How I start varies each time I sit down to stamp...which is part of the fun for me. This time, I chose which stamp set I wanted to use first. I LOVE the Kindred Spirits set, so that choice didn't take long! :-)
I next moved on to my patterned paper selection. Truthfully, this part can take me a while...unless something just jumps out and grabs me (which is actually the case for this card). This is where I wish I had more of a process to share with you...but it turned out to be more of a "try it and see if I like it" thing. I created the tone-on-tone embossed background next (using Clear detail e.p., Versamark, & my Stamp-a-ma-jig). Once that was completed, I then changed my mind on the patterned paper and went to my cardstock drawer and pulled out some solid colors. After fiddling with them for a while, I then changed my mind again and went with the original patterned paper I had first chosen!
After I was settled (again) on the paper, I then started thinking about embellishing. I had some red rhinestones sitting out on my desk that I thought would look wonderful on the embossed emblems. I also remembered these decorative metal corners that I had in my embellishment stash, so I took one out to see how it looked on my card. After my embellishments were chosen, then I moved on to how I would lay out my card. Yep, my card "layouts" are chosen to fit my stamps AND embellishments!! LOL!
Up to this point, nothing is glued together yet. This is where I add the details: sponging the edges of my card, stitching around and distressing the outer edges of the background, adding the sentiment, and tying on the ribbon. Oh, one more thing. I want to share my "uber" scientific way I have of deciding when to pop up my layers! If I have ribbon folded under the background layer (on this card I have two different kinds), I usually use some sort of dimensional tape to pop that layer up only because it won't lay flat with the ribbon folded under it! Same with the layer I add on top of the ribbon...it won't lay flat, so I add some dimension! (I told you it was "scientific" LOL!)
Well, that's it! That's my so called "process"! :-)
Wanna play along with us? We'd love it if you did! Just make a project or card that shows us your Divine Details. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form on the Project Parade Day 1 post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, August 1. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post! Have fun and good luck!
Recipe
Stamps: Kindred Spirits
Paper: Dark Chocolate (PTI), Scenic Route patterned paper (Sonoma Collection)
Ink: Versamark, Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Clear Detail e.p., Tim Holtz metal corner, Crochet trim (May Arts), Dark Chocolate satin ribbon (PTI), Red Rhinestones, Quick Kutz Nesting Label die, Sewing Machine, Paper piercer
