Lil' Inker Stitched Mats - Rectangles Archives

Hello!! I want to share with you that one of my cards was a designer pick over at the Stamp, Ink, and Paper challenge! I’m so appreciative of the honor!!

And now I have a funny story about today’s card…

The card I am sharing today was created last Sunday after seeing the new challenge from The Paper Players. Then Tuesday, I popped over to see the latest Stamp, Ink, Paper challenge and discovered that the sketch is eerily close to the card I had already made for The Paper Players!

Here’s the challenge sketch:

And here’s the card I created before I saw the sketch!

Isn’t that the strangest coincidence??

Moving along, I wanted to share a few things with you I noticed about my card once it was done:

Visual Triangles are Pleasing to the Eye:

If you look at the card above, I have Bermuda Bay in three spots on the card that loosely form a triangle. For Old Olive, I used the envelope liner to complete the triangle. Now look at the Crumb Cake…there’s the tree and the strip of paper…but where is the third element? It’s the linen thread in the button! It’s a subtle but important detail that the eye picks up on.

Balance is harmony

Always try to give equal visual weight to both sides of the card. Here, the three strips of paper on the left side help balance out the large rectangle on the other side. Once I had put the strips of paper onto the card, I felt that they overbalanced it (too heavy on the left side), so I added a button on the right to bring both sides back into balance.

I don’t think about these things as I’m creating and sometimes don’t realize them at all but I did today so I wanted to pass that info along.

My last tip for today?? Don’t forget the inside of the card! I Know, I’m guilty too, but I’m making a conscious effort to change my ways! It’s a small thing, and perhaps you wait until you know who you’re giving the card to, but I find that I need to do it right when the card is created or it will never get done!

Thank you to Claire at The Paper Players for this wonderful color combination!

And thank you as well for visiting with me today!

Wishing you joy and blessings!

Products Used:

Cardstock: Stamper’s Select White by Papertrey Ink; Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, Old Olive by Stampin’ Up!

Pattern Paper: Brights Designer Series Paper Pack (retired pattern) by Stampin’ Up!

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, Old Olive by Stampin’ Up!; Tuxedo Black by Memento

Stamps: Giving Thanks by Simon Says Stamp; Fancy Florals by Clearly Besotted Stamps; Tucked In: Thank You by Papertrey Ink

Dies: Stitched Mats: Rectangles by Lil ‘Inker; Envelope Liner Die by Stampin’ Up!

Tools: None

Embellishments: Brights Designer Buttons and Linen Thread by Stampin’ Up!

I am so happy so see Freshly Made Sketches return from their holiday hiatus! Of course, everyone needs a break but I have been itching to get back to sketches! lol And they did not disappoint, they are back with a super fun, simple sketch from Amy.

I’m also playing along with the Anything-Goes-As Long-As-It’s-New challenge over at NBUS (never-before-used-schtuff):

So cute!

After much pondering, this is what I created with the sketch:

The first thing I did was find three patterned papers that I wanted to use for my layers. Then to choose a stamp set…so many choices! I finally narrowed it down to one stamp set, Favorite Flowers by Simon Says Stamp. I chose it because it had scribbled flower stamps and I thought they matched the patterned paper that I ended up lining the envelope with.

I actually purchased this stamp set a little while ago, just for the scribbled flowers. But when the stamp set came, I just stared at it and had no inspiration. Zero, ziltch, nada. I’ve been pulling it out, looking at it, and putting it back for weeks. Finally, with this card, I just decided to start stamping and see what happened!

I’m SO pleased with how it turned out. I just stamped randomly, with no pattern in mind, adding things to balance it all out. I must have used a zillion inks!

I forgot to mention that I ran all my papers through my Big Shot with one of the Stitched Rectangle Mats from Lil’ Inker. I just love the bit of detail the stitching provides!

And if you haven’t read any of my previous posts, you need a MISTI. Most Incredible Stamp Tool Ever. And it is. Watch the video and then order yours. If you are a stamper, you need it. I can’t believe how wonderfully easy it is to use and how perfectly it stamps!!

So there’s my card for today…I love it! I think it looks like a party is going to be going on!! And can be used for so many celebratory events from making the team, or getting your driver’s license, to finding out you are pregnant to getting that raise/new job! Cute, simple and easy to mail 🙂

Thanks so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate your visit and love to read your comments!!

Wishing you joy and blessing!

Products Used:

Cardstock: Soft Stone by Papertrey

Pattern Paper: Now and Then – Mildred by My Mind’s Eye

Ink: Blushing Bride and Lost Lagoon by Stampin’ Up!; Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry, New Leaf and Simply Chartreuse by Papertrey Ink

Stamps: Favorite Flowers by Simon Says Stamp

Dies: Stitched Mats: Rectangles by Lil’ Inker and Envelope Liner Die by Stampin’ Up!

Tools: MISTI by My Sweet Petunia

Embellishments: None

Lil’ Inker Stitched Mats – Rectangles

Giving Thanks – The Paper Players 257 & SIP #9

Favorite Flowers – Freshly Made Sketches #168