Two Little Bears

 For today's card, I am using "Baby Bear", one of my favorite stamp sets from Stampin' Up's Annual Catalog.  The teddy bear image is stamped using three different images, each one adding a layer of fur.  This is what gives it that realistic look.

As you can see from the sentiments that are included in this set, it can be used for many occasions.  I stamped the card above with no one particular in mind; I just wanted to have a card ready to send to the next person I hear about who could use a hug!

I changed up the colors for the card below, and I might use it as a Valentine card.

For both of these cards I used the Quilt Top embossing folder, to carry out the "cozy/comfort" theme.  This was an item from the Holiday Catalog, which has expired.  But this is one of the products that is still available.  Embossing folders are a very quick & easy way of adding a nice textured background.  

The tip that I am sharing today is one that you are probably already doing, if you are a paper-crafter.  

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #28 - "Fussy-cut" stamped images and mount on your card, to use as the focal point.

So, did you know the term for that is "fussy-cutting"?  I first heard someone say it just a few years ago, although I'd been doing it for years, and it struck me as funny!  I would probably refer to it as "precision-cutting".  Anyway, images don't always have to be stamped directly on to the front of the card.  Sometimes you may want to make a bigger impact by fussy-cutting them and then you could make them stand out even more by using dimensional dots, which is what I did on these cards. 

If you have questions about these cards or would like to order any stamping supplies, you can email me at godismydelight@yahoo.com.

Teddy Bears For Evie

We celebrated the 2nd birthday of our youngest grandaughter, Evie, last Thursday night.  As you can tell, she was excited!  When we arrived, she started jumping up and down.  She smiled, sang, and danced all evening.  The best part was watching her face as she opened each gift!

My gift to her was a cute little teddy bear family from Calico Critters and also a board book called Little Fur Family.  I used the Baby Bear stamp set to embellish the gift bag.

The set includes 3 teddy bear images that are made to layer on top of each other.  This creates a very realistic-looking teddy bear!  This was my first time to use this set & I am pleased with the way it turned out.

I am looking forward to making more teddy bear cards, which I think will be suitable for several occasions - birthday, Valentines day, thinking-of-you, get well, or just a card to send someone who needs a little comfort.

I made the background of my tag using the Quilt Top embossing folder.  It is from the Holiday Catalog, but it is one of the few items that is being carried over and will still be available for awhile.  This is a quick way to add texture to a project, and the quilt pairs perfectly with the teddy bear.

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #23 - Use stamps and accessories to make tags to tie onto gift bags.

Thanks for taking a look at this week's blogpost.  I enjoy sharing tips here each Thursday, that hopefully inspire you or give you some new ideas.  The new year will be here soon, bringing many more occasions to celebrate and commemorate.  Stampin' Up has many products to make it easy to do just that; let me know if there is anything you would like to order!