Happy Harvest

I have a confession to make. I've recently become totally enamored of a Stampin' Up! cardstock color that often gets short shrift--Kraft. You can purchase a forty (40) count package of 8 1/2" x 11" 80lb. weight cardstock for $ 7.50 (#102125). Many people accuse the color of Kraft paper as being bland and boring. But with Summer dying its slow death, Autumn is right around the corner...and Kraft is the perfect color either as a main focus or accent to your projects. There's something about Stampin' Up! Kraft cardstock that is at once vintage and freshly modern. Another interesting thing about the Kraft cardstock is how wonderfully in coordinates and compliments the currently line of fabulously popular In Colors selections. Try pairing up some Kraft cardstock with Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry, or Crushed Curry. I think you'll be surprised at the palette it opens up for your imagination and creativity.

I just finished making a set of card fronts for a Stampin' Up! swap I participated in and I used the combination of Kraft cardstock, Soft Suede cardstock, Soft Suede ink and a new stamp set that will be debuting tomorrow (09.01.09--which is the official launch of the new 2009-2010 Holiday Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up!). The results (if I may say so myself) were striking. (I will share the project with you once my swap happens; Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't give the Philly Inkers a shout-out!)

Over the weekend, I tackled several more card projects using Kraft cardstock. The one I'll be sharing with you today is Autumnal in theme. I used a piece of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" Kraft cardstock scored at 4 1/4" as my card base. I used a Martha Stewart corner rounder punch to lop off the four couners. The decorative mat paper is from 7 Gypsies. It is a slightly lighter shade of Kraft color base and has a very muted cranberry polka dot pattern to it. I thought the contrast in tones was intriguing. I rounded the corners of my decorative paper and then used a tea stain along the edges to draw the eye in. A strip of Stampin' Up! Close To Cocoa cardstock cut at 1 1/2" x 4" serves as a horizontal break in the design.

Using Stampin' Up! Whisper White cardstock to stamp my images and the Papertrey Ink stamp set entitled "Vintage Picnic", I used Tsukineko Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black to stamp my images. The basket and pumpkins were then hand-colored with Copic Sketch Markers. The sentiment was stamped on Whisper White and them punched out using the Stampin' Up! Modern Label Punch (#116630, $ 15.95). I then used a chamomille and chai blend tea dye to "age" the sentiment label and ink its edges. I adhered all of my elements with Stampin' Up! Two-Way Glue Pen and added a faux stitched accent with my Uniball Signo 1.0mm White Gel Pen.

I really love this particular Papertrey Ink stamp set--it is very versatile. I also like this project because it shows that you can mix-and-match your scraps and come up with a cohesive project. It's no secret I love using Stampin' Up! products. But, I love many different companies and lines and often mix products in projects and designs. Don't box yourself in to thinking that you need to be "matchy--matchy" in your crafting. Papers, stamps, ribbons, and embellishments from a host of different manufacturers often create stunning synergy.

So here's a look at the finished card. Whatever you are harvesting today, may you do it with a smile on your face and love in your heart. Keep Crafting!

Card Glimpses

Of late, I seem to have found this deep fountain of ideas for card layouts and techniques I want to try. The problem of course is one as old as time. Well, actually, it is time. For as many ideas as I have, there never seems to be enough time to get them all realized. I suppose that is a good thing--since inspiration and creativity can sometimes be moody playmates.

I just received a huge order of new stamp sets from Stampin' Up! and have been busy preparing them (EZ-Mount) for the calendar cases I store them in. There really are some marvelous new sets and artwork in the 2009-2010 catalog. Among some of my new favorites are: 'All Hallow's Eve', 'Beware Pirates', 'Extreme Elements', 'Medallion', 'Pendant Park', 'On A Pedestal', 'Greenhouse Garden', 'From The Crypt', and 'Chic Boutique'. I also finally broke down and ordered the Color Caddy and extender kit. I was never quite sure this is the route I wanted to take for my Stampin' Pad storage, but now I'm very happy I did. Of course, not all of my pads fit. But, it does make a great home for the four major color groupings (Bold Brights, Earth Elements, Rich Regals and Soft Subtles), as well as the last twelve In Color ink pads. It provides a great visual reminder of the palette that is available in my stamping ideas.

The weather here has been ridiculously hot. Though, I suppose that's just further impetus to stay inside and create. Wherever you are and whatever your weather, keep crafting!