Hello Fellow Stampers ~
Howdy howdy everyone!! Well . . . it certainly has been an exciting and interesting week. The Vice President visited our facility on Thursday afternoon; and what excitement that creates! We were on lock down - no movement between buildings, couldn't leave the campus, etc. - during the time he was here. The Secret Service was everywhere, and even snipers on the rooftops -- LOL. I think it's interesting since we're a secured DOD site anyway, and most of us have Secret clearances or higher! But I'm sure security is of the utmost importance no matter where these folks travel.
I've never seen a presidential motorcade of any kind in person. It was quite something watching them arrive and move around. I learned a lot -- and have some great photos! Anyway, so much for my fun event of the week!! LOL I think it's an honor any time the leaders of our country "rub shoulders" with us common folk. I enjoyed every minute of it! And there are moments like these that I still feel very proud to be working for this company and to be a part of the cutting edge work that we do. I remember my Father always being so proud to be a part of Martin Marietta and the exciting projects that he was a part of over his 30 year career out here. He would have loved this yesterday! One of those moments when I wish he was still here to share this with!
(That's our Insight Lander heading to Mars next Spring in the background)
On to more simple and mundane things of life! Time for some card creating, and a 3-Way Friday installment which we haven't had in awhile. I've decided to alternate between a Thursday CASE-Out, and a 3-Way Friday from week-to-week depending on how my schedule and time in the Studio is holding up. And I hope to get a few instructive videos out for everyone here real soon. It's been crazy around here lately. And I'm trying to get some deep Fall cleaning down around the house too! Eeeeeek! LOL 😉
Today's fun 3-way focuses on my favorite stamp bundle in the catalog ~ Painted Harvest. Love Love Love!! This collection is a set of three 5" x 5" cards (when finished), all coordinated with Crumb Cake card bases; and yet each one very different! I love the versatility of this set, and I hope you take a look at these today and feel inspired!! Each of these cards is made with one single stamp set ~ the Painted Harvest set (except for the bow on the wreath that we'll talk about in a minute). I hope you can see the incredible versatility of this set. Even 3 wonderful sentiments in one set!!
This first card showcases the sunflower 2-step images as a wreath. How sweet and pretty is this!!?!!
Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green are the color showcases in this card, both in the paper and in the ink.
The "wreath" is stamped in Garden Green and Wild Wasabi - a luscious combination!!
Recognize that fabulous bow? I'll bet in all the excitement of all this wonderful new product, you've forgotten about the cute Jar of Love stamp set; and easy peasy ~ cut that bow out with the coordinating Everyday Jars Framelits.
Now that's a "clean and simple" card with a nice wow impact - don't you think? I love the color combination put together here -- and here is another color combo to use your sunflower image with!! (Thank you Kelly Gettelfinger for the inspiration!!)
Now the fun really begins!!
I've been chomping at the bit to create these adorable hedgehogs - all with that same sunflower image from the Painted Harvest stamp set. And I LOVE this!! I have to make more! LOL 😋
AND I used some of the "busier" patterns from the Painted Autumn DSP. Sometimes the busier paper can leave you overwhelmed with what to do with it. I think it works perfectly as a background for something like this!
The "fern-like" leaf image from the stamp set was stamped on it's "side" to make grass. It's all about how you stamp up the image (and incorporated masking - I used little sticky notes to align my images) to create the look you want.
How about a sneak look at the inside? Each card's inside coordinates with it's front and is unique unto itself.
This final card implements the sunflower image full on - in Peekaboo Peach, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Crushed Curry. I actually stamped both images several times to create a "fuller" looking flower - which I really love!
And yes - one has been fussy cut and popped for dimension. Don't let fussy cutting scare you - keep it simple (cutting only where necessary), and you'll find it well worth while!
Various leaves in Garden Green - and the sentiment in Early Espresso to match the sunflower centers.
The entire card front just is beautiful I think.
Now, special sized cards, require special envelopes.
So pull out that Envelope Punch Board and go to town.
And remember, no naked envelopes!! LOL
Next week, we'll answer a customer's question on how to make that designer paper flap for your envelope.
It's easy!!!
I hope you have enjoyed today's installment; even if it came a little later than I would have liked. Ha! Looking forward to the weekend as much as I am? I think I see a pot of chili in my near future - sound yummy? Cornbread sounds good too!! Perfect for a cool Autumn weekend! As always, I'm only an email away if you need anything. And be sure to pop into my Online Store over the weekend and get your shopping done! Soon it will be time to get all those Christmas projects well under way!
Until Next Time . . .