Introducing Floral Sketches & Classic Calligraphy

Good morning, friends! Welcome to the first group post for this month's Papertrey Ink new release countdown. Today we're showcasing the Floral Sketches and Calligraphy Classics stamp sets. Who doesn't love a wonderful floral? Especially when it pairs beautifully with a gorgeous script. These new sets from Dawn and Nichole are absolutely made for each other!

I had a blast playing with a handful of techniques to see how many different styles I could achieve. How about we get to some projects, eh?

This first card has a bit of a vintage vibe about it. I began by stenciling the background using the Modern Basics stencil and Spring Rain ink. I also did a bit of extra blending around the edges to soften things a bit. Next, I stamped the Floral Sketches flowers in an Americana, Scarlet Jewel, and Autumn Rose color scheme. The details came next in Scarlet Jewel, Dark Chocolate, and Americana. Then, I added the leaves in Ocean Tides and Pinefeather. I mounted that panel to a Spring Rain card base and set it aside for a moment.

Next, I die cut a Layered Banner and stamped the top layer with one of the sentiments in the Floral Sketches set using Pinefeather ink. I curved the stamp slightly when sticking it to my block, resulting in a subtle arc that matches the curve of the banner. I attached a Spring Rain bitty dot layer to that before mounting the whole piece to the card front with foam tape.

The second card is also a departure for me colorwise, but in a totally different way. This time it's all about the brights! I also went with a larger format card with this one. It's an A6 instead of the standard A2 that we cardmakers usually use.

I began by watercoloring a background using bold, warm colors. Once it had dried I splattered more concentrated paint in tiny flecks, this time adding gold and white to the mix. I set it aside to dry again while I cut out my flowers (my dies fell into a gaping black hole on the way to Granville so I had to hand cut them, but there are dies that coordinate with this set). I stamped each shape with the its coordinating detail image in True Black ink and heat embossed the flowers centers with gold powder for a pretty metallic touch.

Once the watercolored panel had dried, I die cut a window with the simple oval from Limitless Layers 3 1/2" Ovals Die Collection. Then, I mounted the panel to a vellum card base on which I had heat embossed the sentiment from Calligraphy Classics using gold powder. I lined the inside so the adhesive wouldn't show and then I attached the floral bits with a mix of flat and foam adhesives. I love the contrast of the black, white, and gold blooms against that bright background. This is a style I'm sure to try again!

Thank you so much for joining me today! Make sure to pop over and visit Nichole, Amy, Ashley, Betsy, Danielle, Dawn, Heather, Kay, Laurie, and Melissa to see more of these beautiful new sets. Erin and Maile are also sharing more of their new designs too, so make sure to check them out, too. Have a wonderful day and I'll see you again very soon!

Recipes:
Just A Little Note Card
Stamps: Floral Sketches - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Spring Rain Bitty Dot Patterned Paper - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Americana, Scarlet Jewel, Autumn Rose, Spring Rain, Ocean Tides, Pinefeather, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Other: Layered Banner Die, Modern Basics Stencil Collection - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch

Floral Hooray Card (A6 size)
Stamps: Floral Sketches, Calligraphy Classics - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Vellum - Papertrey Ink; Acquarello Watercolor Paper - Fabriano Artistico; white
Ink: True Black - Papertrey Ink; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Other: Limitless Layers: 3 1/2" Oval Die Collection - Papertrey Ink; Watercolors - Gansai Tambi; Opaque White Pigment - Copic; Gold Embossing Powder - Filigree; Foam Tape - Scotch