If there’s something I’ve learned in my crafting journey it’s that there’s always something new to try. Take this morning for instance, I’d planned a simple background using some patterned paper edged with a little foil sheet. I cut a strip 1/8″ wide as I always do, and then an idea popped into my head… What if I cut a slightly wider strip and embossed it? And the rest, as they say, is history.

PAPER FIRST

I actually started this project by choosing the very subtle Petal Pink pattern from the Peony Garden Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I first cut a piece 6″ x 6″ square, then I cut 2-1/4″ off the piece and then another 3/4″ strip.

Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the 2-1/4″ piece to the flap of a Whisper White Medium Envelope. Then I trimmed the DSP to shape with Paper Snips using the edge of the flap as a guide.

Next I glued the 3/4″ strip down the right hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Whisper White Card. After trimming of the excess paper with Paper Snips I set this piece aside.

For my card base I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Thick Whisper White Card. Then I folded the card along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. To this I glued the final piece of DSP up against the crease and then trimmed off the excess.

This was when I had my epiphany. After cutting two 1/4″ strips of Champagne Foil Sheet I placed them inside the Subtle 3D Embossing Folder so the embossing would run across the strips. Once embossed I used liquid glue to fix one strip against the DSP on the front of the card. The second strip went against the DSP on the Whisper White layer. Then after trimming the two strips I fixed the Whisper White piece inside the card base.

ALWAYS AND FOREVER

With the base complete I set to work on the focal point for my card.

Using StazOn Jet Black ink I stamped the large floral image from the Forever Blossoms Stamp Set onto Thick Whisper White Card. Then I quickly added colour using a Water Painter; Petal Pink for the blossoms and Pear Pizzazz for the leaves and stems.

While the floral piece was drying I went back to the stamp set for the “Always and Forever” sentiment. Once again I used StazOn Jet Black ink to stamp onto Thick Whisper White Card. Then I was ready to do a little die-cutting.

First I cut the floral piece using the coordinating die from the Cherry Blossoms Dies. Then for the sentiment I chose an interesting domed rectangle shape from the Ornate Frames Dies.

Using liquid glue I attached the sentiment to the card front. Then I added the floral piece with Stampin’ Dimensionals, taking care to fit the leaf and flowers around the sentiment. With that done I added a scattering of Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels and my project was complete.

I must say I love how today’s project turned out. That little touch of embossing on the foil strip really adds interest to the design. What’s more, as I was working it stuck me that while “always and forever” might be considered a wedding sentiment, it could also work for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or even an engagement. What do you think?

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