I don’t often stamp on Sundays as there usually just isn’t time, but this evening I made some time. And the fun thing about stamping on Sundays is the Featured Stamper Challenge at SCS. Going through someone’s gallery to choose a card to CASE is like being a kid in a candy store — especially when the gallery is as beautiful as Chelemom’s. I saw this lovely vintage card of Michele’s and knew instantly that was MY card for tonight!!! I followed it pretty closely as you can see, but I did change the colors and some of the embellishments, plus I added machine stitching and a monogram instead of a heart. Here it is:

Since I don’t even own Kraft cardstock (but I did put it on my list — LOL!), I decided to go with some pretty pastels for this card. I chose the new Euphoria pad by Basic Grey for my designer paper and SU Soft Sky Textured for my card base. The accent colors are SU Rose Red and SU Basic Gray. I really like this color combo! I also really like this layout because all of the interest is concentrated in one area. To me that makes it easier –a smaller area on which to focus and work — a small little collage — very workable!!!

Let’s start with the base layer of designer paper. Since I was going to use real lace, I decided to sew it on with my machine. I use my standard sewing machine, but I’m so happy to see so many of you getting the small machines and delving into sewing on your cards — especially those of you who have never sewn before — fun!!! I’ll show you how I sewed this lace and DP onto the Rose Red base:

I first put a bit of tape on the back of my DP to hold it in place on the panel. I then wrapped my lace piece around the back on both sides (I’m real finicky about NOT cutting the edges of ribbon or lace — I never want frayed edges poppoing out — so I always wrap around to the back, or totally around the card, depending on my layering). I just really like the finished look that ribbon or lace wrapped around gives you, as opposed to cut. I then sewed the lace on over the DP with a simple straight stitch. And, as you can see, I then used a cross stitch for a decorative accent on top. I also used a straight stitch around the perimeter of my pink square panel.

These are the backs of the same pieces. I am also very finicky about NOT wanting stray threads hanging out. I use my little stitch ripper tool and pull all the threads to the back side and then I tack them down with tape. Now when I go to permanently adhere these panels to my card, I don’t have to worry about any strings or loose ends as everything is pulled to the back and tucked neatly inside.

And here’s a close up of all the detail on this card. After adhering the sewn panel to the card front it is then time to start having fun!!! The first thing I did is wrapped my Pink Sheer Ribbon around the card front and tied it on the side. Next I adhered my pink stitched square panel. On top of that I adhered my monogram on mounting tape, and we’ll get to the monogram in just a bit. The star was just a piece of white cardstock stamped with the retired SU French Script, punched with the large SU star punch, with the edges sponged and aEuphoria Basic Grey Bradattached in the center. I then punched a small Rose Red heart with my Heart Nestabilities, pierced a hole in it to run the Silver Stretch Cording from SU and tied it onto the center knot of the Pink Sheer bow. I put a little Dimensional under the heart to keep it in place. I then used a pin with beads from SU’s Pretties Kit — love those pins!!! And that pretty well finished it off!!! But I’d like to tell you more about how I created the monogram.

I used the small wooden stamper, called the Classic Stamper, made by JustRite. I often use their larger C-45, but today I was just doing this one card, so the small wooden stamper fit the bill just perfectly. This JustRite DIY Monogram Stamper Kit has the Damask Borders and Times New Roman font. I LOVE this one!!! And with any of these JustRite Kits — all the rings and letters fit the C-45 — love how all the accessories are totally interchangeable between the Wooden Classic Stampers and the larger C-45. I like to use the C-45 if I am producing multiples, and these wooden kits when I’m just doing one or two monograms.

Anyway, as you can see from the photo, I used my SU markers to color the rubber — Rose Red for the initial and Going Gray for the decorative border. I love doing these in 2 colors — I think it adds a lot!!! And it’s so easy to do!!! Once stamped, I cut and embossed the edges of the monogram with my Petite Circle Nestabilities by Spellbinders. I cut and embossed a mat in Basic Gray and then a scalloped edge in Rose Red. Love all the options using the Nestabilities gives you — and they work so perfectly with these monograms!!! I added some stickyback Pearls where appropriate on my Damask border and adhered the monogram to the card front with mounting tape — and DONE!!! Vintage, personalized, and pretty!!! I love it!!! Hope you do to!!!

• Stamps: JustRite DIY Monogram Stamper Kit with Damask Borders, retired French Script by SU
• Paper: SU: Textured Soft Sky, Rose Red, Basic Gray. White. Euphoria DP by Basic Grey.
• Ink: Palette Hybrid Charcoal. SU Markers in Rose Red and Going Gray.
• Accessories: Pink Sheer Ribbon, Petite Circle Nestabilities, Classic Heart Nestabilities, SU Large Star Punch, SU Pretties Kit, SU Silver Stretch Cording, Pearls, Basic Grey Euphoria Brads, Mounting Tape, Dimensionals, Sponge, Sewing Machine, Thread.

Thanks so much for stopping in again! I truly do appreciate all your visits and comments. If you find these more detailed instructions helpful, please let me know. I aim to please! Hope your week is off to a great start!!! Tomorrow brings my regular 10 Minute Tuesday project!!! So if that interests you, see you then!!!