Manly Sketched Birthday Card

Today's card you see was stamped with the stamp set called, "Sketched Birthday." You can use this stamp set for all ages and genders. That makes a stamp set very versatile, which means a lot more use. When picking out stamp sets, I try to think of how I would use it. If I can't think of anything I definitely won't buy it. What makes you decide which stamp sets to purchase? I would love to hear your reasons.

This card was created with the following Stampin' Up products.
Stamp Sets: Sketched Birthday and Label Love
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White, and Soho Subway DSP
Classic Ink:  Early Espresso
Tools: Summer Starfruit Stampin' Write Marker, Artisan Label Punch, Big Shot, and the Alphabet Press Embossing Folder
Accessories:  Early Espresso Baker's Twine

I hope you don't get tired of it, but thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. I pray it inspires you to create also. It is my way of relaxing and an outlet when I need one.
 Now go-n-stamp!!

Watercolor Wetlands

   As I promised you in the last post, here is the card made using the same stamp set "Wetlands," but with an aqua painter. You will have to decide which style you like the best. I would love to know which one you would choose. Please tell me by leaving a comment. Personally, I have to say I like the aqua painter version over the sponged version. Both are very pretty though.

These are the Stampin' Up! supplies needed to create this card.
Cardstock: Marina Mist, So Saffron, and watercolor paper
Classic Ink: Early Espresso and Crumb Cake
Tools: Aqua Painter, Stampin' Markers (Marina mist and Crumb Cake), Stampin' Sponge, Big Shot,       Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Apothecary Accents Frame Lits,

   Just in case you wonder why I used the stampin' sponge. I used it on the torn so saffron paper to give it some character. I also used it for the sky. I know I should have used the aqua painter for it too, but I didn't. The colors in the sky are mainly so saffron with a bit of Tangerine Tango. One more thing, I used it for going over the honeycomb texture to give it more dimension with Marina Mist.
   Remember and tell me which card you like the best........Sponged or Aqua Painter style.

Now go-n-stamp!!

Wetlands Meets a Top Note Card

  I don't know about how you feel, but I love a lot of the cards I have seen using the stamp set "Wetlands." It is the reason why I bought it. I have to admit, I am drawn to scenery stamp sets and I also love the beach. Maybe, you will love this stamp set too!
  To start this card, I used my Big Shot and the Top Note Bigz die. I folded a piece of Whisper White Cardstock in half and made sure that part of the top did not get cut. By doing this, I have a card completely ready to stamp on. To make the ocean, sand, and sky, believe it or not, I used a Stampin' Sponge and Classic Ink. I just rubbed it across the cardstock until I got the final effect I wanted. In case you wonder, the Classic Ink colors are Soft Sky (sky), Marina Mist (ocean), and Crumb Cake (sand). To add some waves, I used the White Stampin' Chalk Marker. Lastly, to stamp on the "Wetlands" images I used the StazOn Black Ink Pad.

  When I first finished this card I was not sure I liked it. Maybe, it was because of the other cards I had seen and I was a little disappointed. I do not feel that way anymore though. I really do like how it turned out.
  I have another card  I will be sharing with you soon using this same stamp set, but I used an aqua pen and ink. It has more of a watercolor look. I have not completely finished it yet.
  Have a great day!
Now go-n-stamp!!