Here you go my friends – today's post is a simple "stepped up" version of yesterdays simple card!
Please click here to see yesterdays card and you will be able to see in the below picture the changes I made…they are very quick and simple and please remember, they are not necessary to do but I am just trying to share with you ways that you can make some different looks happen without a lot of extra time!
For some reason I was being "challenged" to get the pictures side by side today for you (sorry!) but I am going to put both them below and share with you the difference – very subtle.
BELOW IS YESTERDAYS CARD:
AND HERE IS TODAYS CARD:
I told you that they were subtle but I like todays card a bit better – these are the (3) things I did differently.
- I added and additional layer of white, just 1/4" smaller = 4 3/4" X 3 1/4" to the base of the card. This is something that I do (most of the time) as I think that is an instant, quick way to bring up the wow factor.
- I used washi tape (something that I rarely do) and I really do not know why as it does add a great effect. What I did was placed the washi tape over a piece of Whisper White as I wanted the "white" to pop out through the tape as if I would have placed it over top of the Coastal Cabana – I would have never had the same POP effect.
- To the envelope, I added a strip of the washi tape across the top and then added the DSP below and then simply snipped it off! SIMPLE and QUICK!
Well…which one do you like? The extra steps I did today took literally minutes to add. I think that if you are like me…you might have some washi tape in your craft area and you look at it and say, "Why did I buy that as I do not know what to do with it?" – sound familiar!
I did keep the white gel pen as I totally think that this makes a difference, (remember that you might need to be patient as this does not dry instantly like our markers) but it is a keeper of all keepers!
The linen thread – just love the soft effect it gives – a simple glue dot folded in half was all that was needed to keep it in place!
Below you will see the stamp set that this card was inspired by. I wanted to share with you why I think that this is a great example of a wise investment. We all know that Stampin' Up! always has amazing stamps to offer us and every year some will be discontinued but have no fear there will always be great replacements.
People ask me – do I get rid of my retired stamp sets? Well…Since I have been down the past 2 months, I have separated retired stamp sets that I am going to sell BUT there are many stamp sets that even if they are retired, I would not sell them because they "speak to me and they are classics in my eyes" – I simply would not blog about it as it would not be fair to you!
This stamp set is a current one and I hope that it gets carried over when the new catalog comes out but IF it is retired (I sure hope not) I WILL KEEP IT as it is a set that whips up in a jif and I love the fact that there are coordinating punches to make it a FAST card.
This is a very affordable set and a set that you can use all year long. Hopefully these tips have made sense to you.
One last peak of todays card and then to the BLOG CANDY!!!
Today is your last chance to win the Blog Candy below…I have added some more goodies for you! The cut off to answer the posts will be 10 p.m. Eastern time (as I need to be in bed as tomorrow is my 1st day of therapy!!!)
Let's get some comments on this…
Are you a "Punch" person or a "Framelit" person?
I know that this seems silly but this is something that Jeanie and I often talk about – she says that she would take a punch any day over a framelit – my answer – I LOVE THEM BOTH as I find that they both make my job easier.
Another way that I would answer this is…simple – take a test drive with Stampin' Up! – we all know that we LOVE the products so why not get them at a discount? It is a simple as that!
Please feel free to email me, I will be coming home late today but I will get back to you.
Sale-a-bration is coming to an end on the 31st so how about being able to get $125.00 worth of products for just $99.99 and you can pick (2) SAB Items….works for me!
This JUST MAKES sense as you are saving (which we love = $26.00), it ships for FREE (which we love) and you get 2 free items (which we love)
Click here and design your own kit – it can be ANYTHING your little heart wants!
Have a fabulous day and until tomorrow – another personal challenge for you!
Thank-you for the opportunity to win some fabulous blog candy! I love using both the punches and the framelits! They both add that extra pizzazz to a card…and there is so much variety!
wonderful inspiration with only few extra!
Clever and so a simple with a glue dot to keeping the linen thread in place. I always had great difficulty.
I love all my punches!
Wish you all the best and a wonderful Sunday!
Regina*
Being on a budget. Framelits add so much detail…dimension they are eye catching finishes to my cards
I would say framelits are my go to item. They are simple to use and so versatile. Have a blessed day!
I have to go with punch. I love the different designed of the framelits and the size options but punches are so fast and easy!
I do like them both but seem to use the punches more! Your “step it up” card does have a great wow to it by just those few extra things. Travel safely!
I would have to go with punches. Punches are fast to use. They help you add a finishing touch to your stamping. You are such an inspiration to making a simple clean card that has a wow factor. Thanks for the chance to win!
I like the convenience of the punches-just grab a punch and you are done. However, the framelits offer a variety of shapes and sizes that usually are not availabe with punches so I need both.
Love the card today….it has more of a “wow” factor. I use both framelits and punches because they both are needed for certain cards but my go to is usually punches only because they are quicker to use. Framelits do have more variety which is a plus. Good luck with therapy tomorrow, Susan!
I used to use so many punches until the dies became more popular and available, so now I’m more of a die person. I never put away my die cutting machine and I never make a card that I don’t use it. I do still pull out my punches when needed for those stamp set/die coordinating punches are called for. I wouldn’t part with either.
I love your stepped up version of your card and envelope….great added touches.
Hi Susan, I like them both but the convenience of punches can’t be beat. Thanks for the blog candy offer and I love the comparison of the two cards that you are doing.
Definitely a punch person…quick and easy for a great pop! I love your Saturday and Sunday cards…it’s like the magazines that have the spot the difference with two photos only your use two cards. LOL A fun challenge!
Love the card! I am going to make one or two. Haha! But ……I like both framelits and punches. Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy.
I have to pick both, punches can be nice and quick, but framelits have so many different shapes/words etc. I must have both (greedy little thing aren’t I).
Thanks for the chance to win some goodies.
I love framelits because they can be stored right in the stamp case – and they take up less room than a punch! Thank you Susan for the opportunity to win all this cool stuff!
I’m with you, I like them both. But I lean more to punches. They’re just quicker. Thanks for the chance to win some great goodies.
I love both framelits and punches….but lately I’ve been using the framelits more. Thank you for sharing your creativity!
i love my punches and use them the most. I use my framelits that come in a Stamp set Bundle and store them in the Stamp case with the stamps. Wow the Blog Candy is growing. How wonderfully generous You are !!!
I love Framelits and I love using the Big Shot with them. They are so much easier to store than the punches.
WOW Susan, your blog candy is like Christmas! I will use a punch over a framelit . . . if I have the right size punch, I won’t take out the framelits.
🙂
I prefer the punches. Just grab that punch and you’re ready to go. For my Big Shot, I need to clear a space, get the framelits, etc. Just a longer process – but I do really like them, too. Thanks again for the opportunity to win the blog candy.
I like them both. Punches are quick and easy; Framelits have such versatility. Thanks for the opportunity to win some great blog candy.
Can’t do without either, depends on the need for the project. But since I have the space to have it out all the time, the Big Shot gets used almost daily. Super great ideas on the Step it Up card, will be using the Washi tape more.
Love your cards, Susan! I would have to say I reach for my punches a lot, but I could not be without my framelits either. I guess I am glad to have both. Thanks for being here and the chance to win blog candy!
I have both but I tend to favor Framelits because they take up less room and aren’t nearly as heavy to transport to crops. I love your card and have added A Happy Hooray to my wish list. Thanks for the daily inspiration Susan!
Punches all the way baby! If I like a stamp set, I always check to see if a punch will work with it. Punches save so much time and the results are amazing.
I have both and like them both 🙂
For some reason I tend to use punches more.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Be safe traveling.
Teresa
I love them both because they make whipping up a card or treat bag in a jiff. I do love that the Framelits are compact for storing but on the other hand, punches are a little quicker to use. It’s too difficult to choose a favorite method! 🙂
I love both. If a punch will work it is always my first choice, but framelits give me so many more options. I’m glad I don’t have to choose just one.
Caleb says Framelits because you have more options than with the punch. He also likes running my Big Shot. (hope you don’t mind I entered him, but he wanted to play along with his choice and reasoning. You have a new friend, Susan!)
Dear Susan, I am a punch and a Framlet girl. I love all the framlets Stampin Up has this makes the job so easy. The time that it takes is just seconds. I llove the punches for the same reason. Yoour card is so adorable. I ove today’s card better. The card pops. with the addidition things you did. I really enjoy when you do the two cards. This shows us great ideas how we can step up our cards. Have a great day. Please be careful with your reheab. Hugs, Ellen Hinds
Yes. I love them both for different reasons/uses. Punches are quick and fast, but framelits let you put the opening exactly where you want it. Couldn’t craft without both. I can’t believe what a difference the washi tape makes. Great stepped up version.
I like them both for different reasons. Punches are quick and easy, but framelits have the great shapes you can’t always get with a punch. And sometimes the framelits leave a cleaner cut than the punches. We made a card that needed a 2″ circle and I ended up using the close-to-2″ framelit for that reason.
Love your “Stepped Up” version, such simple touches! Punches vs. framelits … Punches are quick and work well with stamped images that are designed for them. I love the intricate outlines of the framelits and the graduated sizes of the basic shapes. Guess I’m on the fence on this one! Good luck with physical therapy!
I love both, but would have to go with punches as my favorite. They are on my desk and just so easy to use. Good luck with your therapy!
When I am lazy I seem to design with punches. If I feel some energy I use the framelits. I guess I could solve this problem if I had a big enough table my big shot fit on right next to me.
I am a framelits fan….easy to store, easier to place & save paper & a bigger selection of shapes & words. Also love the blog!
I love your “Sunday” card ! The additions bring it to life !
I love my Framelits ,but I must admit to me there is nothing more exciting than a good PUNCH ! To have instant results just thrills my bones !!
Such a tough question….punches might win due to them being ‘quick & easy’ to access. Lately, I’ve noticed just how much fun framelits can be and I’m hoping to buy a Big Shot Plus real soon.
I like the framelits. They are much easier to store. Thanks for the chance to win.
I use them both. If I am making multiples, I like punches, because they go faster. It just all depends on what I am making and what I have on hand. Thanks
I love the fresh clean look of all your cards and thank you for sharing them with us! I am a punch person all the way! I like that they are quick and ready to go and you don’t have to do much fussing with them. I do still use framlits but more often than not in grab my punches.
Susan I am with you, I use both but if I had to choose I would pick Framelits!. Good luck in Therapy.
Oh I love them both too!!! Framelits are fun to use to make 3-d items and layers on cards. Punches are fun for layers and super easy to use when you need lots of one shape. I also love punch art!!!
I’ve always lik your stepped up cards to show me with just a little bit of extra, I can make a big wow.
I like punches for the convenience of here, just do it. But framelits are wonderful for storing. And I like the size variety of ovals, circles etc for layering.
I’m starting to use Framelits more but I like both. I noticed on the second card that you placed the feathers differently. I like the placement on the second card better, as well as all of the “step ups”.
I love your work.
As most have commented………there is a use for both, punches & framelits. But, I generally use my punches more frequently. I like to do 3-D projects & cards for our grand-children. They seem to love the dimensions of their cards. Especially the younger kids. But, I am using the framelits a little more. They have their purpose as well. But, overall I am a punch girl. Thanks for the daily inspiration & love the “step it up” ideas. Thanks, & hope your therapy goes well.
I love them both too! I guess it just needs to coordinate with the project you are making. In a hurry use a punch and if you have a little extra time use a framelit.
I could never get rid of my punches or my framelits. I love them both. I like the new idea of putting fun foam under the framelits and I’m heading to the store to buy some and try it out. I just adore your blog and look forward to it every day.
I have to, whole heartedly, agree with you. I think there is a time and place for both the punch and the framelit so, of course, I have some of both and love them ALL!
Wow! Great blog candy package! I am definitely a punch person, although I use framelits, too. I love making children’s cards using punches to create cute animal images, etc. Thanks for your always upbeat posts. I look forward to them each day.
Punches and framelits add so much to a card. I must say I have lots of each of them and like our children and pets, love them equally! Your weekend cards are my favorites because you are always challenging me to try and step up my cards. Thanks for all your tips and inspiration.
I love punches! But, in all fairness I have just started working with the framelits so I know I will love them too….Just Can’t Help It! LOL Have a great Day!
1. Starting therapy – a big woot woot!
2. I like the enhanced card better – I really like how you did the washi tape and the fact that you had it and rarely use it, made it even more special. But, I think I like the envelope without it. Also, the added layer really made a difference to me too. The first card is still pretty darn good too.
3. I have lots more punches than framelits so I guess I prefer punches since they are faster and easier to use when I can find them. I have yet to find a good place for the Big Shot to go with the framelits I do have, That probably is my biggest problem with the framelits is using the Big Shot. Besides Teddy knows he can’t gnaw on the punches very well and when he dropped one on his paw – he definitely had second thoughts about messing with the punches! His paw was o.k. as I think it scared him more than anything since it hit the floor first and bounced on his paw. He was up doing the Basset 500 in a matter of seconds after that!
Both cards are lovely, but Sunday’s is really a WOW! As for the question: Punches. I use both, but punches there are some punches that never leave my worktable because they make it so easy to add “just that little something extra.”
Punches are great because they are quick and convenient but the framelits offer so much versatility. If you’ve invested in the Big Shot, in the long run the framelits might be more cost effective. Love them both!!
I use them both. Punches are quicker but Framelits are versatile with so many options to choose from.
To be very honest I like them both and have both. Sometimes I do think I can line up the stamped item I want with the punch easier, other times not so easy. Guess that is why I have both and love them. Thanks for the blog candy and love today’s card.
I am definitely a punch person. I think they are easier to use. I do have some framelits and maybe I am a punch person because I don’t use framelits too often or with any regularity. Perhaps I will morph in to a framelits person the more I use them 🙂
Wow…Big difference in the two cards. Both are gorgeous!
I too love them both; but, If I really had to pick one, I’d pick punches.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Blessings!
I like the changes on today’s card. I really need to work on having layers on my cards.
I like both punches and framelits. Punches are easy to grab and go and are more portable if taking card-making on the road. Framelits can cut out more intricate images, sometimes. Also, framelits can go places in the middle of a card or layer where a punch can’t reach. They both have their places!
Hope your drive home is safe and uneventful!
Cyberhugs!
Love them both—but, since I have to choose–I’ll pick punches!
I love framelits but the quickness of a punch is hard to beat. If I have to make a lot of cards, I go with a punch. I use framelits on “one-of-a-kind” art.
Thanks so much for stepped up Sunday! Great ideas. I love my punches, and prefer them, but end up with more framelits due to space, available sizes, and cost. Thanks for the blog candy opportunity!
I have and love both however, I prefer punches since they are so quick though framelits are great for larger shapes. I guess it depends on the project. Thanks for the opportunity to win and for your daily blog posts!
I have both punches and framelits, but I prefer framelits as you get more for your money, especially with the circles, squares, triangles, stars, etc. The framelits takes less room to store.
I like both but they both have pros and cons. Punches can be used in an instant but are bulky to store. Framelits store easily but do take a bit more time to use. Thanks for a chance to win.
I have some of both, but I tend to use my punches more often; I think because they’re usually out on my craft table and more easily accessed.
I find if I need gazillions of something, a punch is faster and more convenient but, if the shapes are very intricate or have a bias to them, that the matching famelits are the way to go. Just like in cooking, the right tool for the right job.!
I love both of them. But saying that the framelits are so much easier to store than the punches. Hopefully stampin up will have more framelits to match more stamp sets. Have fun with therapy…….!
I have more Framelits then Punches. Still new to stamping. Either one works for me. Love your blog great cards and ideas. Thanks so much.
I could debate this topic for a LONG time. I like both….depends on what the card is calling for me to use.
I could debate this topic for a LONG time. I use both. It just depends on what the card is “calling” for me to use.
I’m a both person too! I have tons of punches that I love. But, I’m starting tho build my framelits collection also. Thanks for a chance to win!
I would say both (like you did) but I probably lean toward punches. They are easier for the beginner, plus you don’t have to have the investment of a Big Shot ( but after you have one, who would give it up?!).
Hi Susan! I love your card! The extra washi looks beautiful, and honestly, something I haven’t used yet. It looks so pretty on the strip of white. This set caught my eye but one I’ve forgotten about. Love the feathers and font!
I use framelits more frequently than punches but I do love them both. And a set that has a matching framelit or punch is one I’ll buy quicker than a set without, just so much easier and utilizes my supplies which I really like. Have a super Sunday!
Hi Susan, I like them both, but if given the choice I would pick a punch. Thanks for the chance to win some great blog candy. Happy therapy day tomorrow :).
I go back and forth … LOVE the versatility of the framelits … but the punches sure do make life easier sometimes, too!!
I can’t decide … I love framelits but sometimes punches just add the right touch!!!
Framelits offer variations of size and versatility too. Tough choice, but I think I will stick with Framelits
I love both but have way more punches and easier to use! Thanks for the chance to win. Good luck on therapy.
That’s what attracted me to SU was that everything matches! I love punches they are so easy to use,and put away.Bring out the Big Shot an we will get some work done! I really like you’re card,and I will have to give this stamp set another look. Thanks for your common sense perspective towards paper crafting! Love the blog candy!
I love both punches and framelits, but find I’m using framelits more especially with coordinating stamp sets.
I have both, but I tend to use the punches more as I have a limited crafting space. Taking out the Big Shot takes up room that I usually don’t have. Thank you for the chance to win Blog Candy.
Love them both but I’ll have to go w/ punches.
That is difficult to answer because framelits are easy to store and offer great layering possibilities but punches while a little more bulky are super duper quick. I love how adding a few extra things and popping it up really “steps” it up! Thanks for the chance to win!
I love both, but if I had to pick, it would be the punches. Again thanks for the chance at the blog candy!
I would have to say punches as they are quick and easy, just grab and punch. I love framelits also, though.
So crisp and wonderful–love the colors.
Both!!Love your cards. Hope you have a great week–and get sunshine for this first full week of spring!