Today my project features another retiring product, the Envelopes Dies. I was hoping that these dies would be carried over but sadly that was not to be. So I was determined to use them to show you what you might be missing, with a gentle reminder that envelopes have an inside too.
FANCY PHRASES FLORALS
My project actually began with the Fancy Phrases Stamp Set from the Stampin’ Up! 2020/2021 Annual Catalogue.
Using Tuxedo Black ink I first stamped the large floral image across the bottom left corner of a layer of retiring Whisper White Card. Beside the image I then stamped the “birthday wishes” sentiment.
Next I swapped to the smaller floral image and stamped it in the bottom right corner on another layer of Whisper White Card. Then I stamped the flower in the bottom right corner on the front of a retiring Whisper White Envelope. After that, I took half a sheet of white copy paper and stamped the small floral image all over it to create a background.
To colour the floral images you might be surprised to hear I used watercolour pencils, Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2 to be exact. I chose Balmy Blue and Flirty Flamingo for the flowers, with Crushed Curry for the centres. Then I finished off with Granny Apple Green on the leaves.
Getting the really vibrant colours didn’t require any special tools, only a different technique. I simply put a couple of drops of water onto a plate and then just touched the tip of the pencil onto the water. This was enough to ‘melt’ the pencil for colouring without watering it down. In fact there was so little water it didn’t even make the Tuxedo Black ink run.
As I was colouring with the damp pencil it felt really smooth, then when the pencil felt like it was dragging it was time to re-wet it. Once I’d finished colouring all the stamped flowers I set the pieces aside.
ENVELOPES DIES
While the coloured images were drying I set to work cutting the card pieces I’d need to complete my project.
First I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Basic Black Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. For the mat layer I cut some Crushed Curry Card.
Once dry, I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to mount the sentiment layer onto the Crushed Curry piece. Then I attached the assembled layers to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. After that I used more liquid glue to fix the other Whisper White layer on the inside of the card.
With that done I finished off the front of the card with a scattering of Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels.
That just left the background that I’d stamped and coloured on copy paper. This was where the retiring Envelopes Dies were needed.
First I trimmed the paper to 5-3/4″ x 6″ then I chose the #3 flap die from the Envelopes Dies set (counting from the smallest up). I placed the die at the top of the sheet in the centre of the 5-3/4″ edge. The sides of the die didn’t reach the edges of the paper but that was fine. After I die cut the piece I used my Paper Snips to cut across the 1/4″ of paper holding the excess at each side.
Now all I had to do was slide the paper into the envelope to the bottom. Then I folded the flap over and pressed firmly to put a crease in the paper. Next I opened up the envelope and put a little liquid glue just on the back of the flap part of the paper. Finally I closed the envelope again and pressed firmly to fix the paper to the inside of the flap. At last my project was complete.
How is it that I never thought about stamping on copy paper to create envelope liners before? I love the result and it really does add to the project coordination don’t you think?
For some other projects using the Envelopes Dies see these earlier blog posts:
PRODUCT LIST
BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Fancy Phrases Stamp Set in a bundle with the Fancy Tag Topper Punch (not used today). Buying the two items using a single ‘bundle’ item number meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying them separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option.
RETIRING LIST – All Whisper White products are retiring and will be replaced by Basic White products over the coming weeks and months. Currently the Whisper White Envelopes are showing as ‘low inventory’ so they could well sell out quite soon. The Envelopes Dies and coordinating Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set (not used today) are also retiring and are only available while stocks last. I bought the dies and stamp set using a single bundle item number, but now the dies have been reduced by 40% you’ll pay less if you buy the two items separately.
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