Spring has been a long time coming. It’s as if the alarm went off but she hit the snooze button and went back to sleep for a few extra weeks. Finally though my crab apple trees have come into leaf and the blossoms are hopefully not far behind. So with warmer weather and blue skies outside I was inspired to make a project using the new Forever Flourishing Dies.

A LITTLE PREPARATION

I began my gift tag by cutting a 2″ x 3-1/2″ piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card. Then using some Stampin’ Sponge I covered one side with Seaside Spray ink. To give it a mottled appearance instead of sweeping the sponge over the surface I applied the ink with a gentle tapping motion.

Once the sponging was done I added the oval hole at the top using the Detailed Trio Punch.

My “just for you” sentiment from the retiring Vibrant Vases Stamp set came next. Using Old Olive ink I stamped it onto Thick Very Vanilla Card then cut around it using my Paper Snips.

BLOSSOM BRANCH

To create my pretty blossom branch I started with the new Forever Flourishing Dies. I chose the largest die in the set and used it to cut out some Old Olive Card.

Then for the blossoms I turned to the Cherry Blossom Dies. In this set there are a couple of rectangular ‘plate’ dies, each one cuts two identical flowers. As well as cutting the flowers the dies also cut out a star shape from the centre of each one.

First I cut four of the larger flowers and two of the smaller ones from Petal Pink Card. Then I did the same from scraps of So Saffron Card, just so I could use the centre pieces.

Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the Forever Flourishing branch to the front of my tag. Then I glued on three of the larger flowers and two of the smaller ones. I finished each flower by adding the So Saffron stars to the centre with more liquid glue. The leftover flower pieces I put in a little baggie to use another time.

With the branch complete I added the sentiment using pieces of Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Finally I threaded some 1/4″ Old Olive ribbon from the new Ornate Garden Ribbon Combo Pack through the hole and tied it in a simple knot.

FOREVER FLOURISHING

This gift tag turned out even better than I’d hoped. When I first saw the Forever Flourishing Dies I knew I’d have to get them. The 14 dies provide a variety of sizes and shapes of leafy branches that will definitely fill a gap in my collection. Six of the dies coordinate with the beautiful Forever Fern Stamp Set, but more about that another day.

In the meantime here’s a look at all the dies in the Forever Flourishing set.

PRODUCT LIST

RETIRING PRODUCT – The Vibrant Vases Stamp Set is retiring and now only available while stocks last.

NEW PRODUCTS – The Forever Flourishing Dies (and the coordinating Forever Fern Stamp Set not used today) will be available for customers to purchase from June 3rd. Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators are able to order these products now. Anyone who decides to join Stampin’ Up! before June 3rd can also include these and other selected new items in their Starter Kit. See my Join Stampin’ Up! page or contact me for more information. I will add links to the new products as soon as I am able on June 3rd.