bird song inspiration

The birds have returned with the return of spring! While I was drinking tea this morning, a dozen birds were in the bush outside, serenading me. It was a great way to spend a lazy Saturday morning.

The birds' song made me think of one of my favorite Stampin' Up stamp sets, Serene Silhouettes. Pinterest never fails to inspire me and I stole the idea for the main image of this card from a Pin. I used a die to cut the butterfly from copy paper. I used the negative space as a mask. I sponged some sunrise colors, working from the edges into the center, and then stamped the birds and branches image. Then I removed the mask. Easy peasy!

Because I was making a sympathy card, I wanted to keep the design simple and uncluttered. So a little wmbossing, a mat and a sentient was all I needed to finish up. 

Happy stamping!

Nothing is perfect

My Stampin' Up Stamp Club is challenged each month to come up with a card based on a sketch. Of course, I can't enter the competition, but I do join in on the fun and design a card or two. This is the card I came up with this month! 

The sketch was all straight lines, but I wasn't in a straight line kind of mood, so I took creative license and adhered most elements a bit cock eyed! And I love the sense of playfulness it gives an otherwise serious card. Had I adhered everything with straight lines, I think it would have been a stuffy card. That's why I chose "thanks" intsead of "Thank You". The more casual greeting helps to take the edge off too! 

Those are the things that I love about this card. But there is one thing that is driving me crazy as I write this post. Now that I'm looking at it again, I should have matted the main image in white. What do you think?

Happy stamping!

Obsessed with Serene Silhouettes

Clearly I have issues. I made three cards before the one I've posted for you. I was disappointed with all three! And I can't quite put my finger on why. They were OK. Just a little meh. Maybe the colors were a little off. The stamping was a bit messy. I don't know.

But I couldn't stop making cards until one made me a tad giddy. The minute I picked up Stampin' Up's Serene Silhouettes, something clicked and all made sense in the world! I LOVE this stamp set. And if course this set is just begging for a sponged background! Which is fine by me. It's my go-to technique of late.