Gorgeous Leaves - Ink & Inspiration

September 23, 2021

Gorgeous Leaves - Ink & Inspiration

Hello and welcome to the latest Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop! If you are starting here with me at Craftyducky HQ or have hopped over from Susan Elise Schultz, welcome - the theme for our hop is 'pick a season'.

Autumn is my favourite time of the year - there is nothing better than a swish through crisp Autumn leaves on a sunny day so my decision this month was easy. I have been playing with a stamp and die bundle called Gorgeous Leaves that is, well, gorgeous! I have been using it a lot lately, in fact I used it for my project for another blog hop earlier this month.

Crqaftyduckydoodah, Gorgoeus Leaves, Stampin' Up!, Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop,

Here is my project:

I made this project with a friend in mind who has a birthday at the beginning of October - the sentiment if especially for her but you could easily change it for a Happy Birthday one. I think this would also make a great card for a male birthday too.

Craftyduckydoodah, Stampin' Up!, Gorgeous Leaves, Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop,

The colours I used:

You will need:

14.5 cm x 21 cm Basic White Thick (BWT) - scored at 10.5 cm

10 cm x 14 cm BWT

10 cm x 14 cm Bumble Bee

9.5 cm x 13.5 cm BWT

2 cm x 10.5 cm BWT

Cork Speciality Paper (for the frame)

BWT for the leaves

The background:

I have had this amazing Stitched Greenery die sat on my shelf for a few weeks, this is the first time I have used it. WOW, I love it, it is my new favourite die! I love the intricate detail, its a great way to 'dress up' projects.

The die cutting:

I used a small piece of Cork Speciality Paper with two of the Stitched rectangle dies to create a frame. I also cut out a selection of leaves using BWT cardstock.

The leaves:

I used Sponge Daubers with Bumble Bee, Cinnamon Cider and Old Olive ink to add lots of colour to the leaves. This is such a simple technique but it is very effective (and quick).

To assemble:

Adhere the background using dimensionals. I used Foam Adhesive Strips to adhere the frame as the Cork Paper is a little flimsy.

Next adhere the leaves:

I used Tombow to adhere each of the leaves.

Top Tip:

Think about where you put the adhesive! Only apply where the leaf touches the frame.

The sentiment:

I stamped this sentiment using a stamp set called Love of Leaves onto the strip of card using Early Espresso ink and then adhered with dimensionals.

The finishing touch:

I added three Gilded Gems for a bit of sparkle.

The inside/envelope:

I stamped a leafy border along the front of the envelope using the clever little border stamp with the three colours of ink I used for the leaves.

I had intended doing the same border on the inside of the card. However my cat Annie put paid to that idea when she jumped up - Ninja style onto my desk! So, I added a Bumble Bee piece of card and the a BWT thick layer so I can write on it in the hopes of disguising the cat-astrophe (sorry)!! However I could still see a smudge of ink. So, I stamped a border along a strip of card and adhered across the entire card - not the ideal insert but needs must as they say!

The completed project:

I made this card in a rush, just hours before the hop went live and, I have to say I am quite pleased with how it turned out. I know my friend will love this card when I give it to her.

I hope you enjoyed my Autumn themed project. Next up is Kylie Swain from Australia, I wonder which season she chose for her project? Click the link below to hop over.

Susan xx

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