Beauty and Joy

Hi Stampin' Friends!

Beauty and Joy - who doesn't need more of that in their life?!!  I hope that grabs your attention as I share the stamp set I've recently fallen in love with. I have to admit that this particular set was underwhelming my first 20 times through the Holiday Catalog. It just didn't catch my eye or get my creative mojo going at all. I had some hostess dollars from an order to use up and so was looking for something in the $15-$20 range and taking another spin through the Holiday Catalog. I decided to take a chance on the "Beauty and Joy" set because I like leaves and there were plenty of leaves in this set. I have to tell you, this set was so fun and so satisfying to just spend time stamping and not worrying about all the extras. I can't wait to show you how much fun I had!  Here goes....

For my first card, I did a take on one of the samples in the catalog. To achieve this look, you start at the bottom with stamping the planter, then the trunk and then the leaves. I'll bet you're wondering how I did those leaves aren't you?!! I mounted the leaf stamp on my block and then inked it up with Crushed Curry. Before I stamped, I daubed on (with daubers) a little bit of Cajun Craze and Cherry Cobbler. I didn't get too heavy handed because I wanted the Crushed Curry to still shine through. What do you think?  Isn't that the perfect and easiest technique for getting fall leaves with ink?!  I was so thrilled with the results.

For my second card, I was really curious about the three level leaf stamp and the little stem/trunk stamps that seemed to coordinate with it. I was right and it does! For this example, I actually stamped my leaves first, then placed the trunk(s) stamp in between the leaves and then placed the planter/pot. These stamps are red rubber Distinktive stamps that create the illusion of shading and depth. I am such a fan of these type of stamps because I feel like such an artist when I use them! I kept this card simple with a sentiment and some retired ribbon.

And, here's thinking out of the box!  There is a leaf stamp in this set that is sorta in the shape of a circle. I used one of my biggest layered circles dies and cut out a piece of Crumb Cake card stock. I then stamped the leaf stamp around the circle. I first did it like a compass, north, south, east, west and then filled in the spaces with more stamping. I loved my wreath when I was done!  I grabbed some dies from the "Free Skate" bundle to make my bow and holly border.  My sentiment is from the "Beauty and Joy" set and I used the Tailored Tag punch to cut it out. I embossed my background with the Pinewood Plank 3D folder and daubed the edges of everything with some Soft Suede ink. I still really love the vintage look and this was a perfect card for that style.

I want to show you the stamp set so you can see how I used it in my projects. You will want this one for your stash!



Isn't that a fun set?  Not too complicated but just interesting enough to give you some fantastic options when you just have time and energy to stamp. Our best stamping times don't necessarily result in an over-the-top, complicated card. Sometimes less is more and simple stamping can be so rewarding.  I've listed my supplies below so you can check them out and see if you'd love to have this set in your stash.  As with most of the Holiday Catalog products, they are only available now through January 2nd and then they are gone. If you think you want something, don't wait until the last minute!

I have a fun stamping-related day today!  I'm not sure if I've mentioned this but I was asked to be a presenter at the Las Vegas OnStage event, coming up in November. I have been working on my presentation and have a first practice session today via Zoom with Stampin'Up!  I'm nervous so any prayers and good wishes would be appreciated!  I'm also going to a soup luncheon/card swap today that is always fun. We make a packet of 3 cards and then swap our packets while enjoying some wonderful food. My downline, Elleen VanDyke, hosts this every year and it is a such a great time. I'm still drooling over the seafood chowder she made two years ago!

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a peek at what I'm up to. I would love to hear your thoughts!  You can comment here or on my FB page and group. I read everything and it all helps me get even better at this wonderful hobby.  Hope you have a great day!

Blessings,
Sarah