So I have pulled out my retiring sets and placed them by my desk, as I'm hoping to use them as much as possible before they retire. Today's pick was Playful Pieces, a third-level hostess set I actually preordered last June. I was really impressed with the versatility of the stamps and seeing how many different images you could create using the shapes found in the set (as illustrated by the samples shown in the catalogue). I knew the style was more modern than what I usually select for myself, but I thought it would be a great chance to challenge myself. Now, if you're thinking you don't remember seeing this set much on my blog this year, that's because I failed at using it much. I think it intimidated me a bit much and that it got lost among my let's-call-it "extensive" stamp collection. Oh, well, better late than never, right?
To select a color combo, I chose among the ones I had jotted down in my inspiration notebook. I started by using the triangles to create a Christmas tree, stamping them on a piece of Presto Patterns designer paper. I added a Saffron star, some pomegranate garlands and a grey trunk. Then, I sponged some So Saffron ink along the edges and then spritzed the patterned paper with Vanilla Smooch Spray and then just a tad of Gold Smooch spray to reveal the script on the Presto Patterns paper. I then added some pearl "ornaments" to the tree and two gold brads in the top corner.
I used the dot from the Playful Pieces set to create a polka dot background on the card base, and I added two pieces of patterned paper. I created a border out of Kiwi paper with a new border punch, which you cannot see much of, but keep your eyes peeled on my blog for other samples made with it in the upcoming weeks. I added a Saffron ribbon bow and used a circle punch on the side of my main image before adding the image to the card front.
Then, I stamped a sentiment from the Occasional Quotes set (another Level 3 hostess set) in Versamark, embossed it in gold powder and punched it out with the Ornament punch. I sponged the edges with Saffron ink to add dimension and paper pieced the top part of the ornament with Brushed Gold cardstock. I punched a star out of Brushed Gold cardstock and added it underneath the sentiment.
The cute border at the bottom was created with the Pearl Basic Jewels. I first glued the pearls that come off already as a row from the kit, and then I added some smaller pearls at regular intervals above the first row.
Tip: Use the tip of your paper piercer or your scissors to pick up the small pearls and place them down on your project. You'll have better control over placement than when using your fingers.
Retiring elements featured on this project:
- Playful Pieces set (Level 3 hostess)
- Occasional Quotes (Level 3 hostess)
- Star punch
- Presto Patterns designer paper
Inspiration: Verve Sketch (VLVMAR2011 #5)
Color Combo: Kiwi Kiss + Purely Pomegranate +
Basic Grey + Baja Breeze + White
Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: Playful Pieces, Notes de saison (Occasional Quotes)
Cardstock: Basic Grey, So Saffron, Brushed Gold
Designer papers: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Presto Patterns DSP, Holiday Harmony DSP
Inks: Basic Grey, Kiwi Kiss, Versamark
Punches: Ornament, Star, Circle, Lace border
Accessories: Smooch Sprays, Pearl Basic Jewels, Gold brads,
Stampin' Dimensionals, Saffron ribbon, Sponge, Corduroy button
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