Right now it seems like everything is becoming a challenge. From buying basic supplies, to maintaining social distancing, to accepting that we are all part of the COVID problem, AND part of the solution. When I’m not papercrafting I work in an essential service. I am not a nurse, doctor or trucker, I’m a pharmacy assistant. People don’t come to the pharmacy when they are well, they come when they are sick, or have underlying health conditions that need to be managed. Along with the pharmacists I spend my day talking to and helping people who are worried about what the future holds for them. They’re worried that the pharmacies will close and they won’t be able to get their essential medications. They won’t, even in Italy where things are so much worse, grocery stores and pharmacies have remained open. But we all have a part to play.
Social distancing is an important part of the fight against COVID. There is a reason restaurants are only offering take-out or deliveries. There is a reason gyms, schools, tourist attractions and other non-essential businesses are closed. It’s to slow down the spread of the virus, so our healthcare system can manage the number of people who become sick. The fewer people you come into contact with the better. So to protect others I will be cancelling my in person classes and team events for the foreseeable future. My plan is to film more videos for my YouTube Channel and offer classes by mail. Crafting is a great stress reliever so make sure what ever else is going on in your life, you take a little time each day to unwind.
PERFECTLY FRAMED
I began today’s project with a piece of Soft Sea Foam Card, wiped with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static. Then using VersaMark ink I stamped the twin leafy image from the Perfectly Framed Stamp Set until the piece was covered. Then I sprinkled the sticky ink with Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder and tapped off the excess. After removing a few stray specks I melted the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).
With that done I wrapped some 5/16″ Braided Burlap Trim around the layer and secured it on the back with Tear & Tape Adhesive.
Next I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score a piece of Call Me Clover Card. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base. Then I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to fix the background layer to it.
Using the same image and Soft Sea Foam ink I stamped some leaves in the bottom right corner of a layer of Very Vanilla Card. Then with Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the layer on the inside of the card base. To complete the coordinated look, I also stamped the leaves in the corner of a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope.
ORNATE FRAMES
With the card base and background done it was time for me to work on the focal point for my card.
For this I chose Call Me Clover ink and Very Vanilla Card. Then I stamped the “together we can get through anything” sentiment.
Next I pulled out the Ornate Frames Dies and cut out the sentiment using a coordinating die. With that done I die cut a fancy mat layer from Call Me Clover Card using another die from the same set.
Now all I had to do was use liquid glue to fix the sentiment to the mat. Then after adding it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals my project was complete.
CARD KITS
When you can’t attend in person classes why not look at card kits. These have everything designed, cut and prepared for you. The Stampin’ Up! 2019-2020 Annual Catalogue and 2020 January to June Mini Catalogue have a lot of different options. All-Inclusive kits contain all the prepared pieces, an ink spot and stamp set. While project kits only contain the prepared pieces, with any coordinating stamp set sold separately.
Alternatively you could subscribe to Paper Pumpkin. Each kit comes with everything you need including adhesives, an ink spot and exclusive stamp set too. If you’re a new subscriber Stampin’ Up! will also include an acrylic block so you can get creating right away. The April kit will make eight 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ cards with coordinating envelopes. Make sure you look out for the sneak peeks in this video…
Whatever you have planned for today and the coming weeks, stay safe, stay home and away from others as much as you can. Someone else’s life could depend on you.
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