The Evolution of a Card Design

So my sister sent us this for our Christmas Card this year. I immediately knew I would have to case it!!! Isn't it sweet. I love that the whole card is less than 1 sheet of paper and the fact that the snowman panel is the one removed from the card front!

I had a Stampin' Up! workshop yesterday in honor of Sale-A-Bration. Of course, I thought I could do variations of this to show off the Sale-A-Bration Sets. Since I didn't pre-order any sets, (seriously why would I pay for them when I will get them free this week?!? I never understood that), I decided to use what sets I had from the back of the book. I LOVE that they now incorporate sets that are in the yearly catalog for Sale-A-Bration!!! Having already purchased 8 of those sets, I knew I could make it work. The sets I didn't use I had out to show.

Up First, Simple Snowflake:

If you know me at all you know I love snow, snowflakes and snowmen- as long as I am not the one out in the cold! So, consequently I have had this stamp for awhile- in fact I used it for my 2009 Christmas cards. For both cards I stamped the simple snowflake in Night of Navy. For the card on the Left I used the snowflake punch on acetate to create a stencil. I used a sponge with Bashful Blue to pop the Snowflake. For the card on the white I stamped the Simple Snowflake on Bashful blue, punched it out with the snowflake punch and glued that down. I am partial to the card on the left.

SU Materials Used:

Stamps: Simple Snowflake

Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue (Right card only)

Ink: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue (Left card only)

Other: Snowflake Punch, Perfect Polka Dots, Jewels Basic Rhinestone, sponge, brads

Ok, this was just one I threw in because I liked the sponged snowflake and Valentines day is coming up. ;-)

I used the heart punch on acetate-and sponged the template. After I finished sponging it I used my marker to outline the Heart. I really like the simple look of this one. As much as I like the sponged dots on the snowflake card- On this card I like the white better!

SU Materials Used:

Stamps: None- how is that possible?!?

Paper: Cherry Cobbler (one of my new favorites!), Whisper White

Other: Heart Punch, Perfect Polka Dots, sponge, brads, White 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon

And last but not least- the Take home card, featuring Hello Again:

I must admit, Clay was right. Usually when I ask him an opinion- like does he like the dark color on the outside of the flower or inside, I usually go with the opposite of what he says. This time he was right, the flower on the right looks better. I do however like the smaller size of the flower panel and 1/16" border on the left card- guess I should have asked him about that too. ;) The flower and butterfly we inked with my Stampin' Write Markers- what a great way to make them really pop! I also used the flower from Itty Bitty Bits, because I am LOVING the clear mount stamps. In my opinion, the stamp the same as the wood mount and I am all for the smaller storage space! I recommend getting the clear stamps if you can afford the block investment!

SU Materials Used:

Stamps: Hello Again, Itty Bitty Bits

Paper: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi

Other: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 3/4" Circle punch, punch

Maybe next time you can join me for my workshop! 8^)