July 2011 Release Day 2

Welcome back to day 2 of our July Release! I am so thrilled with how much you guys are enjoying the previews so far. Just two more days until the entire release is available for purchase.

So let's continue, shall we. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Hope Seed Co. and our Vintage Envelope die.

Hope Seed Co.

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 23 stamps; 4 flower images, 18 sentiment builders and 1 border frame
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

Vintage Envelope Die

• coordinates with Hope Seed Co. stamp set
• measures approx. 3.5" tall x 2.75" wide when folded and assembled
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $18

When I sat down to design Hope Seed Co., I wanted to capture the elements from those old vintage seed packets, but I also wanted to create something useful. Not just ephemera. So where the flower names would traditionally be, I've swapped them out for the sentiments, "Friendship", "Warm Wishes", "Good Luck", etc... So you can send Good Luck seeds, or Friendship blooms. Each phrase is a separate stamp and many with various versions, so you really can mix and match to your heart's content. You could even fill the generously sized Vintage Envelope with actual seeds or tuck in a gift card.

My first project does just that.

I've created a matching card and gift card holder. So cute and so easy to make. I started by stamping the frame and my sentiments onto a white rectangle of cardstock. I could have stamped this directly onto the envelope, but I knew I wanted to matte it with patterned paper.

Since I wanted to pop my flowers up, I stamped the poppy image onto a separate piece of cardstock so that I could color and trim it out. Again, I could have stamped this directly, but then I couldn't pop it up. ;o)

Next I die cut the Vintage Envelope. This die is just perfect. So many uses, I've even cut the top off and used a 1" circle punch at the top to create a library card pocket. Two-for-one! The score lines are perfect and work beautifully on thin patterned paper as well as thick cardstock.

To assemble the envelope, fold along score lines and use a strong hold adhesive. The quarter inch Tacky Tape is the perfect width a strong.

Next I die cut another Vintage Envelope from patterned paper. I used the front and the flap to decorate my plain white envelope. I just love the detail on the flap, don't you?

For my matching card, I used the same poppy image and a couple of different sentiments. Omitted the border frame and stamped everything directly onto a rectangle. I added another die cut flap to the top and rounded the bottom corners. Then I used a couple of border punches to add a few of the beautiful patterns from Echo Park's For The Record collection. L.O.V.E.

Next up, a little number using C'est la vie, Defining Words, Hope Seed Co., and just a bit of Brothers & Sisters thrown in for good measure. I started by stamping the Friend Synonym text background across the bottom half of my card. I added a bit of cream crocheted trim and black twill wrapped with some twine. I added a little "Thankful" label from Hope Seed Co..

For my focal image, I used another of the flowers included in today's set, matted with the Label Layers 2 die and matching frame from C'est la vie.

And another variation using a similar layout/idea. This time I stamped the poppy image repeatedly to create my background paper. I then added a Label Layers 1 die with the All Occasion Label die. This is a smart sophisticated look for those of us who a)can't color, b)don't like to color or c)don't have time to color. LOL

Finally, I just wanted to share a sweet tag. I used the Friend Synonym text block from Defining Words along with the crown from C'est la vie. Add a little distressing, some seam binding and a key trinket and you've got a vintage treasure. I added the little "For You, With Love" on my mini tag from Damask Frames.

And that concludes Day 2 my friends. I have just touched the tip of the iceberg in regards to the crafty potential here. Be sure to visit the Design Team for even more ideas and inspiration:

• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin

Tomorrow we reveal the entire release. But today we are giving away Hope Seed Co. and the Vintage Envelope die! Would you like a chance to win them? Leave a comment by 11:59 PM EST July 8th and I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here. Good luck, thanks for joining us, and I hope to see you tomorrow!