The Promise of Flowers!

"Flowers"

They are autographs of angels, penned

In Nature's green-leaved book, in blended tints

Borrowed from rainbows and the sunset skies,

And written everywhere - on plain and hill,

In lonely dells, 'mid crowded haunts of men;

On the broad prairies, where no eye save God's

May read their silent, sacred mysteries.

Thank God for flowers! they gladden human hearts;

Seraphic breathings part their fragrant lips

With whisperings of Heaven.

- Albert Laighton -

Hello!  Today I am sharing a few projects I worked on this week trying to harness the promise of Spring!  Although I do enjoy winter, and certainly don't mind shoveling snow, on these dreary January days I start looking forward to being able to be back out in the garden.  Stampin' Up! offers many stamp and die sets for creating projects celebrating the promise of flowers, and for my projects this week I used the following stamp sets and dies:

• Garden Meadow stamp set (item 162736), and co-ordinating Garden Meadow dies (item 162740) - also available together as the Garden Meadow Bundle (item 162741);

Garden Meadow dies - 162740

• Lazy Days stamp set (item 161340), and co-ordinating Lazy Days dies (item 161342) - also available together as the Lazy Days Bundle (item 161343);

Lazy Days dies - 161342

• Trucking Along stamp set (item 162299) - sentiment;

• Natural Prints dies (item 158800) - wreath;

Natural Prints dies - 158800

• Meadow dies (item 155852);

Meadow dies - 155852

• Paper Florist dies (item 161284);

Paper Florist dies - 161284

• Dainty Delight dies (item 160674); and

Dainty Delight dies - 160674

• Notes of Nature stamp set (item 162630), and co-ordinating Notes of Nature dies (item 163203) - also available together as the Notes of Nature Bundle (item 162640).

Notes of Nature dies - 163203

Just a brief note about the standard tools and supplies I used to complete my projects:

• Paper Trimmer (item 152392) - for trimming paper and cardstock - can also be used for scoring;
• stylus and scoreboard (Simply Scored Scoring Tool - item 122334) - for scoring  fold lines.  For crisp folds I also burnish all folded scored lines using my Bone Folder (item 102300);
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (item 149653) - for all die cutting and embossing; 
• Paper Snips Scissors (item 103579) - these sharp scissors are great for doing any necessary trimming of die cuts - i.e. trimming stems, and cutting apart leafy die cuts; 
• Take Your Pick Tool (item 144107) - the paper piercer, mini spatula, and tacky putty tips are a great help for picking up and placing small embellishments and die cuts; and
• for the main adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue (item 110755).

All images and sentiments were stamped using Stazon Jet Black Ink (item 101406).

Now on with the projects!

To frame my first project I used a glass-less Dollarama wood frame with a 5 1/4" x 7" back opening.  I stained the frame, distressed edges and corners by sanding with a medium grit sandpaper, and, by flicking the brush tip of my Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (item 162481) against the marker lid, added a few splatters. For the garden shed image - stamped on watercolour paper - I used a favourite retired stamp set from a few years ago - Garden Shed (item 149247).

Using one of the Blending Brushes (item 153611) I applied Pecan Pie ink (item 161665) over the stamped image, then lightly spritzed with water (Stampin' Spritzers - item 126185) and blotted dry with paper towel.  The watercolour paper panel was trimmed to fit the frame, taking into consideration the placement of the shed in the Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) panel window opening (cut using the Garden Meadow dies).  The Basic Black cardstock panel was also cut to fit the frame's back opening.

The images from both the Lazy Days and Garden Meadow stamp sets were stamped on watercolour paper and coloured using the following Classic Stampin' inks:  Old Olive (item 147090), Mossy Meadow (item 147111), Crumb Cake (item 147116), Pecan Pie, Basic Gray (item 149165), Misty Moonlight (item 153118), Pumpkin Pie (item 147086), and Daffodil Delight (item 147094).

The three small daisies were cut from watercolour paper using the Dainty Delight dies, and coloured with Pumpkin Pie ink applied with one of the Small Blending Brushes (item 160518).  The flower centers, also cut using the Dainty Delight dies, were cut from Basic Black cardstock.  The small fence was cut from watercolour paper using the recently retired Bag of Bones dies (item 162218), and coloured with Crumb Cake and Basic Gray inks applied with Small Blending Brushes.

Bag of Bones dies - 162218

The three ivy stems and two rounded leaf stems, cut using the Lazy Days dies, and the three leafy stems, cut using the Notes of Nature dies, were all cut from watercolour paper, and coloured with Old Olive and Mossy Meadow inks applied with one of the Blending Brushes.

I used Stampin' Dimensionals (item 104430) to attach the plant in basket die cut image.

I like big flowers and I cannot lie!  To complete this 5 1/2" square top-fold card I used the following additional supplies:

• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for the card base;
• Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) for the 4 5/8" square front matting panel (edges scraped with the blade of my craft knife), 5" square inside panel, and trimmed sentiment strip;
• Blueberry Bushel patterned paper from Winter Meadow 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 162133) for the 4 1/2" square front panel, and 4 1/2" x 1" inside strip;
• leaf die from Paper Florist dies to cut "petals" and leaves;
• Daffodil Delight cardstock (item 119683) for 15 die cut "petals" (14 for flower, and one for inside panel) - shaded with Daffodil Delight ink (item 147094) applied using one of the Blending Brushes (item 153611);

• Old Olive cardstock (item 100702) for 4 die cut leaves - shaded with Old Olive ink (item 147090) applied using one of the Blending Brushes;
• Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717) to cut large circle (cut using the 1 1/4" diameter circle die from Stylish Shapes dies - item 159183), and perforated circle for flower center (cut using the Paper Florist dies) - around the edges of each circle I sponged Pecan Pie ink (item 161665);

Stylish Shapes dies - 159183

• Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) for scalloped circle flower center - also cut using the Paper Florist dies.  This circle, to the top of which I glued the Pecan Pie cardstock perforated circle, was attached to the large Pecan Pie cardstock circle (around the back of which I had glued the petals and leaves) using one of the Stampin' Dimensionals (item 104430);
• Basic Black baker's twine (Baker's Twine Essentials Pack - item 155475) - for two double loops secured to back of assembled flower with Mini Glue Dots (item 103683).  I pressed the baker's twine into the several Mini Glue Dots I stuck on the back of the assembled flower; and
• four Boho Blue dots from 2023-2025 In Colour Dots (item 161620) added to card front.

I used my fingers to slightly curl up the petals and leaves.

For my next two cards I was inspired by a quilted hanging my sister made several years ago - we both love bright colours!

To complete this 5" x 4" side-fold card I used the following additional supplies:

• Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) for the card base, and sentiment circle (cut using the 2 1/8" diameter circle die from Stylish Shapes dies - item 159183)'
• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for the window frame panel - this panel is actually the cut out piece from the Basic Black cardstock panel used in my first project (cut using the Garden Meadow dies);
• Meadow dies to cut three flowers - one from Pumpkin Pie patterned paper from Stargazing 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 161175), one from Fresh Freesia shaded patterned paper from the Stargazing DSP, and one from Crushed Curry patterned paper from the retired Tea Boutique 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper (item 158659) - I also cut a four-petal flower from this paper using the Paper Florist dies, which I layered over the first flower; 
• Meadow dies to cut two flower stems - one from Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper from Masterfully Made 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 161192), and one from Just Jade patterned paper from the retired Flowers For Every Season 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper (item 152486), from which I also cut the multi-leaved branch (which I trimmed into two pieces);
• Paper Florist dies to cut two leafy branches - one from the Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper from Masterfully Made DSP (trimmed - one leaf added to the stem of the Pumpkin Pie patterned flower), and one from Old Olive patterned paper from 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper Assortments-Regals (item 161642);  
• Pumpkin Pie patterned paper from Stargazing DSP to cut two small perforated circle flower centers (cut using the Paper Florist dies);
• Pumpkin Pie patterned paper from Stargazing DSP for 4 3/4" x 3 3/4" matting panel;
• black & white patterned paper from Zoo Crew 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 161304) for the 4 7/8" x 3 7/8" front matting panel, and 2 3/4" x 1/8" inside strip;
• Lighting The Way stamp set (item 160868) for the sentiment;

• two large Coastal Cabana shaded dots from Ombre Matte Decorative Dots (item 161448) used for flower centers; 
• three Brushed Brass Butterflies (item 158136) added to card front; and
• Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (item 162481) to add splatters to inside panel (including sentiment circle).

Maybe there will be flowers on the moon? . . . To complete this 4 1/2" square top-fold card I used the following additional supplies:

• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for the card base;
• Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202) for the 4 1/4" square inside panel;
• Meadow dies to cut the following:
• one flower from Pumpkin Pie patterned paper from Stargazing DSP;
• one flower from Starry Sky/Orchid Oasis patterned paper from Stargazing DSP;
• two flower stems (trimmed) from Pretty Peacock patterned paper from Earthen Elegance 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 161503);
• Paper Florist dies to cut the following:
• one broad leaf and one leafy branch from Tahitian Tide patterned paper from Stargazing DSP;
• one broad leaf from Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper from Masterfully Made DSP; and
• one perforated circle flower center from Pumpkin Pie patterned paper from Stargazing DSP;
•  "galaxy" patterned paper from Stargazing DSP for 4 1/8" x 3 1/2" front panel, and 4 1/8" x 3/4" inside strip;
• Pumpkin Pie patterned paper from Stargazing DSP for 3 7/8" x 3/4" front panel, and 3 3/4" x 1/2" inside strip;
• Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper from Masterfully Made DSP for 2 1/4" x 3/4" inside strip;
• watercolour paper for circle stamped with images from Notes of Nature stamp set, and two circle frames.  All circles cut using the circle dies from Stylish Shapes dies (item 159183), and coloured with Basic Gray ink (item 149165) applied with one of the Blending Brushes (item 153611), lightly spritzed with water (Stampin' Spritzers - item 126185) and blotted dry with paper towel; and
• Basic Black baker's twine from Baker's Twine Essentials Pack (item 155475) for bow tied through the "almost Tahitian Tide" button from my stash that I glued to the bottom of the flower arrangement.

Additional supplies used to complete this 4 1/4" square top-fold card:

• Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) for the card base;
• watercolour paper for the two wreaths - cut using the Natural Prints dies - one coloured with Lost Lagoon ink (item 161678), and one coloured with Pool Party ink (item 147107), each ink applied using one of the Blending Brushes (item 153611);
• watercolour paper for the Garden Meadow stamped and die cut images and sentiment - images coloured using the following Classic Stampin' inks:  Pool Party (item 147107), Old Olive (item 147090), Daffodil Delight (item 147094), Pecan Pie (item 161665), and Basic Gray (item 149165);
• small banner die from Stylish Shapes dies (item 159183) to cut the sentiment banner (after sentiment stamped) - banner coloured with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) applied using one of the Small Blending Brushes (item 160518);
• Crumb Cake baker's twine from Baker's Twine Essentials Pack (item 155475) for the bow - bow center and ends secured with tiny dabs of Multipurpose Liquid Glue; and
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (item 144108) - added behind flower basket and top of tall flowers.

From a leftover piece of Coastal Cabana patterned paper from the retired Pretty Prints 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 159245) I made an envelope using an envelope punch board - tying some leftover retired Crumb Cake 1/2" Ribbon Seam Binding (item 122332) around the envelope.

Additional supplies used to complete this 3 1/2" square top-fold card:

• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for the card base;
• Basic White thick cardstock (item 159229) for the 2 5/8" square front matting panel (edges scraped with the blade of my craft knife), 3" square inside matting panel, and trimmed sentiment strip - edges also scraped with the blade of my craft knife;
• Coastal Cabana cardstock (item 131297) for the 2 1/2" square front matting panel, and 2 3/4" square inside panel;
• Pool Party cardstock (item 122924) for the embossed square - before the square was cut using the Stylish Shapes dies (item 159183) I embossed the cardstock using the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder (item 161600);
• watercolour paper for the two Queen's Anne Lace flower stems - cut using the Dainty Delight dies, and stems coloured with Pool Party ink (item 147107) applied as a wash using a paint brush and water;
• after adhering the two stems together with a dab of Multipurpose Liquid Glue but before gluing them to the embossed square I tied a bow around the stems using Linen Thread (item 104199) - I will not lie - tying this bow did take a few tries!; and
• one large and one small of the white dots from Classic Matte Dots (item 158146) added to embossed square.

And finally . . .

Although this last card does not include any actual flower images or die cuts it does evoke for me the pleasure of sitting out in a peaceful back garden - always making for a good day!  I suppose the empty chair is indicative of the fact that there is rarely time to just sit and enjoy when there are always garden chores to be attended to!

Additional supplies used to complete this 4 3/4" square top-fold card:

• Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) for the card base;
• Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (item 162481) to add splatters to card front; 
• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for the embossed circle (cardstock embossed using the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder - item 162189 - before the circle was cut using the 3" diameter circle die from Stylish Shapes dies - item 159183), and 4" x 3/4" strip (glued to underside of DSP panel);
• watercolour paper for the Lazy Days images, sentiment strip, and die cut foliage;
• Notes of Nature dies to cut four leafy branches - coloured using Old Olive ink (item 147090) applied using one of the Blending Brushes (item 153611);
• the following Classic Stampin' inks to colour the stamped and die cut Lazy Days images:  Basic Gray (item 149165), Crumb Cake (item 147116), Old Olive, Mossy Meadow (item 147111), Misty Moonlight (item 153118), and Daffodil Delight (item 147094);
• Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper from Masterfully Made 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 161192) for the 4 1/8" x 1 7/8" panel, trimmed 3" diameter die cut circle, and 4 1/2" x 1 1/4" inside strip;
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (item 144108) - used to attach the plant in basket image; and
• five of the Night of Navy shaded dots from Ombre Matte Decorative Dots (item 161448) added to card front.

From a piece of leftover black & white patterned paper from the retired True Love 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 154281) I made an envelope using an envelope punch board - adding a bow tied using Dollar Tree 5/8" black gross grain ribbon.

Thank you for visiting my blog!  I certainly had a lot of fun working on my projects this week - I am now well prepared to face a weekend of snow shoveling!

Just a reminder that the annual Sale-A-Bration, which  began on January 4, 2024 (coinciding with the launch of the January-April 2024 Mini Catalogue) runs until February 29, 2024!  During Sale-A-Bration there are lots of fun products available for free with orders of $60.00 or more (CDN) before shipping and taxes, and with orders of $120.00 or more (CDN) before shipping and taxes!  Several of the Sale-A-Bration products co-ordinate with products from either the May 2023-April 2024 Annual Catalogue or the January-April 2024 Mini Catalogue!  I have just received an order of several new products from the Mini Catalogue and a few Sale-A-Bration products so am looking forward to sharing projects featuring some of these products starting next week!

If you are interested in purchasing any of the available Stampin' Up! products I have used in my projects, and you live in Canada and do not have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please do not hesitate to visit my online store found on my website https://archiesatelier.stampinup.net/ at your convenience, or simply click under the "Shop With Me" tab on the right sidebar of my blog, which will take you directly to my website and online store.  I very much appreciate your business, and if you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me (lmccoyarchie@gmail.com)! The digital versions of the May 2023-April 2024 Annual Catalogue, as well as the January-April 2024 Mini Catalogue, and the Sale-A-Bration Brochure are available for you to access at your convenience on my website (https://archiesatelier.stampinup.net/).  When visiting my online store don't forget to check out the great deals on the Clearance Rack, as well as the great selection of products available as Online Exclusives - including the Garden Meadow Bundle!

Have fun creating!

Laurel

*It has come to my attention that quite often email correspondence from me is delivered to the recipient's spam or junk mail folder - if you have corresponded with me I have replied so be sure to check your spam or junk mail folder!  Thank you!! 

Keeping cozy on a cold Winter's night!