Sunday, May 2, 2010

New Year's Resolution: Garden Silhouettes

Long-time readers know that I resolved, starting in January 2009, to use every image stamp I own. There was no deadline for this resolution, and I've made excellent progress given how many stamps I own (too many to count). In fact, I only have four StampinUp sets that haven't been used since the resolution began, which I consider to be something of a miracle.

Well, now it's just three unused SU sets because I used all the images in Garden Silhouettes last Friday. Each stamp was colored with Watercolor Crayons, spritzed with water, and stamped. Once dry, each image was accented with Stickles (oh how I love that stuff!), matted, and put on whatever card base looked best. The same "thank you" stamp (also SU, not sure what set) worked for all but the flowering branch, which got another, smaller SU "thanks so much" from Trendy Trees (I think), which looked much better.












I'm so glad this resolution didn't include word and sentiment stamps because I would never finish, especially considering that I have Everyday Flexible Phrases, Everyday Expressive Phrases, Amazing to Zany, and Define Your Life.

Don't ask why I bought them. They spoke to me, and the only way I will be parted from them is for them to be pried from my cold, dead hands. Of course, I should probably use them. Occasionally. Once in a while. Every blue moon?

Sigh.

35 comments:

  1. Morning Susan,
    I love the variety using the same basic layout...the green and yellow are stunning. I totally understand holding on to your sentiments...words are important and having a HUGE selection just seems to make sens
    love ya
    patti moffett

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  2. Happy Sunday, Susan!
    I just love all of your cards! The stickles work wonderfully. I understand about the sentiment stamps... I have a ton of them and when I find the one that works for my project..life is good!

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  3. Wow--what a beautiful set of cards!!

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  4. These are so pretty. I have this set and maybe I'll be inspired to use it, now.

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  5. Wow, so much loveliness in one day! I have this set and love it........but forget to use it much. I'm breakin' it out this afternoon and making some lovely stickles cards ala Simplicity! These are gorgeous. I share your feelings about sentiments, too --- I'd never give any up --- and in fact am always looking for more! It's amazing how a card calls for a certain saying, in a certain size, and in a certain font! I love it when I have JUST the right one! Does anyone have a specific sentiments set they recommend?

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  6. These are all SO wonderful, Susan! I should follow your lead and use ALL my stamps - but I don't think I could ever accomplish that! I even have full sets that have never seen ink:(

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  7. Fun way to showcase these stamps, the colored background cards are lovely and so warm.

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  8. Love these too. This weekend I discovered Rock Candy Stickles - it leaves a matt type of glitter (if that makes sense?) that is also a pretty cool effect.

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  9. How terrific that you not only used this set but used every stamp in the set. These are all beautiful but my fave is the last one. That sunny yellow color made me smile. Is that summer sun and kiwi?

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  10. These are just beautiful! I'm going to check out the watercolor crayons - this is a much crisper image than I would have imagined getting from them.

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  11. These are so pretty and the soft colouring is so right for the images.
    I like that you have used coloured cs as a base on some too;)
    TFS

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  12. @Susan../that card uses PTI's cardstock, which I don't know by name yet.

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  13. I agree with Samantha that this is a much crisper image than I ever get with watercolor crayon spritzing and stamping. i will try this in the very near future. Not today, (Sigh) today is already committed outside the house.

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  14. I have recently found your blog - THANKS SO MUCH for sharing your terrific cards! I seem to be on a CAS gig lately and your blog has been EXTREMELY instrumental in helping me to do CAS cards. I have really struggled with these.. go figure!

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  15. These are all SO gorgeous!! I love the colors you used for each one. You are making me regret selling this set. Off to the bay I go. ;)

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  16. I love all of these! And I'm right there with you on the sentiment stamps. I own all of the "tiny words" sets, too, and rarely use them but can't seem to part with them. It's a sickness, isn't it?

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  17. I thought you used this set when teaching us Panel Cards a few months ago. I loved it, bought it on Ebay, must get back to making sets of those Panel Cards I love so much.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  18. I'm proud of you for sticking to your resolution...I've been thinking of forcing myself to do the same. I love what you did with the set here...of course, I love everything you do!

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  19. I love this awesome set of cards!!

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  20. Really pretty set of cards and the stickles are a perfect accent!

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  21. These are beautiful! Why did you wait so long to use them? Is it possible we have too many stamps??

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  22. What a beautiful set of cards!

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  23. Absolutely delightful! What a gorgeous set!

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  24. More beautiful creations!! Love the simplicity (DUH!)...and if I may add ... you are my card idol!!! I LOVE your cards and am so inspired by them! THANK YOU, thank you for sharing!!!

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  25. Absolutely lovely! I like everything about them. You hit it out of the park again (of course).

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  26. Susan - these are all so lovely!! I have this set too but haven't used it in so long! I have no plans to let it leave my cabinet though!

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  27. All of these cards are lovely. Today, my favorite is the blue one. It could change tomorrow depending on my mood, the weather, the phase of the moon, etc.

    You and many others feel the same way about SU's word sets. I've been watching Amazing to Zany each time it is on eBay and the sets have gone for crazy amounts. Now that you've used Garden Silhouettes, it will probably raise the final bid. Those sellers should give you a percentage.

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  28. As Nancy said, tomorrow it may be different, but right now the blue is my favourite -- but they are all outstanding!
    While my collection of sentiment stamps is growing, I am also a big fan of creating sentiments on the computer when I don't have just the right one. Do you ever so that?

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  29. No, Lindsey, I try to avoid my computer for most creative endeavors. I spend enough time on it as it is, LOL! But if I had a printer in my craft room, I probably would.

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  30. WOW! These are your best yet -- and ALL your cards are great! If I had to use only the stamps I already own and haven't used, it would take me years; but maybe I'll give it a try one day a week. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  31. these are some of the most beautiful cards! I love them all!

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  32. beautiful set...beautiful examples...love the first two especially! haven't tried watercolor crayons, but i do create sentiments with the computer. no matter how many sets I buy sometimes there's just not the perfect one. made quite a few for mother's day. not ONE mothers day stamp in my (ridiculous) collection! :)

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  33. awesome cards!! The faux watercolor technique is one of my favorites but I've never thought to add the stickles to it! That looks great!! It goes on my 'must try' list!! I too own Everyday Flexible Phrases and will never give them away!!

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!