Whimsy Stamps ~ Exquisite Beauty, Magic For Marigold

Hey crafty friends, I'm back with the second card I prepped to share today. Another using the New Release from Whimsy's fantastic September 1st release. Ooh this release got me so excited I have to say. I basically wanted 'one of everything' in this release, it's just so fun and totally after my Halloween Heart! The set I've used for this creation is just so cool, not at all what I would usually choose as I'm not a big 'arty' stamper, I usually do more of a cutesy style, but I really wanted to work with this one and stretch myself to create something really different to my usual style, a bit more arty and 'cool'. I really love how it came out too. 

I had the opportunity recently to buy some book pages from some old library books that had basically fallen apart and were being sold in small lots. I jumped at the chance as I've always loved the look of old book pages on cards. I promise no beautiful books were harmed in the making of this card, just rescued from being trashed. I used several inks to create the mottled patina in the background and then used the fantastic new Harlequin Stencil from Whimsy to add that cool messy harlequin detail. This stencil has three options of design, I chose the one that was straight but with skippity bits in the design. I absolutely love the detail and interest it adds to this background. I didn't want to paint over the page with gesso, to tone down the text, as it was such a fun page to find, with it's magical text, so adding the distress inks and then the stencilling did the trick quite well I think. I stamped the image straight over the text, but it was too busy, so then I stamped it on white cardstock and fussy cut it, which yes, was fiddly work around those flowers, but so worth taking the time to do it carefully. I only lost one tiny bit, which I managed to rescue and reattach. I ink smooshed a couple of the lighter Distress Ink colours onto the sheet I diecut the sentiment and skull from, so they had a bit of aged bone tone colour. Then added the flower colours.

Because I used a Versamark Ink to stamp the image, I couldn't then use my Copic Markers, so pulled out some old waterbased markers I had in my stash. I had wanted to use more muted colours, desaturated even for the flowers, but I kinda like the pop of colour these add to the design and on my Instagram reel, you can see the sparkle I added with Wink of Stella pens in matching colours. I attached the book page to a craft card panel, which I cut a deckled edge using the Tim Holtz deckle trimmer. A treat I got for Christmas. I love a deckled edge and this one does a subtle one, which will work with so many styles. I am really happy with it. I used dome top brads to attach the book page, then mounted that whole panel on foam and then onto a white card base which I trimmed to fit this larger sized card. It's about the length of an A6 US card, but slightly wider. I'll measure it tomorrow and add those details. (Measured, it's 6x7 inches.)

The rest of our talented Whimsy teams have worked magic with this New Release and here are some examples of their gorgeous creations. Be sure to check out the release in store for extra examples of their gorgeous work. See if you can spot our amazing Creative Director Deb Davis in the line up too. Halloween is her favourite time of year and she just couldn't resist joining in the Halloween fun with us, for which we are truly thankful, because her designs so totally rock! You can click through to the store for the full release by clicking the banner above or to specific elements via the thumbnails below. I'll try to pop back tomorrow with some extra pics, but want to get the last card posted too, so will leave this post here for now. Hugs and happy crafting, Wends xoxo

(I use affiliate links where possible, which helps the companies I design for to improve their marketing practice. I receive a small commission, which costs you no extra whatsoever, but helps these companies see where their marketing efforts are most effective and is a way they can say 'thank you' to their affiliates and design team members. I only design for companies whose products I absolutely love and buy for myself. My opinions are always my own. If you're new to Whimsy please feel free to use the Whimsy Stamps discount code in my sidebar if you're doing some shopping and remember to check out their retiring section, the deals are phenomenal!)

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