Sep 23 2007
Joy
I’ve made another card with my newest Stampin’ Up! set, Illuminations. There are only four large stamps in this set so I’m thinking I shouldn’t have too much trouble getting ink on all of them. Maybe this set has limited appeal, but I sure do love all the swirls and curls around those big letters.
This was another one of those joyous times when all the parts fell into place for me. I’ve had this BasicGrey Scarlet’s Letter 6×6 paper pad for quite a while. I purchased mine from Eclectic Paperie right here, but I’ve done nothing but adore it all this time. As for that luscious red velvet ric rac, well, I spotted it at Jacksonbelle Embellishments and just had to have it for this paper. I don’t see the red ric rac there now but, oh, she has other colors. It’s been a while since I looked at her May Arts ribbons and I believe Lindsey must love ribbon like I do because she’s got some serious ribbon over there! So I had the paper and the velvet ric rac…what was I waiting for? Well, I guess I was just waiting for this stamp to come along. Funny how that works sometimes.
I embossed the main image on Whisper White with Versamark ink and Midnight Pewter Obsidian embossing powder. This EP (thank you, Linda!) has a bit of a glint to it and even when I use the Embossing Buddy to eliminate static from my paper I wind up with an all-over shimmer. I don’t mind that one bit! I have the bright white of SU!’s Whisper White cardstock with the shimmer of their Shimmery White. I filled in the empty border of the letter with my Real Red marker and lightly sponged the edges of the panel with Going Gray ink.
The Prima flowers were purchased at my local scrapbook store. My friend and I each bought a different color assortment of these same flowers and split the colors between us — sort of a Prima share, I guess. I sponged Basic Gray ink on the gray flower and Bravo Burgundy ink on the red flower to give them a little more depth. The black organdy ribbon was pinched between the prongs of the brad under the flowers and taped behind the panel on one side, left loose on the other side.
I mounted the main image panel on a Basic Gray panel in such a way that it echoes the shadow of the letter. I did a little piercing with my mat pack and piercing tool. The mat pack, if you’re not familiar with it, contains a hole guide, a foam mat and a hard mat. I purchased mine from Stampin’ Up!. It doesn’t come with the piercing tool, but I found that at Eclectic Paperie here.
This may be a little surprising, but I’m going to use this as a Christmas card. I know the gray and black are not the usual Christmas colors but I’ll send this to someone with a venturesome spirit and, hopefully, they’ll enjoy receiving it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Be sure to enter a comment for a chance to win the blog candy I posted on Friday. You have until Monday at 8:00 Pacific time. Good luck and have a wonderful day!
Stamps: Illuminations
Paper: Basic Gray, Real Red, Whisper White, BasicGrey Scarlet’s Letter designer paper
Ink: Versamark, Going Gray, Basic Gray, Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: Organdy ribbon, velvet ric rac, mat pack and piercer, Primas, brads, Scotch brand dimensional mounting tape
How elegant and detailed! I just love that velvety ric rac. This could definitely make a great Christmas card for a very lucky recipient!
SO pretty and rich - that DP is amazing, and the ric rac nad prima the perfect touches!!
This card is divine! The colors are amazing and so elegant. You have amazed me yet again!
Wow this is so elegant, Leslie! I can’t believe you are making me like this set! LOL! And thanks for the reminder of the obsidian embossing powder! I have a few colors and keep forgetting to use it!!
This is so “rich”. With that font and the red, red, red tapestry looking bg and the stone gray, it reminds me of medieval castles. Very nice.
Gorgeous card– love all of the design elements…
Sooooo very elegant! I can definitely see it as a Christmas card! I have an adventurous spirit! *wink wink*
Yes, the word that comes to mind for this card (besides gorgeous) is “lush.” Wonderful use of the Scarlet’s Letter paper, for which I am still in the admiring stage. Love the sponging on the primas and the piercing and organdy ribbon treatment. The red velvet zigzag ribbon and black brads are wonderful accents! I have a love/hate relationship with the shimmery dust in that Moonglow EP. Sometimes it’s a good thing, and sometimes NOT! :o) Linda
This is a beautiful card Leslie- I have been on the fence about ordering this set……..You used so many luscious embellishments- that would be one treasured card to get in the mail! Thanks for sharing your talent!
Very nice card, very bold delicious color
Once again, a beauty!
Wow!! Absolutely stunning!! I must get that set,I’ve been looking at it a few times wondering will I use it…You’ve helped me make my decision,I’m getting it!! TFS!!
Totally beautiful card! From the gorgeous dp and wonderful stamp used to that luscious red velvet ric-rac. Would definitely be a great Christmas card.
Love the deep dark colours you used!
nice job!
OHHHHH This is Stunning!! Very Rich looking!!!!
Vicki
That is such a beautiful card! I have the Scarlet letter paper and like you, have only adored it so far (because it is just gorgeous) but now I’m inspired to actually break down and use it. Personally, I think it will make a fantastic Xmas card - I know I would be over joyed to receive it.
Oh my goodness…this is gorgeous, Leslie!! I love everything you’ve done! What a stunner!!
This card is so rich and wonderful!! And it actually made me think of Christmas, lol.
It is amazing how striking this set is when used like this. I just love it with these colors and ribbon and primas. Love it!
This is gorgeous. That velvet rick rack is so rich and elegant. The piercing and the flowers are wonderful too. The whole thing is just stunning.
Love this card. It is beautiful! Laurie
What beautiful colors & textures together, Leslie — I love this monogram stamp!
WOW! That’s the first thing I thought of when I saw this beauty! The different textures, the wonderfully deep, rich colors, the unexpected but amazing DP…it’s all perfect!
So rich! Love that dp and your embellishments are perfect (as always)!
Wow. I’m loving this. I have just the set I think I can use these ideas with. Yum
This is really striking Leslie! I love all that bold red. This SU set is really starting to grow on me.
Linda