Introducing First Fruits

This month brings a new way for us to bring you innovative stamp designs from the people that know the craft best.  Several months ago, Becky Oehlers  submitted some sketches to me of a stamp set concept.  As soon as I saw them, I was completely inspired and could see her vision.  The collaboration of her sketches and my graphic design applications were definitely meant to be.  First Fruits is a collection of harvest & autumnal images all linked with Becky's intriguing egg & dart pattern concept.  The complimenting flourishes and accent images make it an incredibly fun set to work with as you explore all of the possible combinations.

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For my project today, I thought I would focus on the details.  I am a firm believer in being aware of the small details added to a simple project.  I think one of the reasons I am drawn to simplicity is because of the way little details stand out and are more noticeable than they would be with a more elaborate project.  I thought I would start with a plain & simple two-step pineapple from this set.  As far as details, note the ribbon & adhesive pearls.  Sometimes I just get tired of doing the same old knots and this helps me to add variety to my creations.  The detail of adhesive pearls are very easy to put into place, no holes needed.  The same design element could be repeated with rhinestones instead if you like.

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I want to note this ink color combination while I am thinking of it.  I think it is *perfectly pineapple*!  Spring Moss (an exclusive Papertrey color) for the top and Raw Sienna (one of the original Palette colors) for the bottom.  I just LOVE it!  And look at the amazing detail we captured in Becky's egg & dart pattern in the pineapple.  So classic, trendy & stylized.

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One easy way to add detail to your stamped images is to utilize the rock-n-roll technique.  It is a technique that has been around a while, but certainly never goes out of style.  All it entails is inking an image with a lighter color (like Raw Sienna for this pineapple) and rolling the edges in a darker color (Cognac was used here).  You will get different results depending on the amount of *rolling* you do. 

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This technique really helps to add some definition and dimension to the image.  It works best when you use images that are somewhat round, therefore the base of this pineapple works out perfectly.

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The last detail I want to focus on is what I like to call the *clip & curl* technique.  I simply clipped either side of the bottom points of each of the darts within the base of the pineapple using a sharp craft knife..  I was cautious to not cut up to far on either side of the darts so that I didn't end up with any intersecting slits.

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After all the clipping is completed, a little poke of each dart from the back pushes the *tabs* forward enough to catch it in your fingernail and *curl* it up.

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Once all of the darts are completed in this way, the end result has a very stunning sense of dimension.

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You might have noticed the stamped pattern strips on kraft cardstock at the top of each project above.  This strip was created with an easy to repeat pattern stamp that is included in this set.  The egg & dart design is easy to lineup which enables you to fill an entire area quite quickly.  I really loved the *rustic* look I was able to achieve by not pressing the stamp all the way onto the paper in a few areas.  It created a fun vintage look.

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Now that I have these fabulous cards nodding towards the hospitality David and I receive from friends & family, I thought it would be appropriate to share one of my favorite hostess gifts.  Dipping oil & a loaf of crusty bread could either be enjoyed that evening with everybody in attendance or saved for the next day when the recipient can enjoy it all to themselves. 

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You can find some very quick & easy recipes for dipping oil with a quick Google search.  One of my personal favorites can be found HERE.  I picked up the glass dispenser bottle at Wal-Mart for about $5.  Adding a simple tag that coordinates with the card makes the oil look so custom & special.

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Want to see even more projects done with First Fruits?
-Lauren has something amazing to share with you today.
-Becky has a tutorial for a fresh & fun technique

And don't forget to stop by and see what Lisa and Heather have done with their new sets that are debuting this month!

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Stamps: First Fruits (to be released on August 15th)
Ink: Spring Moss, New Sienna and Cognac Palette inks, vanilla pigment ink
Paper:  Papertrey Spring Moss, Classic Kraft  & Vintage Cream cardstocks. Bazzill mustard cardstock
Other: Spring Moss Twill, Adhesive Pearls from Mark Richards, oval nestabilities, foam dimensionals

Comments

[Judy]

OK .... I'm speechless! Absolutely amazing! Can't wait to see the rest of the set!

[Laurie Hunt]

As always, this months releases are already off to a good start. I see a gotta have it all purchase in my future!

[Alli Miles]

Absolutely FABULOUS! Way to go Becky! And nice work bringing it to life Nichole.

[Travelingmama]

Truly beautiful! I cannot wait to see the rest! Wow!

[Justine]

Love the details, as well as the time you took to point each one out. TFS

[emily]

Congratulations to Becky on her first PTI set.
Looking forward to seeing more.
emily

[Karen RI]

WOW! Fabulous sneek peak of this set! Cannot wait to see the rest!

[Sandy Dawes]

My only question to you , Nichole, and all the talent with you is "when do you find time to sleep?!" simply amazing the constant and imaginative ways to make all those designs come to life. A very big thank you to all of your team.

[Lauren (mytime)]

I am totally in love with this set, and love your peeks Nichole. WAHOO Becky!!

[Angela Knopf]

I absolutely love the details you added by clipping the points. I can hardly wait to get my hands on this set! Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing!

[Julie Masse]

This set looks amazing!! What a great collaboration!! :)

[ElizabethB]

I love that the set includes a pineapple. The perfect hostess set. Oh, and I love the egg & dart pattern. Gorgeous!! Looking forward to seeing this entire set.

[Geny]

Gorgeous Nichole! Very inspiring:)!

[Marie]

I love love LOVE the look of this set! Can't wait to play with it!

[Patty Show]

WOW Nichole; I love what you've done with these images. They are so classic and elegant; kudos to Becky and you for collaborating on such a stunning set!

[Julie-Ann Wells]

Oh COngrats Becky!!! Love the project Nichole, that WOULD be a great gift!

[Silke Ledlow]

Very clever!!! Your card is absolutely gorgeous and I realy like everything about it!!!

[MaryBB]

Your sneak peeks never disappoint Nichole.
The fine details really make this card. It's lovely.

[Allison]

Wow! That is too cute! What amazing details.

[Charmaine]

Thanks for all the new technique tips. I am looking forward to seeing the final set!

Charmaine

[Lisa]

I love how you cut the pineapple spikes to give them dimension!

[Q]

beautiful!!! I must have this set and can't wait until it is released. Congrats to you and Becky for a stamp set that is going to blow everyone's socks off.

[Jana]

Nichol-
This is a stunning card --- cutting out the parts of the it is just brilliant! I love pineapples and will definitely have to have this set!

[Carole (TruCarMa)]

WOW -- I LOVE this pineapple, Nichole! Being from Virginia, where the pineapple motif is all around due to it's historic symbolism, images like this remind me of home. Will definitely be getting this set, and you know what they say "when you give a mouse a cookie..." :)

[Granna on the Go]

Totally stunning and classic set! Thanks for the elegant design and details of how to create the dimension of the pineapple. You really have been busy!!!! So excited for the release...and this is day one of the sneak peeks!