Clean & Simple Birthday Wishes
My favorite cards are cards that have lots of resting space on the eyes that allow the sentiment or the focus be the show. This card exemplifies the simplicity but also has some pizazz. The crisp white of the base front with the watercolored looked of the Chrysanthemum make my heart happy.
I had purchased the PinkFresh Studios Chrysanthemum Washi Tape, Stencil, and Die Combo eons ago. I love that PinkFresh Studios have coordinating products that you can purchase exactly what is your jam. When I purchased these, I thought, I have never used the washi tape, that would make a fast card, and why not make my own ephemera for a card. So I dug out the Chrysanthemum washi tape, the matching die, and a piece of Hammermill card stock.
The washi tape was applied to a piece of card stock and burnished to ensure adherence. The coordinating die was utilized to die cut the floral washi tape images. I learned that you must tape the die securely if you are not utilizing a magnetic base in the die cutting machine. My first set that went through didn’t turn out so hot… okay at all. My die shifted and cut the floral into random shapes Note to self: use virgin low-tack tape (not something used 5 times prior) and more than 1 piece…. Second time through, was a breeze! The florals were stuck firmly to the card stock and I was in awe! Just like that, no coloring involved, I had floral and greenery pieces to make a beautiful card. These florals were set aside while I prepared the frame that the florals and sentiment would layer on.
I pulled out the Nesting Blanket Stitch Ovals by PinkFresh Studio and die cut 2 layers. One from a matte gold card stock and one from a piece of Hammermill card stock. The sentiment “Best wishes to you” from Gina K Designs Sweet Sentiments stamp set was centered on the smaller oval and stamped with Versafine Clair Nocturne ink.
The background card panel was cut down to 5.5 by 4.25 inches (Hammermill) and detail cut with Trinity Stamps Argyle Stitch Background Die. This die provides a texture without distracting from the sentiment and florals or adding unwanted color to the neutral zone. This was adhered to a top folding card base. The oval layers were stacked and centered onto the card front. Finally, the washi tape floral die cuts were arranged framing the sentiment.
This card would be so simple to mass produce for a variety of occasions. Birthday, celebration, sympathy, just because, you name it! I definitely will play some more with the washi tape pieces. Adhering and die cutting them out would be a perfect project to work on when the mojo is lack luster or while sitting down by the lake this summer. As I write this today, it’s a cold snow covered view of the lake and I am happy to be inside under a blanket sipping some hot cocoa.
Card Size: A2 (5.5 by 4.25 inches)
