I don’t know what it is about Nova Scotia but it seems just about everyone (guys at least) wear hats. I friend showed me her husband’s collection the other day and the closet reminded me of others I’d seen. So I suppose it was only fitting that I get the new Hats Off Stamp Set and Hat Builder Dies from Stampin’ Up!. They’ve got lots amazing details but I thought I could step it up a notch with some enhanced faux stitching.

HATS OFF TO THE DESIGNERS

I began by choosing the small floral design from the Pansy Petals 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I cut a 2-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ piece of the DSP and a piece of Very Vanilla Card the same size. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I mounted the DSP onto the card. This would make the hat a bit sturdier when popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The Hats Off Stamp Set has a large baseball cap image and then a selection of motifs that can be added. I took the large cap image and stamped it onto the DSP with Tuxedo Black ink. Then I chose “Life is Great” and stamped that onto a piece of Very Vanilla Card. Finally I cut out the pieces using the coordinating Hat Builder Dies and prepared to fix them together.

It was only then that I remembered a technique I’d used years ago to add faux stitching to a project. Back then I had to use a template and piercing tool to add the stitched holes which was quite time consuming. For this reason it didn’t happen very often and I focused on other techniques instead. Now of course many dies are designed to add faux stitching with lines of small holes making it much easier.

The Hat Builder Dies have that feature and as I looked at the die-cut hat a memory surfaced. So using a Polished Pink Stampin’ Write Marker from the 2021-2023 In Color collection I decided to add some extra detail.

The technique is very simple, using the fine tip of the marker I simply drew a line between each of the holes in the faux stitching. This gave the illusion of thread, and also made the stitching stand out more. It really made a difference to the look of the hat.

With that done I used liquid glue to add the die-cut motif to the hat and set it aside while I worked on the card base.

TEXTURED BACKGROUND

Using my Paper Trimmer I cut and scored some Thick Very Vanilla Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base.

For my background layer I began by cutting a 4″ x 6″ piece of Very Vanilla Card. Then I decided to add some texture using the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder. Before moving on I also embossed the flap of a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope and set that aside.

Going back to the embossed card I wanted to add some colour to help the hat stand out. First I covered the whole piece of card with a layer of Soft Succulent ink using a Blending Brush. It was nice, but nothing exciting. So then I added Evening Evergreen ink over most of the card, leaving a lighter patch in the centre. Finally, to add a touch of brightness I brushed a little Shaded Spruce ink around the edges. That really seemed to bring the piece to life.

Next I cut the embossed and inked piece to 4″ x 5-1/4″ and glued it to the card front. Then I glued the remaining strip down the right-hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Very Vanilla Card. Finally I used more liquid glue to fix the layer inside the card base.

To complete the front of the card I needed to go back to the Hats Off Stamp Set. Using Tuxedo Black ink I stamped “Here’s to the next adventure” onto a 1″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Very Vanilla Card. Then with liquid glue I off-set the sentiment on a 1-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ strip of Pale Papaya Card before adding it to the textured background. Finally using Stampin’ Dimensionals I added the die-cut hat and my project was complete.

I have to say that I’m really pleased with my first project using the Hats Off Stamp Set and Hat Builder Dies. It’s allowed me to experiment a little and sparked lots of other ideas for future projects. Watch this space…

PRODUCT LIST

I bought the Hats Off Stamp Set and coordinating Hat Builder Dies using a single ‘bundle’ item number. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the same two items separately. I’ve included both options below in case you’re considering adding them to your collection and want to explore this further.