Monday, April 29, 2013

Mr Cardmaker Figures it Out



 
 
Do you ever find, in your stamp collection, that sentiment stamp that you look at and say, "WHAT am I going to do with you?"   Well, I bought Stampin Up's Smarty Pants set ages ago.  I really had just about signed off on it as a "what was I thinking?" moment when I ran across it, and decided to challenge myself.
 
I made this-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I am NEVER one to feel obligated to stick to one stamp set when I'm making something (uh, unless somebody's gifting me the set and asking for samples to show).  If the image works, I'm pulling it out!  The clouds and the orange sun rays that are peeking out from behind the vellum are from two Papertrey Ink sets, (Up, Up and Away, and Funky Florals) and the birds are from Melanie Meunchinger's Gifts from the Sea set at GinaK Designs.
 
Doing the clouds was an interesting exercise.  The darkest ones are actually done with pink ink, not orange, and after stamping the first row, I just kept going up and up, letting the ink get softer as I went along.  I did the same pink with a flower stamp to make the sun's rays.  Totally reads orange.
 
The grass die is from Amuse Studio.  That bugger is tough to work with, because it almost always makes a mark on the bottom of the cardstock you're cutting.  Putting it through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder fixes that problem!  That's a green ribbon, darker than the one in front, separating the layers of grass, btw.
 
It's pretty hard to see in this photo,but the yellow circle living under the vellum has also been dry embossed, Swiss dots this time, and that little yellow brad holds it all together.  Foam adhesive pops it off the surface.
 
I think it looks like some scene from the Serengeti or something, minus the rhinoceros.  Sooooo...for what occasion is this appropriate?  And for whom? 
 
Is this suitable as a graduation card?  I guess the sentiment could be one of those things you'd shout after someone, before adding, "...and don't let the door hit you in the ass!"
Graduation card, it is!!!  ( I promise I WON'T put that on the inside.  Wouldn't that make a GREAT stamp, though?)
 
Now that I think about it, it could be a good card for someone starting a new job, or even, HEY!  How about your local doc who's about to do a Doctors Without Borders stint?  Or a teacher? Ok, so this is pretty applicable, after all.  Cool.
 
Thanks for stopping by! 
All Best-
Richard
 
 
 



10 comments:

  1. I too have this stamp set.
    I've used it for a Thank You card, and encouragement.
    You did a smashing job with it!
    I like everything about it!
    I really like the idea of using it for a graduation card. TFS!

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  2. Absolutely beautiful! You've created a stunning backdrop for this incredible saying. Very fitting, Rich!

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  3. I love the scene you created here! I need to remember the pink ink on orange! Truly beautiful! And I love the sun and grass - great use of the vellum and dry embossing!

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  4. Love this quote and how you used it!! The gorgeous and dramatic African sky are perfect! It will be an awesome "pat on the back" kind of card!

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  5. A beautifully designed card, Richard. My biggest problem is knowing that I have a sentiment, but knowing which set it's in, and where to find it...I need a dewey decimal system for my stamps!

    Great use of this sentiment!

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  6. Oooh, Richard, this is AWESOME. I have this set, too, and used it for encouragement when my kids don't know what to do after college. Actually, it is good for ANYONE at anytime. I'm like you, I like putting bits and pieces together from all stamp companies and designers. Thanks for sharing this card. Have a fantastic day.

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  7. Awesome!Very pretty,love the sentiment,your colors are great!!!

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  8. Loving it!! Love the colors, the stamps, the vellum, the grass, the ribbons, the clouds, everything! That sentiment would be OK for a thank you card also. thanks for sharing.

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  9. Oooooo.....that is really gorgeous!! Totally a Serengeti scene!! You know...I'm thinking I have some sentiments that size so I just might CASE this!! And totally.....graduation, encouragement, proud of you....I think lots of occasions!!

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  10. This is so super pretty! I love the vellum overlay!

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