Enjoy the Moment – Good Things Are Worth Waiting For

Hello Crafters!

Today’s focus is on the Enjoy the Moment stamp – another one on sale on the retiring list. This stamp is a stand alone stamp – comes with 8 images and 5 sentiments. I used the masking technique for this card by stamping all my images and then masking them before I sponged the cardstock.

Masking Technique

Are you familiar with the masking technique? If not, here’s a short explanation. When you want an image that you stamped not to be affected by any other stamping or sponging, you need to mask that image. You do that by stamping the same image on a piece of copy paper or sticky note. You can stamp the image any color and it doesn’t have to be perfect. With scissors, cut that image very close to the edge, not leaving an overlap. Place that stamped copy paper/sticky note over the image you stamped on your cardstock. If you use copy paper, it’s wise to use a temporary adhesive when you place it on the image so it won’t move.

Now you’re ready to proceed with your project. If you want your image to be in front, then stamp that image first and mask. When you stamp another image over the masked image, you will notice when you remove the mask that it’s behind the first image. It’s a great way to create a bouquet of flowers, a group of people, etc. There are various ways to mask, but this is the general idea.

The pieces above are stamped images on copy paper, that were cut and used for today’s project. In my case, all my images were separate, but since I wanted to sponge after I stamped, I masked all my images. You can take one section at a time if you don’t want to cut out so many images, but I wanted to do it all at once.

Do You Know What These Images Are Called?

I’m sure you’ve seen them around as I have, but I didn’t know the names so I looked them up. I wanted to be as close to the actual color as possible. In case you’re not familiar, allow me to share them with you.

Card Details

• The image colored blue is called a Poppy Seed Head. It was stamped with memento Black ink and colored with Tahitian Tide – a new In Color! Coming soon! The top was colored with Granny Apple Green and stems with Mossy Meadow. Except for the sponging, all my coloring was done with blender pens and ink refills.
• The brown image with the holes is called the Lotus Pod. It was stamped with Soft Suede ink and top was colored with the same color using a blender pen. The holes were colored with Blackberry Bliss.
• Sweet Gum Tree Pod is the spiky type image on top. It was stamped with Soft suede and colored with Merry Merlot refill.
• The leaf is called Maple Seed Pod. It was stamped with Granny Apple Green and colored with Flirty Flamingo.
• The bottom image that looks like there’s a walnut inside is called the Bottle Tree Pod – colored lightly with Soft Suede and inside with Cajun Craze. Seeds were stamped with Cajun Craze.
• After I colored all my images, I masked them and sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink and Mango Melody using my blender brushes.
• The 4″ x 5-1/4″ white cardstock was cut into 1-1/4″ strips and adhered to thick white cardstock. I saved the extra 1/4″ for the inside. Or you can just start with a 3-3/4″ x 5-1/4″ cardstock.
• Label from the Harvest dies was used for the sentiment which was inked with VersaMark and embossed with white embossing powder. Label was adhered with Stampin’ Dimensionals and 2 strands of linen thread tied into a bow was added for the finishing touch.

If you need a refresher on how to cut cardstock click here. I love the vibrancy of this card. How about you?

Today is Good Friday, But Why Is It Good?

I would like to share with you something that is very important to me. Have you ever thought about why Good Friday is called good? Crucifying Jesus on the cross was not a good thing. What makes it good is that He sacrificed His life for ours! On this day, we reflect on that sacrifice. As a Christ follower, I am thankful for the love He demonstrated for me even before I knew Him. He offers love, forgiveness, inner peace and hope to all who come to Him and acknowledge Him as their personal Savior. It’s a free gift – all that needs to be done is repent and believe in Him.

We don’t have to get our lives in order first – but we come as we are. I made this decision 4-1/2 decades ago, and have never regretted it.

It’s not about religion – it’s about relationship. How about you? Are you ready to take the step that will change your life forever? Feel free to Contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks for stopping by . . . till next time . . .

Card Supplies

Below are the Stampin’ Up! supplies used for today’s project. If you would like to purchase any of the supplies, click on the Add All to Cart button below it will take you to my online store. From there, you can see your cart and remove or add any products you like.