Wednesday, August 17, 2011

In Memory of my Vacation

The first (and only!) card I've made since returning from vacation was inspired by that vacation, which was to northern Minnesota. A resort on Lake Vermilion, to be precise.

Before I show the card, however, take a look at my order from Creative Play. I ordered on Monday, and it arrived today, with a bit of Flowersoft Silk Ribbon thrown in gratis. How fun! Quick service and a little pressie!

It seemed appropriate to use one of the stamps for my vacation card. Obviously the Christmas set wouldn't quite work, so I used the woodgrain background (Hero Arts) to simulate...



water.


Yep. Have you ever noticed that woodgrain looks like ripples on a pond or lake? Mother Nature is amazing, isn't she? And I saw first-hand this effect while kayaking early one morning as escort to my insane husband who swam across the bay, around an island, and back to the resort...about 1.5 miles. In a wetsuit. He could have been run over by a boat, hence the kayak escort.

I definitely had the better gig.

Anyway, back to the card. The water is represented by the woodgrain stamp, the relaxation of the vacation by the flip-flops, and the sentiment because it's true. The punched label is curvy and reminds me of hearts for some reason, and I hearted my vacation.

As for the woodgrain stamp, it works like a dream. I tried it on my stamp pad (sort of like a giant, extra-thick mouse pad) and it worked great with just pressure! Most big backgrounds require me to stand on them to get a good image. Have I ever showed you how I do that? Basically, I have a 1-foot square piece of good-one-side plywood, protected by copy paper. Ugly, but useful. And cheap. It slides under the baker's rack next to my desk so I can pull it out as needed.



But I didn't need it this time because that woodgrain background stamps beautifully!

Remember to check the For Sale Tab to see what stamps I have for sale.

Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts (background), Papertrey (Day at the Beach)
ink: Memento
paper: PTI kraft, SU bashful blue, MFP white
accessories: dimensionals, label punch, rhinestones

12 comments:

  1. I LOVE this, Susan and never would have thought to use woodgrain for water but it so works...did you know an old phone book (or a new one!) works for getting a good impression from large stamps, too. 'Course it's probably not as much fun.

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  2. And of course there's bling on the flip-flops! The colours are perfect for representing a relaxing, lakeside vacation.

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  3. I have never though of using the wood grain as water - brilliant :) Love the flip flops you added to the card. Too darn cute.

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  4. Beautiful! And no, I've never compared woodgrain to water ripples, but you are so right! Now, I can't wait to see what you do with the other new stamp - it's on my wishlist!

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  5. What a perfectly inspired card from vacation! I really love how you used the Woodgrain--too clever!

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  6. Susan, next time I have a stamp that needs that extra bit of pressure, it is going on the floor, under my foot! What a great idea!
    Gorgeous card, I love that blue.
    Michelle.

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  7. Lovely representation of your vacation!

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  8. Well, well, well. Woodgrain looks like water! I'd never have thought of that. What a watershed (hah!) moment! I've by-passed getting that woodgrain stamp, but knowing it can do double duty now, I'll have to reconsider. Lovely card!

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  9. I too have stood on stamps to get a good impression before !! LOL YOu will not regret buying that woodgrain stamp! I love it so much and use it soooo often that I have totally gotten my money's worth already ... too bad I can't say that for all of the other stamps I have purchased!! Great card! Greater story!!

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  10. LOVE this! Every detail is perfect!

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  11. Ooh, I'm in love with those Christmas stamps... Can you please tell me who the manufacturer is? Thanks x

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!