05.05.2019…..Well, my stampin’ friends, it is defintely the end of an era! Yes, it’s hard to believe…..but the Lovely as a Tree stamp set is retiring at the end of May! Since it’s debut in 2001, it has been a classic Stampin’ Up set that has never gone out of style. If by chance you don’t have this set, your last opportunity to purchase it will be June 3, 2019 (….or until supplies last). Don’t miss out!!!
Because this is such a timeless stamp set, I wanted create something extra special. So…..I decided to create this framed artwork that I could use in my home all year ’round.
I started with a piece of Watercolor Paper, and heat-embossed the trees (from the Lovely as a Tree set), using my Versamark Pad and Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder. To watercolor the background, I used my Aqua Painter…..along with Lemon Lime Twist, Granny Apple Green, Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, and Bermuda Bay.
After I was done watercoloring, I misted the paper with my Stampin’ Spritzer (filled with water), then sat back and watched the magic happen. As the colors started to run together, I also added a few more spritzes here and there. After I was satisfied with the results, I used my heat tool to dry the paper, but still left it slightly damp. I then used a Crumb Cake Stampin’ Write Marker to add the splatters by “flicking” the thick end of the marker on the edge of the marker cap. After the paper was completely dry, I trimmed it down to approximately 4″ x 6″, so that it would fit into my frame.
TIP: When using a heat tool to dry your paper, don’t forget to keep it movin’. If you keep the heat tool in one spot for even a second, your paper will begin to turn brown.
Of course, I had to decorate the frame itself, so I started with some Burlap Ribbon, and wrapped it around two opposing corners. Before I added the Bermuda Bay Mini Striped Ribbon and Lemon Lime Twist Ombre Ribbon, I cut each strip in half (very roughly), for more of an “organic” feel. Along with that, I added a piece of Braided Linen Trim (distressed and pulled apart), a few loops of Linen Thread, and then loosely tied everything together with a bit more Linen Thread. Tucked underneath is a few of the leaves from the Frames Elements, and one of the True Gentlemen Button (with some Linen Thread added). For that last little detail, I sprinkled on a few Gold Metallic Pearls.
The Stampin’ Up 2019 Occasions Catalog, as well as the 2018-2019 Stampin’ Up Annual Catalog are all chockful of so many wonderful products! Okay, let’s be honest…..they are absolutely overflowing with some of the most amazing products ever! Be sure to order you favorite items now, before they retire next month!
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