Let’s Share a Cup of Tea…

It was not long ago that I was having trouble getting any ideas for cards.  I did not have a single idea – and even had to buy cards for the occasions that were coming up at the time.

But suddenly, that creativity came back – with a vengence!  I have no idea why.  But at the moment, my mind is just going 100 miles per hour, and I cannot stop making them, sketching them, planning them…In fact, I have 9 cards that are done and ready for write up.  I would wish this explosion on everyone reading my blog!  It is the most joyous feeling in the world!  I cannot wait to get to my craft room every day.  The house looks like hell…well, so does my craft room…but who cares?  This is the most fun I’ve had in ages.

As I was looking at the latest challenge websites this morning, there were a couple of them that caught my eye.  So, instead of writing up the cards that are awaiting the blog, I designed this one. This card will answer a few of those challenges.

I wanted this card to be my favored 5” x 7”.  However, the embossing folder that I wanted to use – Stampin’ Up! Timber 3D – creates a 6” x 6” image.  So, I have an odd sized card that matches some old card sets that I bought in bulk a few years back.  The paper cuts here match my exact card but could be adjusted to be a 5” x 7” version.

In addition to a few card cuts, this card only uses one stamp set:  the Stampin’ Up! Cup of Tea Bundle.  This bundle can create some very modern looking cards as well as some beautiful holiday and more Victoriana tea services.

With the cardstock cut, I inked the card face panel using a Blending Brush and Balmy Blue ink.  This will look like a halo around the image.  I will confess that my centerpiece was already done.  I was able to dry-fit it to the card face to be sure that the halo was the right size and intensity.

That centerpiece is created with stamps from the Cup of Tea stamp set and uses Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow, and Daffodil Delight inks.  I used the Teacup Dies to cut them out.  Once I had the pieces stamped and cut out, I arranged them and glued them together so that the centerpiece was ready to be attached.

I used Stampin’ Up! Blue Adhesive-Backed Gems to add some bling.  While these are retired now, The Glossy Dots Assortment would be a great substitute – and I am not sure why I did not use these.  They are some of my favorite bling options!

The inside panel of the card is very simple.  I used one of the other sentiments from the Cup of Tea stamp set.  The edging along the bottom of the panel is washi tape. 

I had a bunch of washi tape from my “pre-Stampin’ Up!” days.  There was a rainy day a while ago that let me go through all of my washi tape and match it to Stampin’ Up! colors.  I use it often for cards that I make to sell or for my personal use.  It works perfectly as you can see – and it uses up supplies that I have had for years.

Do not hesitate to mix and match in your cardmaking!

Oh.  One other thing:  do you sign or stamp your card with your name or symbol?  If not, why not consider doing that?

I have a stamp that I use on the back of my cards.  I generally stamp it using the same color ink as the card stock.  My stamp is still there but it is very subtle.  When I stamp on Basic White Cardstock, I use the lightest color that coordinates with my card.

I ordered this from a lovely lady at Bossy Joscie.  She does beautiful work, and you can order stamps that she offers, or you can design your own.  I am not affiliated with Joscie – she is just one of those nice folks you meet as you explore this hobby! If you decide to purchase anything from her site, would you let her know that I sent my regards – and my admiration for her great work!

This card has been entered into several challenges.  The Global Design Project #352 is always a great challenge – and one that I have traditionally not been successful answering.  But this time:  it was just there!

I am also entering the Color Throwdown #702 that offered me a color scheme that I really like!  The color challenges will push you to thinking about color schemes that may not be your “go to” colors.  This is great exercise.

The Tic, Tac, Toe Challenge #170 is also one that I generally have trouble answering.  But this card responds to the bottom line: Die cuts, Stripes, and Leaves.  (It is this burst of creative something that is allowing me to finally see one of these!  Hopefully, it will not be the last time!)

I am so sorry for my time away.  But please watch for a flurry of card ideas coming along for you in the upcoming weeks!  I am still creating – but I really have to start writing!!

Here is a list of the supplies that I used for today’s card.  Thank you so much for taking a look!!