s exclusive Project Life line of products?  Here are 4 great reasons:

• Coordination, coordination, coordination.  No one coordinates like Stampin’ Up!  The Project Life line is no exception. 
• Stampin’ Up! products center on things that matter most-weddings, babies, kids, and the everyday moments of getting together with your favorite people-all things that need to be remembered.
• Stampin’ Up!s card collections come without rounded corners so you can decide if you want to keep them that way, or round them with Stampin’ Up!s new Corner Rounder. 
• Stampin’ Up!s card collections come packaged in an exclusive storage system that holds all your Project Life supplies on your desk: cards, journaling pens, photos, accessory packs, stamp sets, and more.

Here are the items available for preorder beginning May 1st!

If you have any questions about Project Life, don’t hesitate to contact me.  I would LOVE to be your demonstrator!  Until next time…

Another birthday has come and gone, and with it, a time for reflection.  My thoughts always turn to my mother on my birthday.  She loved flowers, so when I made my Design Team card for this week’s The Paper Players challenge, I pulled out a floral set.  The sketch seemed perfect for creating something with just a touch of elegance…and more than a touch…of pearls.  I hope you enjoy today’s card!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips: Softly Elegant
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.

• Softly saffron! The Blossom from Stippled Blossoms was inked in So Saffron and stamped off once.  The Stippled image was inked in Baked Brown Sugar and stamped off once before overstamping.  The Smaller Blossoms were not stamped off, and provide the perfect contrast.

• Softy distressed! The Speckles image from Gorgeous Grunge adds a perfect vintage touch. Edges of the blossoms and banner were lightly distressed using a Sponge Dauber and Baked Brown Sugar ink.

• Softly elegant! Pearls adorn the embossed panel and blossoms for a touch of tasteful elegance.

My mother was a “jill”-of-all-trades. She could knit, crochet, tat, sew, quilt, paint and carve. But it didn’t stop there…she was a fabulous cook and baker.  Of course, she was always there to lend a hand on the farm, especially when it was time for the babies to be born.  Whether horses, pigs or cows, my mother was ready to come to the rescue if needed.  It was my mom who taught me how to milk cows…and who attempted to teach me how to bake a pie. 

I know that my mother would have loved today’s card, but how about you? Won’t you let me know in your comment today. Your comments are always important to me.  Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

Questions and Answers

Q.  Mitzi asked this question about my Look Up to Father card:

Beautiful card, Ann. I love your reminiscing of your dad. You have precious memories of him. I have a question about your card. I notice there is a shadow behind the starburst shape. I assume it is ink. How did you do that? Thanks.

A.  Mitzi, the Starburst was punched out of the square of paper. A sponge dauber and Soft Suede ink was used to distress the “teeth”.   Then the square of paper with the opening was placed over the tree image.