A Spring Loaded Summer Smiler

WARNING!If you're not in the mood to smile, you may not want to finish reading this post. This card I made is guaranteed to make your lips curl upward, so if you want to persist in grumpiness, better log off.

This technique was part of a breakout session at convention called Demonstrator Theater, and it featured three demonstrators, all of whom presented fabulous, WOW cards for us. This idea came from Canadian demonstrator Marlayne Hardy, and it's amazing. Not only is it simple and versatile, it's just COOL!

This is the front of the card, and I used the Inspired by Nature grass again. That stamp is going to see a lot of ink this year, I can tell! I stamped it with Green Galore from the Bold Brights, and sponged it using a dauber with Glorious Green to give the blades some dimension. The saying, which is such a good perspective on change, is from Flight of the Butterfly, the other set deployed for this card.

When I started making this, I cut the card at 4.25" and scored it at the usual 5.5". I decided that that was a bit too wide, so I cut it down to 3.5". Here's a closeup of the sentiment and the bitty butterfly. I stamped it first in Versamark ink, then coated it with Heat and Stick Powder. When the heat tool had melted the powder to the glossy state, I turned off the tool and sprinkled the little 'fly with Dazzling Diamonds. The glitter stuck to the powder and will not fall off. Love whoever came up with that stuff! It's mounted with one of the edge pieces of Stampin' Dimensionals. Waste not, want not!

Here's what happens when you open the card! AAAHHHH--isn't that GREAT?! All those little butterflies flutterin' around in their Bold Bright colors. I usually "tell all" and explain everything about how I put a card together, but I'm not going to with this one. Only those who come to the August Stamp-A-Stack will learn how to make this.

Have you RSVP'd yet? Don't wait!