INTRODUCTION TO SWIRLED DESIGNS

This week I am featuring a new Online Exclusive Bundle that was introduced in November.  I was immediately drawn to the bundle by the dies, but as I've worked with it, the stamps have started to grow on me.

Today's card uses all but one of the stamps that are included in the set.

I gave a lot of thought as to how I could best show off these graphical "background" image stamps and finally decided to use them to create my own designer series paper (DSP).

I decided to keep the "DSP" subtle by using tone-on-tone stamping.  

I randomly stamped each of the images from the stamp set.  The only stamp I did not use was the tiny stars.

I used Basic Beige cardstock and ink.  Basic Beige is a great neutral, but it is not a color that I use often.  I'm not sure why.  I think I just forget about it.  Maybe I need to move it to a more prominent place in my paper storage.

I really liked how the "DSP" turned out.  There are large swirly circles, speckles, tiny flowers, a large swooshy shape, some dashed stripes and dashed checks.

HINT:  When you stamp your own "DSP" start with the largest images and work to the smaller images using them to fill-in where needed.

Now that I had my tone-on-tone Basic Beige DSP, I needed to choose which colors I wanted to use to add a pop of color.  So, of course, if you follow me, you know I went to my trusty Color Coach for help.  There were several combinations to choose from, but I settled on Pretty Peacock and Real Red.  

The Swirly Oval and the leaves were die cut from Pretty Peacock.  The die cut flowers and a strip of Shiny Real Red Ribbon add the pop of color.

Since the Swirled Designs Stamp Set does not include greetings I used another new November Online Exclusive bundle, Banner Sayings.  This bundle includes a Tripple Banner Punch that makes easy work of creating a sentiment.

I made my "DSP" larger than required for the front so I had plenty of "scraps" left to decorate the inside of the card and cover the envelope flap.  A Real Red mat, a border for the decorative strip and some die cut flowers add a pop of color on the inside of the card.

Use this link to download a tutorial.  It provides a list of supplies, dimensions and step-by-step directions to make this card.

A list of the supplies used is also shown below.  You can click on any of the images to learn more about that product or to make a purchase from my Stampin' Up! store.

Product List

Swirled Designs Bundle (English) [167311]	Banner Sayings Bundle (English) [167051]	Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [150880]	Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [164511]
Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102482]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780]	Basic Beige Classic Stampin Pad [163806]	Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad [150083]
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220]	Real Red 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Shiny Ribbon [165876]	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]

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