I’ve been using my monthly Simon Says Stamp card kit to help me along my journey into converting me into a card maker. Yes, we’ll eventually get to talking about all of that I’m still learning + debating the best way to share.
I think cards are a great go-to project for several reasons:
- they don’t take much supplies
- easy to make with 6×6 paper
- useful!!! Can gift, share with military card programs, use for personal letters, etc.
- can be quick [in theory. I take longer to make a card than a layout at this point]
- great way to highlight stamps
- good use of leftovers/random supplies
- good way to use stickers you can’t see a scrapbooking application for
So far I’ve made 3 cards with this kit. One that I think is good, one that I think is bad, and one that I really like. Let’s start in the middle with the good one:
I used brown distress ink on the background, then I embossed the zig-zag stamp on that as well to add more depth and because well, I am trying to use up supplies so why not? My rosette, I think needed 1 more layer. Still – this works for me.
Now the ugly.
If you’re thinking – “May that doesn’t look so bad”… well that is because this is the part of the card that worked for me. I really like the bottom of this card in fact. It is the overall card as a whole that got… well ugly. THAT IS OK! I try really hard to focus on the cute parts and the good stuff when I’m working on cards, celebrating the portions I do like.
Now here’s my favorite:
I like how my distress ink work came out, I love that bike, and I like that the sentiment + flower fit perfectly.
Most of all, I’ve been having fun just trying out making parts of a kit work in a card making way, and doing so without pressuring myself.
Here are links to the supplies I used on these cards:
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Today’s post is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp– and they are offering up a discount code just for my readers here as a part of my Camp Scrap extravaganza as well.
They are offering 10% off any order valid through 7/31/12. Just enter code: CSMF10 when you are checking out.
I am really excited to be working with Simon Says Stamp now, and they have been one of my absolute favorite sources for all things inky, and so many fantastic crafting treasures for some time now. Their shipping is fast and a great rate – and their service is awesome. They have a facebook page here, you can follow them on twitter, and of course you’ll want to visit the shop itself.
I think you will enjoy card making. I sure do. It warms your heart when folks seem to appreciate that you took time to make something just for them. Did you pick prize winners this Sunday like you usually do? Can’t find a list. I keep hoping I’ll get lucky and win some goodies from you. I’m enjoying the Scrap Camp. Thanks a bunch.
mtscrapgal
When I first started making Cards I wasn’t comfortable at all. My Best Friend told me to pretend I was creating a layout in miniature. That advice really helped me to step out of my comfort zone. I think your cards are lovely and that bike is such a fabulous embellishment!
I think your cards turned out great – I like how you worked on patterned paper on the first one, I’m always a bit hesitant to cover up a pretty pattern, but this looks great! The bike, oh man it’s so great that I probably will be hoarding the one that came in my SSS kit! As for the ugly, I guess we’ll never know! What you are showing looks super. I got those flowers out of the kit to try and make them work on a card and they just didn’t so I’ll keep trying!
BTW – cardmaking is my go-to craft! Scrapping is harder for me!
All of your cards look pretty good to me but my favorite is the last one. It all just came together perfectly.
Nancy, if this helps you not hoard the bicycle, it appears to be on sale on its own on the SSS site — for $1.19. (Enabling at its best — lol)
~ Laura
The bike one is my favorite, too. But then I’m partial to bikes. I will be hoarding mine, too. I haven’t touched my August SSS kit. But you have kit-spired me to get going.
Loved how you layered the flowers on your “ugly” card, used the rickrack as a flower stem, stitching for added texture, yellow works well with the red. Loved your favorite card: all things distress which you do so well. Thank you for sharing…..and thanks to Laura for enabling my shopping for bike related stuff. We are off on a bike trip in Spain and need embellies like it!
I have a hard time with cards too.I love the last one-I have a similar wooden bicycle so I’m going to “borrow” your idea if that’s okay?
I love the cards. I’m thinking the bicycle would
be my favorite part of the kit.
May, I absolutely love that you stamped on pattern paper. I am amazed at the additional depth, very pleasing to the eyes.
Great cards May … I like the “ugly” one!
I love the Bike tag .It’s great !
Love making cards myself.