To begin today's project, I knew I wanted to start things out on one of my favorite small canvases. An embossed rectangle that I created using our Stamper's Select White Cardstock and Nestabilities! (The one shown here is from the SMALL Nestabilities Classic Rectangle set).
I then added the branch image, stamped in burgundy ink. I just love the way this branch in configured. I think it has such a nice flow to it. An easy-going & natural flow. Just makes me happy!
Next up is the 2nd of four overlays total in this set, flowers. I created this stamp as a modern interpretation of the dogwood blossom. I've always wanted a nice dogwood blossom branch to use for sympathy cards. I just think that it is so appropriate. (If you aren't familiar with the legend behind the dogwood, you can read more about it HERE). I stamped the flowers using rose red ink.
To add of an artistic touch the flowers, I applied droplets of water to each of the blossoms. (For those of you that are familiar with my blog, this is a technique that I use often.) Since the flowers are stamped in a dye ink (which is not waterproof) the water allows the flowers to "bleed", ending in a soft, watercolored look. You can see the difference this technique makes by comparing the bottom blossoms to top ones. I love the way this technique works with our Stamper's Select White Cardstock. IT is such a thick and durable cardstock that it doesn't bow or pill when water is applied. If you haven't tried it out yet, I highly recommend it!
With a few more additions, I completed my card! I added a small dot to the center of each flower while the paper was still wet. I loved the way that the darker color bled into the petals. It really helped to make the flowers pop from the page. I used a "With Sympathy" stamp from this set. I love the font combination used. I think it really compliments that look & style of the branch nicely. A little velvet ribbon & a pearl head pin provided the perfect finishing touches.
Before I end this post, I wanted to answer a question that many of you had about this set. The branch used in our Take a Bough set is NOT interchangeable with this set. The branch from Take a Bough is much bigger and would not coordinate with the overlays used in this set. I hope that helps to clarify everything!!!!
SUPPLIES:
ink-Rose Red & Bravo Burgundy classic dye ink pads & chocolate chip marker
stamps- Out on a Limb by Papertrey Ink
paper- Stamper's Select white cardstock from Papertrey, Bravo Burgandy & Rose Red cardstock by Stampin' Up!
other- velvet ribbon from Making Memories, pearl pin from Offray (sewing section & Walmart or craft & hobby store), Water pen from EK Success.
Wow!That is all I can say!!! Great job.
Posted by: Victoria | January 10, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Nichole, this is stunning! I love that technique!
Posted by: Jackie Ohlmann | January 10, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Wow Nichole!! I LOVE that font! Beautiful!
Posted by: Heather B | January 10, 2008 at 11:22 PM
This is so delicate and beautiful! I love dogwoods ... I bet with the right color combination these would look like cherry blossoms as well.
Another beautiful design! Sounds like it is going to be a large set .... I can't wait! How perfect for spring!
I wonder if the oval ornaments from Take a Bough will work with this more delicate branch for Easter cards?
Thank you Nichole!
Posted by: Kimberly | January 10, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Another great card with this set. Hmm, my previous order did just arrive today -- maybe I could just sneak in another!
Posted by: Laurie | January 10, 2008 at 11:29 PM
This is absolutely stunning! This set appears to be so versatile. I can see using it for a masculine card, as well as, a more feminine one. Sympathy cards are difficult to make in themselves but to have this stamp set with the access to your examples will be so helpful! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Beth | January 10, 2008 at 11:54 PM
This is absolutely stunning! This set appears to be so versatile. I can see using it for a masculine card, as well as, a more feminine one. Sympathy cards are difficult to make in themselves but to have this stamp set with the access to your examples will be so helpful! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Beth | January 10, 2008 at 11:54 PM
SOOO very nice! I love the soft look you achieved on the blossoms using the water pen. I love dogwood trees--and dogwood blossoms!
Posted by: Alli Miles | January 11, 2008 at 12:18 AM
A stunning look! I love the branch which just speaks spring with its delicate branching! Love the blossoms with the water technique! I can't wait for spring! Thanks again for sharing your creativity!
Posted by: Granna on the Go | January 11, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Yet another magnificant card. I absolutely love the branch it just fits with the page (paper) perfectly. I cannot wait to see the whole set. Thanks for another great card Nichole ~
Posted by: niccole-k | January 11, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Nichole, I grew up down South with the dogwoods--I thought these looked like dogwoods at first glance! Up here they call some shrub a dogwood. . . Very elegant!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | January 11, 2008 at 01:48 AM
Beautiful examples, as always. Can't wait to see more. Petal
Posted by: Letap | January 11, 2008 at 06:06 AM
I too love this set. I have a question about this card. How did you get the slit for the ribbon in the middle of the card. Is there a punch that reaches farther and do you carry this punch.
Thanks,
Dawn B.
Posted by: Dawn Burnworth | January 11, 2008 at 06:14 AM
Maybe this is a silly question, but if you were going to mail a card like this -- would you be worried at all about this pin? Poking through the envelope, or poking the recipient? I have wondered before if you do anything special to protect it.
Posted by: Rachel | January 11, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Nichole - you are the stamping top 5 - who in the world would be in the top 4 - I can't imagine it!
Anyway, thanks for bringing these dogwoods to our stamping world! I also like the idea of your cardstock not pilling or bowing - can't wait to try this!
Sandy Kay
Posted by: Sandy Kay | January 11, 2008 at 07:36 AM
PS For those of us who don't have the nestibilites yet, what size is that beginning rectangle?
Thank, Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Kay | January 11, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Gorgeous card! I can't wait for this release!
A quick question, what kind of punch did you use for the ribbon? I can't think of any I have that would allow me to punch that far in. TIA!
Posted by: Jacque (SCS: Petals) | January 11, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Love the dogwood blossoms!
Posted by: Karen | January 11, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Nichole this is beautiful! So elegant too. Can't wait to see the rest of the set.
Posted by: stacy | January 11, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. -Molly B
Posted by: tylersmum05 | January 11, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Gorgeous! This set is wonderful!
Can't wait to see the rest!! :-P
Posted by: Bee | January 11, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Cool, you are Top 5. I have been watching that little number creep up. Yay! This card is perfect. The set is perfect. I cannot wait to order it. How many sets are being released?
Posted by: Charlene Austin (Willow01) | January 11, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Just beautiful, as usual!!! So inspiring you are!!!
Posted by: Kat | January 11, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Gorgeous Nicole! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | January 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Hi Nichole! Such a pretty card! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Posted by: Dawn McVey (dawnsing) | January 11, 2008 at 11:16 AM