Like most people COVID has severely limited my options when it comes to going out. So I’m very happy to be able to visit restaurants and other ‘non-essential’ places that are more accessible now. Spring also sees the opening up of seasonal businesses and that’s a real treat too. With that in mind, I designed today’s project to take with me. It’s a small card that can be left (perhaps with a tip) to show appreciation for good service. I hope to give lots of these in the coming months.

HAPPY HEDGEHOG BLOSSOMS

I generally cut and fold my own card bases but sometimes it’s nice to be able to use a pre-prepared one. So for this project I grabbed one of the small cards and envelopes from the Basic White Assorted Memories & More Cards & Envelopes Pack. The pack contains 10 large cards (4-1/4″ x 6-1/4″) with envelopes, and 10 small cards (3-1/4″ x 4-1/4″) with envelopes.

The smaller card and envelope were just what I needed so I started there. After folding the card along the pre-scored line I sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Then I trimmed a 3/4″ strip off the right hand edge of the card front and set it aside.

Next I chose the blossoming tree image from the Happy Hedgehogs Stamp Set and a Crumb Cake ink pad. First I stamped the tree over the left side of the card front. Then I did the same on the front of the envelope.

Colouring the images was quick and easy using the brush tips of Stampin’ Write Markers from the Subtles Collection. For the leaves and grass I chose Pear Pizzazz, while the blossom petals were coloured using Blushing Bride, with a little So Saffron added to the centres.

USING THE OFF-CUT

Cutting a strip off the front of the card served two purposes. First it allowed the inside back of the card to be seen even when the card was closed. So to highlight that I chose the plaid design in Pear Pizzazz from the retiring Subtles 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper (DSP). After cutting a 1″ x 4-1/4″strip of the DSP I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to attach it to the edge of the inside back of the card.

The second reason for cutting off the strip was that it gave me somewhere to stamp the sentiment. So from the Happy Hedgehogs Stamp Set I chose “it’s so nice of you to be so nice”. After trimming the strip to 2-1/8″ I stamped the sentiment onto it using Crumb Cake ink.

Still avoiding the need for additional card I decided to add colour to the edge of the sentiment using the Pear Pizzazz marker. All I had to do was use the side of the brush tip to create the faux mat. With that done I added the sentiment to the front of my card with a couple of Stampin’ Dimensionals and my project was complete.

I love how this turned out and plan to make a whole batch of these cards and envelopes in different colours. With 10 of the small cards and envelopes in each pack, 10 colours of Stampin’ Write Markers in each collection, and matching colours in the DSP pack, it seems meant to be. What do you think?

PRODUCT LISTS

RETIRING PRODUCTS – only available while stocks last.

CONTINUING PRODUCTS

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Happy Hedgehogs Stamp Set in a bundle with the coordinating Hedgehog Builder Punch (not used today). Buying the stamp set and punch using a single ‘bundle’ item number saved me 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option.