I can't believe Sale a Bration is almost over!  I love so many of the offerings especially this Amazing Phrasing stamp set. It has so many options. 

Here I paired it with the Dots and Spots die that was added as a Sale a Bration item as well as the fun Host Paper Pack "Celebrate Everything".  

Have you ever used a punch to create a background?  The Handmade Tag punch works great for this idea! 

This last card was a fun fold card.  The top flap slips under the kitty cut out.  I stamped the sentiment directly on the Designer Series Paper. 

Be sure to get your orders in before the end of the month to earn this great stamp set and more! Use Host Code ​ZEEXCECK.

I always love the animal set that Stampin' Up! offers during Sale a Bration and the hippos are no exception.  They are so cute! I had a lot of fun playing around with just the stamps and with the coordinating dies you can also earn.

​Using a stamp to create a background tone on tone is a go to technique for me.  It's easy and cute! Plus any stamp that I can color with Blends is a fun one. 

I did a little paper piecing for the tutu on this one. And you know I  never miss a good pun! 

This card really shows off some of the fun dies that are included. 

Welcome to another Monday Montage Blog Hop.  Glad to have you stop by! 

I decided to play around with the new Apple Harvest stamp set.  The images are perfect for coloring so I thought I'd try a few different ways. 

First up I used my Blends. I stamped the image on Basic White with Memento Black and used Poppy Parade, Granny Apple Green and Light Soft Suede to color the image.  I did have to add some Wink of Stella on the apples because who doesn't love sparkle? For the papers I paired it with the Host Paper Pack Celebrate Everything. A piece of vellum helped to soften the whole look. I think this would be an easy layout to CASE.

Did you happen to catch the sneak peek in the corner?  Coming September 1 you can order dies to go with this set! 

Here's a closer look.  I think you can almost see the sparkle from the Wink of Stella. When I color with Blends I like to start with the darker color which I tend to use around edges or lines.  I then use the lighter color to do the blending and soften the colors. Personally, I don't think there is a right or wrong way to use them.  I encourage people to simply play and not worry about being perfect. 

For this card I stamped the apple on water color paper and then used ink and my Water Painters to water color the image. I love having dies to go with a set! As much as I don't mind fussy cutting it's so much easier with a die. 

If you haven't checked out the Gingham Cottage paper pack you need to do so. It is a huge paper pack with great patterns and colors.  You get 48 sheets in this pack! It was a perfect choice to pair with this apple along with vellum again. 

I used Old Olive and Real Red on this card. 

Which do you think you prefer?  Blends or water color?  Interested in recreating these projects?  Use the links below and be sure to use Host Code 7SWG62TK.  Sale a Bration is still going so don't miss out on your FREE items. 

Click next to hop along to Wendy or back for Elizabeth.