Last chance to get Simply Sketched by Stampin' Up

We're all so excited about sneak peeks from the upcoming new Stampin' Up annual catalogue (here and here) but I don't want you to miss out on items that won't be available after 30th June - like the hostess sets for example. Of all Stampin' Up's fabulous hostess sets this year, Simply Sketched is one of my favourites. I've had a bit of a watercolour moment on today's card. Come and see:

I chose Naturals Ivory as my card base with its soft suede-like texture and subtle flecked surface. The poppy image was stamped twice off the edge of the card front using black stazon ink and I added one of the sentiments from the set too.

To bring the image to life, I coloured it with an aquapainter and inks. This card stock isn't designed to take water (Stampin' Up's watercolour paper is brilliant for that) but I find that if I put the card under a pile of heavy books, it sorts out most of the warping! I finished the design with a little sponging and a frame of piercing.

I'll be linking this card up with Less is More where this week's challenge is a one layer, Off the Edge card; and also the One-Layer Simplicity challenge where the theme this month is I've been Framed.

• Simply Sketched is a hostess set, one of a group of specially-priced, exclusive Stampin' Up sets available to those placing orders of £150 or more. Group orders also apply so why not club together with friends and family?

• To see more Simply Sketched inspiration, click here

• Current hostess sets will no longer be available after June. You'll find them all on the Retirement Lists below - don't miss out on your favourites! Click here to buy retiring items in my online shop.

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

Stamps: Simply Sketched (hostess, retiring) wood or cling

Ink: So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz classic ink, Stazon black ink
Card stock: Naturals Ivory

Other: Stamp-a-majig, Basic Black marker, aquapainter, Essentials piercing template, mat and tool

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.

The exams are dragging on here but even through all the hard slog my daughter remains an utter sweetheart. I had some unpleasant tasks to do this week and as I was reluctantly leaving the house one morning, my daughter gave me a hug. "Chin up!" she said. "Would you like me to send pictures of bunnies to your phone every hour?!"

See you tomorrow with one of those tricky cards for a young boy's birthday!