Yes. You did read that correctly - this is my 'thank you' post for Tom who may not shop, doesn't have grandiose ideas about gift giving, but sure does know when to say ...'here's my card - buy what you'd like for your birthday.'
What did I buy? The Ton has the most wonderful stencils and one in particular caught my eye recently when Vera Yates shared THIS gorgeous number on The Ton blog using the Gentle Peonies Layering Stencils. Vera's colors were just gorgeous - she shares how she seldom cleans her blending brushes so the colors were often a mixture of different inks. I used that as my 'challenge' as I DO clean my brushes quite well on a microfibre cloth. No worries, I found I could mimic her look by just nudging the colors over into another when advantageous.
Here's what that looks like:
Since I'm reminded of the slipcovers I made for an old couch, I gave this one the look of fabric using that favored [retired] SU Subtle Texture EF. A very simple yet perfect sentiment from Honey Bee and my appreciation was well shown and shared with Just us Girls #705
That is the perfect gift...lol. Love what you have done with these stencils...the coloring is just gorgeous. I think often times the layered stencils produce lovelier results than the layers stamps. I am bowled over by both cards...and thanks for the tip on using both layers of the stamp separately...I have several and you have inspired me to try something new. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYou know... I've seen cards made with this stencil before, but never this beautiful. I'm simply agog. Your sentiments look great and I love the idea of separating the dies for a whole other look. The third card using the Subtle EF is absolutely mouthwatering. I use that folder more than anything else in my stamp room, I think. Thanks for the beauty today, Michele!
ReplyDeleteThose are the best presents (the ones you buy yourself). Thanks for sharing these stencils, they are new to me and I am impressed they look amazing. Perhaps it is just the skill of a very skilled card maker. They are all stunning. Something else for my wishlist xx
ReplyDeleteTom works just like James does. He says that the only person who knows just what i want, is me--lol! Love that pretty stencil but more I love the colours you chose to use with it! Beautiful cards my friend. Thank you cards are on the docket today!!
ReplyDeleteI think I may just have to start buying my own presents from now on, especially if they are as thoughtful as this one, well done Tom (wink)! I now wonder if I am in need of this stencil set... what are your enabling thoughts on that lol.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you bought that stencil, Michele. I think it's the most beautiful one I've ever seen and of course your ink choices are what really brought those peonies to life.
ReplyDeleteOH WOW ... kudo's to hubby for know what would make you happy on your birthday! Yes, OMG Vera's card is gorgeous and you should be proud of these beauties ... they are amazing! I love the TON stencils ... hmmm might have to look into this one! THANKS Ms. Enabler! LOL BEAUTIFUL inspiration my friend ... thanks!
ReplyDeletePerfect birthday gift indeed! Way to go, Tom! And oh my your cards are absolutely stunning, Michele!!! Gorgeous color combos!!! I don't have any of the layering stencils from The Ton...yet...this just might need to be my first one ;) Thanks for the enabling!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Gorgeous cards Michele. No time wasted using your new stencil ... and we are all benefiting from that!! The colours on both sets looks amazing together. Love the two cards with your green / blue combination and also appreciate how you've used your 2-part sentiment differently. So creative! The purple green combo is amazing as well. And LOVE that texture paper you've used. Great work, Michele! xx
ReplyDeleteYep, he's a keeper! I must say I love your "gift"!! Wow are these ever beautiful, Michele. The last one, with the subtle embossing (still kicking myself for not buying that one!) is perfectly dreamy!
ReplyDeleteTom has a perfect idea for gift giving, Michele! And I love these stenciled cards! All are gorgeous! I may need to look for this stencil.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards with those stencils. Love the colors. Happy Belated Birthday wishes.
ReplyDeleteWow those peonies are amazing! Tom gets great gifts - but you have a wonderful artsy gift yourself my friend!
ReplyDeleteBoth color combinations are truly GORGEOUS Michele and all 3 cards simply STUNNING! I definitely want to play with this stencil when we get together!! Tom (and you!) sure picked out a great gift and YOU made it SHINE!! Hugs. :0)
ReplyDeleteSimply said - STUNNING! Your colors are gorgeous, the blending beautiful and layout for both -- perfect, Michele
ReplyDeleteWe are so lucky...you have a keeper and...so do I:-) I LOVE all your beautifully stenciled floral cards and color choices, Michele. After seeing your use of the Subtle dry EB Folder over your 3rd card...I am inspired to get my folder out. It is such a nice subtle effect:-) TFS your beauties, my friend. Love and Hugs...Nancy
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to Tom! These cards are stunning. Oh my gosh, you have THE best collection of inks and you know how to use them to their prettiest advantage! Your eye for design is impeccable. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI can't even stand this one... I actually uttered and expletive when I saw it. Then them. Just WOW! That is all.
ReplyDeleteNow we're ALL heading over to the Ton to get that stencil! But it's the colors you chose and the story behind it that makes it such a special card.
ReplyDeleteThese are incredibly stunning! What a gorgeous stencil set you've used to perfection. I love the colors and incredible detail. These are showstoppers for sure!
ReplyDeleteTom IS a keeper, for sure! Your stenciled cards are gorgeous!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTom sure knows how to make you happy, Michele! All of these three cards are gorgeous! Love the beautiful colors you chose for the peonies and the way you "nudged colors over into another"! I wash blending brushes with water after each use. Maybe I should stop doing that! ;-P
ReplyDeleteAnd how ingenious to think of using the sentiment shadow layer without the top layer part!
Hideko xx