Orange Floral Print with Yellow and Gray

The angled panel adds a modern touch to the more traditional look of the orange floral print and the flowing script sentiment.  I chose my card stock colors to bring out the yellows and grays of the print.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) smokey shadow (dark gray) and harvest gold (yellow). 
• Patterned paper is from Craft Smith flower market 12 x 12" collection.  
• I edged it with Copic marker T7.
• Dies are from PTI noted: simply stitched A2 vertical, tipped tops, and big basics: thinking of you.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1088)

White on Blue - Hello with Doily

Very simple with a lacy doily die cut.  I like the white on blue with a bit of texture. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring rain (light blue), blueberry sky (medium blue), and stamper's select white.
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• Dies are from PTI noted: pinked A2 vertical,  My Favorite Things mini delicate doilies, and an unidentified "hello" die by Taylored Expressions.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1089)

Orange Herringbone with Brown and Cream

A bright orange herringbone die cut, backed with kraft, glows against a dark brown background.  The arrow adds a touch of orange to the cream sentiment strip.

I adhered my detailed die cut using an easy, effective Xyron technique posted on Vicki Finger's Twinkling Paper Studio blog.  Thank you, Vicki, for this great tip and for all your inspiration!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (brown), classic kraft, orange zest, and vintage cream.
• Dies are from PTI mix & mat: herringbone, PTI sketched shapes, and My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips (retired).
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI think big favorites #18 (retiring), stamped with PTI dark chocolate ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1087)

Bird with Dots

Embossed and printed dots, with a bird in flight. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) summer sunrise (yellow-orange), ripe avocado (green), and aqua mist.
• Patterned paper is from PTI polka dot parade 8 x 8" paper, petite scale.
• Embossing folder is Cuttlebug swiss dots.  I used the debossed side. 
• Dies are Elizabeth Craft hello (retired) and the dove from PTI peace be still.  
• The bird's eye is a dot of Copic marker BG75.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1086)

Thankful with Stripes - Muted Red, White, and Blue

A diagonal layout adds some energy to the muted red, white, and blue colors. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) blueberry sky (medium blue), fine linen (tan), Americana (rustic red), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Pink & Main beach bum 6 x 6" pad.
• Dies are from PTI direct messages banner (with one notched end trimmed off) and counting my blessings.
• The sentiment "for all you do" is from Winnie & Walter in a word: thanks (retiring), stamped with PTI enchanted evening (dark blue) ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1085)

Anniversary Numbers Card

For a family 51st wedding anniversary.  After last year's special 50th anniversary, I wanted to make "51" feel special, too.  I printed the background paper with numbers 1-51, and a sentiment panel wishing them lots of "happy" with equations and Roman numerals all equal to 51.  The recipients enjoyed their card, maybe as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white, Hero Arts grenadine (wine red), and Papertrey Ink (PTI) tropical teal.
• Patterned paper is computer printed, using American Typewriter (background) and Stencil (sentiments) fonts.
  
  
  (1082)

Brown with Light Green

A brown with light green print is set off nicely with a dotted brown background.  Embroidery floss adds a green accent.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) vintage cream.
• Patterned papers are a bitty dot from PTI dark chocolate (brown) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and a brown with light green print from PTI turning a new leaf 8x8" pad (retiring).
• Embroidery floss is DMC #372.
• Die is from PTI double-ended banners.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI thank you kindly (retired), stamped with PTI dark chocolate ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1084)

Multi Star Print on Gold

A simple layout with bold colors drawn from the patterned paper.

Card details:

• Card stock is Hero Arts grenadine (wine red) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark indigo (dark navy) and saffron spice (gold). 
• Patterned paper is "stars foil" 12x 12" print from Echo Park petticoats and pinstripes collection.
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• Die is Elizabeth Craft thank you.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1083)

Blue Jay on Green Frame

Another blue jay for today's card, perched on a green frame to make a geometric setting.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (green) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are the polka dot print from PTI lemon tart (light yellow) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and the bitty dot print from PTI spring rain (light blue) bitty big pattern pack.
• Dies are Birch Press sugar script hello, PTI winter woods, and PTI you've been framed: hexagon.
• The bird image is from PTI winter woods, stamped with PTI blueberry sky (medium blue), and true black inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1081)

Christmas Card 2019

Our Christmas card this year shows the baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph.  The card is computer-printed on Neenah solar white card stock. 

Since 2010, we've used one of my annual Nativity drawings to print our cards.  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 2019 Advent calendar drawing (work in progress through Christmas Day) with a link to the other nine years of calendars, and more of my Advent-Christmas drawings as well.

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Blue Jay with Dark Blue

A wintry card with a lively blue jay.  I like the light blue circle and sentiment banner.  Two ink colors are layered (in addition to the black details) to match my blue jay to the patterned paper. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue), spring rain (light blue), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is Kaisercraft indigo skies windswept (retired) 12 x 12" print.
• Dies are from PTI winter woods, PTI direct messages banner, and Spellbinders standard circles large.
• The bird image is from PTI winter woods, stamped with PTI lilac grace (light purple), blueberry sky (medium blue), and true black inks, and the sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI fillable frames #2 (retired), stamped with PTI enchanted evening ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1080)

Multi Triangle Print with Rusty Red

A strong color scheme with a bold sentiment banner, contrasting with some stitching-line edges and a tiny, multicolored triangle print.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) terra cotta tile (rusty red), smokey shadow (dark gray), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Pink Paislee pen pals 6 x 6" pad.
• Dies are from PTI keep it simple frames (sentiment banner), PTI noted: simply stitched A2 vertical (card base), and My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips (gray panel - retired).
• The sentiment "thanks" is from PTI enclosed: apple (retiring), stamped with PTI terra cotta tile ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1078)

Star Print and Plaid - Red, Navy, and Yellow-Orange

Two strong patterns of stars and plaid.  I like the color scheme, taken from the star print.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red) and summer sunrise (yellow-orange).
• Patterned papers are a plaid from PTI dark indigo (dark navy) bitty big pattern pack and a star print from Designs by Reminisce party in the USA 12 x 12" paper.
• Dies are from My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips (retired) and an unidentified "hello" die by Taylored Expressions.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1077)

Green and Brown Chevron Print on Brown

Rustic textures and pattern go together for a handsome masculine card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) cocoa bean (brown) and rustic cream.
• Patterned paper is from the Authentique free bird 6x6" collection (retired).  
• The brown card stock is embossed with the Dreamweaver faux cross-stitch stencil screen, as explained in this post.
• Twine is PTI rustic jute twine.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI simply chartreuse (green) ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1076)

Print and Texture in Red-Orange

Texture and pattern in a colorful monochromatic design.  Red-orange, coral, rusty red, or peachy pink?  Whatever the color names, it's a cheerful effect.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source papaya (medium red-orange) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) terra cotta tile (deep red-orange/ rusty red).
• Patterned paper is from PTI pretty pastels 8x8" paper pad, edged with Copic marker YR09.
• Embossing folder is Cuttlebug d'vine swirls (retired).
• Die is PTI big basics: thanks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1075)

Print on Cream with Gold and Brown

A print with light green and brown on cream.  The deep gold card base echoes the light green, and the brown punched flower resembles the printed shapes.  To contrast with the formal print design, I chose a casual "thanks" script die cut, placed diagonally.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) saffron spice (gold), dark chocolate (brown), and vintage cream.
• Patterned paper is from PTI turning a new leaf 8x8" pad (retiring).
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• Word dies are from PTI huge thanks.
• Punches are EK Success small daisy and McGill 1/8" circle.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1074)

Cardinal on Blue Stenciled Circle

A wintry card with stamping, stenciling, and a die cut.  I like this one a lot!

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

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red) and stamper's select white.
•  My stencil material is Yupo paper, cut with a backing of Xyron repositionable adhesive, using a 2-5/8" circle from Spellbinders standard circles small die collection.  I used the e.l.f total face brush to apply PTI spring rain (light blue) ink.
• Cardinal die is from PTI winter woods.
• The cardinal's markings are from PTI winter woods, the branches are from PTI life (retired) and larger than life (retired), and the sentiment "just because" is from PTI keep it simple: just because (retired), stamped with PTI true black, cocoa bean (brown), and pure poppy inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1073)

Bright Multi Stripe on Dark Blue Dots

This card started with a square of bright multi striped paper.  The bright red sentiment, bright yellow background strip, and even the dark blue dotted card base help to emphasize the bright colors.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source sunshine (yellow) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are from PTI enchanted evening (dark blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and Basic Grey fact (retired) 6 x 6" paper pad.
• Die is from PTI double-ended banners.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI pure poppy (red) ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1072)

Hexagons - Pink, Purple, and Turquoise

Bright stenciled hexagons, shifting colors in pink, purple, and turquoise.  Not my usual color choices, and I like it for something different!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) soft stone (light gray), lilac grace (light purple), raspberry fizz (pink), and Hawaiian shores (turquoise).
• Stencil is from PTI stencil basics: hexagon (large hexagons), sponged with PTI raspberry fizz, amethyst allure (purple), and Hawaiian shores inks, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.
• Die is Birch Press sugar script thanks.  

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1071)

Arrows - Teal and Dark Navy with Tan

Some stenciled arrows with teal and dark navy ink on tan card stock.  Lots of contrast on a simple layout.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark indigo (dark navy), tropical teal, and fine linen (tan).
• Stencil is My Favorite Things arrows abound, sponged with PTI tropical teal and dark indigo inks, using the round Ranger ink blending tool to apply the ink.
• Dies are Birch Press sugar script hello and PTI number the stars banner.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1060)

Sun Rays - Yellow-Orange with Orange or Blue

Bright sun rays with some extra shine - clear heat embossing over all the stamping, and a clear domed sticker in the sun's center.  Two colors of ink make for a variegated look.  The dotted line, ray triangle, and circle came from three different stamp sets, working nicely together here.  I used several different patterned papers for the card bases; these are two of my favorites.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) lemon tart (light yellow).
• Patterned papers are from PTI orange zest and blueberry sky (medium blue) pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired). 
• The domed sticker is from a very old pack of EK Success Sticko brand epoxy dome stickers.  It's very shiny and clear in real life, though a bit gray in my images. 
• The sentiment "sending you sunshine" and the dotted ray are from PTI hello sunshine (retired); the dotted circle is from Inkadinkado patterned circles; and the dotted line is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, all stamped with PTI bright buttercup (bright yellow) and summer sunrise (yellow-orange) inks, then restamped with Versamark and clear heat embossed.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1069)

Red, White, and Blue Diagonal Stripe with Gold Medallion

For today's card, I cut the diagonal stripes die from four colors of card stock, mixed up the pieces to inlay, and added a gold and white circle medallion (stamped with red or blue ink) on each of the four different card fronts.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source royal blue and Papertrey Ink (PTI) soft stone (light gray - diagonals), spring rain (light blue), pure poppy (red), stamper's select white (stamped circle), and luxe gold.
• Dies are from PTI limitless layers: 1-3/4" circles (gold circle), WeRMemoryKeepers nesting circles (1-1/2" white circle), and PTI cover plate: stripes diagonal.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from Fiskars so much thanks, stamped with PTI pure poppy ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1068)

Dotted Leaves on Circle Embossed Aqua

Softly serene, with the embossed background and the dotted applique-like leaves creating a quilted look.  A wrap of metallic silver thread balances the off-center sentiment.

Card details:

• Card stock is Stampin' Up soft sky (aqua) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is the bitty dot print from PTI ocean tides (muted teal) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Thread is DMC argent (silver) metallic.
• Dies are from PTI cover plate: circles (for the background embossing), photo finish strips (retired), and branching out.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, stamped with PTI aqua mist (aqua) and ocean tides inks, to make a color in between the card base and the leaf colors.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1066)

Leafy Print on Green

A leafy tropical print carries the visual impact of this simple note card.  A stitched edge detail adds interest, and a dark green sentiment helps to ground the design.  Thank you, Vicki, for your gift of the patterned paper, which I've enjoyed using on several different card layouts!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) vintage jadeite (medium green).
• Patterned paper is Craft Smith jungalow.
• Die is from My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips (retired).
• The sentiment "thankful for you" is from PTI think big favorites #19 (retired), stamped with PTI pinefeather (dark green) ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1067)

Inlaid Stars - Red, White, and Blue with Yellow

It's been a while since I did a card challenge, and it was fun to create something for this week's inlaid die cut challenge on the Ink to Paper blog.  Thank you to Laurie, Ink to Paper, and Papertrey Ink, for all your inspiration!

I cut the cover plate in three colors, then inlaid the stars, mixing the colors to make three similar cards.  A red stripe of card stock adds a bright accent and draws attention to the sentiment banner.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue), blueberry sky (medium blue), harvest gold (yellow), pure poppy (red), and stamper's select white.
• Dies are PTI cover plate: stars and bountiful banners.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI keep it simple: thinking of you, curved on the MISTI to fit the banner shape and stamped with PTI pure poppy ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1065)

Sunshine with Orange and Yellow Stripes

A bright sun shape with die-embossed details and a contrasting circle center, set against an orange and yellow striped panel with a turquoise card base.  Texture and patterns in cheerful colors to catch the eye. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) bright buttercup (yellow) and Hawaiian shores (turquoise).
• Patterned papers are the bitty dot print from PTI orange zest pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and and an orange and yellow striped paper that I created using PowerPoint.
• Dies are from PTI what the doodle: sun.  I used a 1" circle punch for the sun center.
• The sentiment "sending you sunshine" is from PTI hello sunshine (retired), stamped with PTI Hawaiian shores and tropical teal inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1064)

Black and White Thanks on Orangey Brown

A strong layout with bold colors.  The layered "thanks" and dotted grosgrain ribbon add some texture.  Thank you again, Judy, for sharing your ribbon stash with me!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) canyon clay (orangey brown), true black, and stamper's select white.
• Ribbon is 7/8" grosgrain.
• Die is from My Favorite Things many thanks (retired).  It's the same die, cut in both black and white, then offset when adhering.
• The sentiment "for all you do" is from PTI enclosed: apple, stamped with Versafine onyx black pigment ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1063)

Tan Woodgrain with Orange Dots

A handsome card, with pattern and texture adding interest to the simple offset layout.

Card details:

• Card stock is Essentials by Ellen woodgrain and Papertrey Ink (PTI) cocoa bean (brown).
• Patterned paper is from Basic Grey fiction (retired) 6 x 6" paper pad.
• Die is Birch Press sugar script hello.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1062)

Stripes with Green Banner on Turquoise Green

A striped panel with a green "thanks" word and banner.  I like the embossed vertical stripes echoing the patterned paper. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source jade (turquoise green) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green).
• Patterned paper is from Basic Grey fiction (retired) 6 x 6" paper pad.
• Embossing folder is from Lifestyle Crafts/ WeRMemoryKeepers stripe set.
• Dies are My Favorite Things many thanks (retired) and Poppystamps simple banner (retired).

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1061)

Red-Orange Bouquet on Kraft

I enjoyed coloring this stamped bouquet with my Copic markers.  In real life, the flowers have a beautiful warm glow in their simple setting on a strip of light orange with a kraft background.  The seasonal sentiment is perfect for a note that I'll write to our church shut-ins.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) kraft and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI melon berry (light orange) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Die is from PTI sunflower bouquet.
• The sentiment "autumn blessings" and the image are from PTI sunflower bouquet (retiring), stamped with PTI dark chocolate ink. 
• Copic markers are as follows: Pitcher, B41 striped with B26; Leaves, YG63, mottled with YG01 and streaked with E04 and Y38; Flower petals, R32, streaked with R08 and Y38; and Flower centers, inner E29, mottled with E21, and outer E37. 

(1060)

Muted Red, White, and Blue Plaid on Kraft

I wanted to use a kraft card base, so I chose this plaid with a touch of kraft in its muted red, white, and blue colors.  Then I added a wine red panel and some dark blue stamping.  The rough striped texture gives some depth to this handsome card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Hero Arts grenadine (wine red) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) classic kraft and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Pink & Main beach bum 6 x 6" pad.
• Embossing folder is Sizzix Tim Holtz stripes.
• Die is the long wide banner from PTI sketched shapes.
• The sentiment "thank you so very much" is from PTI banner sentiments (retired), stamped with PTI enchanted evening (dark blue) ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1059)

Dot Print Ribbon with Green and Brown

Another card today with dot print ribbon from my friend Judy.  I chose the green and brown dots for my color scheme, with the red and yellow for bright accents.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring moss (light green) and dark chocolate (brown).
• Ribbon is 3/8" printed grosgrain.
• Dies are from PTI noted: simply stitched A2 vertical (green panel) and My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips (retired - brown strip).
• The "thanks" word is cut with Silhouette Cameo.  It's a larger version of the word on this card.
•  The sentiment "for all that you do" is from PTI wonderful words: thank you, stamped with PTI dark chocolate ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1057)

Dot Print Ribbon with Blue and Brown

A friend was thinning out her ribbon collection, and I was happy to try some of her dot print grosgrain for this card.  (Thank you, Judy!) 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring rain (light blue) and dark chocolate (brown).
• Ribbon is 3/8" printed grosgrain.
• Dies are PTI wonderful words: hello (retired) and noted: simply stitched A2 vertical.
• The sentiment "just a note to say" is from PTI wonderful words: hello (retired), stamped with PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) and Hawaiian shores (turquoise) inks for a greenish blue mix to go with the ribbon colors.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1056)

Circles Wreath - Red, White, and Blue with Yellow-Orange

I stamped some red and yellow-orange circles in a wreath shape, added some dark blue stars and a sentiment, and finished with card stock and baker's twine in the same colors.  I like it!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), enchanted evening (dark blue), and stamper's select white.
• Twine is marigold (formerly lemon drop) stripe from The Twinery. 
• The circles are from PTI boy basics: simple circles (retired), stamped with PTI summer sunrise (yellow-orange) and pure poppy inks.
• The sentiment "thank you so much" is from PTI thank you kindly (retired), and the star clusters are from Paper Smooches seeing stars (retired), stamped with PTI enchanted evening ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1058)

Journaling Block - Red, White, and Blue with Teal

Starting with a preprinted journaling block, I stamped some stars and hearts with a "thank you" sentiment for a red, white, and blue card.  The teal layer adds a bright accent and echoes the block's aqua border.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) tropical teal. 
• The 2 x 3" journaling block is from Doodlebug patriotic picnic 6x6" paper pad.
• Patterned papers are from PTI enchanted evening (dark blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and PTI pure poppy (red) "+ white basics" patterned paper (retired).
• The sentiment "thank you so very much" is from PTI framed out #1 (retiring), and the hearts are from PTI tag-its #11 (retired), stamped with PTI pure poppy ink. 
• The sentiment "for all you do" is from PTI enclosed: apple, and the stars are from Paper Smooches seeing stars (retired), stamped with PTI enchanted evening ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1055)

Grasses with Brown and Rusty Red

Lovely tall grasses with a simple card layout.  I like the color combination and the stitching detail on the brown layer.  I tried reversing the colors of the layers, as well as putting the stitched edge on the card base.  This combination won out. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) cocoa bean (brown), terra cotta tile (rusty red), and stamper's select white.
• Die is from PTI noted: simply stitched A2 vertical.
• The taller grasses are from PTI with sympathy (retired), the shorter (green) grass is from PTI peaceful garden (retired), and the sentiment "sending thanks" is from Altenew trigonometry, stamped with PTI terra cotta tile, ripe avocado (green), and cocoa bean inks.  
• I masked the bottom of the brown "with sympathy" stems to match the base line of the green "peaceful garden" leaves.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1054)

Circle Vines - Green with Cream

Circular vines with two shades of green, on a lighter green print and a much darker green card base.  The vine stamp and the patterned paper feature the same shapes of leaves and dots. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pinefeather (dark green) and vintage cream.
• Patterned paper is the leaf print from PTI limeade ice (yellow-green) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• Die is from PTI two toned.
• The images and the sentiment "just because" are from PTI tag-its #12 (retiring), stamped with PTI green parakeet (medium green) and new leaf (deeper green) inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1053)

Rose Wreath with Burgundy Stripes

A special, sparkly card for a friend's accomplishment.  I rarely use gems on my cards, but they're perfect for the celebration.  My design was inspired by this card on the Ink to Paper (Papertrey Ink) blog - thanks, Melissa!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) lavender moon (light red-violet), autumn rose (medium red-violet), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper the narrow stripe print from PTI scarlet jewel (burgundy) bitty big pattern pack.
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.
• Die is from PTI limitless layers: 2-1/2" circles.
• The wreath is from PTI think big favorites #19 (retiring), the 4-petaled flower is from PTI out on a limb revised (retired), and the sentiment "celebrate you!" is from PTI heart-2-heart #5 (retired), stamped with PTI autumn rose and scarlet jewel inks. 
• Gems are Memory Box 2 mm jewel stickers.

(1052)

Blue with Tag on Multicolored Stripes

The patterned paper's multicolored stripes set a good masculine color scheme for my card today.  After I stamped the sentiment on the tag, it needed something more, and the row of stars worked beautifully. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) blueberry sky (blue), dark chocolate (brown), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from Pink & Main pumpkin spice 6 x 6" pad.
• Embroidery floss is DMC #922.
• The tag die is from PTI keep it simple frames.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI textile impressions (retiring), and the star border is from Paper Smooches seeing stars (retired), stamped with PTI blueberry sky and harvest gold (yellow) inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(1051)

Textured Backgrounds with Two Print Strips

Using some leftover patterned paper, I made a small batch of cards with the same overall design - a textured background, two different print strips, and a cream or white banner with a sentiment matching the background.  Simple but handsome. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (green), Hawaiian shores (turquoise), vintage cream, and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is from PTI summer sunrise (yellow-orange) and dark chocolate (brown) pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Embossing folders are Sizzix chevrons (retired) and Cuttlebug d'vine swirls (retired).
• Die is from PTI fabulous frames.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from Pattern Happy mini greetings (retiring), and the sentiment "with thanks" is from PTI think big favorites #19 (retired), stamped with PTI ripe avocado and tropical teal inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Green Vines with Green Stripes

When I saw Jennifer McGuire's recent blog post on "reusable" stamping with craft foam ("DIY Stamps from Dies"), I knew I should try the technique.  This delicate vine die is one of my favorites, and it looked like it would work beautifully for a stamp.  To make it reusable, in line with Jennifer's ideas, I cut it from self-adhesive foam, which I then adhered to a piece of clear card stock.  I used removable Scotch tape to tape that to my MISTI lid, shimmed a scrap of white card stock to lift it closer to the very thin stamp, and started stamping a test piece. 

Since it was just meant for a test, I wasn't concerned about my stray ink.  But looking at it later on, I saw what a lovely watercolor-ish effect it made, stray ink marks and all.  So I added a small sentiment and layered it onto a card.  I'm very happy with the result, and I'll enjoy using my new reusable foam stamp!  Thank you, Jennifer, for all your great technique instructions and your inspiration!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (dark green) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is PTI spring moss (light green) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• The sentiment "hello" is from PTI tag-its #12 (retired), stamped with PTI ripe avocado ink. 
• The vines are stamped with craft foam, cut with Memory Box floral vine die, using PTI simply chartreuse (medium green - for two vines) and ripe avocado (for one vine) inks.

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Balloon Trio on Yellow

For my trio of balloons, I stamped patterned circles in red, blue, and yellow-orange, then added clear epoxy dome stickers for some dimension and shine.  I like the swirly lines of the font with the balloon strings.  The embossed background adds more dimension, circles, and swirls. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) harvest gold (yellow) and stamper's select white.
• Embossing folder is Sizzix retro cirque.
• Die is from PTI noted: pinked A2 vertical.
• The patterned circles are from PTI bits & buttons (retired), stamped with PTI pure poppy (red), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), and blueberry sky (blue) inks.
• The shiny clear EK Success Sticko brand epoxy dome stickers (a bit over 1/2" across) have been in my embellishments drawer for 8 or 9 years.  I pulled them out because I read that some scrapbookers had problems with them yellowing badly.  Mine are still in perfect condition and needing to be used!  They are very mailable - flexible, and less than 1/16" thick - not like the more common "bottle cap" tops, which tend to be larger, thicker, more rigid, and more expensive. 
• The balloon strings are from PTI everyday button bits (retired), and the sentiment "thank you" is from PTI thank you kindly (retired), stamped with PTI true black ink.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Green Vine on Blue with Dark Blue

A delicate scrolling vine with a scripty sentiment.  The vine, flowers, and butterfly are from an old set - new to me - that was "destashed" by a stamping friend.  (Thank you, Jane!)  And the sentiment is from a recent set.  The old and new play well together.  Embossed background texture and some clear shiny accents (from an old tube of gloss gel) add depth and interest.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring rain (light blue) and enchanted evening (dark blue).
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up subtle.  I stamped first, then used the embossing folder.
• The images are from PTI with sympathy (retired), and the sentiment "sending you my sincerest gratitude" is from PTI sentiment staples: sending you, stamped with PTI new leaf (green) and enchanted evening ink. 
• The clear shiny accents are "pearls" of Viva Decor gloss gel pen, transparent (000).  The flower centers look a bit elongated in my picture, but in real life they are perfectly round domes.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Aqua and Brown Chevrons with Yellow-Orange Gingham

I started with the aqua and orangey brown colors, which went well with the yellow-orange gingham background.  Then I wanted a fourth color for an accent and first tried a darker brown (PTI dark chocolate), but it looked too heavy.  The lighter PTI cocoa bean was a better brown for this card.  I like the color combination and the mix of straight lines, angles, and curvy script. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) canyon clay (orangey brown), cocoa bean (brown), and aqua mist.  
• Patterned paper is from PTI summer sunrise (yellow-orange) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are from PTI huge thanks (word and shadow) and diagonals (chevrons), which cuts six chevron shapes and is easy to reposition and chain cut for a longer set.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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Teal and Blue Double Frame with Stripes

Using the same notched frame and sentiment as my previous post, I added the set's outer frame on a pinked-edge white square.  To complete the design, I chose two similar color combinations for my stitched-detail horizontal band on a background stripe pattern - dark blue with turquoise stripes (above) and teal with medium blue stripes (below). 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) enchanted evening (dark blue - above), tropical teal (below), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are from PTI Hawaiian shores (turquoise - above) and blueberry sky (medium blue - below) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are from WPlus9 pinking squares and My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips (retired).
• The sentiment "thank you so very much" and the frames are from PTI framed out #1 (retiring), stamped with PTI tropical teal and enchanted evening inks.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

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