Thoughtful Branches - Limited Time!

Today starts the new Thoughtful Branches bundle that will only be available from August 2nd to the 31st! I was on the fence about getting it due to the short time frame that it will be current, but I broke down and went for it. It's such a beautiful, versatile set that I know I will use it long after it's not available anymore. You can get the stamp set and coordinating die separately, or bundle and save 10%.

It was a lot of fun putting this card together, and I kind of went all over the place with the techniques and what not. I was on a roll! Watercolor washed the background, and then thought, "I wonder how it would look if I embossed it?" So I grabbed the nearest folder, which happened to be Seaside. I love how it's reminiscent of wind blowing. We get that a lot around here, lol!

While I made this one a Thank You card, it would work just as well as a masculine birthday, thinking of you, or even a sympathy card.

Here's the "How To"
Watercolor Paper 3" x 4-1/4" and 3-1/2" x 4-3/4"
Mat: Soft Suede 3-5/8" x 4-7/8"
DSP: 4" x 5-1/4" (I used retired It's My Party; you can sub any Mint Macaron DSP)
Tree: Early Espresso 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"
Gold Foil Sheet 3" x 3"
Card base: Very Vanilla 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored and folded at 4-1/4"

1. Adhere Mint Macaron DSP to card base and set aside.
2. Cut Early Espresso tree using Beautiful Branches Thinlits die, and gold foil 2-5/8" circle using Layering Circles Framelits. Set aside.
3. On smaller piece of watercolor paper make a wash background using Pool Party and Bermuda Bay ink. Let dry (or dry with Heat Tool), then emboss with Seaside folder.
4. Adhere gold circle to left side (overlapping edge) of embossed piece and trim off excess. Adhere both to larger piece of watercolor paper.
5. Wrap Mint Macaron ribbon around so bottom edge of ribbon is 3/4" from bottom of watercolor paper. Adhere ends to back. Center Gold ribbon on Mint Macaron and adhere ends to back.
6. Apply Soft Suede mat to back of watercolor paper, then adhere all to card base.
7. Attach tree with your choice of adhesive (I used the Fine-Tip Glue Pen on a few branches and 1/8" sticky tape on the trunk). Stamp greeting in Early Espresso ink.

Since I haven't posted anything for fourteen days, I'm going to make up for it by posting EVERY DAY for the next two weeks. The Holiday catalog starts next month, so I'll have tons of things to share!
Product List

Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Bundle

Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Stamp Set

Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Stamp Set

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Soft Suede 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Watercolor Paper

Gold Foil Sheets

Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Big Shot

Beautiful Branches Thinlits Dies

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Aqua Painters

Mint Macaron 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Linen Ribbon

Gold 1/8" Ribbon