Pretty Stationery

Good morning to all. Happy long weekend! We're around home this long weekend as Darren is putting paving stones down in the driveway. He's got his friends here helping along with Isaac hanging around. Everyone needs a 3 year old stading around in the way telling you what to do right??

And where am I? In the house, all by myself, minding my own business!!!

Last weekend we celebrated my friend Lisa's birthday. I wanted to make her something special so I came up with this pretty stationery pack.

I am thrilled with the way it turned out! Lisa seemed very happy to have received it. There were lots of oooh's and ahhhh's from the other girls (not so much from the guys...)so I took that as a good sign.

The folder was created with one 12x12 sheet of Always Artichoke paper. Along the left side I added a strip of crumpled Rose Red. I got the crumpled look by spritzing the paper and then crumpling it into a ball and then gentley unfolding it and letting it dry. To attach it I used Sticky Tape because Snail just isn't strong enough for the texture of the paper.

I used only one stamp set, Petal Prints (retired), to create the image on the front of the folder and on all 6 cards I included inside.

Here is a what the folder looks like inside. The bottom of the folder is folded up and I have stamped the leaves along the folder edge.

All 6 cards are meant as note cards. I did not add any sentiments of any kind to any of them, that way Lisa can use them as she sees fit. Notice the different embellishments I have added to the top 2 cards. The card on the left has a button in the center along with black and white gingham ribbon. The black between each paper layer really makes the card 'pop'. On the other I used Rose Red designer paper and got the stitched look using a stamp from the All in A Row stamp set. I cut out the center of the flower, added some sparkle to it and attatched it with Stampin' Dimentionals so it stands out on the card

One of my new favorite things is the watercolour paper! The flower on the left card is stamped on the paper and then softened with an aqua painter. I sponged the edges of the paper with Always Artichoke to soften the overall look. This one was layered with Always Artichoke and So Saffron.

These last 2 cards are both done with the watercolour paper. They're much prettier in person! The left card is Always Artichoke with Perfect Plum, a nice combination, and simple too! The last card is a bouquet of delphiniums with the leaves stamped tone on tone on the Always Artichoke cardstock.

Ok, I am having major issues getting my last picture uploaded. I wanted you to see that I had also stamped the flower on the backs of the envelopes. It's so cute and definitely ties everything together quite nicely!

I have been given notice that my quiet time inside is now over and I must tend to my motherly duties... Well, I hope you have enjoyed this post! I am looking forward to making many more of these cute gift ideas!