I know many of you have been looking forward to this week as much as I have! The new sets that Papertrey will be releasing this month are must haves! Once you have seen all the sneak peeks that we will be offering up in the coming days, you will agree!
We have received SO many requests for the set I used in today's project, I am almost certain that we will see a dramatic decrease in the number of email suggestions we receive! The new set is an continuation of Take a Bough entitled Out on a Limb! The new set features a different version of the branch. It is slightly smaller and a little more dainty. There are FOUR (yes, four!) overlays for the branch and a myriad of sentiments & quotes. So much versatility, you will be certain to turn back to it again and again!
Today's project starts out with a little step-by-step process that leads you to make some really unique background paper. First, you want to cut a piece of cardstock to the size of your card cover (mine measures the classic 4.25 x 5.5 inches).
Next, you want to randomly cut the block into strips and pieces. The more random the better. And of course, try to make sure that you keep track of where your pieces need to go when reassembling the block. If you are making several cuts, you may want to number the backs with pencil or utilize identifying arrows.
Use Frayed Burlap Distress ink (or another color of your choice) and a sponge wedge to antique all four sides of each of the blocks. With this particular project, keep in mind that less is more!
Reassemble the individual blocks onto the cover of your card base. In the end, anyone that were to try this technique would be excited to see how much detail it adds, and yet with so little effort!
Now it's time to do some stamping! I stamped the branch randomly here and there using artichoke ink.
Next, I followed up with an outlined leaves overlay, stamped with artichoke ink as well.
As a final touch, I stamped the individual clusters of berries using olive ink. This addition really helped to add some detail. While also carrying through my monochromatic theme.
I then added the sentiment block, which uses one of my favorite quotes. One of many that are included in this set. It reads: "LIFE... is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away." It just gives me goosebumps every time I read it! Notice how I rounded only the top right corner of the block. I think that this helps to break up the many right angles in this card and add a little extra visual interest.
Last but not least, Here's the final card! I am really excited to hear your input of what you've seen so far. I hope you have enjoyed today's post as much as I enjoyed putting this project together! I think it has a real organic feel. Nice & simple, a wonderfully calming first impression.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow for some additional sneak peeks at what we'll be offering up this month!
SUPPLIES:
Ink- Frayed Burlap Distress Ink from Ranger, Old Olive & Always Artichoke from Stampin' Up
Stamps- Out on a Limb from Papertrey Ink
Paper- Confetti Cream, Old Olive & Always Artichoke from Stampin Up!
Other- sponge, brown brads (Paper Studio), corner rounder punch (Fiskars), foam dimensionals (Fiskars)
Beautiful!!! Can't wait to see the rest of the set!
Posted by: Julie Brooks | January 09, 2008 at 11:18 PM
OMG! Yeah, I can see this one selling out the first night!!! I know I'm ordering it! lol...Thanks Nichole!!!
V~
Posted by: Victoria | January 09, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Oh I love how you have pieced this card together. Beautiful as always.
Posted by: Alli Miles | January 09, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Beautiful. Can't wait to see the rest.
Posted by: Melanie W | January 09, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Love the branches and leaves...wow, the sentiment. I really like the edges of the pieces. Once again, great, classic and exciting.
Can't wait to see the whole set! You have been busy lately! Thanks!
Posted by: Granna on the Go | January 09, 2008 at 11:28 PM
How exciting--what a fun set! I can't wait until the 15th!
Posted by: Karen | January 09, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Oh my goodness!!! I didn't get Take a Bough since I already had my Christmas cards planned out (and the set purchased) but I loved it and am loving what I'm seeing here. I think this is going to be a must have!
Posted by: Kathy scs kathat | January 09, 2008 at 11:38 PM
LOVE it. Can't wait to spend my Christmas $$ Ive been saving for Jan 15th :)
Posted by: Becky S | January 09, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Could hardly wait for tonight to see the peeks ... lovin' this set already ... a must have. Karen
Posted by: Karen Rose B | January 09, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Nichole,
I love the card, what a fantastic idea! You are the Queen truly:)! I have been experimenting with adding my own stuff to the Take a Bough branch and am really excited to see this set! Can't wait for the rest of the sneaks! I have been "patiently" waiting all day!!!
Geny
Posted by: Geny | January 09, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Wow! What a beautiful, classic card! No wonder the 10th of the month is something I look forward to again and again! Thanks for sharing this wonderful layout/technique! Can't wait 'til tomorrow....
Posted by: Beth | January 09, 2008 at 11:54 PM
WOW! I love this card!
Posted by: Phyllis B. | January 09, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Wow! What a beautiful, classic card! No wonder the 10th of the month is something I look forward to again and again! Thanks for sharing this wonderful layout/technique! Can't wait 'til tomorrow....
Posted by: Beth | January 09, 2008 at 11:55 PM
This is so beautiful! I think this set is going to take my breath away! :)
Posted by: Nancy | January 10, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Yippeee!!!!! My favorite set with more goodies! I really love the delicate branch as well! Fantabulous!
Thanks,
Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | January 10, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Yes, we have been looking forward to this. It was a long, hard wait....but so worth it. I really, really love it.
Posted by: Charlene Austin (Willow01) | January 10, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Simply fabulous!! It gives sort of a relaxed earthy & natural look to your card. I don't even need to see the rest of the set to know it will be GREAT!!
Posted by: Jewels | January 10, 2008 at 12:55 AM
I know I am getting this one right away before they sell out ~ this card is EXCEPTIONAL ... very calming and can be used for may occasions TFS :o)
Posted by: niccole-k | January 10, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Beautiful Nichole! I can't wait to see the whole set!!! And I LOVE that quote!
Posted by: Jana Weaver | January 10, 2008 at 03:31 AM
I must say this is crazy! Such a brilliant idea and yet it never occurs to anyone else. I'm sure there's a truckload of versatile ideas in your head..you go girl..you've been blessed!
Love to see all your work...
Tejal
Posted by: Tejal | January 10, 2008 at 03:39 AM
I really love ur work..I really like this piece by piece idea...but sumhow I feel sumthing is missing in this card..!!
Posted by: Shivani | January 10, 2008 at 03:59 AM
Nichole - love the card. What a great idea and a neat look. Can't wait to see the rest of this set and all the rest. Love the sentement also.
Posted by: Melissa Flieg | January 10, 2008 at 05:36 AM
I LOVE the whole package, Nichole, right down to the sentiment! I agree, it is a MUST HAVE!
Sandy Kay
Posted by: Sandy Kay | January 10, 2008 at 06:14 AM
Beautiful as always Nichole! I can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve ;-)
Posted by: Amanda A. | January 10, 2008 at 06:20 AM
Nicole--I absolutely LOVE that saying!!!! I just watched the movie "Hitch" over the holidays, and that is my favorite line from that movie. I also love that you have extended the Take a Bough set, so that we have options for all seasons. Thank you for all you do!
Posted by: Cyndi Johnson | January 10, 2008 at 06:23 AM