Hi, hello! I’m delighted to be participating in the reveal blog hop of The Greetery’s August release, Gathered Blessings! SOOO much goodness as usual and, as the name of the release might imply, there is lots to get you started on Fall, Thanksgiving and even Christmas cards, as you’ll see!
If you’ve arrived here from Kelly’s blog, you’re right on track! If you’ve missed the previous stops on the hop, I’ll have the complete list below.
We have another container in this release! The Pitcher-esque stamp and die are beautiful, with a set of layering stamps that create a floral image in the center of the pitcher where I chose to place the sentiment, and will coordinate beautifully with other containers and all the florals that go in jars, bottles and jugs!
As well, there is a 3 layer stencil set, Square Dance, which I used to make the checked background layer. I made several in different colors as I was figuring out how to use it, so you can expect to see them again in future!
To pair with the stamped and die cut pitcher, I stamped the bouquet using the Bittersweet Bouquet stamp set and die along with the same family of inks for a monochromatic look that tames a busy scene. I used the Crimped Frame Die from a previous release to die cut the checked patterned paper.
Next up are a pair of cards made with the Top Down – Autumn stamp set. Remember the Top Down Day stamp and dies from the spring release? Well, now there’s an Autumn one to coordinate!
I don’t have the Top Down Day car stamp and die set with me in Canada. When we drive up for several months each summer, I bring a TON of supplies with me, but invariably there’s one I wish I’d packed and didn’t! This is the one. So I got creative and used the Fresh Air stamp set with it’s bricks and window!
I made a mask of the pumpkins and vines, so I could stamp it first, then stamp the bricks around the pumpkins. I used the sentiment from the Autumn Day set and kept the design very simple with just some ink splatters to finish it.
The technique for stamping the window opening, shutters and bricks on the second card was much the same, stamping the pumpkins first, coloring, then masking the pumpkins and stamping the rest of the scene. I like the juxtaposition between the outline image colored in, with the ink/stamped supporting images and the way it draws the focus to the sweet little window arrangement.
The “hello there” greeting is also from the Fresh Air stamp set. And once again, I finished the card off with just a few black ink splatters.
Next up is a card made with a very versatile stamp (and die) set, called All Blessings Flow. The way the stamps are arranged in the packaging, surrounding the sentiment in the center, inspired the way I used them on this card.
For a very subtle elegance, I chose to stamp on a mid-tone gray cardstock with clear embossing ink and heat set with Platinum embossing powder. I stamped the sentiment first, then positioned the leaves around it and took turns stamping and embossing until the entire card panel was covered. I trimmed down the A2 sized card panel and adhered it to a card base of kraft cardstock because I liked how well the platinum embossing coordinated with it.
Lastly, a Christmas card! (I told you). After stamping the card above, I decided to stamp all the leaves again, onto white cardstock with shades of green inks, then die cut all the shapes. It was as they all lay haphazardly on my desk that the idea for a wreath formed.
I ink blended a black and white checked card panel using the Square Dance stencil, then positioned and adhered the variety of leaves and branches to form the wreath.
I die cut a bow from the Fit To Be Tied die set and stamped and die cut the Christmas greeting garland from the Christmas Eve stamp set from last year.
There are some dies that coordinate with today’s reveal that reached me too late to be included in today’s projects, such as a cover die to coordinate with the the Square Dance stencil and a shiplap die set! So, be on the lookout for some projects made with those fun products, coming soon!
Alright! Off you go to the next stop on the hop – Wanda’s blog! Below you will find a complete hop list in case you encounter any broken links along the way. Remember to leave a comment on each of the stops for a chance to have your name/comment drawn to win a $50 gift card for the Day 1 blog hop. Winners will be announced Friday morning when the release goes live.
Blog Hop List:
Norine Borys – You are here.
Thanks so much for stopping by today and enjoy the hop!
