Good morning, everyone! I made these cards several days ago but have been so incredibly busy there hasn't even been time to post! So, just for you this morning, this fun color combination -- great for spring! I saw these colors together in an online ad and knew immediately that I needed to combine them in some projects.
The colors are Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, and Rose Red! Isn't this fresh and fun for spring? The stamp set is Petal Pizzaz, another fun, almost retro, look for spring! This first 
card is 5 1/4" square, perfect for slipping into one of the Stampin' Up! Square envelopes. I used the Scallop Circle Die and the Big Shot, along with the Circle Scissor Plus (I wasn't going to get this but now that I have it, I'm sold!). The sentiment is from Hope Happens. The 1" Double Stitched Rose Red Grosgrain ribbon is cinched up and tied with a bit of Linen Thread. Of course, I couldn't just stop with the front of the card but had to continue my design to the inside as well. What do you think?
This second card uses the Emboss-Resist technique! Isn't it pretty and soft? The main focal image (with all the stamped flowers) began as a piece of Apricot Appeal cardstock. I stamped one of the flowers using Versamark Ink and then heat set it with the Heat Tool. Using a brayer, I applied Cameo Coral ink over the top. As you can see, the areas that had been stamped with Versamark "resist" the darker ink and the light color shows through. 
Once I had the brayered color applied evenly, I again stamped over the top with Rose Red and more Cameo Coral. This is a fun technique and if you've not tried it before, you really ought to brush off your heat tool and experiment! It's fun to watch the color come through! The sentiment on this card is from Simply Fabulous and yes, I stamped on the inside as well!
That will do it for today! We've been having some beautiful spring weather here in Central Illinois and I do hope you have some to enjoy as well!
I have one class kit that is available right now -- the Top Note Purse Favors Kit. These little purses are so pretty for spring and quick and easy to put together with my partially assembled, pre-cut and pre-scored Kit. For more information or to order your kit today, click HERE!
Just a reminder that I'm running a Many Marvelous Markers Special through March 31st! This is such a great deal. When you purchase the set of Many Marvelous Markers, you will receive approximately $120 in FREE merchandise. Yep, that's right -- I said it was an incredible deal! See all the details HERE!
Don't forget as well that Sale-a-Bration is on through the end of the month as well! This is the Stampin' Up! BIG sale of the year. With every $50 purchase, you receive a FREE Sale-a-Bration product from the brochure (includes Stamp Sets, Ribbon and Papers). Click HERE to see the brochure online!
Have a great day everyone! And Happy Stamping!
Blessings, Gretchen
Gretchen, your cards are gorgeous as USUAL!! I really love the circle card, the insides of both cards are fabulous too!! Thanks for sharing how you did them both!
Posted by: Sharon F / CreatedByU | March 26, 2009 at 05:36 AM
Gretchen --
FABULOUS!! I'm so awed by your creativity and eye for design! Wish I lived closer so I could stamp with you! :)
Posted by: Stacie | March 26, 2009 at 05:54 AM
Gretchen, I love the cards. I am in awe of your eye for design and colors. I have cased several of your ideas, and of course given you the credit. I may do this one also. Please ck out my blog and let me know what you think. www.luvintostampwithsusie.blogspot.com
Posted by: Susie Dillion | March 26, 2009 at 06:29 AM
these cards are just gorgeous, gretchen!!! love the colors!
xoxo
Posted by: carol marbach ~ udi | March 26, 2009 at 06:41 AM
You are right this color combo is so "happy" It would make a great mothers day card. You almost had me in your marker deal but I must resist!!! I'll be back to see what other sweet deals you have to tempt uswith the mini occasions.......
Posted by: Vicki Woebbecke | March 26, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Love the card. The colors are awesome!
Posted by: Jennifer Babec | March 26, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Can I case you???
Posted by: SusanShields | March 26, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Beautiful! I'm going to have to CASE these!!! And I love the insides! Great inspiration for us all.
Posted by: Brenda | March 26, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Wow!! These two cards really knocked my socks off this morning! I LOVE the color combination!
I'm usually a lurker here, but since I'm commenting anyway, I just want to let you know how much I enjoy your blog and the card ideas you come up with. I look forward to your posts in Yahoo groups and often find myself coming here for inspiration. Thank you!
Posted by: Joyce Spear | March 26, 2009 at 08:18 AM
Gretchen,
Thank you so much for your beautiful designs. They are an inspiration to us all. I love being on your list because LNS just got to be too much for me. I have my 80 year old mother to look after and she takes a lot of my time. I learn so much from you. Thank you for being so giving and sharing.
Posted by: Cathy Tompkins | April 02, 2009 at 09:01 AM