Good Monday and I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! On the East Coast yesterday is was absolutely gorgeous and I took full advantage of being outside and playing with the pups, horses and yep, dear sweet Daisy. Poor thing…..she has scratched away her hair on the sides of her but to me, she is still the most beautiful pig in the world!
I have a formula for you today and if you are not familiar with what a formula is….you will like this as it is a super simple way of creating with little effort using things that you have right in front of you! I love that theory, how about you? Unfortunately we need Sympathy Cards from time to time and I admit…I was super pleased with the end result of this as it is just clean…simple…yet super classic – the 3 elements that I love to have in my card-making style of design.
I do work hard on photography but there are certain cards that you simply cannot get the right “click” and feel – today is one of those as I heat embossed the sentiment in Fresh Fig. YEP, you read that correctly….I heat embossed it with Fresh Fig – are you asking yourself…how did I do that? Simple, after stamping the sentiment in Fresh Fig, I simply added clear embossing powder over it and then heat set it. When you hold the card in your hand, it is just stunning!
Let’s get to this formula as I do hope that you have already started a notebook that you can write down formulas, ideas that you want to try and tips and tricks you pick up along this fun paper journey we are both on. Seriously, I know we are on the same island here….how many times do you have something POP into your creative head to say…..where did I see that….or I can remember it was on a blog post……trust me, I GET IT as it happens to me all of the time! Get a notebook, you’ll be happy you did so!
The stamp that I am using for todays card is, Sorry for Everything from the Annual Catalog. It was on my list to have the minute I saw it for mainly 2 reasons…I am sure you know what I mean…the first time you flip through a catalog, certain ones JUMP OUT….and this one did that for me for its uniqueness and practicality.
- I ADORE the large script font of “Sorry” – I have my fingers and toes crossed that we will have more like this in the future and also hopefully large die-cut words as I admit, I do purchase from other companies script word dies as I adore the look and feel it gives.
- The sub-sentiments are fantastic and the font is a great classic one to go with the large “Sorry”
Do you remember the other week when I blogged about it being time to turn towards your Designer Series Paper you have and use it up!?!? YEP, get to it cause’ we will be having some new kids on the block before you know it and we both know what that means…..you will just want it! Again, I GET IT as Stampin’ Up! always has some yummy papers and the best way to get a taste of them is a product share….and yep, I will do one for the new catalog!
Today I am using the Naturally Eclectic DSP…the look and feel of this collection of paper will easily cover many themes that we could create. I chose the soft yet distinct watercolor looking floral flower that pairs up perfectly with (2) of the In Colors, Lemon Lime Twist and Fresh Fig. We have a ribbon, Fresh Fig Woven Ribbon that ties the BEST bows and also great flat knots!
When I started to type the formula up….I realized that there are other ways that I could have done this, perhaps not using as much paper but I will say….I like a super study card…and I knew for that reason alone, I wanted the card base to be out of out Thick Whisper White Cardstock. Call me silly…but I am just being honest as to me the “feel of a solid card” does it for me!
- Card Base is thick whisper white horizontal fold, 5 1/2″ X 4 1/4″
- Adhere a piece of Fresh Fig, 5 1/2″ X 4 1/4″ to the front to cover card base.
- Working with a 4″ X 5 1/4″ piece of whisper white (you can use the regular weight if you prefer) add a piece of DSP to the top 5 1/4″ X 1 3/4″
- Add a sliver of cardstock under the DSP…I just use the trimmer to cut a wee bit and then use the green glue to secure. (You could skip this if you want but I think that the look adds a bunch to the card….remember, paper adds a bunch of POP!)
- Use the Powder Tool over the area that you are going to emboss….(a great habit to always be in….it is not a “must do” when you are working with the clear embossing powder on the white but a great habit to get into.) stamp the “sorry sentiment” and then cover it with the clear embossing powder and heat set it with the Heat Tool.
- Stamp the sub-sentiment above and repeat. (You could have stamped and heat set both at the same time…but I prefer to do it in 2 steps.) For the inside, stamp whichever sentiments you desire….I thought the “for your lose” was appropriate.
- Add a piece of ribbon to the left side of the sentiment and the tie a bow with another piece and adhere it with a simple glue dot. For me, I like to do this in this fashion simply because I do not trust myself in making a great bow right on the card with one long piece of ribbon (hopefully that makes sense to you) just a quick and easy tip.
- Getting back to the solid feel of a card…I like to use a piece of white fun foam a bit smaller that the piece as the feel and firmness it gives is unmatched. True dimensions do the job and we all love our Stampin’ Vitamins but I find it faster to do it this way….it would have taken me a bunch of dimensionals as we do not like sags…. do we ladies!
- Give the envelope some love that it so deserves and you have one beautiful card!
There you go….a fantastic formula to use over and over. I encourage you to make up the “guts” of this card today with what you have….and then make notes of ideas that you could use it for. Right off the bat a Happy Birthday comes to mind to me or also where the sentiment goes on the front, you could add a bunch of flower die-cuts as a focal and then have the message stamped in the inside.
What I am trying to convey to you is…use a formula to your needs. These are timeless and no one would EVER know that you have used this formula over and over as you will always have different paper and different stamps you are working with! You know what I say…JUST HAVE FUN!
WHEW….that is a lot to try to put into words but I do hope that you find it helpful – please feel free to leave me your thoughts about not only this card but also to the “formula concept.” I do try my best to type the instruction clear so you can easily duplicate it. I realize that we are all in this journey together and I love to share with you tips and tricks to make the creating process a fun experience.
Well….tomorrow is the 1st day of Spring….with yesterday being BEAUTIFUL and today is to be the same…I am in denial with what that darn weatherman is saying……SNOW TOMORROW!!!! REALLY!?!? The poor Cherry Blossoms in DC are so confused….but I think that their peak is to be later next week. This is something that I have always wanted to see….the Cherry Blossoms at their peak….but I have heard that the crowds are insane (I do not do well with crowds)
Whatever you are up to today, make is a great one and I hope that my post has inspired you to use a formula to your benefit. They save time and they always end with a fantastic card…I know you can do it… – I will see you on Wednesday for more fun and inspiration! All of the products I used are found below…..remember, we are on the final weeks of Sale-a-bration….and that means FREEBIES!
Nothing worse than a wimpy flimsy card unless there are two of them! In realty though I have a dead squirrel on the driveway and if that wasn’t bad enough the bakery down the street is making coffee cakes this morning and probably most of the night. I swear they have a fan that directs that delicious scent our way! They are gearing up for Tulip time which is more than a month away but they will be baking stuff to put in the freezer so they have plenty on hand for the tour buses and such that come through before the actual festival.
So with having all those baked goods on hand, I need to lay in a supply of good cards to have on hand like this one. Just change out the colors and sentiment and I have a basic stash started. This is one of my favorite formulas. Maybe I do need to try the fun foam as I do use a lot of dimensionals or strips. That stamp set was one of my favorites to get too as the name said it all. I have used it alot. I am not ready to destash my DSP yet not that I bought a bunch of full packs but some remind me of cards I have made and mailed that were actually pretty good cards. Or, a reminder of the occasion. Oh geez, now I am get sappy. Bottom line, this is a great card and I plan on making this. Ah gee, a notebook of formula ideas – can’t you just make a thingy for us on the right side with an icon to click on for formula cards? Or, maybe besides the great swatch book – make a formula card front on a ring? Don’t you hate when I have a Diet Coke early in the day?
Well, I was walking Teddy a bit ago and I saw a whole bunch of people I knew going to the church in the next block. I talked to one I used to work with and she told me it was a former co-worker’s wife who had died the other day. It was less than 10 days ago she finally went to a doctor (rheumatology) as she had been complaining of overall pain and headaches and thought maybe it was arthritis. She was 58. The doctor took one look at her and immediately sent her for tests and by the next day they had found out she had bone cancer that had spread through out her body including her brain. All of her organs were failing. The doctor didn’t give her more than a month probably to live and immediately put her in hospice to help keep her comfortable. So, we need to listen to our bodies and seek possible treatments early as this was quite a shock to her, the family, co-workers, friends etc. She was such a vibrant, active, fun loving person.
I have all the stuff to make this card so I am going to make it just like it is and take it over in a bit as they were having visitation after the memorial service or I just mail it if it takes longer to make.
I am playing catch up and left comments on yesterday’s and now today… Chris R., how horrible is that?!? I have learned that sometimes you have to listen to your body but that is just sooo scary when you think it is just a headache or arthritis.
I just love when a ribbon ties up perfectly. Wishing SU would come out with more word dies.
Agreed my friend…you know that I ADORE word dies……they just get the job done!
How sad. Yes we need to listen to our bodies and not assume it is nothing. I agree, Chris….maybe we can persuade Susan to have a formula thing.
I am going to agree with Mary Ann and Chris (and anyone else!) about having a link on the site or something else for our formula cards….pretty please, Susan 🙂
Point taken…I know that it would be a great tool for all of us….
Now this is not only terrible….it is down right scary! Words well said and I heard you. I admit, I am not the best in going for routine blood work/exams etc….but I have been MUCH BETTER with all of my fractures…..we DO need to listen to our bodies…..thanks for the reminder.
Happy Belated Birthday, Chris!
Thanks Pam for the birthday wishes.
I just tied a knot with the ribbon with this card and it still looked just as nice (almost). I guess I was still sort of shocked about the death when I started rambling on earlier today.
Chris R . . . I just love your name. First Happy Belated Birthday! I hope you had a great weekend celebrating. Second, this thing about going to a doctor is so true. I need to visit three of them and just have not made any appointments yet. Not that I am scared or anything, or even in any pain, but the thought of just going, driving, parking, waiting, I’m not in the mood. I truly think of the sun was out more, I would be more willing to go out. Thanks for the gentle push! 🙂
You’re welcome! Hugs
That what I adore about this ribbon…..very forgiving and it is perfect for with a simple bow or not. You are the best to go home and make that. Kindness is your middle name!
Oh Chris….what would we do without you! I am so glad that you like the formula of this card and I know…..it would be a great tool to have….having all of the formulas in one place to refer back to – I will put my thinking cap on!
For the bakery….I can smell it myself as I read the comment – there is NOTHING like the smells of a great bakery and you made me PERK UP when you said TULIP TIME….oh my my all time favorite flower.
Great idea – USE UP your DSP….as we both know, there will be more newbies coming soon!
I love this card. I can actually use my DSP that I seem to save because I don’t want to use it up. ?Thanks for reminding me about using the clear embossing powder over ink. I have not done that in awhile.
Do go to DC to see the Cherry Blossoms. It is worth the crowds. The site of all those blossoms is spectacular. My son lives there and I have seen them several times. Just Beautiful!
We are all so guilty of that….we buy the paper and then we get just about the same enjoyment from just looking at it – we are silly stampers with great intensions!
I think the the clear embossing over ink is something that we all seem to forget. It is that INSTANT magic that makes us beam!
Ok….ok…you are right – I should just go and see the beautiful cherry blossoms….as I look out the window right now it is snowing….poor trees – they are probably so confused!
I love the formula. Will definitely CASE this. Fresh fig is a beautiful color and can be used for so many different occasions.
AMEN….we have Fresh Fig for another year – woot-woot! It is a great color. I am excited to see the new In Colors…..any guesses what they will be?????
I have Susan to thank for getting me into colors that I have not been too taken with to use . Subject being Fresh Fig this time….after seeing this card I think I like this color .Plus there is a Fresh Fig {look alike} wrinkled ribbon in this month`s Paper Pumpkin !!
This card has gotten my MOJO stimulated ! As always I love getting inspiration from your blog entries. Thank you ,Susan !!
YIPPEEEEEE….Sonny’s MOJO is kickin’ in! By nature, I am not a huge fan of purples (sorry Jeanie) but one thing that always amazes me about the purple hue – it seems to always look good with just about anything.
The Fig is a fabulous color, so yummy and rich….please try it!
A stunning card Susan! I haven’t been a fan of Fresh Fig but I may have to rethink that. It just looks so rich and beautiful on this card. That piece of DSP is one of my absolute favorites but I have been hoarding it not wanting to cut into it – so gorgeous! But I think it’s time to take your advice and just do it! Use that DSP!!! Your formula allows the paper to really shine. Stampin’ Up really has the most incredible papers!
Well said, Stampin’ Up! DOES have amazing papers and the whole coordinating thing going on…..FABULOUS as we can always have the correct card stock to match up with.
I know that it is hard to use paper up….but once you just make the decision, you’ll be happy. I only had 1 piece of this specific print left and I went ahead and used it all up making (6) cards and envelopes…..they are ready when I need them!
Love this card and formula. You make it sound so easy and exciting! Yes, it is time to use up some DSP and make room for the newbies.
You are sooooo darn smart! See what retirement has done for you…..
Nice card. Good formula. I like the sentiment and the little ‘dots’ you added. Simply sets it off.
Those little dots and dashes always bring a smile to me. So simple yet so effective!
Good Morning Susan . . . I hope you see the comments even if they are a day late. I lost all my emails yesterday and I am slowly catching up. I think this is a beautiful “formula” card and I am very happy to see the “Susan Dots” which have been on vacation lately. It was like . . . ahhh, yes, the dots!
I am so excited, beyond belief, that we will meet in a few weeks.
Have a great day.
🙂
I am the one that is sooooo late in comments! I am thrilled that you like the card. It truly is all about that paper and bow…..just a peanut butter and jelly kind of thing!
I cannot tell you how DARN TOOTIN’ EXCITED I am to meet you….hug you….laugh with you…..in just a couple of short weeks….I am warning you…..get your rest cause’ we have a lot of YACKIN’ to do……7 of us….WOOT – WOOT!!!!!