One of the most overlooked parts of any Stampin’ Up! catalogue has to be the Host section near the back. Some customers seem to think that if they’re not hosting a workshop or ‘party’ that it’s not relevant to them. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact if you have a larger order (at least $200 CAD before shipping and taxes) you can qualify for host perks. That includes exclusive stamp sets like Natural Textures which I used on today’s project.

WOVEN TEXTURES

The Natural Textures Stamp Set has four good sized images that are perfect for collage-style projects or layering. Today I chose the woven image and paired it with Soft Succulent ink.

First, I stamped it towards the bottom of a 3-3/4″ x 5″ piece of Basic White Card. This was for the front of the project so I set it aside for the time being.

After reinking the stamp I ‘stamped-off’ onto some scrap paper to remove a little of the ink. Then I stamped the image across the bottom right corner of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. I reinked the stamp, stamped-off once more and then stamped the image across the top left corner. This piece would be used later for inside the card base.

Finally I repeated the same inking and stamping-off technique to add the woven image to the front of a Basic White Medium Envelope. With that done I thought it a good idea to cut the layers for the card next.

Using my Paper Trimmer I began by cutting and scoring a piece of Soft Succulent Card. After folding it along the scored line I 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 white layers on the inside.

All I needed now was to cut a 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ piece of Evening Evergreen Card. Then with liquid glue once again I mounted the second (smaller) piece of Basic White Card onto it.

QUIET MEADOW

Now the base was complete I was ready to start on the decoration, and for this I turned to the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set and Meadow Dies.

I began by using Soft Succulent ink to stamp “Thinking of you” onto a piece of Basic White Card. Then from the Meadow Dies I chose the label die with the cut out ends and stitched detail.

Using my Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine I cut out the sentiment and set it aside. Then I chose the tall die with three flowers and two buds and cut that from Basic White Card too.

I wanted to give the die-cut flower a some subtle colour and so I used a Blending Brush to add just a little Soft Succulent ink around the edge. Then with liquid glue I fixed the flower onto the layered background. To add even more definition and interest I also added a small self-adhesive Mint Macaron embellishment from the Genial Gems pack to the centre of each open flower.

All I had left to add was the sentiment and it was here that I had an idea to use the decorative ends.

So after fixing the sentiment to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals I cut four pieces of white twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack. Next I threaded a piece of twine through a hole at the corner of the sentiment. Then I flipped the layer over and secured the ends of the twine to the back with Tear & Tape Adhesive. I repeated this process three more times until the sentiment looked to be tied on with the twine.

With that done I mounted the assembled layer into the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals and my project was complete.

I simply love how this card turned out, that Natural Textures image adds just the right amount of colour and texture. Plus the simple treatment of the baker’s twine provides some interesting detail too. What do you think?

NATURAL TEXTURES & MORE

As well as the Natural Textures Stamp Set used today you’ll find two other exclusive Host stamp sets in the annual catalogue. This year you can also choose an exclusive Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack containing 48 double-sided 12″ x 12″ sheets of paper.

To get one or more of these items simply host a party, or place your own order for $200 CAD or more (before shipping and taxes). You’ll then earn at least 10% of that value back as ‘Stampin’ Rewards”. Stampin’ Rewards can be spent on any of the exclusive Host reward items, or on anything else in the Stampin’ Up range. If ordering via my online store you’ll be advised during the checkout process if you have qualified for Stampin’ Rewards. Then simply add your chosen products to ‘spend’ the rewards you’ve earned. If ordering directly through me I’ll always let you know when you qualify so you don’t miss out.

For more details see the Host section on pages 170 and 171 of the 2021/2022 Annual Catalogue. Make sure you look for more Host rewards in the new Mini Catalogue when that’s launched in August too!

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set and Meadow 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 to both options so you can compare these if you wish.