Since I’ve not had access to my craft room for a while I’ve been a bit limited in what I have available for my designs. It’s a valid excuse, but I’ll admit it’s not the whole truth. You see I have a feeling that I’d probably keep going back to the Hand-Penned Petals Stamp Set regardless. I’ve simply fallen in love with the images and just keep getting more and more ideas. So I hope you’ll allow me to indulge myself once again with this pretty thank you card.

COLOURS FIRST
While I knew I was going to use the Hand-Penned Petals Stamp Set, my project actually started when I chose the colour scheme. Basic White would be the dominant colour, alongside Fresh Freesia and Soft Succulent from the 2021-2023 InColors. Combining these three colours would give the project the summery feel I was looking for.
Instead of a solid coloured card layer I a more delicate background, so I decided to create my own using the Saran Wrap technique. In fact instead of actual Saran Wrap I decided to try using the film that I’d just taken off a new pack of card.
Next I cut two pieces of Basic White Card, one 4″ x 5-1/4″ and one 3″ x 4-1/2″. Then I prepared to stamp over the smaller piece by loosely scrunching up the film in my hand. I tapped the film onto the Fresh Freesia ink pad, but before transferring the ink to the card I lightly ‘stamped-off’ onto some scrap paper. This removed some of the ink, helping to keep everything light and fresh. Then, after stamping once or twice on the card, I reinked the wrap and stamped off again before stamping on the white card once more. It wasn’t hard to get into a rhythm, and in no time at all my background layer was complete.
Now I turned to the larger piece of Basic White Card. Using the same technique I added my custom stamping just around the edges. I could have masked off the centre of the card first, but decided it was light enough not to be a problem.
Finally I custom-stamped the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope so once finished all the parts of the project would coordinate.

With done that I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Thick Basic White Card. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create my card base. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the larger of the two stamped layers on the inside.
HAND-PENNED PETALS
It was time to create the focal point for my card and for that I needed the Hand-Penned Petals Stamp Set. I chose the outline image with just two flowers, plus the “thanks” sentiment. Then I stamped them onto Thick Basic White Card using Tuxedo Black ink.
To colour the image I chose Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers; Fresh Freesia for the petals and Soft Succulent for the leaves. To be honest I wasn’t too worried about actually blending the light and dark shades, and in fact left quite a bit of the image completely uncoloured. Then once I was finished I cut it out using the coordinating die from the Penned Flowers Dies.
Now I had the main parts of the project done I could start to think about how everything was going to come together. My original plan was to have no coloured card at all but I felt that a little bit wouldn’t hurt. So I cut a 3-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Fresh Freesia Card. Then I tore a little off the right-hand edge to create a rough edge. Next, using liquid glue, I attached the background piece up against the left-hand side of the torn layer.

It was only at this point that I thought about adding twine to the card. I tried simple White twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack but it seemed to get lost. So instead I coloured it using the brush tip of the dark Fresh Freesia Stampin’ Blends marker.
While the twine was drying I pulled out the Silver and Clear Epoxy Essentials pack. Then using the dark Soft Succulent Stampin’ Blends I coloured three of the clear droplet shapes. Once again I left this to dry for a minute.
Meanwhile, using Paper Snips I cut around the stamped sentiment and attached it to the die-cut floral image using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals. Then I was ready for the final few steps.
First I wrapped my custom-coloured twine three times around the layered background piece and secured it on the back with Tear & Tape Adhesive. Then I fixed the assembled layers to the front of my Basic White card base using liquid glue.
Next came the flower image and sentiment which I added to the background layer with Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals. Finally, after attaching the self-adhesive custom-coloured epoxy shapes around the flower, my project was complete.
CHALLENGE THEME
I had a lot of fun creating today’s card and the pretty colours really remind me of summer flowers. So that’s why I decided to include it in this weeks challenge from The Paper Players. It’s been a long time since I’ve joined a challenge and I’ll definitely be doing in more in future.

Here’s the challenge inspiration for PP544 – Signs of Summer. My project isn’t quite as bright as the various images here, but it that’s OK. It’s just for inspiration after all.
The Paper Players Challenge PP544 runs from June 6 to June 11.
PRODUCT LIST
BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Hand-Penned Petals Stamp Set and coordinating Penned Flowers Dies using a single ‘bundle’ item number. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included links for both options below in case you want to explore these further.
Tracy, the colors, the stamp set, and the ripped paper really tied this so well together! This is a beautiful card! Thanks for playing along with us for our Summer themed challenge at The Paper Players!
Thank you Nancy
This is so beautiful, Tracy! I love the soft background you created. It works perfectly with the delicate Hand Penned image. I’ll have to try this technique. The custom colored twine and custom colored epoxy drops are the perfect accents. I am so happy you played in my Signs of Summer challenge at The Paper Players this week!
Thank you Ann
So pretty! Love the soft colors. Thank you so much for joining us this week over at The Paper Players!
Thank you Anne Marie
I love how you used twine that you coloured. It’s the perfect finishing touch Tracy!
Thank you Kylie