I started a Monday’s Muse theme for creative inspiration this past Monday in my private Facebook Group, So Inking Sweet Community Sharing Sweet Creations. A shorter name to come! LOL! This ‘muse’ could be something as simple as a card layout, a color combination, and even possibly from time to time a technique of some kind. I decided to start out using a card layout, Monday’s Muse Card Sketch #1. By the way, look for my Facebook Group and send me an invite to join! For Card Sketch #1, I made three different cards: Basic, Stepped Up, & Avid.
Getting Started
I love designing using card layouts, or sketches. I normally pick out two things, such as a stamp set and patterned paper to start creating. It’s as easy as that! All you need is a solid card base (8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ | scored at 4-1/4″), patterned paper (Designer Series Paper – DSP), a sentiment stamp, and an ink pad or ink spot. If you have ribbon or Baker’s Twine, pop one on to give it that extra special little touch. By the way, if you are just starting out and don’t have a lot of crafting supplies; I suggest Memento Tuxedo Black for stamping sentiments/images. It gives a clear, crisp stamped image!
I used the Countryside Rose 12″ x 12″ DSP that I earned back in April. Only Stampin’ Up! Demos were able to get this DSP by out selling the previous year’s monthly sales. Thank you to those who support my little stampin’ business! I love the patterns in this paper pack, which by the way, there is a Countryside Inn 12″ x 12″ DSP in the Annual Catalog (p. 109) that has the very same patterned paper, except in blues and not pinks! The bottom layer is actually the backside of the floral pattern paper I used.
Basic Card Layout
Basic layouts are great for beginners but also for those times when “time” is limited. Notice I didn’t do my sentiment label the same as in the sketch? The sketch is for inspiration purposes. The sentiment is from Cheerful Daises Photopolymer Stamp Set (AC p. 75), which has a coordinating Cheerful Daisies Dies. I ”fussy cut” my sentiment, meaning I hand cut around the stamped image, and popped it up with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I used Memento Tuxedo Black for the sentiment and popped a little White Baker’s Twine bow onto it. Simple as that and done!Â
Stepped Up Layout
This card is stepped up by simply adding an extra little something. I added some white sequins left over from a Paper Pumpkin kit from long ago. Once again, I added white Baker’s Twine but I added it in a different spot. The sentiment label and the sentiment stamp is from the July’s Painted Petals Paper Pumpkin kit. I heat embossed my sentiment with retired Melon Mambo Embossing Powder. This gives the sentiment a bit of dimension to it. TIP: Did you know that you can stamp the sentiment in Melon Mambo ink then stamp it again with VersaMark ink, then use Clear Embossing Powder will give you the same affect! I suggest using a stamping tool for repeated stamping. Once again, I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop up the sentiment label.
Avid Layout
Avid layout means there is a lot more layers and such added to the card. I used Melon Mambo cardstock for the main panel on the card base, which I should’ve used my Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder to add texture. Oh well, next time! Basic White cardstock was used for the matting behind my DSP. I used some of my beautiful Melon Mambo embellishments from the Glossy Dots Assortment, which includes other colors as well. Once again, a Baker’s Twine bow was added. The sentiment is from the Safari Celebration February 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit. I dovetailed the sentiment label and popped it up with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I should’ve heat embossed my sentiment, but I ran short on time.
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Don’t forget . . .
. . . about this coming Wednesday, September 4! Get ready for not only the September-December 2024 Mini Catalog to go LIVE that day, but there will be a DIGITAL ONLY SCRAPBOOKING BROCHURE to go LIVE the same day! This is going to be an amazing time because there will be coordinating products between the two releases! For more information and to get your own digital downloads, click HERE!
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