Retiring stamps with a new twist

Well I knuckled down to make an autumnal card this morning despite the fact it's blazing hot and looking like summer! The reason is that I've been able to join in with Less is More again this week (yay!) where Chrissie and Mandi want to see one-layer cards with a Foliage theme. My card was also made for One Layer Wednesday - it's Susan's turn to host and she's challenging us to make cards for her Gratitude Campaign. Come and see what I've made:

I've used the leaf from the sadly retiring Autumn Days (just check out my alphabetical index in my side bar to see how many cards I've made with that wonderful set!) but I've given it a new look by teaming it with the jar from my brand, spanking new Perfectly Preserved set. I LOVE  this jar to bits!

To get this look, I made two masks - one where I cut around the outside of the jar and one where I cut a hole inside the jar. (There are framelits available to make cutting out all the elements in this set a doddle, but they don't work as masks.) I stamped the leaves in the jar through the negative mask, stamping the jar over the top using Whisper White craft ink, then covered the whole thing with the other mask while I sponged in the background.  To finish, I discarded the masks (keeping them in the box for next time) and added more leaves.

I'm afraid I made a bit of a pigs ear of the sentiment! I stamped it in the white craft ink but left it too long before embossing in white - I should have used versamark. The finishing touch was to add dots of versamark pen and embossing those in white to give the idea that something magical's going on - and so it is: feeling thankful for what you have, no matter how little, makes you feel great!

Here's what you'll need to make this card
Stamps: Autumn Days (retiring), Sincere Salutations (retiring), Perfectly Preserved (NEW!)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Early Espresso classic inks, Whisper White craft ink
Card stock: Crumb Cake
Other: White embossing powder, versamark pen (retiring), Heat Tool (retiring), paper snips, stamp-a-majig

I'd be delighted to order any of these items for you and have them delivered straight to your address in the UK. I'm committed to providing excellent customer service and am always happy to offer help and advice. To place your order, just send me an email or give me a call on 01280 820593. Click here to view my regularly updated lists of retiring stamps and accessories, some at up to 40% discount. 

Our cat Tuppence is lying comatose in the sunshine. Did anyone read the story on the news last week about the man whose aging cat had taken to falling asleep all over the place and couldn't be roused? The cat had gone to sleep on the top of his rubbish bin and a passing cat lover had gone to stroke her; the cat was in its customary deep slumber and didn't stir and the passer by phoned the RSPCA believing it had died and been put out with the rubbish! I mentioned this story to Tuppence which is why she's sticking to her favourite chair!

I'll be back on Monday when I'll have another Perfectly Preserved idea to show you. Hope to see you then,