monday with melissa...

Hello!  I have a couple of cards to share with you today using a fun technique to help make your sentiments take center stage.  My cards uses the Emboss Resist technique...which is a favorite of mine, but not one that I often use for my sentiments.

On my first card, I stamped my sentiment on a die cut heart, cut using the Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts die collection.  I began by stamping "love" from the Sentiment Staples:  I Love You stamp set using watermark ink.  I then heat embossed it using white embossing powder.  

Next, I sponged on Aqua Mist ink and allowing the sentiment to become visible.  I sponged Pale Peony ink over the bottom portion of my heart and then added a bit of water to create a soft, watercolor feel.  Once my heart had dried, I added the second portion of my sentiment, stamped in Ocean Tides ink.  I then added the "hugs" die cut, cut using the Bold Borders:  Polka Dots die, cut from Berry Sorbet cardstock.

To create my card, I started with Sweet Blush cardstock and then added patterned paper to the front.  I love the softness that rounded corners adds, so for this card, I rounded my bottom corners.

Next, I added Bitty Big Spring Moss paper across the bottom half of the card.

I added an Aqua Mist block of cardstock to the center of my card, stamping it with the Vintage Type stamp set, stamping with Hawaiian Shores ink.

To create a spot for my stamped heart to rest, I used the Shape Shifters:  Square 4 die, cut from Stamper's Select White cardstock.  I added stamped flowers from the Seasonal Borders:  Spring stamp set in two of the corners.  I added a bit of my favorite aqua seam binding as well, because I thought this card just needed a bow :).

My stamped heart with the sentiment was added next, tying in all of the lovely, fresh colors used on the rest of my card.  To finish I added aqua sequins.

I love the softness of the emboss resist sentiment, mixed with the bold die cut "hugs".

I used the gorgeous Circle of Love stamp set on my next card.  I began by stamping a few of the florals in the lower left and upper right corners.  I stamped using Pale Peony, Lemon Tart, Berry Sorbet, Ripe Avocado, and Spring Moss ink.

In the opposite corners, I used the Corner Adorner:  January Mini stamp set, stamping in Spring Moss ink.

To create my focal point where my sentiment would be, I began by  using the Nesting Basics:  Ovals and Nesting Basics:  Pierced Ovals.   I then stamped my florals using Olive Twist ink and added the solid florals stamped in Spring Moss, Prairie Grass, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, and Berry Sorbet.

I then stamped my sentiment using watermark ink to the center of another die cut circle.  After heat embossing it with white embossing powder, I sponged on Summer Sunrise and Pale Peony ink.  I love how it makes the sentiment stand out but remain soft and subtle as well.

To finish I added my oval to the center of my card, adding a few sequins to bring in a little shine.

Once my card was finished, I felt like it was missing just one more little addition.  So, to step up my card I used the Delicate Dies, cutting them from Stamper's Select White cardstock.  I snipped them in half and trimmed them just a bit before tucking them under my sentiment.

I love the addition that one more layer adds, and by cutting it from white cardstock, you get the intricate details, without it overpowering your card.

I hope you'll put your favorite sentiment stamps to use this week and try a bit of embossing as you design your card.

Thanks for visiting!

Melis

Comments

[Rachel Jolley]

Oh happy, happy day, a BEAUTIFUL post from you, thank you, thank you, thank you! So very pleased to see your new post and your cards are just so gorgeous and stunning, as always. It is especially kind of you to do the step by step process, I shall try my very best to emulate your wonderful style. ❤️

[Becky Green]

Hi Melissa! I LOOOVE your cards! The layers, the soft colors, & what you have done with ALL OF THE LAYERS! I LOVE how you stamped on the Shape Shifter Die on your first card! It looks like a whole different die! SUCH A NICE TOUCH! AND your second card, LOVE those SWEET FLOWERS & your use of the Delicates Die! By the way, I'm SO GLAD you are still with PTI!!! :D AND are doing the Make It Mondays! ;)

[Susan from Colorado]

Melissa your cards are lovely - as ever! It's so good to see your art today! And like the post above, I'm so thrilled you are still with PTI! Happy day! Thank you for sharing these beautiful cards with us!

[Greta H]

Such beautiful layers, Melissa! I saw these at PTI yesterday, but wanted to admire them again on your blog. I actually made 2 cards using emboss resist with the sentiment yesterday. They're just one layer & not PTI, but made lovely, simple Valentines. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Christine Miller]

I have been missing you lately! So glad to see your gorgeous card and to have the detailed instructions. Your layering techniques are magical.

[Francie]

So, so, glad to see you’re still with PTI - I can finally breathe a sigh of relief! 😘 Your cards are beautiful, and the process steps are very thorough and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your magic!

[Jo Ann Mooney]

Good morning, sweet Melissa! So overjoyed to see you are still with PTI! I have always loved everything you have ever made & have used your ideas in my card making & have loved the results. I am especially grateful that you are showing your step-by-step instructions to show us how you put your cards together, layer by layer. That is so helpful! Thank you for all your gorgeous ideas. You are so very gifted!

[Giada Wilson]

lovely

[Susan from Colorado]

Perfection in paper! I too am thrilled you are still with PTI! I can't imagine life without your beeeeeautiful cards! Thanks so mucn for posting!

[Lisa Dolson]

Simply lovely, Melissa! Love seeing all of your layers, stamping and pretty colors. Thank you. Hope you are well.