Sympathy - Green with Cream

Simple greens and cream.  The foliage looks lovely in the two shades of green.  I thought the sentiment font might seem too casual for a sympathy card, but it works beautifully in this setting. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (deep green) and rustic cream. 
• The cream panel is edged with Copic marker YG99 and backed with a layer of PTI coaster material for dimension.
• The green card stock is embossed with the Dreamweaver faux cross-stitch stencil screen, as explained in this post.
• The image is from PTI splits: thank you, stamped with PTI simply chartreuse (medium green) and ripe avocado ink cubes.
• The sentiment "deepest sympathy" is from Stampabilities everyday expressions, stamped with PTI ripe avocado ink cube.

(831)

Circle Grid - Red, White, Blue, and Kraft

Papertrey Ink (PTI) is beginning an 11th Anniversary celebration with a sketch challenge on the PTI blog.  I chose Michelle's sketch with its framed circle grid and scored line details.  I'm happy with my version in red, white, blue, and kraft. 

Thank you, Michelle and PTI, for the inspiration!  And Happy Anniversary to PTI!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), classic kraft, and stamper's select white.
• Lines on card base are scored with Martha Stewart mini score board (retired).
• Die is from PTI infinity frames. 
• Circles are from PTI bits & buttons (plaid circle) and PTI boy basics: simple circles (retired - the other circles), stamped with PTI blueberry sky (blue) and classic kraft ink cubes.
• The dots in the star centers are from PTI confetti toss, and the sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI pure poppy ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(835)

Curving Scallops with Muted Teal and Light Green

A softly colorful sympathy card.  I chose my card stock colors to bring out the slightly brighter colors in the patterned paper, which (except for the touches of pink) is mostly dark and subdued.  The curving scalloped borders contrast nicely with the straight lines above.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source sage (light green) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) ocean tides (muted teal).
• Patterned paper is Craft Smith dark floral 12 x 12" collection (thanks for sharing with me, Vicki!)
• Embroidery floss is DMC 772.
• Die is from PTI round off edgers.
• The sentiment "deepest sympathy" is from Stampabilites card phrases, stamped with PTI fresh snow (white) ink cube, then (after the white ink was dry) restamped with ocean tides.  
• Technique: With ocean tides ink stamped directly on the green cardstock, the sentiment looked too green; a base layer of white ink solved my problem. 

(829)

Flower Clusters - Four Assorted Cards

Card A

Card B (note: gray border is background, not part of the card)

Cards C and D

A stamping friend and I agreed to do a Card Making 101 session at our local senior center in a few weeks.  We'll have card kits ready for the participants to make Cards A through D as shown here, plus a choice of sentiments (for Cards A and B) and various patterned papers/ card stock colors.  They can copy these sample cards, or use the precut, prestamped pieces to create their own designs.  It's all prepared for them to assemble, except for coloring the images on Cards C and D.  (We know that some of the members have enjoyed the coloring book trend.)

This is the first card making session for the senior center, and we have no idea what to expect for skills, experience, and interests.  It will be interesting and fun to see how it goes.  The different kits will highlight a few different card making techniques and styles, and we're hoping everyone will leave with at least one finished and mailable card!

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white (Cards B, C, and D) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) aqua mist (Card A), lovely lady (pink), spring moss (light green), and true black (Card B), harvest gold (yellow) and true black (Card C), and green parakeet (bright green) and true black (Card D). 
• Patterned paper is as follows: Card A, three prints from PTI pretty pastels 8 x 8" pad (retired).  Card B, damask print from PTI spring rain (light blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints,  retired).  Card D, a print from My Favorite Things black & white basics.
• Embossing folder (Card A) is Sizzix berry splash.
• Ribbon (Card C) is 5/8" sheer and satin.
• Dies are PTI in bloom (Cards A and B) and double-ended banner (Card B). 
• Colored pencils (Cards C and D) are my very old Venus Spectracolors.  I used two greens for the leaves and three or four reds, yellows, or oranges for the flowers.  Very simple and quick coloring with the side of the pencil lead.
• The flowers and leaves are from PTI in bloom, stamped with Versafine onyx black ink (Cards A, C, and D) or PTI raspberry fizz (bright pink) and simply chartreuse (medium green) ink cubes (Card B).
• The sentiment "hello" (Card A) is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with Hero Arts unicorn white pigment ink and white heat embossed. 
• The sentiment "deepest sympathy" (Card B) is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, stamped with PTI simply chartreuse ink cube.

(825)

Tan Stripe Windows with Flower and Leaves

A trio of windows with a flower, leaves, and a sentiment.  The colors and shapes went together beautifully for me. 

My layout is based on the second sketch in the January 2018 release inspiration cards posted on the Papertrey Ink blog.  Thank you, Lizzie, for the inspiration!

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink (PTI) canyon clay (orangey brown).
• Patterned paper is the stripe print from PTI fine linen (tan) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Die is PTI take three. 
• The flower is from PTI floral fusion (no longer available) and the leaves are from PTI turning a new leaf, stamped with PTI canyon clay, prairie grass (medium green), and olive twist (dark green) ink cubes.
• The sentiment "thank you so much" is from PTI thank you kindly, stamped with PTI prairie grass ink cube, with touches of canyon clay and olive twist.  
• The sentiment "for all you do" is from PTI counting my blessings, stamped with PTI canyon clay ink cube.  This sentiment's font has thin lines, so after stamping it with my MISTI, I shifted my card stock very slightly to the right and restamped, giving the letters a wider line that stands out more on the patterned paper.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(833)

Birds and Balloons on Pink

Another bright birthday card with balloons, clouds, birds, and a party banner.  The balloon strings are slanting to look like a breeze is blowing.  The cotton crochet thread adds some nice texture.  I didn't leave space for a sentiment on the card front, so I'll write a birthday note on the inside.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) berry sorbet (more of an orangey pink than my image), pure poppy (red), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), amethyst allure (purple), limeade ice (green), Hawaiian shores (turquoise), and stamper's select white.
• Dies are PTI what the doodle: sun (clouds), PTI loop de loop, My Favorite Things party banner (retired), Avery Elle icon fill in the blank (balloon), and WPlus9 folk art florals (retired - birds). 
• Thread is white DMC #5 perle cotton.
• I used a Copic turquoise 0.5 multiliner to color the birds' eyes, and a white gel pen to draw across the balloon knots.

(832)

Birthday Wishes Drawing on Dotted Turquoise

A festive "birthday wishes" card for a special birthday celebration.  Cake, party hat, pinwheel, and balloons, all sketchily drawn (by me) and colored with Copic markers.  I also added some highlights with white gel pen.  The black mat and dotted turquoise card base set it off nicely.  And the recipient loved it, so I'm happy, too!

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink (PTI) true black.
• Patterned paper the bitty dot print from PTI Hawaiian shores (turquoise) bitty big pattern pack.
• The "birthday wishes" sentiment is handwritten with Copic 0.1 black multiliner.
• For Copic colors and other details, see this post.

(827)

Balloons and Cloud on Blue with Yellow

Happy balloons on my card for a 65th wedding anniversary.  I like the white cloud, numbers, heart, and banner with the bright colors and dots.

Card details:

• Card stock is  Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring rain (light blue) and stamper's select white.
• Patterned papers are the bitty dot and polka dot prints from PTI plum pudding (purple), Hawaiian shores (turquoise), pure poppy (red), and harvest gold (yellow) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Dies are PTI block alphabet numbers, heart prints, what the doodle: sun (cloud), double-ended banners, and birthday balloons.
• I drew the balloon strings with Copic 0.3 black multiliner.
• The sentiment "Happy Anniversary" is from Hero Arts everyday sayings, stamped with PTI true black ink cubes.

(830)

Yellow Stars with Black, White, and Rusty Red

Fiery hot colors, grounded with black and white.  The yellow patterned paper (thanks, Vicki!) adds some interesting variation to the star shapes. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) terra cotta tile (rusty red) and true black.
• Patterned paper is from Craft Smith flower market 12 x 12" collection.
• Twine is PTI true black baker's twine.
• Die is PTI cover plate: stars.
• The sentiment "thanks" is from PTI limitless layers: labels (retired), stamped with Hero Arts unicorn white pigment ink and white heat embossed.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(828)

Balloons on Yellow with Teal

Since I don't make a lot of birthday cards, my first thought about the new Papertrey Ink (PTI) birthday balloons set was "I don't need that."  But after seeing the design team samples, and with the help of some friendly "enabling" on the PTI forum, I bought it all - stamps, die, and stencils - and I'm very glad I did!

The balloons look great on a birthday card (and I made a few of those, too) but also for this cheerful thank you card.  I chose a sentiment with thin string-like lines to complement the balloon design.

Card details:

• Card stock is PTI lemon tart (yellow), mint julep (light green), aqua mist, and lilac grace (light purple).
• Patterned paper is the gingham print from PTI tropical teal pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Die is PTI birthday balloons. 
• I used a Copic 0.3 turquoise multiliner to draw the balloon strings (including the short strings across the balloon knots.)  I traced my curves from one of the PTI birthday balloons stencils.  The multiliner isn't the same color as my teal stamping, but in real life, they look good together.
• Technique: Before I drew the strings, I laid down my die-cut balloons where I wanted them.  I used a few inches of Scotch removable tape to hold them together, then made a tiny pencil dot under the "knot" of each balloon.  I also put a dot for the bottom of each string.  Then it was easy to place my stencil and connect the dots.  Note: When I stamped my strings from the balloon set (another similar card, not shown), I used the same approach, but I also masked off the bottom section of my yellow panel.
• The balloon patterns are stamped with PTI birthday balloons using PTI new leaf (green), tropical teal, and amethyst allure (purple) ink cubes.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you II, stamped with PTI tropical teal ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(826)

Leafy Green Thanks

When a friend sent me this beautiful paper (thank you, Vicki!) with its lush tropical leaf print,  I gave it a starring role in my card design.  To add some definition, I used narrow green borders around the card front and the label. 

The label's white space and the blocky words of "sincere thanks" make a resting place for the eye, while the paper's complex shapes are echoed in the curved leafy branch and curly "sending" word.  Since I wanted this card to feature the leaves, my label shape strategically hides a large flower.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green card base), green parakeet (bright green label), and stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is Craft Smith jungalow.
• Dies are PTI mat stack 4 and layerz mat stack 4.
• The leafy branch is from PTI gathered garden, and the sentiment "sending sincere thanks" is from PTI thank you kindly.  I stamped with PTI green parakeet ink cube as my base color, then stamped again with touches of PTI new leaf and pinefeather (dark green) ink cubes.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(824)

Gold Circles with Brown and Gray

A handsome masculine card with circles and squares in rich brown and gold colors.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (dark brown) and honey nut (golden brown). 
• Patterned paper is from PTI three piece suit A2 paper collection (retired).
• The brown card stock is embossed with the Dreamweaver faux cross-stitch stencil screen, as explained in this post.
• Dies are My Favorite Things double dot border (retired) and PTI direct messages banner.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you II, stamped with PTI dark chocolate ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(822)

Circles on Stripes - Red, White, and Blue

Dotted circles on stripes for an interesting background.  A wide white panel makes a resting place for the eye.  The circle motif continues in the sentiment stamp.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Patterned paper is the stripe print from PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) pattern pack (tone-on-tone prints - retired) and the bitty dot print from PTI pure poppy (red) bitty big pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI cover plate: circles and My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips. 
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI wonderful words: thank you, stamped with PTI pure poppy ink cube.  The stars are from Paper Smooches seeing stars, stamped with PTI blueberry sky ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(823)

Gray-Green Leaves with Burgundy on White

A very simple, serene card.  The deep rich burgundy is beautiful with the gray-green leaves on white.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) scarlet jewel (burgundy) and stamper's select white.
• The leaves are from from PTI turning a new leaf, stamped with PTI stormy sea (gray-green) ink cube. The 1/8" dot is from PTI confetti toss, and the sentiment "thinking of you" is from Stampabilities card phrases, stamped with PTI scarlet jewel ink cube.

Created for Operation: Quiet Comfort.

(821)

Teacup and Snowflake - Blue and White

I made a batch of these wintry blue and white cards to send with warm wishes to our church shut-ins.  The heart-embellished teacup and snowflake give a cozy feeling against the sky patterned background.  I don't often use ribbon on my cards, but here it makes a good resting place for the teacup. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink (PTI) blueberry sky (medium blue).
• Patterned papers are the leaf and bitty dot prints from PTI spring rain (light blue) and enchanted evening (dark blue) pattern packs (tone-on-tone prints - retired).
• Ribbon is 3/8" white sheer-and-satin.
• Dies are PTI fancy flakes, teacup, and heart-to-heart #11.  The blue star is inlaid in the white snowflake's center.

(820)