THOUGHTS WITH YOU

I love the combination of red, black and white on a card. It's so traditional and striking, I don't think you can possibly go wrong.

To make this card was a bit time consuming, although it looks shockingly simple. You see, each of the stems had to be stamped individually, and turned with each stamp. Thus, it was eight lines of stamping. Then to come in with the individual red flowers. The challenge came in trying to keep the stems evenly spaced. 

I must admit that another huge retirement regret is the loss of the Ornate Frames dies, one of which is shown in red below, as well as the white piece on which the actual sentiment is stamped.. I could honestly just cry every time I think about those dies not be current anymore. I am warning you though that I will be using them forever and forever,, retired or not. If you don't have this die set, it is truly a must have. Quickly grab it before its retirement. Seriously 

This card is completely flat -- so would be a dream to send through the mail -- in that even the sentiment is adhered flat to the card.

Following is a quick tutorial on how this card was made. Enjoy!

SUPPLIES:

White cardstock

Black cardstock

Real Red cardstock

Black ink

Real Red ink

Wildflower Path (Page 106, new Annual Catalog)

Prized Peony (on the retirement list!)

Die Cutting/Embossing Machine

Ornate Frames dies (retiring. sob)

DIRECTIONS:

Fold a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of white cardstock in half, creasing it well with a bone folder.

To this card base, add a layer of black cardstock that measures 4" x 5 1/4".

Then comes a Real Red layer of cardstock that measures 3 3/4" x 5".

You will be doing the majority of work on a piece of white cardstock that measures 3 3/8" x 4 5/8". Equally distanced, stamp in black ink the branches down the entire piece, flipping the stamp each time.

In Real Red ink, add flowers to the branches.

Adhere this stamped piece to the card.

On white cardstock, stamp a sentiment in black ink. Using the appropriate frame from Ornate Frames dies, die cut the sentiment.

From Real Red cardstock, die cut one of the curly frames.

Adhere the sentiment piece to this.

Attach the completed sentiment to the front of the card, raised somewhat from center.

Thoughtful

Smiles.