Gratitude Bookmark

The last day of 2017 seems perfect for posting the "gratitude" themed bookmark I made for a friend.  I'm thankful for all my blessings in 2017, including her friendship.  And I was blessed by another friend's gift of the "counting my blessings" stamps and dies that I used for this project.  (Thank you, Sandy!)  I know that in 2018, too, I'll continue to find blessings and joy each day.

The bookmark is double-sided, with each side monochromatic - one side bright and the other softly subdued.  To reduce bulk and keep it flexible, I used more patterned papers than heavy weight card stock.  The two sides are adhered back to back with scor-tape.  To protect the banner tips, I rounded them slightly with scalloped scissors.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are raspberry fizz (bright pink) damask print and ocean tides (muted teal) bitty dot print from PTI pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and a pale aqua print from PTI pretty pastels (8x8" pad - retired).
• Dies are Impression Obsession thankful, PTI counting my blessings (blessed), and the solid die from PTI notched star banner.  I inlaid the "blessed" word. 
• The sentiment "today because ..." is from PTI counting my blessings, stamped with Hero Arts unicorn white pigment ink pad, then heat embossed with white.  The sentiment "beyond measure" is from the same set, stamped with PTI ocean tides ink cube. 

(816)

Sunburst Stencil with Teal Dots

A bright and sunny card with some deep teal for contrast.  I like the curving script of the sentiment across the angled sun rays.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) tropical teal.
• Patterned paper is the polka dot print from PTI tropical teal pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and my homemade patterned grid paper, as described here.  In real life, though the aqua grid is pale, it's much more visible than in the picture.
• The wide and narrow ray stencils are PTI sunburst, sponged with PTI harvest gold (medium yellow) and summer sunrise (deep yellow-orange) ink cubes, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.  
• For the center circle, sponged with PTI summer sunrise ink, I made a stencil with PTI clear cardstock and an EK Success 1" circle punch.  I'll keep it with my two sunburst stencils to use again. 
• I edged the sunburst panel with Copic marker Y19.
• Die is PTI big basics: sunshine.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(815)

Cardinal on Birch with Blue Dots

A bright cardinal on a birch tree trunk, with blue dotted sky for a simple scene.  The narrow red border strip helps to unify the design.  I'll enjoy using this birch pattern in different color combinations, but for my first time stamping with it, I stayed with natural colors.

I'm taking a bit of a card-making break in December, enjoying the season and also working on my annual Advent calendar.  It's posted here, with updates (at least weekly) as I complete my daily drawings.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red) and vintage cream.
• Patterned paper is the polka dot print from PTI blueberry sky (blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are My Favorite Things many thanks (retired) and PTI winter woods.
• The cardinal details are stamped with PTI winter woods, using PTI dark chocolate (dark brown) ink cube.  
• The birch pattern is stamped with PTI background basics: birch, using PTI cocoa bean (medium brown) ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(813)

Christmas Card 2017

Our Christmas card this year has an oval manger scene with the Holy Family, angels, shepherds, animals, and a border of vines and flowers, with the words "Silent Night - Holy Night" above and below the oval.  The card has a wide white border and is computer-printed on Neenah card stock. 

Since 2010, we've used one of my annual Nativity drawings to print our cards.  This one is from my 2016 Advent calendar.  If you'd like to see past years' Christmas cards that I've drawn, click here, then scroll down.

And here on my Mostly Markers drawing blog, you'll find my 2017 Advent calendar drawing (work in progress through Christmas Day) with a link to the other eight years of calendars, and more of my Advent-Christmas drawings as well. 

(812)

Scene with Fence, Trees, and Cat - Before and After

My sweet scene today revisits this "before" card, one of my favorites from four years ago.  My "after" design is a bit simpler and uses some patterned papers instead of the Copic marker details. 

Usually when I revise a card, I prefer the newer version.  But in this case, I like them both.  The "before" has a more painterly, cozy feeling, and today's "after" is more crisp and graphic in style.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), aqua mist, cocoa bean (medium brown), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), and rustic cream.
• Patterned papers are the bitty dot, leaf, and stripe prints from PTI ripe avocado (green), summer sunrise, and classic kraft pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are PTI picket fence, PTI ad sense (sun), PTI polka dot parade #6, PTI star gazer (tiny sun shape on bow), Impression Obsession cat set, My Favorite Things fresh cut grass, and WPlus9 pretty patches: tree (retired).
• Punch is Martha Stewart bow.
• The cat's eyes are tiny dots of brown Micron pen.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI keep it simple: thinking of you, stamped with PTI cocoa bean ink cube.

(329)

Green Mugs with Red - Just Because

 

Bright red, green, and white in a simple design.  I made a few dozen of these for our local senior center, and in December, another volunteer will write cheerful notes to enclose with meals for some of our shut-ins.  I like the warm feeling of the mug on the red print "tablecloth."

Note: the gray borders are background, not part of the cards.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source spruce (solid green - mug on top card - discontinued), My Favorite Things red hot (solid red - leaf sprigs on both bottom cards), and Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is pure poppy (red) damask print (horizontal strip on all cards), pure poppy bitty dot print (leaf sprig on top card), and pinefeather (dark green) bitty dot print (mug on bottom left card) from PTI pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired); and pinefeather small plaid print (mug on bottom right card) from PTI bitty big pattern pack.
• Leaf sprigs are cut with PTI heart-2-heart #12 dies.
• Mugs are cut with Silhouette Cameo, using a shape from this design.  I stretched it vertically and enlarged it to fit my layout.
• The sentiment "just because" is from PTI keep it simple: just because, stamped with PTI pinefeather ink cube.  For the top card, I stamped first with PTI new leaf (bright green) ink, layering the two ink colors (stamping twice with the MISTI) to match the solid green mug.

(811)

Red Flower Print with Yellow Gingham

Bright and cheerful.  The flower print provided my color scheme, and I used a simplified layout from last week's two square print cards.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source peacock (teal) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is the gingham print from PTI summer sunrise (yellow-orange) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and a flower print from Basic Grey PB&J 6x6" pad (retired).
• Die is from PTI double-ended banners.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI orange zest and pure poppy (red) ink cubes.  Layering the two ink colors (stamping twice with the MISTI) makes a nice red-orange match for the floral print. 

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(810)

Square Prints on Stripes - Two Versions

Two cards with multicolor prints on striped backgrounds.  I made the floral card first, then looked for another print (the plaid) to make a more masculine version.  It was fun choosing the colors to layer while keeping the focus on the print squares. 

Card details:

• For the floral card, card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) melon berry (light orange - not pink like my image), ocean tides (muted teal), prairie grass (green), and stamper's select white.
• For the plaid card, card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (blue), canyon clay (orangey brown), ripe avocado (deep green), and vintage cream.
• Patterned paper is a floral print from Recollections midnight garden (thank you, Vicki!), a plaid from Simple Stories so rad 6x6" paper pad, and the stripes print from PTI fine linen (tan - floral card) or aqua mist (plaid card) pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Die is from PTI double-ended banners.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI keep it simple: thinking of you (both cards), stamped with PTI prairie grass (floral card) or simply chartreuse (medium green) edged with ripe avocado (plaid card) ink cubes.

(807)

Mint Green Herringbone with Bright Green and Yellow Stars

I love to play with colors, and at times I'm adventurous with my color combinations.  But without this example (2nd photo in link) by Nichole Heady, posted on her Capture the Moment blog, I would likely not have tried this color scheme with mint green, bright green, yellow, and grays all together.  From Nichole's example, I also used the general layout of the card and the herringbone mat.  Thank you, Nichole, for your inspiration!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stormy sea (medium gray), mint julep (light mint green), green parakeet (bright green), harvest gold (yellow), and soft stone (light gray).
• Dies are PTI mix & mat: herringbone, photo finish strips, seeing stars, and super star borders (small gray star was trimmed from border).
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you II, and the stamped stars are from Paper Smooches seeing stars, stamped with PTI green parakeet ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(809)

Notched Circles with Stars and Hearts - Blog Hop for Dawn!

Here's my second card for the We Love You Dawn! blog hop, posted on Nichole Heady's Capture the Moment blog.  It's a happy, bright, and festive card to celebrate Dawn's progress as she continues to recover from her recent transplant surgery.  I'm cheering her on, along with many more of her fans.  In the blog hop, which will continue all week, we are posting cards made with her stamp and die designs created for Papertrey Ink (PTI). 

Today's card is focused on Dawn's standalone die designs.  Many of her dies coordinate with her beautiful stamp sets, but she also designed some of the classic everyday border dies that I've used so many times - rickrack, stars, and hearts - as well as the very fun notched flowers, which I also love as interesting circle shapes.  (Here's a bit of PTI trivia: the December 2012 funky florals limited edition stamp set was designed to coordinate with Dawn's notched flower dies from the April 2012 release.  So in this case, the dies came first before the stamps.)  Though I tried a few different sentiments on my card front, I liked it better with no sentiment, and I'll write an encouraging note inside to mail to her soon.
 
Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) harvest gold (yellow), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), lovely lady (medium pink), raspberry fizz (deep pink), Hawaiian shores (turquoise), blueberry sky (medium blue), tropical teal (less green in real life), and stamper's select white. 
• Patterned paper is the bitty dot print from PTI spring rain (light blue) bitty big pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI notched flowers (small and medium sizes), heart border, XL rickrack border, and super star borders, including the individual stars which are trimmed from the border.

(808)

Purple Flowers with Banner - Blog Hop for Dawn!

My flowery card is for the We Love You Dawn! blog hop, posted today on Nichole Heady's Capture the Moment blog.  A week ago, Dawn received a small intestine transplant.  Throughout her years of medical challenges, she's been a great inspiration with her positive spirit, her faith, and her courage.  Dawn, you are in my prayers!  The blog hop will continue all week, and some of Dawn's many supporters and admirers will be posting cards made with her stamp and die designs created for Papertrey Ink.

The sentiment "thank you so much" is perfect to express my appreciation for Dawn's beautiful designs, tutorials, and examples.  I'll write a note of encouragement inside my card and mail it to her today.  I used two of her stamp sets, listed in the card details below, and I love how her ornate sentiment banner flows so nicely with the flower arrangement. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (dark green) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is the bitty dots print from PTI spring moss (light green) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• I cut a paper mask for the sentiment banner and sponged it inside with PTI lilac grace ink cube, using a round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.
• The leaves and flowers are from PTI floral sketches, stamped with PTI royal velvet (dark purple), amethyst allure (medium purple), lilac grace (light purple), simply chartreuse (medium green - leaves), and limeade ice (light yellow green - flower centers) ink cubes.
• The swirly-framed "thank you so much" banner is from PTI thank you kindly, stamped with PTI royal velvet ink cube.

(806)

Navy Stripes with Green

Very crisp and clean, with interesting details in the curved edging, the pinked circle, and the different stripes.  The navy, green, and white color scheme works very well for a bright and simple card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green), dark indigo (dark navy), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI dark indigo bitty big pattern pack.  I used both sides of the paper for the wide and narrow stripes.
• Dies are from PTI limitless layers: 1-3/4" circles and to the point edgers.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI thank you kindly, stamped with PTI dark indigo ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(805)

Dots on White with Turquoise

Dotted paper, cut in a scallopy shape, with an orangey brown border layer.  The three turquoise colors (twine, solid card stock, and dots) are different shades, but they mix well on the card. 

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) canyon clay (orangey brown), Hawaiian shores (turquoise), and rustic white.
• Patterned paper is from the Authentique Free Bird (retired) 6x6" collection.
• Twine is ocean stripe from The Twinery.
• Dies are from PTI edgers #3.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI smokey shadow (dark gray) ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(804)

Red, White, and Blue Plaid with Banner on Yellow

Happy and bright!  I like the banner placed on the plaid, and the stars add to the cheerful effect.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source royal blue and Papertrey Ink (PTI) harvest gold (yellow) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Doodlebug patriotic picnic 6x6" paper pad.
• Embossing folder is Darice stars asst [assorted].
• Die is from PTI keep it simple frames.
• The small stars on the banner are from Paper Smooches seeing stars, stamped with PTI harvest gold ink cube.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI textile impressions.  I needed an orange-toned red ink to match my patterned paper, so I stamped twice (using the MISTI) with PTI orange zest (orange) and then pure poppy (red) ink cubes.   

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(801)

Leaves on Text - Aqua, Teal, and Green

Green leaves with teal accents, stamped on a soft aqua text background.  I like this one a lot.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) aqua mist and stamper's select white.
• Die is from PTI sketched shapes (long wide banner).
• The leaves are from PTI life (retired) and larger than life, and the berry cluster is from PTI tinsel & tags sprigs (retired), stamped with PTI simply chartreuse (green) and tropical teal ink cubes.  
• The background text "just because" is from PTI fill in the blank, stamped with PTI Hawaiian shores (medium turquoise) ink cube.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI keep it simple: thinking of you, stamped with PTI tropical teal ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(803)

Turquoise and Orange with Black and White

Another card with black and white.  The diagonal sentiment and turquoise panel break up the blocky lines of the background plaid.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) orange zest, Hawaiian shores (turquoise), and true black. 
• Patterned papers are gingham from PTI orange zest pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and another gingham (two sizes) from PTI true black bitty big pattern pack.  In real life, the orange gingham matches the solid orange color.
• Dies are PTI wonderful words: hello and tipped tops (medium).

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(802)

Red and Yellow Star Banner on Black and White Print

I love to play with color and try different combinations on my cards, and so I need to remind myself sometimes to use black and white.  It has a clean, crisp impact that I do enjoy.  The bright red and yellow star banner makes a less-busy background for the sentiment banner, which fits nicely in the starry space. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), bright buttercup (yellow), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is the polka dot print from PTI true black bitty big pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI notched star banner and fabulous frames.
• The sentiment "just a note" is from PTI winter woods, stamped with Versafine onyx black ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(800)

Quilt on Tan with Blue

I enjoyed using these patterned paper colors to select the colors for my quilt block.  The embossed textures in the tan background and the sentiment strip add to the overall quilted effect.  

Also this card with another color scheme.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) blueberry sky (blue), fine linen (tan), honey nut (golden brown), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), pure poppy (red), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Pink Paislee pen pals 6 x 6" pad.
• Dies are PTI county fair quilt block (no longer available) and photo finish strips.  The tan card stock is embossed with the PTI infinity frames die.
• I used an old 1/4" hole punch for the center dot.
• The sentiment "thanks" is from PTI limitless layers: labels (retired), stamped with PTI enchanted evening (dark blue) ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(798)

Yellow Bird and Flowers on Green Leaves

A bright yellow bird perched on a white banner.  The green leaves are accented with yellow flowers.  It's a very cheerful card! 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is damask print from PTI spring rain (light blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• Dies are Memory Box fancy blossoms and PTI garden garland, spring woods, and sketched shapes (long wide banner). 
• The bird is the goldfinch from PTI spring woods, stamped with PTI smokey shadow (dark gray) and summer sunrise ink cubes.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you II, and the flower centers are from PTI polka dot parade #6, stamped with PTI smokey shadow ink cube. 

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(799)

Light Green and Rustic Red Vines with Brown Trees

A woodsy scene with vines and tree trunks.  I like the light brown polka dot paper as a partial backdrop, with some of the green visible through the trees on each side.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source sage (light green) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (brown), Americana (rustic red), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Pink Paislee pen pals 6 x 6" pad.
• Dies are PTI my mother, my friend (vine) and cover plate: winter woods. 
• The banner is notched with scissors.
• The sentiment "just a note" is from PTI winter woods, stamped with PTI Americana ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(797)

Corrugated on Turquoise with Brown and Cream

Today's card was my first attempt using the corrugated card stock that I bought long ago.  It was this pumpkin post by Melissa Phillips that nudged me to get it off the shelf and to try sponging it with some ink - thank you, Melissa, for your inspiration!

I'm really happy with my results.  The turquoise sponged on the corrugated panel ties it into the turquoise background, which is also echoed in the sentiment label's stamped splotches.  The heavily embossed brown card stock and the rough twine add even more texture.   A very nice masculine card!

Card details:

• Card stock is 12 x 12" E-flute (8 per inch) kraft corrugated (no longer available where I bought it) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) Hawaiian shores (turquoise), cocoa bean (brown), and rustic cream.
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up square lattice (retired).
• Sponging was done with PTI Hawaiian shores ink cube, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink. 
• Twine is PTI rustic cream button twine.
• Die is from Spellbinders labels eight.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you II, and the dot cluster is from PTI gathered garden, stamped with PTI cocoa bean ink cube.  The splotch stamp is from PTI grunge me, stamped with PTI Hawaiian shores ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(796)

Wreath with Green Stripes and Purple

A delicate green wreath with purple berries.  The scallops and stripes work nicely to ground the white circle.  In addition to the sympathy card (above) on light purple, I made a "thanks" version (below) on light yellow.  I like both color combinations.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) amethyst allure (medium purple), lilac grace (light purple - top card), lemon tart (light yellow - bottom card), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is the stripe print from PTI mint julep (light green) "+ white basics" patterned paper (retired).
• Embossing folder (top card) is Cuttlebug d'vine swirls.
• Dies are from PTI limitless layers: 2-1/2" circles.
• The wreath is from PTI think big favorites #19, stamped with vintage jadeite (medium green) ink cube.  On the bottom card, I added some color to the wreath's center with PTI lemon tart ink cube, using an e.l.f total face brush to apply the ink.
• The sentiment "with sympathy" (top card) is from PTI communique sentiments.  The sentiment "thanks for all you've done" (bottom card) and the dot clusters (both cards) are from PTI gathered garden.  All were stamped with PTI amethyst allure ink cube.

The "thanks" card was created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

 (795)

Lavender Gingham with Flowers and Leaves

I love the country quilt applique feeling of today's card.  The curving flower branch works beautifully with straight lines of the gingham and the card layout. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) prairie grass (light green), olive twist (dark green), autumn rose, lavender moon (light pink-purple), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are the gingham and bitty dot prints from PTI lavender moon and scarlet jewel (burgundy) pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are PTI turning a new leaf, wonderful words: thank you (inlaid into the white), heart-2-heart #7, and flower fusion #3.
• I used an old 1/4" punch to cut the flower centers.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(794)

Gold and Red Brocade on Green

The shimmery gold and red brocade pattern makes an interesting mix with the rustic striped texture and dotted "thanks" word.  I've enjoyed trying different sponged ink colors to alter this brocade paper, which holds more ink in the background and less in the pearly pattern areas.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (green) and dark chocolate (brown).
• Patterned paper is the bitty dot print from PTI ripe avocado pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and Paper Source "brocade taupe" pattern (retired).
• To change the color of my shimmery brocade patterned paper from its original taupe, I used a round Ranger ink blending tool with PTI honey nut (golden brown) and terra cotta tile (rusty red) ink cubes.  See this post for a card with the original taupe color.
• Embossing folder is Sizzix Tim Holtz stripes. 
• Die is from My Favorite Things many thanks (retired).

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(791)

Red Poppies on White

Lovely flowers with a simple sentiment.  Just one layer.  It didn't need more. 

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• The images and the sentiment "thinking of you" are from PTI botanical silhouettes (no longer available), stamped with PTI pure poppy (red), green parakeet, and smokey shadow (dark gray) ink cubes.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(793)

Red and Yellow Hello with Prints

This cheerful card features a red and yellow hello on a bright chevron print and muted teal dots.  With some light gray and dark navy to tone things down a bit, it's a very nice combination.  And it was fun to use all five of the chevron print's colors. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) soft stone (light gray), dark indigo (dark navy), pure poppy (red), and bright buttercup (yellow).
• Patterned paper is the bitty dot print from PTI ocean tides (muted teal) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and a multicolor chevron print from Bo Bunny firecracker 6 x 6" pad.
• Dies are PTI noted (hello) and keep it simple frames (the stitched tag die, minus the angled hole end).

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(792)

Sponged Leaves on Blue

There's a beautiful glow from the ink colors, softly sponged on light yellow card stock.  Love these die cut leaves on their blue background.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) lemon tart (light yellow), blueberry sky (medium blue), and spring rain (light blue).
• Patterned paper is the stripes print from PTI simply chartreuse (green) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• The yellow card stock is sponged with PTI simply chartreuse, Americana (rustic red), and canyon clay (orangey brown) ink cubes, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.  I sponged diagonal areas of color, leaving some plain light yellow between, before die cutting the leaves.  
• Dies are from PTI mix & mat: pinked edge.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, stamped with PTI simply chartreuse ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(790)

Orangey Brown Stripes with Green - Three Layouts

I was experimenting with my layout for this card, and I ended up with three ways that I like a lot.  The version above is my favorite; the other two are at the end of the post.

They all use the same materials, and in each one, the strong lines of the stripes are softened by the curving branch with the dark brown "hello" word as a focal point. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) green parakeet and dark chocolate (brown).
• Patterned paper is the polka dot or leaf print from PTI dark chocolate pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and the stripes print from PTI canyon clay (orangey brown) bitty big pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI branching out and wonderful words: hello.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(788)

Orangey Brown Stripes with Yellow Sunflower

Stripes, dots, and not-my-usual color combination for today's cheerful sunflower card.  I like all of it together!  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (brown), bright buttercup (yellow), and green parakeet.
• Patterned paper is bitty dot print from PTI dark chocolate pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and stripes print from PTI canyon clay (orangey brown) bitty big pattern pack.
• Dies are 2-3/8" circle from Spellbinders standard circles large, PTI wonderful words: hello, PTI turning a new leaf with most of the stem trimmed off, and the pointed-edge circle from PTI limitless layers: 2-1/2" circles.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(789)

Blue Stripes with Tan

A simple card with an interesting criss-cross layout.  I like the mix of colors and patterns with a bit of stitching texture.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) fine linen (tan), enchanted evening (dark blue), terra cotta tile (rusty red), and stripes print from PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are PTI double-ended banners and My Favorite Things (MFT) vertical stitched strips.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, and the images are from PTI textile impressions, stamped with PTI blueberry sky, enchanted evening, and terra cotta tile ink cubes.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(787)

Red, White, and Blue Stripes with Gray Chevrons

The stripes (dotted with tiny stars) and the gray chevron texture work well with the oval label shapes.  I like the outline sentiment colored with bright red and blue.

Card details:

• Card stock is My Favorite Things red hot (red), Paper Source gravel (gray) and royal blue, Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, and a print from Doodlebug patriotic picnic 6x6" paper pad. 
• Embossing folder is Sizzix chevrons (retired).
• Dies are PTI fillable frames #10 and Spellbinders classic ovals large (2nd largest oval).
• The sentiment "thanks" is from Fiskars so much thanks, stamped with Memento tuxedo black ink and colored with Copic markers B26 and R29.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(786)

Brown with Tan Stamped Panel

I enjoyed stamping a multicolor design on my tan panel.  It makes a handsome card with the crisp white banner.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) cocoa bean (brown), terra cotta tile (rusty red), fine linen (tan), and stamper's select white.
• Die is from PTI sketched shapes.  I shortened the banner by about 1/2 inch.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI cocoa bean ink cube.  The triangles, chevrons, dots, and zigzag are from PTI textile impressions, stamped with PTI cocoa bean, terra cotta tile, blueberry sky (medium blue), and enchanted evening (dark blue) ink cubes.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(785)

Pink Chevron Thank You

A mix of pinks and chevrons.  My colors in the picture look mismatched, but in real life they look nice together. 

Card details:

• Card stock is My Favorite Things pink lemonade, Paper Source strawberry (medium pink - retired), Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, and chevron print from Avery Elle everyday collection 6x6" paper pad.
• Embossing folder is The Paper Studio chevron.
• The white and medium pink card stock panels are embossed with the Dreamweaver faux cross-stitch stencil screen, as explained in this post.  I embossed the back side of my card stock, giving me a canvas-like texture on the front instead of a crisp design.
• The sentiment "thank you!" and its border are computer printed.  The font is Hobo Std, with character spacing adjusted.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(782)

Turquoise and Silver - Dots, Stars, and Circle

This card began with a piece of silver foil patterned paper: the gray dots and circle outline are a bright shiny silver in real life.  I added some stenciled stars, a circle layer of turquoise dotted paper, and a die cut "hello" in a less-shiny silver with some soft turquoise sponging on the bottom.  Overall it's a very silvery and lively result! 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) luxe silver, a bitty dot print from PTI Hawaiian shores (turquoise) pattern pack (retired), and a dotted circle frame print from PTI silver luxe foil A2 size patterned paper collection (retired).
• Stencil is My Favorite Things stargaze (retired), sponged with PTI tropical teal ink cube, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.  The bottom of the "hello" die cut is also lightly sponged with the same ink. 
• Dies are PTI wonderful words: hello and WeRMemoryKeepers nesting circles.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(780)

Brown Branch on Orangey Brown Stripes

Very simple and effective.  This leafy branch is one of my favorite dies, with its graceful lines and A2-friendly size.  The sentiment rectangle makes a good base for it.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (brown), stamper's select white, and stripes print from PTI canyon clay (orangey brown) pattern pack (retired).
• Dies are PTI branching out and double-ended banners.  I trimmed off a leaf on the lower right and shortened the stem at the brown rectangle.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI canyon clay ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(784)

Green Print with Green - Thanks

Just a very simple layout in monochromatic greens.  Monochromatic but not monotonous, thanks to the mix of curves and straight lines, the textured card base, and the alternating bands of light and dark green. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (dark green), spring moss (light green), and a print from PTI in bloom 8x8" paper pad (retired).
• The dark green card stock is embossed with the Dreamweaver faux cross-stitch stencil screen, as explained in this post.
• Die is Elizabeth Craft thanks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(781)

Stencil Dots - Blue and Green with Leaves

Another card with stencil dots.  Like yesterday's card, it was inspired by Dawn's "stencil strips" examples.  I love the green leaves and sentiment with the green and blue dots.  Such a simple design, and very effective. 

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green) and stamper's select white. 
• Stencil is mini Swiss dot 6x6" (TCW 246S) by The Crafter's Workshop, sponged with PTI blueberry sky (blue) and new leaf ink cubes, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.  I used 1" post-it tape to mask the top of the stencil and adhere it to my white card while sponging. 
• Dies are WPlus9 folk art florals (leaves - retired) and Elizabeth Craft thank you.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(779)

Stencil Dots - Orange and Raspberry

A cheerful note card with orange and raspberry colors, stamped and stenciled on white.  I like the vivid energy of the colors in this diagonal layout.  My card was inspired by this post by Dawn McVey and her "stencil strips" examples.  Thank you, Dawn, for all the beautiful ideas and techniques you share!

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Stencil is mini Swiss dot 6x6" (TCW 246S) by The Crafter's Workshop, sponged with PTI orange zest and raspberry fizz ink cubes, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.  I used 1" post-it tape to mask the top of the stencil and adhere it to my white card while sponging. 
• The sentiment "just a note" is from PTI keep it simple: just a note, and "..." is from PTI splits: thank you, stamped with PTI orange zest ink cube.  The double line is from PTI fill in the blank, stamped with PTI raspberry fizz ink cube. 

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(778)

Red, White, and Blue with Yellow - Thanks

A few layers with straight lines and angled layers.  At first I was thinking of baker's twine for the top accent, but I liked it better with the narrow strip of red print instead.

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.  And in real life, the dark blue is not as dark as my image.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue), harvest gold (yellow), stamper's select white, and leaf and bitty dot prints from PTI pure poppy (red) pattern pack (retired).
• Dies are from PTI double-ended banners and to the point edgers. 
• Technique:  To line up the edger die, which has a narrow V-shape, I marked a pencil dot at the bottom center of my 5-1/2" wide card stock, then drew a short horizontal line at 1" up from the bottom on the left and right sides.  The marks made it easy to place the die evenly, and because all five dies have similar angles, the same measurement works for all.  And the marks fall on the scrap side of the die cut - no erasing needed.  I made multiples of this card, so to do all the marking quickly, I used a simple template: a 5-1/2 x 1" piece of card stock with a small notch in the bottom center.  I'll save the template with the dies for future use.  While I was at it, I also made a 4-1/4 x 3/4+" template for cutting across the short side of an A2.
• The sentiment "thanks" is from PTI polka dot parade #6, stamped with PTI pure poppy ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(777)