I had such fun in the craft room this weekend! I pulled out my Stamparatus and three background stamps (Crackle Paint, Buffalo Check and Hardwood) and made six of each design in no time flat. The Stamparatus works just like a printing press, and I love that it's easier on my hands than handling really large stamps on big blocks.
Then I stamped a whole sheet of roosters (from the Home to Roost Sale-A-Bration 2019 stamp set) and die-cut them into ovals and squares. I got so many fun layouts out of this stamping session I have broken it up into two posts! So here's the first set of ideas.
The combo of gingham checks and roosters is just a classic! For this card I used a strip of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and added a Stitched Shapes circle cut in half to mimic little flaps. The wooden buttons are adhered with two glue dots each for stability, and then Linen Thread is tied around them as if holding the flaps shut. It's a great tailored look for masculine cards, too!
Next I grabbed one of the Crackle Paint backgrounds I'd stamped and did the same layout, but changed out the stitched flaps for a strip of Crumb Cake cardstock run through the Big Shot with the Corrugated embossing folder. That was a little bit too plain, so I used a Stitched Rectangles shape to run a little border of Cherry Cobbler behind it. Metallic Pearls and gold thread added lots of texture on this one!
I really like this next design! I cut the Everyday Label punch in half lengthwise and used the pieces to make little "shutters" around my square rooster image. They are on dimensionals so they cast a great shadow, but are not so puffy as to interfere with mailing. This treatment of your focal point really helps it pop off the Hardwood background. The busier the background the cleaner and bolder the focal point needs to be.
I hope you've enjoyed these three new layouts and the design tips I've shared today! If you love this kind of behind-the-scenes professional design stuff, you'll love my Cheat Sheets Collections. Each set is packed with layouts, measurements, complete instructions, alternate layouts, cutting or scoring guides and design hints.
Get Cheat Sheets Collections 1-3 free when you sign up for my once-a-week e-newsletter and try them out while you're waiting for the next installment of my farmhouse inspired chicken cards! See you tomorrow.
Can’t wait to see your next installment….these are adorable…
These cards are wonderful! I love this style and the color combo. Thanks, too, for the Valentine card you sent. It was a nice surprise that arrived on a dreary day. Wishing you JOY!