Stamp an easy background

You know when you make a card and something's missing, it lacks pizzazz... well, that's what was going on with today's card. I'd stamped a tag and carefully coloured it in but frankly it just looked a bit boring so it went in the bin. But then I had an idea - come and see:

The tag was retrieved from the bin and updated with an ikat background and suddenly it seemed much more interesting! I used just one splodgy image from Stampin' Up's free Eyecatching Ikat set and, because it's a clear stamp set, it was so quick and easy to stamp it in a brick pattern.

My tag was mounted onto Pistachio Pudding core'dinations card stock, which I love for its subtle texture, and I trimmed it with a piece of card stock cut with the tiny scallop blade in my Rotary Addition. The sentiment and ribbon were added in the same bright Pumpkin Pie colour - I love the way everything matches!

• Eyecatching Ikat is one of three gorgeous photopolymer stamp sets you can choose as a free gift with every £60 you spend. Offer ends on Friday - click here for details.

I shall be linking this card up with Seize the Birthday where the optional topping is to use a tag on a card; and ATCAS where the cue word is Texture.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CARD
(Click on each item to find it quickly in my shop) 

Stamps: Eyecatching Ikat photopolymer (free with a £60 order - until Friday!),

Peaceful Petals wood or cling, Express Yourself (for the sentiment, hostess set) wood or cling,

Ink: Pistachio Pudding, Coastal Cabana, Early Espresso classic inks, plus markers

Card stock: Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie smooth, Pistachio Pudding core'dinations

Other: Pumpkin pie taffeta ribbon, Rotary Addition and Small Scallop blade, Scallop tag topper punch

Click above to place an order any time, day or night,

but if you have any queries, or prefer to speak to me, I'm always happy to help.

You can contact me by email or phone on 01280 820593.

I did manage to get out into the garden yesterday, despite the rain, and you'll be glad to know that the Rambling Rector has been firmly put in his place. My children are off school for half term so my youngest son joined me and helped me plant some sweet pea seedlings. While we built the support for these, he told me about how much he'd enjoyed Gardening Club at primary school where they had grown all sorts of vegetables and flowers including sweet peas. "I remember that to make the flowers grow," he told me, "we had to snip the pods off with er... what are those pointy things?" I giggled. "Fingers?" He looked at me sternly. "Secateurs!" he said.

See you tomorrow,