We are saying so long to Sale-A-Bration, so I'll be sharing a a few last cards using some of my favorite sketches with the Berry Blessings Bundle...
...and then I'll send you on one last blog hop for February.
In my opinion, the 12" x 12" Berry Delightful Designer Series Paper is one of the best packages of DSP ever. The colors are bright and cheerful and the mix of patterns is, well, delightful! And, since it has such limited availability I thought I would share with you some ideas on getting the most mileage from it. By limited availability I mean that it only comes as a bundle with the lovely coordinating stamp set, Berry Blessings. And today, Sunday - February 28, 2021, is the last day you can get it. It is free with a $100(US) purchase. Now to the cards.
I often say that I like to use DSP as seasoning - not the main ingredient. Today's cards will give you a taste of what I mean. All three of these use the same 6"x6" piece of DSP and I still have more left over. You will see I've used both sides.
- First of all I need to share a little about how I "manage" my DSP. While I have a great 12 x12 storage shelf below my work area I have slots for 6"x6" papers right above my work area. Even if it comes as 12 x12 sheets I cut one of each pattern into 4ths and keep it in the labeled slots. 6"x6" papers are much easier for me to work with on my small desk.
- I typically slice of one 1 3/4" piece to use as vertical borders or with this triangle card, a sketch I've used fairly often.
- Adhere the DSP to a left side of a folded (A2) card base.
- One of the larger isosceles triangles works great for the Rich Razzleberry triangle here though I used to just make my own pattern before that was available.
- Line up the triangle against your white cardstock to cut it at the right angle. I usually start about 1 3/4" in from the top right corner.
- However you decide to cut your white and Rich Razzleberry layers for this card you will cover up the area where all three papers meet so it doesn't have to be perfect.
- I fussy cut the blackberries and layered them onto a small Stitched Shapes circle.
- If you like polish it off with some Flowers for Every Seasons Gems.
- The sketch for this next card is one I sometimes refer to as a napkin corner. It's kind of like a folded napkin that has a border.
- I use my trimmer to trim the remaining piece from my first card to 5.5" x 4.25" This will leave a 1/2" scrap that I save for an flag embellishment on another card. Then I cut a 1/2" corner. You need to stop trimming 1/2" from the edge, turn your paper 90 degrees and then finish cutting the other edge. You will need a trimmer similar to Stampin' Up!'s with the pointed blade. A rotary or guillotine style cutter won't work for this as you need to be able to start and stop you cut after or before the edge.
- More gussy cutting for the blackberries.
- The greeting is from a companion Sweet Strawberry set. (Note - this bundle is currently on backorder but you can still order the stamp set alone.) I did the Brick & Mortar embossing after stamping the greeting.
- This card sketch makes use of the Stitched Rectangle Dies but you could also cut these rectangle frames with your trimmer. If you are using the dies you will need to carefully place two frames together, taping over the top so that all sides are equal distances. You also may want to use some wax paper to loosen these. Once I have them taped together I usually cut several. Sometimes I also cut some from regular cardstock and use these to stabilize the thinner DSP frames.
- Here I've placed the frame and inner rectangle over a piece of stamped vellum. I used the outline leaf with white craft ink to do this. All time to dry. Another option is to layer these over an embossed layer of cardstock.
- Lately I've been enjoying using my blending brushes to add variegated color to my inner rectangle.
- The berries are colored with Blends though you could use the bolder stamp instead.
Once you've tried some tricks to "conserve" your DSP you will realize you have enough to try using it with stamp sets besides Berry Blessings and Sweet Strawberry. On this last card, I've used the Art Gallery Bundle:
- You can't see it on this one but the DSP layer is just a frame, not a solid sheet. I just love the way these colors in the watercolor fashion play well with anything floral.
- I did my stamping before embossing with the Tasteful Textiles folder.
- I cut my Rich Razzleberry layer just 1/16th inch larger than my main layer, giving a skinny but effective border against the DSP.
We are having a snowy Sunday here in Minnesota today. Perfect for grabbing a cuppa and checking out the rest of the blog hop:
Would you like to see more?
Fine Art Floral Suite Gallery.
You can also check out more of my gallery pages with the gallery link near the top of the right sidebar.
I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.
Check out the Stampin' Up! catalogs link at the top of my blog. If you don't have regular Stampin' Up Demonstrator and would like hard copies of any of our current catalogs please feel free to email me at [email protected]
I would love to help you with your stamping journey and have you shop with me! You can click on "Shop with Chris Smith" at the top of my blog.
If you place a minimum $50 (US) order using the February host code, R9ZD7JQE, I will send you a free gift. US customers only. Customers placing an order smaller than $50 will still receive my thank you card.
If you place a $150 or greater order please don't use the hostess code. You will still receive the gifts but you will also get your own hostess benefits.
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