It’s no secret that I love to colour. In fact the line art patterns was the reason I bought the Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. So many pretty floral images just waiting for markers, watercolour pencils and painted ink. But just because I could colour these patterns doesn’t mean I have to. To prove my point I decided to use only black and white for today’s project. The resulting card and envelope are striking in their simplicity, while the heat-embossed sentiment and iridescent pearls add a touch of elegance.

I began by choosing the large open floral pattern and cut a 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ piece. After cutting a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Basic Black Card I glued the DSP in top. Then I cut a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece of Thick Basic White Card for my A2 card base. With the long side at the top I scored the card at 4-1/4″, folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. With that done I checked the direction of the flowers and glued the layered DSP onto the front of the card base.

Going back to the same patterned paper I cut a 2-1/4″ x 6″ piece, checked the direction, and glued it onto the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Then I trimmed off the excess paper with scissors, using the edge of the flap as a guide. Before I put away the Artisan Sketched Garden paper I cut a 3/4″ x 5-1/4″ strip, checked the direction, and glued it down the right-hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Basic White Card. Then I found 1/8″ strip of Basic Back Card and glued it tight up against the left edge of the DSP. Finally I glued the assembled layer inside the card base.

All I needed now was a sentiment and for that I turned to the Phrases and Frames Stamp Set. First I cut a 3/4″ x 4″ piece of Basic Black Card. Then using VersaMark ink I stamped “May your day be filled with love and happiness” towards the right-hand end. After sprinkling the sticky ink with white embossing powder, I tapped off the excess and removed a few stray specks. With that done I melted the remaining embossing powder with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

To attach the sentiment to the card I decided not to use Stampin’ Dimensionals. Instead I cut 3 more 3/4″ x 4″ strips of Basic Black Card and glued them one of top of the other. Then I glued the sentiment on top of the stacked strips before gluing it onto the card front. Finally I added three Iridescent Pearls and my simple black and white card project was finally complete.

I love the simplicity of this design and especially the way the white heat-embossed sentiment stands out. What do you think?

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS: I bought the Phrases & Frames Stamp Set and coordinating Dies (not used today) using a single ‘bundle’ item number. Doing so meant I saved 10% off the price of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle so you can explore this option further if you wish.

BONE FOLDER TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE IN CANADA: We’ve been advised by Stampin’ Up! that due to issues at the border, Bone Folders cannot currently be shipped from the US to Canada. I’ll let you know as soon as this changes.