Monday 18 July 2016

Old Faithful's

Made another card at Langley Stampers Club. This one featured Stampin' Up Botanical Blooms stamps and Botanical Builders Framelets dies.  I really feel that Stampin Up products are the Old Faithful of cardmaking tools. They are always dependable and I like their designs for stamps and for dies!

After die cutting each of the elements, we used chalk to add some depth and shading. I think chalk is another Old Faithful.  It is a quick, easy, and reasonable way to add that little extra oomph. Before I started investing in Copics and Watercolour pencils and even pencil crayons, I used chalks to colour my images. Amazing what you can do with some eye makeup sponges for the larger less detailed area,s and better quality shading stumps for detailed work!


I believe all the stamps were Stampin' Up, but I could be wrong. I have got to learn to bring a package of sticky notes with me to our cardmaking days.

I enjoyed making this card and especially liked that we added a gorgeous fern stamp to the inside of the card before we stamped the sentiment. I added a few stamps to the envelope as well and decided to try and remember to do this more often. I like the bespoke feeling it gives.




I am entering this card in the following challenges:
1. Word Art Wednesday - #238 - 239 Anything goes with an encouraging or uplifting sentiment
2. Crafty Calendar Challenge - Punches and/or dies (I used framelet dies)


I posted photos a few weeks ago of our spring blooms in the new garden beds. Here are some photos of the summer blooms. I am happy with the riot of colours!  Hope you like them too.


Yes the patio is finally finished. Amazing to think that this was a barren, hilly area that had never been developed. DH took down the back fence and built a retaining wall bordering our guest parking spot. Then he rebuilt the fence for privacy. He did this all himself, with just a wee bit of help from our son-in-law for the angled cuts where we decided to build in a triangle shaped flower bed just out of your sight line.

He brought in all the drainage gravel and sand himself and shoveled it in by the wheelbarrow load. When he finally laid the paving stones, I think he was glad to be done. The table seats 6 and we have enough room to accommodate 8 if needs be. A tight fit for 8 though!


Here is a close up of the raised perennial beds. I am happy with the riot of colour. There is a narrow pathway up to the second raised bed.  We plan to add a water feature in the back bed...right where I have marked it with a cedar stake. I don't want to kill that plant that sprawls across where we will make the fountain, so will transplant it in the fall.


16 comments:

Whisper said...

Oooo what a gorgeous autumnal look to your fabby card.

I can see from your photos you have been working very hard in your garden, Luv Sam x

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A gorgeous card Maureen, I have to admit to having these dies papers and stamps and not used them yet (shame on me). The garden looks beautiful.

Sue xx

dutchess said...

Lovely card MAUREEN...loving the die cuts.....garden looking colourful xxxxx

Dr Sonia S V said...

Such a lovely card...and oooh your garden looks awesome!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Your card is so pretty, I love the earthy colors. I really like how the card front looks, but also the inside and envelope are decorated! Very cool!

Your garden looks absolutely amazing! What a tranquil spot for you to relax with your family! Thanks for sharing!

Barb said...

A really beautiful card Mo. I love that die and the paper is so pretty. Your hubby has done an amazing job. The patio looks just the place to sit out on a day like today and the perennials are so pretty. Good work from you both and son in law too of cause. Barbxx

cotnob said...

A beautiful card Maureen, gorgeous colours and lovely design - the inside and matching envelope look fabulous.
Your patio and flower beds look lovely - a super place to relax.
Pauline
x

Kathleen said...

I love this card, the contrast if fabulous, great colours and a great design.

Kath x

Sue said...

Gorgeous card Mo really love it and those pics of your garden!!! it looks really lovely lots of huggles Sue xx

Valerija said...

Very beautiful card Maureen and I love your garden and flower beds. Wonderful place!
Valerija xx

Sarn said...

Hi Mo . . . lovely looking floral card. Really like the idea of the fern being stamped inside the card! Must pinch that idea!

Your garden looks very pretty, and your husband deserves top marks for all his hard work.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Cara said...

A lovely card and your garden is looking glorious. Cara x

Brenda said...

Your card is simply stunning Maureen! I too, love SU stamps and think of them as Old Faithful's as well. I started out with SU stamps and even though I love other companies too, I still come back to SU stamps as well. They are a classic! And yes, I had chalks way before the alcohol markers, watercolor and pencils. lol I need to get my neglected chalks out and use them once again. Your patio looks amazing as do the gardens! Love all the color and I think a water feature will look stunning! DH did a fabulous job!!! Hugs, Brenda

Jo Ann said...

Such a beautiful card...Love the leaf border. We are so blessed that you joined our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday. We have a new Challenge going on and we hope you can link with us again. Leaving you with the inspiration of God’s Word in Jeremiah 32:17 which says, “‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”

God bless,
JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com

Linby said...

What a lovely card and the fern stamped inside is the perfect touch.
The garden is looking great, so much done since we saw it.

Greta said...

Oh how I'd love to sit with you on your patio, Mo--such a beautiful, peaceful spot! Your hubby did an amazing job--very talented, I'd say! Beautiful card--love the images & the wonderful die cut edge!