{capture the moment}: 5

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.

011008_berries_stamped 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.