LOVE IS KINDNESS

 Back in 1995-7, when I was preparing for my graduation from college as a nontraditional student (I was 45 when I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree), I became so enamored with creating handmade papers. What a fun -- but messy -- occupation that was! I loved the unexpected results that could be achieved.

Long about that same time, I was also on occasion purchasing other handmade papers. The background of this card is just one of those purchases. With lovely dried flower petals, leaves and stems embedded into it, it seemed like the perfect choice to set off my pretty bouquet of tulips wrapped in newspaper and twine.

The stamp, from a long-retired set, has always been a favorite of mine. I love the simplicity of it. 

In the past, I'd colored the tulips, but stamped the image once again onto cream cardstock. I then fussy cut the newspaper portion and added a bit of real twine, then glued it in place over the first image. Doing it this way, gave a little more dimension, interest and realism.

For this card, however, I colored the tulips and kept the image intact, die cutting it into an oval shape. I did it this way because the handmade background paper lent enough dimension and interest to the card.

SUPPLIES:

Polished Pink cardstock

Very Vanilla cardstock

Handmade paper with floral inclusions

Love Is Kindness stamp set

Memento Tuxedo Black ink

Stampin' Blends in: Light Polished Pink, Dark Fresh Freesia and Dark Granny Apple Green

Die Cutting/Embossing Machine

Ovals Collections dies

Stampin' Dimensionals

INSTRUCTIONS:

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

To this card base, adhere a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of creamy handmade paper with floral inclusions.

On Very Vanilla cardstock, stamp the tulip image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Color the flowers, leaves and stems as you wish.

Use an oval die that measures about 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" to die cut the tulip bouquet.

With Stampin' Dimensionals, add the oval to the card, raised a bit from the center point.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.

- Joseph Addison -

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Handmade 

Smiles.