Wren and Blossoms

I like to think that I don't have lots of bits and pieces lying around in the craft room. In my mind, I cut and stamp exactly what I need for my project, and then move on to the next creation. But the truth is, I have a couple of little drawers filled with stamped images, sentiments, some fussy cutting, bits of cardstock, etc... I think you get the picture. I don't visit those drawers too often, but today I decided to drag some of the bits into the light to see what I could make with them.

It's a Twofer!

My original plan was to cut the flower stem in half and place each piece on either side of a patterned paper strip. Everything was going to plan until I realised the flower was too wide for the base I'd prepared (right hand side), which meant a quick re-think. I cut a second, narrower strip and created another card with the other half of the flower, then filled in the gaps with individual blossoms.

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Thinking Of You

Gold highlights and pretty embossing really help to elevate this simple card. I added some dimension by popping up a couple of the loose blossoms and the die cut sentiment.

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For You

Pretty patterned paper makes up the majority of this card. I just embellished with a simple sentiment, a few die cut flowers and some white butterflies.

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Best Wishes

The large flower stem from the cherry blossom set is perfect for creating pretty borders. I used my guillotine to cut the stem up the middle, then secured each half to a strip of gold mirror board topped with some white card cardstock. The two pieces then became the top and bottom frame for my card.

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Layout - "Her Smile"

When creating layouts, I try to coordinate the papers, cardstock and embellishments with the colours in the photo... not always an easy task! Fortunately, I found a lovely photo containing reds, pinks and greens that coordinate nicely with the Cherry Blossom product range.

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Dimension and Texture

You can add dimension to your cards by building up layers with foam tape and by adding embellishments that are three dimensional, like little pearls, buttons and wooden elements. Texture comes from adding different surfaces and finishes, such as dry embossing, fabric and torn edges. 

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Just For You

Keeping it simple with some die cut patterned papers, pretty flowers, and a versatile sentiment.

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In My Thoughts

A simple card to let someone know you're thinking of them.

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Thank You Card

I'm finding the coloured cut sheets very handy for those days when you don't have the time or energy to devote to colouring an image. Plus, you can cut a few extras to keep in your stash for those unexpected card emergencies!

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Enjoy Your Day

I was inspired to create this card by a fabulous design I saw on Pinterest. I did add a few things and alter the colour palette, but otherwise kept to the basic sketch. It's a handy design for using up some of those ever-increasing off cuts!

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Blossoms and Old Books

I decided to combine the flowers from the Cherry Blossoms cut sheets with one of the images from the Old Books stamp set by doing a little colour matching. Since my flowers are pre-coloured, I used them to select the pencils and ink for my image. I've included some photos below for those who are interested in the process.

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Wren and Blossoms

The little birds from the Blue Wrens set coordinate beautifully with the Cherry Blossom flowers, with the pretty pinks and bright blues creating a fantastic contrast. I added a border of shiny pearls, some silver mirror cardstock, and an embossed sentiment to give the design a nice lift.

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