#TGIFC248 - Cover Inspiration | Swimming In Stamps

It’s time for a new TGIF Challenge! This week, the challenge is to get inspiration from the cover of either the January to June Mini or Sale-A-Bration Catalogs. I chose the Mini, and you can see the card I picked below.

I decided to use the same general layout, but to change the stamp set and colors. I used the Timeless Tropical stamp set and coordinating In The Tropics Dies.

I really love the layout of the Stampin’ Up! card, especially the subtle tone-on-tone die cutting in the background. So, I decided to use the top of the pineapple die cut to create a similar effect. Since I wanted to keep the layer all in one piece (and not completely cut out the pineapple tops), I used a partial die-cutting technique hidden under the Stitched Nested Label, where it would not be visible. To do this, I arranged my die cut and then only placed the cutting plate over the portion of the die I wanted to cut. That way, I could leave a portion of each die uncut and still attached to the layer.

For the flowers and leaves, I stamped with Stazon ink on Shimmery White Cardstock, and then I watercolored with Melon Mambo, Mango Melody, and Granny Apple Green ink.

Before assembling the card, I added white splatters on the background with an Aqua Painter and Melon Mambo splatters on the flowers with a Stampin’ Write Marker.

Finding inspiration from the Stampin’ Up! catalogs is such a great idea!!! There are so many beautiful projects to inspire layouts, color combinations, techniques, etc. It really makes creating easy!

Be sure to visit the TGIF Challenges Blog and check out all the designers’ projects this week. I know you’re going to love them!!! Then, create one of your own and join our challenge by adding your project with the Linky Tool at the bottom of that post.

Have a wonderful and creative day!

Use Host Code FFJEFTJ2 for all purchases at my online store through the end of January to qualify to receive free exclusive tutorials and a special thank you card from me. This month’s tutorials are AMAZING!!!

Subscribe or re-activate your Paper Pumpkin subscription between January 11 and February 10 to receive the Celebrate Grand Occasions Kit! It coordinates with the Happy Birthday To You Sale-A-Bration stamp set!!!