Embrace Life

No, I still haven't bought this set *sigh* ... I really want to but can't justify it at the moment - with a bunch of bills sitting on the kitchen bench and yelling at me every time I go past, I am having to be strong *g*.

So Embrace Life, currently available in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini might end up being one of those sets I never buy. Unless (and I have my fingers and toes crossed here) it makes it into our next catalogue - due out on April 1. I might even be able to afford it in a few months' time LOL.

In the meantime, I have borrowed my friend's set again and made these.

I was playing with reinkers the other day (see my previous post) and was showing a friend the kinds of things you can do with them. If you don't have any rubbing alcohol and metallic reinkers, you can still make a stunning background with a damp cotton wool ball (or makeup sponge, or baby wipe) and a few drops of ink, dabbed randomly onto a piece of white glossy cardstock.

The first card here was created using exactly that method. I liked it so much I didn't want to cover it up so just stamped the single flower over the top in Stazon, trimmed and there it is. You might just be able to make out the stamped images on the Rose Red cardstock as well, just for a bit of texture.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life
Ink: Black Stazon, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Rose Red, Glossy White
Other: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Classic Ink Reinkers in Pretty in Pink and Rose Red

The second card was a quick experiment to see what it would look like if I stamped the flower onto the prepared glossy cardstock and cut it out.

Turned out it looked good!

I borrowed the layout from the cards at Stamping with Hulda; I was really taken with the simple elegance of the design and knew it would work with this stamp as well.

I've popped the flower up on a dimensional just to separate it a bit from the rest of the card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life
Ink: Black Stazon, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Whisper White, Glossy White
Other: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Classic Ink Reinkers in Pretty in Pink and Rose Red, Stampin Dimensionals

I *have* to get this set!

When our Summer Mini came out I was "meh" about this set, Embrace Life. Had to get my hands on Eastern Blooms, you see (and if you click the link you'll see why).

Since then I have seen some stunning creations using Embrace Life, and after getting my hands on it for a little play the other night I am a convert! I was going to be really good and not spend too much over the next couple of months, honest I was, but this set is just soooo nice!

It is beautiful just stamped (as shown in the leaves along the bottom of the card) but also beautiful watercoloured. There is a small sprig of blossoms which are so nice coloured in, and a long-stemmed single flower (shown in the first card in this post by Liz with additional work by Pauline) ... I think I've talked myself into it!

If by any chance I've talked you into it as well, please contact me to order this set ... remember it's in the Summer Mini, so isn't guaranteed to be available after March 31!

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life, Short & Sweet
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip
Other: Blender Pens, Word Window Punch

Girls' Nite In

Every so often, one of my friends will call for a Girls' Nite, where we stamp, chat, snack, chat and maybe stamp some more. These Nites are a great way of escaping from "real life" and just having some time to be yourself, and can be invaluable halfway through the summer school holidays *g*.

Our most recent Nite, held here at my place, resulted in some great cards from Liz, which she has kindly allowed me to show you.



Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Whisper White



Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, River Rock, Whisper White



Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Ocean Commotion, Short & Sweet
Ink: Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Whisper White

There is one more card, but sometimes Blogger doesn't play nicely and won't let me upload the cards the right way up, grrrr. Next time ...