When I was working on my 24 cards in 24 hours challenge I tried to use lots of different stamp sets.  Even so, I was careful to ensure that everything I used was still available from Stampin’ Up!  As I was nearing the end it seemed that I’d run out of time before I ran out of projects I had to make.  That’s when the Sea of Textures Stamp Set called to me.  I thought a few extra arms like the octopus would help, and in a round-about way it did.

THE OCTOPUS

The octopus was my starting point, stamped onto some Shimmery White Card with Blueberry Bushel ink.

I’d already decided the octopus would be my coordinating element for the project so I stamped him twice more.  Once on the front of a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope, and once on a layer of Very Vanilla Card.  In each case I stamped the octopus peeping in from the bottom right hand corner.

Finally on another layer of Very Vanilla Card I stamped the net image twice (slightly over-lapping) using Smoky Slate ink.

A SEA OF TEXTURES

Although this card would have to be simple as I was fast running out of time, I wanted texture.  So I went over to my Big Shot and Magnetic Platform and pulled out the coordinating Under the Sea Framelits.

First I cut out the octopus on the Shimmery White Card.  Then I cut out the long weed shape from a scrap of Call Me Clover Card.   I wanted some bright contrast so next I cut two small coral pieces from scraps of Mango Melody Card.

Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I began to assemble the card front.  First I poked some of the long green weed through the die-cut octopus image.  Then I fixed the octopus and weed over the stamped nets.  The two coral pieces came next, layered over the octopus and weed.

I created my card base from a piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card cut and scored using my Stampin’ Trimmer.  Then I folded the card and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.  The assembled Very Vanilla layer came next, attached to the front with liquid glue.

THE SENTIMENT

The ‘sending love and hugs to you’ sentiment is from another current stamp set, Ribbon of Courage.  I thought hugs fitted well with the octopus and his 8 arms, and stamped the sentiment onto some Very Vanilla Card using Call Me Clover ink.

Back at my Big Shot, I cut out the sentiment using the #2 circle die from the Stitched Shapes Framelits (counting from the smallest up).  Then I added the sentiment to the front of the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Finally I used liquid glue to fix the remaining Very Vanilla layer to the inside of the card base and my masculine hugs card was complete.

Looking back now I’m struck by how easy I seem to find making masculine cards when I’m in a hurry.  Not having time to over-think things seems to really help.  What do you think?

BUNDLE BONUS – I purchased the Sea of Textures Stamp Set and coordinating Under The Sea Framelits using a single bundle item number.  This meant that I saved 10% off the cost of buying the stamp set and dies separately.  I’ve included both options in my product list so you can look at this in more detail if you wish.

CHRISTMAS PAPER PUMPKIN KIT!

If you’ve been waiting for information about this year’s Christmas-themed kit from Paper Pumpkin, here’s what I know…

The kit will contain everything you need to make 10 cards (5 each of 2 unique holiday-themed designs).  Everything is cut, scored and prepared for you.  There’s also a photopolymer stamp set that is exclusive to this kit and an ink spot.

The colours used in the kit are: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Garden Green, gold, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla and Whisper White.  Also the design of the box is a great sneak peek for what’s inside.

Last year’s Christmas Paper Pumpkin kit was so popular it actually sold out, so if you think you might want it make sure you subscribe straight away.  Don’t wait until the deadline of November 10th, they may run out of kits before then.

If you’re already a subscriber and want extra kits, you too should act now.  Log into your Paper Pumpkin account and simply change the number of kits you want.

Finally, if you’re not sure whether or not you want the kit, my advice is to sign up anyway.  If you subscribe through me and decide you don’t like the kit when it arrives, I’ll arrange for you to get a full refund.  So you’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I can’t wait to see what’s in this kit!

PRODUCT LIST