Crafting Smorgasbord!

Have you ever purchased a package of DSP – Designer Series Paper – or maybe a ribbon or an embellishment and then you never use it? Happens to me quite often and I’m sure to you as well. A prime example is the DSP Sweet Stocking. I like cats, I love dogs, but I really do not like this holiday paper but I have it, so what do I do with it???

This week we are focusing NOT on a bundle or Suite but instead on a process – how to use a mishmash of items we have in our craft arsenal to create something pleasing – A CRAFTING SMORGASBORD you might say!

***So this beautiful snowflake card uses at least 6 different crafting items that have no connection, until they come together in this card!***

Coordination – a Key Component for Stampin Up!

When you purchase a Bundle or Suite from Stampin Up you know that everything is going to coordinate, right? That’s why suites are so very popular! But you can do the same thing working around a specific color with Stampin Up as well. ALL products coordinate when based on one of their 50 color selections! THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF STAMPIN UP’S PRODUCTS – COORDINATION!!!!

The Beauty of Pool Party!

The key of this card is the color Pool Party. I used Pool Party card stock, ribbon, and rhinestones, and began my card with a piece of that Sweet Stocking DSP! You know, the one with the cats and dogs???? That piece of paper would work for MULTIPLE cards – masculine, children, baby, feminine, and yes even Christmas – they are all possible!

***Ok, I did use the Merry Snowflakes Bundle to help create this card, but the coordination was up to me – this is NOT a Suite!***

Adding Texture

In the card above you can see I textured the DSP with the Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder. I love texture. (Except velvet. I refused to wear a velvet dress as a kid – yuck.) I also love anything stitched – I believe I own every stitched die Stampin Up offers! (Can you say OCD??)

Kind of an odd picture, but I wanted you to see the shimmer on this ribbon! Nothing about it says Christmas – and because It’s Pool Party it will COORDINATE with everything Stampin Up offers in that color – AWESOME!

Final Step – Embellishments!

For embellishment, I turned to my annual catalog to see what items Stampin Up offers! The ribbon and the rhinestones (Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels) are carry overs from past catalogs. Real clicker – the gems are Coastal Cabana BUT when added to the card they take on the hue of Pool Party!

Final Thoughts

Suites are wonderful because Stampin Up does everything for you with coordination, but not necessary! Create your own by pulling from your craft arsenal! None of the items I used were marketed together, but they work because I centered around a color choice versus a product choice – a CRAFTING SMORGASBORD! Until next time, keep stamping, keep crafting, and God Bless!