Lovely as a Tree

I hope you find today's project worth the wait. I was so excited when Lynn brought me one of the new Wood Sheets available as one of the many products that can be used in the Big Shot. When I saw the wood, I immediately thought of my Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set, and of course, I had to see how it would cut with my Big Shot. I cut the Top Note shape just as easily as cutting cardstock or patterned paper. I couldn't even tell a difference!

I was truly inspired, and felt that this project was going to be "frame" worthy, so I planned it around an 8x10 frame that I had with a 5x7 opening. I have done some other projects like this and really enjoy them. I remembered a technique that I had learned a while back that would add just the touch of color that I was looking for; Thumping. First, I inked my multi-tree stamp with Close To Cocoa Classic Ink. Then I used my Stampin' Write Markers in Handsome Hunter, More Mustard and Really Rust and Thumped or Lightly Touched randomly around the trees to create fall colored leaves. Then, huff and stamp directly on the cut Wood Sheet. I used my Stampin' Sponges and sponged the edges of the Wood Top Note with Close To Cocoa Classic Ink. Then, for some added texture, and because it looks like bark, I ran a piece of Chocolate Chip Cardstock through my Big Shot using the Texturz Plate Kit #4, and layered that off center on Handsome Hunter Cardstock. I stamped the little pine cone down the side in Handsome Hunter Classic Ink. I added a piece of Styled Silver Hodge Podge Hardware by tying it on with Hemp Twine. I searched my entire collection of stamps for just the right word. The word Hope is actually from the Sense of Time Stamp Set and is part of one of the sayings. I just used my Stampin' Write Marker in Close To Cocoa, colored just the word I wanted, and stamped it on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Then, I decided I wanted some more dimension, so I stamped the pine tree with Handsome Hunter Classic Ink on Creamy Caramel Cardstock, and cut it out. I mounted it with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here is a close-up so you can see a little better.

If you have been thinking about joining my Team, for a limited time, you can join by purchasing a Mini Starter Kit for only $85. With your mini kit you will receive the following:

Item Code	Page #*	Description	Retail Value**
115360	118	For All You Do stamp set	$28.95
115658	155	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115656	155	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115659	155	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115654	155	Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115655	155	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115657	155	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
100730	155	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.50
115315	155	In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.95

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog
**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

You will also receive all the usual business items as in the regular Starter Kit.
If you are thinking of joining, and want to purchase the regular Starter Kit, as an added bonus, for a limited time, you will receive all 6 In-Color Classic Ink Pads, and One Pack of In-Color Assorted Cardstock 8-1/2 x 11. This is a $43.65 value! This offer ends August 31, 2009, so contact me today!

Have a Great Weekend!
dd