Today is going to be a little sad as Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators in Canada say goodbye to Dale Hampshire. He’s been at the helm of Stampin’ Up! Canada since it first started 20 years ago, and has been the most amazing manager. To mark the occasion I created a special card using the Texture Chic Designer Series Paper (DSP) and Inspired Thoughts Stamp Set. “It’s your time to be remembered, to feel appreciated, and to know you’re celebrated”. Happy retirement Dale, your wit and wisdom will definitely be missed.

MASCULINE CHIC
I began my card by choosing a sheet from the Texture Chic 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I love the abstract background and gold foil accents of this particular design. First I cut a piece 2-1/4″ x 6″ and using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) attached it to the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Then I trimmed off the excess paper using the edge of the flap as a guide.
For my card base I used my Paper Trimmer to cut a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece of Evening Evergreen Card. Then with the long side at the top I scored the card at 4-1/4″. Finally I folded the card along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.
Now I went back to the Texture Chic DSP and cut a strip 3/4″ x 5-1/4″. Using liquid glue I fixed this piece down the right-hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Basic White Card. Then I glued the assembled layer inside the card base.
Finally I cut a 2-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of the DSP and glued that up against the fold on the front of the card base. Then I used Tear & Tape Adhesive to attach some Gold 3/8″ Shimmer Ribbon down the right-hand edge of the DSP.
All I needed to do now was create the sentiment focal point.
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Instead of using card for my sentiment layer I decided to use the Brushstroke 12″ x 12″ Specialty Paper. This lightweight paper has a subtle texture with added shimmer that is perfect for special projects.

I began by choosing a sheet in Soft Succulent and cut a 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ piece. Then using VersaMark ink I stamped the sentiment from the Inspired Thoughts Stamp Set in the centre of my Brushstroke Paper piece. Next I sprinkled the sticky ink with gold powder from the Stampin’ Emboss Powder Metallics pack. After tapping off the excess powder I removed some stray specks, then I melted the rest using my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).
While waiting for the embossing to cool I cut a 2-5/8″ x 2-5/8″ piece of Gold Fold Sheet. Then using liquid glue I mounted the sentiment layer on top.
Finally I fixed the layered sentiment onto the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals, and my special card was complete.
I have to say that Inspired Thoughts is another one of those stamp sets that I keep going back to regularly. The simple font and mix of sentiments really does make this a staple in my crafting arsenal.
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