Thoughtful Branches

Today, I thought I'd share some of the Stampin' Up! samples for some inspiration in using our wonderful Thoughtful Branches bundle.  It's a wonderful stamp set and the dies are so versatile.  I'm sure you'll come up with more ideas on your own and, hopefully, these will help you get started.

Aren't these great ideas?

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Swirly Scribbles Sympathy Card

A lot of people don't like to make sympathy cards at all.  I think they are some of the most important cards we can ever make.  There's nothing like the joy of sending one of your most special cards you've made to someone who needs it so much in their time of sorrow.  I try to keep a special stash of them but, unfortunately, the stash gets diminished pretty quickly. 

I especially like crisp and clean cards for my sympathy cards.  I'm sure any card is appreciated by someone going through a time of sorrow and loss.

I hope you'll work on creating a special stash of sympathy cards.  You'll be glad you did.  This one could actually be used to send after someone has gone through a difficult surgery or illness.

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Detailed Floral Thinlits Card and Video

If you're looking for one of our most beautiful thinlits ever, I think you'll find it in today's post.  It's just gorgeous.   

I actually used only part of the the die for this card.  

Click here to see a video about using this thinlit.

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Affectionately Yours Squash Book

I have one more Affectionately Yours project to share with you.  This is one of the squash book samples I made to share at our previous Scraps and Prayers class. 

I added a fun cover to this squash book.

When you open a squash book, it's always such a surprise to see the pretty papers inside it.  Seeing all the DSP patterns laid out like this, I think you can see what I mean by these papers having two types of patterns -- an elegant side and a playful side.  They all look pretty together, too.  You can add stamped images, text, and/or photos inside a squash book.

Would you like to know more about how to create your own squash book?  Keep visiting my blog, as I plan to share a tutorial with you in a future post.

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Affectionately Yours Trio

Remember, in one of my recent posts, I mentioned that our Affectionately Yours DSP seems to have 2 distinct patterns --- those with more of an elegant side (shown in recent posts) --- and those with more of a playful side.  Let's take a look now at the more playful side, with a trio of fun cards. 

I've used some of our Sunshine Wishes Thinlits for these cards, to add the perfect touch.

The use of artful layering really makes a difference on this trio of cards.

I added two sizes of layers for my third card.  I really like this look.
Tip:
Start a 'templates' file and, whenever you see a card design that you really like, copy it and add it to your file.  This can be your 'go to' file for getting started on new inspirations. 

So... which card is your favorite?

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Everybody Loves Rewards

We had such a wonderful time at my Saturday Stampers Class yesterday.  I added the extra leaves back to my studio table to make room for a bigger group and then had 6 cards ready to make.  It was a great group and a great class.  Now, read on for news about my Incentives Programs. 

I have tweaked my incentives programs just a little bit, so here's an important update.  I think you'll like the changes! 

Stamping Tokens Program

I have a great incentive program for my frequent shoppers.  I think you’ll like how this works.  It’s very simple.  For each $50.00 you order through me (at one time / before tax and shipping) you will earn a token.  Save them up until you accumulate TEN TOKENS and then you may turn them in for a free gift certificate for $25.00!!!   

There is NO expiration date either, so keep saving until you earn your tokens and then come shop with me!  If you have a qualifying online order through me, I will keep track of those tokens for you. 

Earn A Free Coupon Toward A Class of Your Choice

I have chips for you, too!  Each time you attend a class or retreat, you will earn a free chip.  Save them and turn them in to me when you accumulate TEN CHIPS.  You will then earn a class coupon for $10. off your next class.  These may not be used for Retreats, but may be used toward any class ... and there’s no expiration date.

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Affectionately Yours DSP, Card 3

My third Affectionately Yours DSP card has a beautiful coppery sheen to it.  This paper is just gorgeous!  The package comes with two papers that have the coppery sheen to them and the other patterns are on double-sided paper.

I chose Soft Suede for my card base.  It just seems to bump up the elegance of the coppery goodness of the top DSP layer.

Did you notice our new Copper Thread?  I've wrapped it around my birthday text layer.
Up next:
Come on back to read about my Class Incentives Program and my Stamping Tokens Program.  I've tweaked them both just a bit.  They're better than ever.  You really won't want to miss reading all about it.  

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Affectionately Yours DSP, Card 2

For my second Affectionately Yours DSP card, I decided to make a pretty thank you card.  There are so many times that we need to do a little more to let friends know how much they are appreciated. 

I have the same color story as my first card, but I've chosen a Crumb Cake card base.  

I love the look of the Baker's Twine wrapped around the thank you layer.  It just finishes the card off in great style.

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Affectionately Yours DSP, Card 1

If you haven't seen it yet, you're going to love our new Affectionately Yours DSP.  It is the essence of elegance for some of the patterns and yet other patterns are playful and more casual.  I'll be sharing 3 of the more elegant patterns of DSP for my next 3 posts.  

Isn't this paper just gorgeous?  I added the perfect touch of bling with some rhinestones.

I love the simple elegance of the Crumb Cake/Night of Navy color story.

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Black And White Rose Card

I love the simple and elegant contrast of a black and white design.  This card makes great use of Thinlits, Framelits, DSP and some wonderful bits of bling.  At my upcoming Saturday Stampers class, I'll be teaching how to create the rose in the circle technique.   

The use of the White Glitter Ribbon and the silver sequins adds the perfect touch of bling and sparkle to this elegant card.

I used a strip of a complimentary DSP design on the inside of the card.  Using our thick CS as a card base makes for a perfect card.  It is sturdy enough to support the added weight of the layers on the top of the card.

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Pink and Black Froggie Card

I'm not a huge pink lover, but I love our bright, fun Melon Mambo and, if you put it with black, it just pops!  How about a pink and black froggie card?!!! 

I added a solid black layer behind the top DSP layer and I added a stirp of DSP to the inside.  

I still love my little froggie. 

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Pear Pizzazz Trio

Today, I have 3 versions of a card design for you.  These were actually inspired by a card in our Annual Catalog (page 37).  I added my own take to their design and then went on to make 3 versions.  I really like them all ... a lot!

The card below is another version of the design.  I added some fun score lines to each of my cards, to add some texture.

The card below is my version of the one in our catalog.

The card below is actually one of the cards we'll be making in my Fun Card Techniques class on Saturday, August 20.  I only have 2 spots left, so if you would like to come, please sign up ASAP.  It's going to be a lot of fun!  Look over on the left side of this page to see a sneak peek at three of the cards we'll be making, in addition to this one.  I have one or two others we'll be making, too.  Gee, I wonder what they could be?

Here are all three again.  Which version do you like the best?

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