With all the focus now on Christmas (and Thanksgiving in the US) it’s easy to forget that other reasons to send cards doesn’t stop. People are still getting engaged and married, having babies and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, retirement and more. So today I decided to bring you a floral birthday card using pretty Hand-Penned paper.
PRETTY PENNED FLOWERS
I actually created this card as part of my 24 cards in 24 hours challenge marking World Card Making Day last month. If you followed my progress on my Facebook page you’ll have already seen this card which was number 11 of the 24. Now it’s time I shared the instructions with you.
My project really focuses on one of the floral patterns in the Hand-Penned 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I love the way the Stampin’ Up! concept artist painted the flowers in watercolour and then added the black penned lines over the top. The colour palette is so pretty too.
After choosing the paper, I cut my first piece at 2-1/4″ x 6″. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I attached it to the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Finally I trimmed off the excess paper with Paper Snips, using the edge of the flap as a guide.
Next, for the inside of the card I cut a 3/4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of the Hand-Penned paper, and a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Then using liquid glue I fixed the strip of DSP along the bottom edge of the card. To add a finished look I glued a 1/8″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Misty Moonlight Card along the top of the DSP strip. With that done I put the layer aside while I cut the final piece of paper.
On the front of the card I wanted the Hand-Penned design to be the main attraction, so I cut this last piece at 3″ x 5-1/2″. Then with liquid glue I mounted it onto a 3-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Misty Moonlight Card.
SIMPLE LAYERS
Now the patterned pieces were done I needed to create my card base from Thick Basic White Card. Using my Paper Trimmer I cut and scored the card, then folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.
Next I took the Basic White piece with the narrow strip of DSP and glued that inside the card base. That just left the front of the card to do.
It’s no secret that I love purple and so it’s probably no surprise that I reached for the Highland Heather 1/2″ Grosgrain Ribbon next. I wrapped the ribbon around the assembled DSP and card layer and secured it on the back using Tear & Tape Adhesive. Then I mounted it onto the front of the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
All that remained was the sentiment and for that I wanted the Sweet Strawberry Stamp Set. I chose the “Happy birthday you sweet thing” stamp, but didn’t plan to stamp it all. So after inking up the stamp with Misty Moonlight ink I carefully covered the “you sweet thing” part of the stamp with a piece of sellotape. Then I was able to stamp just the “Happy birthday” part onto a scrap of Thick Basic White Card.
Finally I punched out my altered sentiment using the Everyday Label Punch. Then I added it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals and my birthday card was complete.
I must admit that I was drawn to the Hand-Penned DSP the minute I saw it in the Annual Catalogue and I’ve not been disappointed. For some more card projects using this gorgeous paper pack see these earlier blog posts:
PRODUCT LIST
BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Sweet Strawberry Stamp Set in a bundle with the coordinating Strawberry Builder Punch (not used today). Using the single ‘bundle’ item number to order the two items saved me 10% off the cost of ordering them separately. I’ve included a link to this bundle in case you’re interested and want to explore that option.
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