My family and I spent a wonderful Christmas holiday in Sandestin, Florida. The weather was amazing – high 60s to low 70s. Everyone could tell that we were New Englanders because we were wearing sleeveless clothes and bathing suits on the beach, while the Floridians were bundled up in hooded sweatshirts and jackets. Here is a view from the condo that we were lucky enough to stay in for the week+
I have been grieving over the loss of the beach since our return just before new year. So much so, in fact, that I have been doing a lot of playing with the beach related stamp sets from Stampin’ Up! – current sets and retired sets – I have them all!
But the first design I started with was another One-Sheet-Wonder. If you can make beautiful cards with the One-Sheet-Wonders with flowers and poinsettias, why not try it with shells and coastal plants?
As we did in the original One-Sheet-Wonder project, I used a piece of 8-1/2” x 11” Basic White Cardstock. And for this first design, I used pastel shades of some unexpected colors. See what you think.
Stamp the largest image across the page, above and below the center. 
The sand dollar images are stamped in Crumb Cake ink and fit in around the large images. 
But I wanted some of the sand dollars to be layered. I used a couple of Post It note circles to mask the original images. 
And that masking technique allows the sand dollars to look stacked. 
The next conch shell image was stamped in Polished Pink. 
And then the smaller shell images are arranged around the larger images. I used Daffodil Delight and Pool Party ink for these images. 
But this is where I think the design comes to life: I used Old Olive ink to stamp the seaweed images from the Friends are like Seashells. 
This last step adds some texture to the whole design. Using Crumb Cake ink, I stamped the “sprinkles” image around the entire sheet.
Although I just love the Shabby Chic look to the design, I also must be true to my love of shiny things! Using the starfish stamp, I stamped the starfish image randomly through the design with Versamark ink. Then the Stampin’ Up! Metallics Embossing Powder set provided the silver powder that makes the design sparkle.
Once the sheet is to your liking, cut it in quarters. This means that there will be other parts of each piece that can be used to decorate the inside of the card.
I decided to leave the inside of the card without sentiment. I will add one that is appropriate at the time I use the card. Or I can use that open space for a longer note.
Using Stampin’ Up! Everyday Labels punch with Basic White cardstock, I punched one for each card front and used a blending brush to dull the white and highlight the colors used in the shells. For this card, I used Highland Heather and Polished Pink. The blending brushes create such a nice soft suggestion of color. It occurred to me that it looks like a friendly sign at the beach!
I used Stampin’ Up! Baker’s Twine Essentials for the decoration behind the sign. I used multiple colors for the Baker’s Twine Essentials. And the measurements are very familiar as they are pretty standard:
| Pcs | Measurements | Description | |
| Stampin’ Up Basic White cardstock | 1 | 4-1/4” x 11” | Scored on the long side at 5-1/2” |
| Stampin’ Up! Highland Heather cardstock | 1 | 4” x 5-1/4” | For mat on card face. |
| Basic White Cardstock | 1 | 4” x 5-1/4” | Inner panel for message. |
| Basic White Cardstock | 1 | 3-3/4” x 5” | This is the panel for stamping and embossing. |
The card can be assembled and voila – another one-sheet-wonder where each stamped sheet creates 4 cards.
As I have said before, I love this technique. I really find my Zen when I do these – which is why this is a third iteration of this design. And as I have in the past, I created this basic design with a couple of other color combinations.
This first one focused on blues. I thought that I could start with a darker blue and then highlighted the rich colors with more subtle ones.
My second color combination used an inspiration from the http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/2022/01/pp573-color-challenge-from-anne-marie.html Although I never entered this particular card as I am publishing too late, the color combination that was required offered me another inspiration.
I am hoping that this new iteration of my One-Sheet-Wonder will give you some inspiration to give this a try. It is truly a fun technique. There are no mistakes. And it goes well beyond just florals.
Thank you so much for stopping in to see today’s design! If you have any questions or would like to brainstorm about other color combinations or images, just let me know as I love making these cards!
The following is the list of supplies that I used for the three color combinations.
So pretty! Love the beach images with those soft colors, just beautiful! Glad that you enjoy some time in the sun for the holidays. 🙂
Thanks so much for taking a look at my post, Amy!
The time away with my two grown children was awesome – and the place was just spectacular! The greatest gift for me is having two adult children who want to hang out with me – what could be better!!
I am in absolute AWE of your talent in making these gorgeous papers! WOW WOW WOW! And a little envious of your time at the beach!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! 🙂
Oh, Mary – You are so kind! But honestly, the technique is so relaxing – how can you beat playing with paper and ink where almost nothing is a mistake? Thanks so much for checking in on my post! I truly appreciate it!
Really beautiful cards, Susan!
Thank you so much! The next best thing to being at the seashore is to make cards with a seashore theme! Thanks so much for stopping in today!