Aloha, all!
When I’ve been in a creative slump one of the first places I go is to a Stampin’ Up! catalog. That’s really easy this time of year as we not only have the new January – June Mini Catalog, but the always wonderful Annual Catalog and, until the end of next month, the Sale-a-bration Brochure. If I know what stamp set I want to use, I go right to the page that features that set. Otherwise I just start flipping pages. That’s what I did with today’s project. And I only had to get to page 23 of the Mini Catalog before a card that looks like this caught my eye. The Stamp Set featured is Quite Curvy. But what really caught my eye was the lovely use of the new Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper.
Quite Curvy Wasn’t Just for Christmas!
I was thrilled last fall when all of us had the chance to pre-order the Quite Curvy Bundle that was going to be in the new Mini Catalog. There was also a fun Christmas-themed stamp set AND fun printed papers to go with the Christmas theme. And I loved it all and used it all. But once the holidays were over and we got to see all the goodies in the new catalog, I simply forgot about it. Until now.
This Card Could be For Any Occasion
The actual event that had me stumped about what to make was our oldest granddaughter’s 18th Birthday. Up until now, I’ve made her and her younger sister and brother cards that are more on the cutesy side. But 18 seems to be an age where something a bit more elegant. But not too serious. This card seemed to fit the bill perfectly. The card in the catalog is a “Thinking of You” card. But with the Quite Curvy stamp set, I easily made this into a Birthday card.
As I said back when I was first using this set, you can shape the sentiment stamps go along the same curve as you’ve cut out using the Curvy Dies. I usually don’t get it done perfectly. But close enough. I find using the Stampin’ Up! Stamparatus positioning tool makes it a bit easier. Once you apply the stamp to the acrylic cover of the Stamparatus, it’s staying put. That is, unless you want to move it a bit. So, to make the curve, I try to get it as good as I can on the paper I’m using, pick it up with the Stamparatus acrylic cover and then adjust it until it seems to be just about right. then I stamp.
Choosing My Embellishments
The card in the catalog used some other die cuts from the Curvy Dies. But I wanted either a butterfly or a dragonfly. After cutting and punching a few things, I decided on the small dragonfly that can be made using the new Dragonflies Punch. I chose some Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape Cardstock for the dragonflies, and some Old Olive Cardstock for the leaves, which I die cut using one of the Curvy Dies.
I did take the suggestion in the catalog to use my Dark Highland Heather Stampin’ Blends to color some White Baker’s Twine (from the Snail Mail Twine Combo Pack, also in the Mini Catalog. I adhered the leaves to the top part of the card using Multipurpose Liquid Glue except near the stems. Then I wrapped the colored twine around the stems before adhering the punched dragonflies.
I have to admit that I made another one of these cards after I made Morgan’s card. It’s so pretty and I have a friend who I know would love that for her birthday this month, too.
The Bottom Line
Simple. When you’re looking for some ideas, check out the Stampin’ Up! Catalogs. You might even find something that inspires you enough to want to buy it! And of course you know I’ll help you with that. Just call or e-mail me and I’ll help you place your order. Or you can place it yourself online at my Stampin’ Up! Website – robinstamps.stampinup.net. Click “Shop Now” and you’ll be on your way!
Happy stamping! And Happy Shopping!!!!
