THE BASICS FINALE

I am about to introduce to you my takes on the final five projects in the Stampin' Up! online class, The Basics.

As I have already reported in previous blog posts about The Basics, I had a wonderful time completing these assignments. The best part was utilizing the basic instructions and techniques presented, but being able to make them completely my own. Since I did not have many of the supplies required to do them as instructed, I was able to put my own spin on each one by digging into my own personal arsenal of Stampin' Up! goodies and using what I already had instead.

For a mere $14.95, I strongly encourage you, whether you are a novice paper crafter, wish to revisit or brush up on tried and  true techniques, or, like me, want to challenge yourself to 34 fun projects by putting your own spin on them, to order this download online class, The Basics.

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=133385

Anyway, I am pleased to present to you the Final Five.

project 30

The striking contrast in this card makes it one of my absolute favorites. What a great combination: Daffodil Delight, Basic Black and Whisper White. At the time, I did not own the Bitty Butterfly Punch -- I have it NOW though! -- so I substituted the two punched butterflies with butterflies stamped in Whisper White Craft Ink. Simply stunning.

project 31

Resembling a loving stoplight, this card gave me the most grief. I honestly could not get it to work as instructed after several frustrating attempts. So I opted for a simplified version. Even though it was not as presented, I still like my card. Call this one a "fail". I guess. I didn't follow the assignment.

I would be curious to know how any of you fared on this project. Let me know!

project 32

This is another project that I changed up considerably from what was presented. I THINK I like the way it turned out. Dragging out some of my old eyelets to put in the center of the flower seemed like a great idea at the time. Now, I'm not so sure. 

project 33

Although this card of mine is based on the now-retired River Rock color (yuk!) and lots of other retired product, I am blissfully happy with how it turned out. 

Just a reminder: Even though some of the products in your supply stash have retired, please don't retire them from your mind! As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I hesitate to use retired product for my workshops, but for my personal creations, I love to resurrect some of the oldies but goodies that I may have set aside. 

project 34

Finally, a project that you have seen before: my fond farewell to three of my favorite retiring colors: Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, and More Mustard, and a pop of the dreaded River Rock. I consider these colors to be the best of friends, playing so well together. 

As so often happens, my interpretation of this project from The Basics is a departure from what was instructed. I took the basic premise and ran with it. I don't regret my decision -- but I DO feel a little naughty. The project in The Basics is truly a lovely one . . . 

My journey of 34 days through Stampin' Up!'s online class, The Basics, is one I will always treasure. I'm glad I embarked on this joyful undertaking. 

With that, I can say, "That's All Folks." 

Smiles.