Hi there my blog buddies!
I am just catching a quick moment to share the other card that I made on Monday during my short but sweet stamping therapy! 
This card was inspired by a fabulous sketch challenge from Stamping 411 … it is a sensational design and I really enjoyed playing along with this challenge!! I am such a fan of the Stamping 411 sketch designs! There is a fab (but rather tricky 
) blog candy comp running over at S411 to celebrate their 200th sketch challenge. You really should pop by to check it out. Click on sketch pic to visit website.
Isn’t this pretty! I was so thrilled with it! The colours were inspired by Gabbi’s baby card. I loved the combo so much I was itching to use it myself! I also finally got to use a brand new stamp set called “Thanks for Caring” from the new Autum/Winter Mini catalogue that I had ordered at the beginning of April. It is actually a lovely sympathy set … but the images are perfect for any type of card … really!
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I added some colour to the stamped images using my markers … and then stamped the same images on vellum card & coloured in these images, too. Then I cut around the vellum images and popped some glue dots into the centre (only) of the flower and along the body edge of the butterfly wings. Then I curled the edges of the vellum using my fingers to give a 3D effect. I hope you can see this from the pictures.
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A stamping hint: If you have a few images to lay out on a single piece of card … why not mount them all on the one clear block … and stamp them all together at the one time. You can get perfect positioning by doing it this way! See pics below for this sample.
Position stamps on single clear block
Stamp images all together.
Run sticky strip along card where ribbon is to go and place a piece of baker's twine across the tape.
Stick ribbon over the top of twine and onto card.
Tie bakers twine into knot and trim ends close to knot.
Click this pic to view enlargement
Well … Dad was transferred to the nursing home yesterday afternoon. Mum’s words were “We are FREE!”. I think she means that it will be easier to visit and fit life into the nursing home routines than the hospital regulations. We are very thankful to have him settled … although his permanent care still needs to be finalised. Mum also finally had her visit to the ortho specialist yesterday and has a date for her hip operation. (20th June) So … apart from visiting Dad as regularly as possible … I have a mini break now … before Mum’s care begins in a couple of months! Who was it that said “Life wasn’t meant to be Easy”???? And … of course … I MUST make time for that gorgeous baby & her sweet mum! I have popped some more photos on Facebook … if you would like to have a look sometime! Have a great day, everyone! Hugs xxNandyxx
Added Sat 30th Apr: Another exciting moment … this card was chosen for the Stampers Showcase over at Stamping 411 yesterday! I just have the biggest smile on my face! Wow! My stamping day last Monday was definitely very satisfying! I will never get tired of the thrilled feeling … when you see your card listed as a winner! It is just the best! Thanks so much to the wonderfully encouraging girls at Stamping 411! Hugs xxx
So pretty.
Andrea adds: Thanks Lisa! Hugs xxaxx
Really gorgeous card Andrea. It is so pretty.
Thanks for your lovely compliments! Hugs xxaxx
Love the colours and elements you’ve used.
Andrea adds: Thanks Kathy! It was so lovely just stamping again!
This card is so pretty – love it. I also love the 3D vellum, it really pops!
Hope your dad settles in well & that this makes life a little easier for you.
Have a great day.
-Gabbi
Andrea adds: Thanks Gabbi! Dad seemed quite bright this morning when mum & I visited. It will be nice to have him in his permanent room … but that may not happen for a couple of months … but at least he is finally there! Mum is a little overwhelmed … but I think that is just tiredness. I imagine she is probably going to collapse in a heap … once everything is organised. But … hopefully with some rest she will be fine! hugs xxaxx
Geez I feel so v v slack compared to you sometimes chook!!! (or is that goose?? hee hee hee). Love, love, LOVE the card. The vellum is a magical idea and adds such a nice softness to the card. Again…can’t go wrong with a b’fly can you?? Just beautiful. Ta for the tips too…always so v v clever and on the ball I am so v v glad that your Dad has been “settled’ to a degree and that you and your Mum have a ‘break’ of sorts. I know how frantic a time you have been thru of late and if it counts for anything, I think you are amazing. Love and hugs to all your brood. ooxx
But … I do appreciate the lovely support and encouragement that you give me each day. Isn’t this card lovely! I was pretty happy with the result! Thanks for popping by … again. I hope to do some blurfing again asap! Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: You have to say I am amazing … because you are prez of my fan club!!!
Hi Andrea,
i love this card, it is oh so pretty. i loooove the butterfly, it is beautiful.
I hope your mum and dad are doing well,
i’m sure your dad will settle in well, and your mum (lol) of course she means free from the hospital regulations.
That little trick with the clear stamps, is one i have learnt about recently (regional training day) and i must say what a brilliant idea.
take care
I didn’t make it to the last training day … and can’t afford Convention this year … but they are always good for lotsa handy tips. Hugs xxaxx
Sharna
Andrea adds: Hi Sharna! Dad is in a temporary room … I hope they can settle him permanently soon … but for the moment he seems okay. I am feeling a little sad for him tonight … he will be lonely without mum. Isn’t it a neat trick. These little tips are good to share … cos even though usually most of us have seen them … there is always someone who hasn’t. I like to help out!
WOW!! This is amazing!! Love how you stamped the images and then popped with vellum!! WOW again!!!
Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: Thanks Tiffany! It was a great result … and I will have to use it again! Thanks for the double “wow”!!!
Hi Andrea, The card looks so pretty I love the colours I have ordered the “Thanks for Caring” set and now I just can’t wait to use it. It’s good to hear that your father is in a nursing home. Hopefully he will settle and your Mum will settle as well.
I am sure you will love this stamp set. I was a little light on for sympathy stamps … so I know that this will be a welcome addition to my stash! And … so many uses … other than sympathy! Thanks for popping by. Hugs xxaxx
Thanks for sharing
Ingrid
Andrea adds: Hi Ingrid! Thanks … I hope he settles well, too! I am feeling a little sad for him tonight … but I am sure we just all need time to adjust. I was telling Stacey (yesterday ) about meeting you … and she remembered Tracey!
Ooooh ANDREA – I love all your cards but this one has me breathless – LOVE the images and the stamped and coloured velum is just sensational!!!
Hugs xxaxx
xXx
Andrea adds: Breathless???!!! Wow! What a compliment from the queen of story cards! Thanks for the lovely comment!
How exciting – just realised I could “borrow” this fabulous technique for a card I’m working on – thanx for the FABULOUS inspiration my friend – was wondering how to make it “special”
xXx
Andrea adds: LOL … not sure which technique you are talking about … but will be sure to pop by your blog and check it out! Thanks again, Debbie! Hugs xxaxx
WOW Andrea!! Oh my that stamping therapy did you some good, you came up with this amazing card…love the butterflies, the texture, and the perfect bow. And vellum?? SO creative!!
Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: Hi Kerin! Thanks so much for your excitement. It is always so lovely to get positive feedback from my stamping mentors! (Did you know that you were one?)
Andrea, that card is so pretty, love the colored vellum, lovely and soft. Loving the pics on FB.
Get some you time and lots of Bree cuddles before your Mum’s op,
Fi x
Andrea adds: Thanks Fi! Always up on what it going on with me! It is so heart warming to have the support of my blog friends. Mum’s op will be here before I know it. But … I am not going to think about that just yet. Still need to focus on Dad being happy in his new surroundings. Thanks for popping by so regularly. I hope to return the favour today and do some overdue blurfing! Hugs xxaxx
Wow! What a stunning card! I love the popped up vellum elements. So dramatic!!!
Andrea adds: Thanks Patti! I am getting such lovely compliments for this card. So appreciated after an enforced break in stamping. It felt so good to stamp again … and I was happy with this one! Hugs xxaxx
Love the card, design, colors…everything about it!
Hugs!
Andrea adds: Hi Leslee! Thanks for popping by again! Hoping to visit your blog today! Hugs xxaxx
Oooh, love the vellum look. Such a sweet card!
Andrea adds: It’s amazing how a simple element makes a card pop! The vellum is definitely that extra touch for this card! Hugs xxaxx
This is adorable!
I love the use of vellum. Great idea to line up all your stamps on the clear mount and do it all at once! And I’ll definitely be using the bakers twine hint.
Cheers
Sonia
Andrea adds: Hi blog buddy! Hope life is treating you well … and you are getting to stamp! I am looking forward to sharing with you at INK4U! (Just hope I have the time to participate as I would like to.) Hopefully it will be a nice respite … after all the busy-ness of the last few weeks. Thanks for your lovely comment! Hugs xxaxx
Just stopping in to give you a virtual hug. Your life certainly seems to have taken some major twists recently. Thinking of you today and hoping that you and yours are all well (and that you have some time with that precious new baby).
Andrea adds: The virtual hug was really warm, thanks Traci! I have such lovely blog buddies … who have supported and encouraged me over a stressful few weeks. I feel very blessed! Hugs xxaxx
Such a gorgeous card, those colours are simply beautiful. I love adding vellum layers, they are so soft and really lift an image – and yours look divinely sweet! Glad to hear your dad is settled and hope you and your mum get a chance for some R & R before the next onslaught! xxhugs
Andrea adds: It’s amazing how many details need to be organised when someone goes into a new nursing home. So … it has still been pretty hectic this week. But … hopefully next week will be a little easier! Thanks for your thoughts! Hugs xxaxx
Congratulations on the top pick, wow you have had so much going on in your life at the moment. Glad your dad is settled and you will make some more time for lots of cuddles.
Andrea adds: Hi Kathryn! So nice to see you. I imagine you are off to Convention soon. I will miss seeing you! But … I do hope you have lotsa fun … and I look forward to hearing all about it! Hugs xxaxx
Beautiful card! The coloring on your butterfly is AMAZING!!! What a great color combination as well — just gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along this week at Stamping 411! Blessings, Gretchen
Andrea adds: Thanks Gretchen for the lovely surprise … a Stampers Showcase spot! It was such a thrill. Hugs xxaxx
I LOVE this card! The vellum is the perfect touch, well done. And thank you for the inspiration… will have to dig out the vellum and have a go myself. xx
Andrea adds: Isn’t it pretty!? I must remember to use it more often, too! Hugs xxaxx
total gorgeousness! Wow!!! Thanks so much for playing along with us, and congrats on being an operator pick of the week this week!
Andrea adds: Thanks Selene! It is such a thrill to get a spot on the Showcase! I was so happy! Thanks for your lovely comment! Hugs xxaxx
This is really lovely! I love the images in that set and you have done a wonderful job with it. Your place in the Showcase is well-deserved!
Andrea adds: Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my sketch card, Leena! It is always lovely to get feedback! Hugs xxaxx
oh my goodness missy this is GORGEOUS!!!! NO wonder you won there was no competition you rocked this sketch with beauty!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! WOW!!!! can you tell i really love this card. You did an awesome job and I am thinking all the endorphins being produced from lving you new grand baby are making your creative bones jump for joy!!! Have a great week and congrats on your win at Stampin411!!!!
Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: What a gorgeous comment, Donna … and particularly coming from you … makes it even sweeter! I am soooo glad you liked this one! My new grand daughter must be giving me some inspiration!
STUNNING! This is wonderful Andrea – these images are beautiful & you have made them even more so with the vellum features. Great tips too!
Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: I love to share!!!