Beautiful Beginnings with Kelly

Hello and welcome friends! It’s Kelly here today and I’m thrilled to be here, as always! It’s such an honor and a privilege to share my creative projects with you! My project for today is one of those bittersweet cards to make and need. Saying goodbye can be hard, but making a going-away card with thought and intent can ease the pain, somehow. I’ve carefully selected colors and patterns specifically with the recipient in mind, which is always an enjoyable part of the creative process.

To begin, I created the woodgrain frame combo that Betsy has successfully made us all fall in love with! Haha! When I want my design to feel special and elevated, I turn to this idea, especially when it fits the theme and look I’m going for, which in this case, was PERFECT! I used the Shortbread Shapes: Snowflakes Die with woodgrain cardstock (available from LCI Paper) and then finished it off with the Shortbread Shapes: Snowflakes Embossing Folder.

This particular woodgrain cardstock is dark, but I wanted it even darker so I used walnut stain distress oxide ink and a finger dauber to really give it a rich look. I repeated these steps to create a second layer, but on this layer I used the Capsule Basics Die to cut the capsule shape from the middle and then embossed it with the Rosemal Reflections Embossing Folder. I sponged the same ink over the top for continuity. I was tempted to try the Tangled Tulips Embossing Folder on this one, but in the end opted not to. I think I might give it a try this spring with the white woodgrain cardstock and see if I like that!

Once the two frames were done, I created the card base from Kraft cardstock and then layered the frames over the top using liquid glue for the bottom frame and foam squares for the top frame. I cut the middle capsule portion using the Capsule Basics Die from cream colored cardstock. I added some blue ink blending and ink splatter to the center to create depth and shadow behind the focal piece. I also added a Filigree Frame that is cut from Antique Gold and glued it over the top using liquid glue.

Once the base was all ready to go, I got to work on the focal point. I used the Wild Wetlands Die and added ink to all of the various pieces to achieve the look I was going for. I followed the assembly instruction on the back (believe me, these are important for this die ;)). I cut the base layer twice and glued them together for a nice sturdy piece. Once it was all glued and assembled, I tucked it slightly behind the top frame and secured it with foam squares for added dimension.

I found the perfect sentiment for this card in the New Day Sentiments Stamp Set. I heat embossed the one I chose in gold and then cut it out using the coordinating New Day Sentiments Die. I added it to the bottom of the frame using foam squares. At this point, I could have called it done, but I was hoping for additional special details, so I cut some gold accents using the Hang It Up Die and secured them with foam squares. A sprinkling of glitter finishes off this design!

As sad as it is to see my friend go, I’m happy I can give her a special card to let her know how much I love and appreciate her! Thanks for joining me!
~Kelly