Yesterday I started going through my stamp sets to pull out those that are being retired. As usual there were some that I haven’t used in ages and probably won’t miss very much. There are others that I love and will stay in my collection forever. Then there’s the third category, sets I haven’t used in a while but can’t understand why. Today’s stamp set, Beautiful Promenade definitely falls into the third category. While it’s got a number of floral images, it’s the triple leaf image that has stolen my heart.

BEAUTIFUL PROMENADE BACKGROUND

I hadn’t planned to make the leaf image the focus of my project. It actually started out as an attempt to make a simple background. Using Mossy Meadow ink I simply began stamping the leaves onto a layer of Whisper White Card. By the time I’d finished I had a really striking design and it all took off from there.

I took another layer of Whisper White Card and masked off all but a 1″ strip down the right-hand side. Then I stamped the leaves over the strip. I also stamped the leaves all over the flap of a Whisper White Medium Envelope.

With the layers done I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Mossy Meadow Card. Then I folded the card along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create my card base.

After that I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to fix the main panel onto the front of the card.

STRONG SENTIMENTS

Before going any further I decided it was time to stamp the sentiments for my project.

I chose “You’re stronger than most” for the front and stamped it onto some Whisper White Card. Then I punched it out using the Timeless Label Punch.

Next on the second Whisper White layer I stamped “… but even the strong need a shoulder to lean on. I’m here for you”. Then I added this layer to the inside of the card base with liquid glue.

All I needed to do now was create a few small details to complete the card front, starting with some Perennial Essence Vellum Cardstock. As luck would have it I found the perfect pieces already cut and punched among the scraps. I discovered a narrow strip of So Saffron vellum, and some Old Olive vellum punched using the retiring Starburst Punch. So I decided to look no further and use these pieces along with a strip of Mossy Meadow Card from my other scraps.

I began with the Old Olive starburst, and with liquid glue in a line across the centre I attached it to my background layer. Then came the Mossy Meadow Card strip followed by the So Saffron Vellum piece.

Finally I added the sentiment with some Stampin’ Dimensionals and today’s project was done.

I love the simple look of this card. Don’t you agree that those leaves make the most striking background?

PRODUCT LIST

RETIRING PRODUCTS – As I mentioned, the Beautiful Promenade Stamp Set is retiring. Like all retiring stamp sets Stampin’ Up! is only guaranteeing supplies until May 22nd. If you like this stamp set you might also want to know that the coordinating Beautiful Layers Dies are also retiring, but these are only available while stocks last. The dies have been reduced from $31 to $15.60 so I don’t think they’ll stick around long!

The other retiring products I used today, Perennial Essence Vellum and Starburst Punch are also only available while stocks last. Check out the Last Chance section of my online store for these and all the other retiring products.