I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Today’s project is not what I set out to make. I started with an idea for a card, using the retiring Beautiful You Stamp Set. I chose the image of the lady with an umbrella. Then I chose the sentiment “Wishing you brighter days to come”. Then I went looking for some paper to link with the “bright” part of the sentiment. Having looked through a number of packs I once again veered towards the Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper (DSP). The very first piece I pulled out was covered with bright and cheerful daisies. But then I turned it over and suddenly all I could think of was making a bookmark…

BLACKBERRY BLISS

Looking at these gorgeous flowers I knew they would have to be the star of the show. The strip of DSP was already 1-3/4″ wide and all I had to do was trim it down a little to 4-3/4″ long. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the DSP to a 2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Blackberry Bliss Card. Then I punched one end with the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch.

Next I thought about ribbon or twine to thread through the top. In the end I decided on a natural look with a 6″ piece of 5-16″ Braided Burlap Trim. After threading the trim through the slot I tied some Linen Thread around it and tied the thread in a bow.

FLORAL ESSENCE

It was at this point that thought the space between the flowers would be the ideal place for a sentiment. So off I went to look through my stamp sets, and I found the perfect one in the Floral Essence Stamp Set.

Despite the obvious risks to my “completed” bookmark I wiped the area with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static. Then using VersaMark ink I stamped “All days are beautiful that begin with you”. I sprinkled the sticky ink with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder then tapped off the excess. Once I’d removed a few stray specks I melted the rest of the powder with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

And that was it, my accidental bookmark was finished.

I’ve learned over the years that sometimes my favourite projects are the ones that virtually make themselves. Being comfortable in setting aside my ‘plans’ and just going with the flow is, for me at least, the essence of my creativity.

PRODUCT LIST

LAST CHANCE PRODUCTS – The Perennial Essence DSP is now reduced, and along with the Braided Burlap Trim and Embossing Buddy which are also being retired are now only available while stocks last. Find these and all the other retiring products in the Last Chance section of my online store.

BUNDLE BONUS (LIMITED TIME) – I bought the Floral Essence Stamp Set in a bundle with the coordinating Perennial Flower Punch (not used today). This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. Although both these items will be in the new 2020/2021 Annual Catalogue, they will not be available as a bundle. So if you want the stamp set and punch at a discount make sure you order them using the bundle item number by June 2nd. I’ve included a link below so you can explore this option further if you wish.