Inspired by Nature

Tuesday night, I was designing my November Christmas Card Club and I found a new stamp.  I was using the Labels to Love Stamp Set, and saw the Give Thanks sentiment for the first time.  I’m sure I’d seen it before, but this was the first time I really ‘saw’ it.  Of course, I just had to use  it.  So last night, I got out the stamp and set to work. 

I had seen a photos of some fall sunflowers, with shades of yellows, purple, and green, so I decided that would be my color palette.  And, why not, I threw in my Painted Harvest sunflowers, too.  Nothing like being inspired by nature!  I really didn’t have a design in mind, just the colors.   I did mute the purple down to Fresh Fig, mostly because I don’t have Elegant Eggplant.  Shocking, I know.  I think that’s the only color I don’t have in my whole Stampin’ Up! repertoire.  I’ve just never needed it…until last night!  Guess what color’s going on my next order!

Base:  Crushed Curry, 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2, scored at 4 1/4″
Layer 1:  Fresh Fig, 5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″
Layer 2: Whisper White, 5″ x 3 3/4″
Layers 3 & 4:  2 labels from Everyday Label Punch, one in Fresh Fig & one in Crushed Curry
Layer 5:  Whisper White Circle
Layer 6:  Old Olive for leaves

1. On Layer 1, stamp 3  of the larger outline sunflowers in Daffodil Delight.  Then, over the top of those, stamp smaller detailed sunflowers in Crushed Curry.  (See illustration below).  Add Chocolate Chip Centers, stamping off first on scratch paper, then into center of flowers.  Add sunflower seeds in Chocolate Chip, not stamped off this time. 
2. Stamp Sentiment onto Layer 5 using Fresh Fig.  Roll edge of circle across stamp pad to add a color layer to edge. 
3. Stamp veins of 4 leaves in Old Olive.  Punch out with Leaf Punch.  Using glue dots, adhere two leaves together, slightly off set.  Wrap with linen thread a few times and tie with a bow. 
4. To assemble the card, adhere layers 1 & 2 to base.  Adhere layers 3 & 4 to each other and add to base with dimensionals.  Add layer 5 with dimensionals.  Attach leaf bundles with glue dots. 

Remember to register for the Snowflake Sentiments Christmas Card Club.  Registration is due October 15th.  Class is October 28th @ 10 am or 2pm.    Email me today to register!