One of the things that I look for in a stamp set is versatility. Based on its name, one might think that the Easter Blossoms set from the Occasions Mini would be strictly used for Easter. But a red heart, strategically placed over the basket, transforms our Easter Cutie into a Valentine Beauty!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

• Frame in a jiffy! To save time, I prepared my Cherry Cobbler card base and then inserted it directly into the Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. No trimming is necessary! (Steppin’ It Up Tip: Lightly brayer the tulips with Very Vanilla ink for a “pop” of color!)
• Lovely layers! The Black Filigree paper from the Love Letters Designer Series collection was matted onto Naturals Ivory card stock for contrast. (Bringin’ It Down Tip: Skip the Naturals Ivory mat if pinched for time!)
• “Wow” it! A Cherry Cobbler bow packs a punch when adorned with a Trinket Key and Basic Pearl.

• The finishing touches! The “Key to My Heart” sentiment from You’re a Gem works perfectly with the embellishment and adds a touch of romance. A heart adorned with a trio of Basic Pearls transforms the image from Easter to Valentine’s Day!

The result: a card with a vintage feel…in a minimal amount of time!
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Stamp Sets: Easter Blossoms (W 121905, C 122057—Occasions Mini), You’re a Gem (W 122268; C 122270—Occasions Mini); Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406); Designer Series Paper: Love Letters (117162); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Cherry Cobbler (119685); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809—Occasions Mini), Small Heart Punch (117193), 1-3/8″ x 5/8″ Oval Punch (119863); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199), Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992—Occasions Mini), Basic Pearls (119247), Trinket Keys (121892)

It’s Thursday, and time to Play at PPA! This week we are featuring a sketch challenge based on this classy sketch by Margaret Moody:

For my card, I selected one of my favorite sets from the Occasions Mini, Nature Walk and used the coordinating Designer Series Paper, Botanical Gazette. The result is a serene card suitable for any occasion! Enjoy my Nature Walk with the Pals!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

• Stamp on Designer Series Paper! To mimic the gorgeous Old Olive “Moth” pattern from Botanical Gazette, I took the “Floral Stem” image from Nature Walk, inked it with Old Olive, and stamped it off the edge of the So Saffron paper from the same DSP collection. The result instantly ties both patterns together.
• Focus on the focal point! Notice how the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder is used here? I wish I would have thought of this cool technique, but I first learned of resizing in this tutorial from Sharon Field. I do admit that it does take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake! Not only can you make rectangles of various sizes, but you can also create squares!
• Brayer! Are you one of those people who never use their Brayer? Make those tulips “pop” by inking them with your Brayer! Caution: Use a light touch!
• Glitz and Glam: A trio of Basic Pearls accent the textured Early Espresso strip, balancing the Scallop Circle flower!
• The finishing touch! A trio of Mini Glue Dots adhere a Pear Pizzazz Springtime Vintage Big Designer Button to the Scallop Circle flower. Hemp Twine, threaded through the button holes, lends an organic touch!

An excellent sketch is the foundation of a beautiful card, and Margaret “hit it out of the park” with this one. I loved Margaret’s sketch, and I hope you will, too. So please, let me know what you think of today’s card by leaving me a comment. And remember, if you have a question about any of the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

Stamp Set: Nature Walk (W 121925, C 121997—Occasions Mini); Inks: Old Olive (102277), Early Espresso (119670), Old Olive Stampin’ Write Marker (100079); Designer Series Paper: Botanical Gazette (121783—Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Early Espresso (119686), Old Olive (100702), So Saffron (105118); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809—Occasions Mini), 1-3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Brayer (102395), Paper Snips (103579), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247), Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons (122301—Occasions Mini), Hemp Twine (100982)