After the recent stress of major computer issues I’m happy to report that things are more under control. Most of my software is on the new machine and I can now concentrate on the files. Today I plan to delete things I don’t need so I can properly organise the rest. Spring-cleaning my computer has been on my long-term to-do list and it’s great to be able to get started on that. Meanwhile here’s this week’s simple Sunday project using the Lovely You Stamp Set and Symbols Of Fortune paper.

LOVELY CHRYSANTHEMUMS
I’ve been wanting to create a project using the lovely large chrysanthemum pattern in the Symbols of Fortune 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) for a while. Today was my chance and I began by cutting a 2-1/4″ x 6″ piece. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I attached the paper to the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Then I trimmed off the excess with Paper Snips, using the edge of the flap as a guide.
With that done I was ready to do a little fussy-cutting. I found a large and complete image with two flowers, a couple of buds and some leaves and set to work. Once that image was done I looked at what was left of the DSP and noticed a partial image in one corner. So I fussy-cut that too, leaving the corner intact.
By now I’d decided to keep things really simple by using only white card. First I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Thick Basic White Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

Next I cut two pieces of Basic White Card, each 4″ x 5-1/4″. Then with liquid glue I attached the partial flower in the top right-hand corner of one piece before adding it to the inside of the card base.
LOVELY FAMILY SENTIMENT
Only the front of the card was left to do and for that I started with the second Basic White layer.
While still keeping the design simple I wanted to add just a little extra interest. So I took the plunge to try out a technique I’ve seen on Pinterest. To do this I needed the Evening Evergreen Stampin’ Write Marker from the 2021-2023 In Color collection. Using the writing tip I drew a simple frame around the edge of the card. Inside that first frame I drew another, and then added a scribbled line across each pair of lines.
For the sentiment I pulled out the Lovely You Stamp Set and chose “love is what makes us family”. This seemed very apt on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Using Evening Evergreen ink I stamped it towards the bottom of my drawn frame.

Finally I added the large fussy-cut floral image to the centre of the layer with liquid glue. Then I finished off by mounting the layer directly onto the card front with more liquid glue. Even though I’d spent tome fussy-cutting, this project was completed in next to no time.
I must say I don’t think I’ve ever made a card quite like this one. There’s a lot of white but it really allows that beautiful chrysanthemum to be the star of the show. Even my very wobbly and uneven hand-drawn lines somehow don’t look too bad. What do you think?
Tracy,
This card is a beauty indeed! You always amaze me with your “fussy cutting”. And you have definitely mastered the hand drawn frame. Simply lovely…! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Barb. I’ve decided to embrace the hand-drawn frame idea and realise it looks better when the project is finished than when I first draw it.