PLANTY BIRTHDAY

Nearly 50 years ago, I used to be a real "plant lady". When we moved from one town to another about 100 miles away, we moved all 125 of my plants with us. At the time, when we were first married, we called them our kids.

That new apartment didn't have great lighting, so my kids gradually moved away from home. Over the years, I did have plants, but nothing even close to the 125 we were raising way back then.

Anyway, back to the purpose of my blog post. When I discovered this planty set, with the wonderful-looking plants and their decorative pots, I was smitten -- and sort of brought back to the olden days.

After stamping the plants in Shaded Spruce ink and the pots in Cajun Craze, I fussy cut all the components.

Rather than placing them against a solid (Soft Succulent) background, I thought it would be cool if it looked like they were against a backdrop with some interest. So I embossed the cardstock with the Stripes and Splatter 3D Embossing Folder. I like the way it looks because it is reminiscent of a textured painted wall.

I matted this piece onto Cajun Craze, then to a white card base. This took up only 3" at the top of the card, leaving a nice 1" of clean white space. Perfect for adding the sentiment in bold letters. I used the words from the Biggest Wish set on page 40.

This set, Plentiful Plants (page 63), is one of a Stampin' Up! selection they have named Dist.ink.tive. They are supposed to be ultra realistic. Maybe it's because of the severe arthritis in my hands, but I can never get my images to look realistic. I am so curious to hear what you who have used any of these sets think of them, and whether you are successful with your stamping. 

Shown in the photo below is a closeup of the stamped plants and pots:

Unless you really hate fussy cutting, this is a very easy card to make.

Please share with us how you feel about the Dist.ink.tive stamp set line. If you are successful in your stamping with these, can you divulge your secrets?

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Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, 

and only you can determine how it will be spent. 

Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.

- Carl Sandburg -

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Instinctive

Smiles.