I always think that a monochromatic card is very elegant. When I saw the new Stampin’ Up! Willow Tree Bundle, I knew that this was going to become one of my very favorite and iconic bundles. This is the start of that love affair.
I saw a card in the Stampin’ Up! 2022-2023 Annual Catalog and found the inspiration for this one on page 167. This is the original source of today’s card – with a few changes.
The card cuts are very basic and, in fact, the card itself is an easy project. The Willow Tree Bundle with its gorgeous willow bough dies does all the work! Here are the cuts:
Using the front mat, I stamped the willow boughs along the top and bottom to add some dimension to the design. I used Mint Macaron ink with the Willow Tree stamps to get this effect. I also stamped this same design to a piece of Mint Macaron cardstock that I used for this inside panel of the card. It measured ½” x 4-1/4”. This was the only embellishment to the inside of the card so that the sender has plenty of space for the message.
The hardest part of making this card was gluing the willow boughs to the card face. These are very intricate dies with lots of tendrils to glue. I used the Multipurpose Glue from Stampin’ Up! in a bottle with a needle-type tip. That tiny tip allowed me to place glue in dots on the areas that needed to be adhered without making too much of a mess. (Stampin’ Up! does not sell these little bottles – but they are very useful! If you’re not sure what I mean, take a look at this link on Amazon. As of the date of publication, please know that I am NOT an Amazon affiliate – just a customer.)
With the willow boughs glued in place, I used the Everyday Label Punch to create the sentiment. The Flowers of Friendship stamp set is the source of the “Thank you for everything” sentiment. I used Mint Macaron Ink and then added some highlighting to the edge of the label punch with a blending brush and very light strokes. It adds a bit of dimension.
The Stampin’ Up! White ¾” Frayed Ribbon serves as the backdrop for the label.
The completed panel was mounted on the card base with a very thin margin around it. I chose not to add any bling to the design, although the original card in the catalog used some flowers from the Trinket Adhesive-Backed Flowers embellishment packet.
It was that simple. And now, I think that it is that elegant. But, of course, what other colors could offer a similar effect with the same elegance? I happen to love the green. I can easily see a beautiful version of this card in So Saffron or Fresh Freesia or even Blushing Bride…or how about Balmy Blue?
Ok, so having written that, I took a break before publishing to make one. This version is a 5” x 7” which is my preference for occasion cards.
The measurements are easily converted as follows:
| Pcs | Measurements | Description | |
| Stampin’ Up Balmy Blue cardstock | 1 | 7” x 10” | Scored on the long side at 5” |
| Stampin’ Up! Balmy Blue cardstock | 2 | 5-3/4” x 6-3/4” | For mat on card face and inside panel. |
| Stampin’ Up! Balmy Blue cardstock | Scraps | Any pieces available to die cut willow boughs, strip for inside panel and the sentiment label. |
Thank you so much for dropping in to see today’s card. Please let me know if you have any questions or wish to brainstorm about other designs and occasions for this card!
Here is a list of the Stampin’ Up! products that I used:
Very pretty! The monochromatic designs are perfect! 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy! I’m in love with this bundle!!
Lovely – the mono color scheme is so elegant!! 🙂
I love monochromatic cards and yours are especially beautiful! I can’t decide if I like the green or blue better. 🙂 Lovely!
Lovely cards ~ monochromatic schemes always speak to me too. The 5X7 card is a nice size. I’ll need to check out alternative envelopes; it hadn’t occurred to me to think about those dimensions. Thank you for the inspiration.
Hi, Sue – I’m so glad that you stopped by to take a look at this card. I love monochromatic cards – but there has to be something other than color to offer depth. I really think that the Willow Tree bundle fits that bill. The dies are so beautiful and they are very easy to use. I haven’t had any issues with the intricate cuts. As for the card size, I really like to have a card on someone’s mantle that will stand out. It doesn’t have to be the largest – but I’ve found that 5″ x 7″ fits that bill well. I have purchased 5″ x 7″ envelopes on Amazon and they are just beautiful – worthy of a Stampin’ Up! card!