Every time a new Stampin’ Up! catalog launches, there is always one stamp set that just speaks to my soul. In the new August – December Mini Catalog the stamp set that stole my heart is the simply elegant Life is Beautiful stamp set. I absolutely adore the understated elegance of this set. Just a few images and yet so many options for creating beautiful, one of a kind greeting cards.
This is one of those sets that are perfect for all levels of stampers. Whether you are just starting to stamp or have been stamping for longer then you care to admit, the Life is Beautiful is a must have (you can order your own set here). I had fun using this set on my weekly Facebook Live (Stampin with Crafty Klock / Crafty Stampers VIP Group). Check out my YouTube video tutorial here (and subscribe to my channel) to see how to make the cards pictured below.
This card is perfect for a newbie. It uses a base of Cajun Craze (8.5″ x 5.5″ scored at 4.25″) with a layer of Whisper White (5.25″ x 4″). The tree is stamped in Soft Suede while the leaves are stamped in Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, and Cajun Craze. I added a 1″ x 2.75″ banner stamped in Garden Green. I used the Banners Pick-a-Punch to flag one end but you could just use paper snips to create the same effect. For a little added pop of color I carefully dipped the edges of the banner in the Garden Green ink. What do you think? Can’t you just hear those crisp leaves crunching underfoot? I love it!
I stepped it up a bit with this card, added lots of layers and embellishments to create a four seasons card – perfect for letting someone special in your life know you are thinking of them all year round. The card base is Night of Navy (8.5″ x 5.5″ scored at 4.25″) with a layer of Seaside Spray (5.25″ x 4″). I stamped the tree in Soft Suede on Whisper White (5″ x 3.5″) and then cut it into four parts (each 7/8″). For the winter scene I used Seaside Spray. For spring I stamped the circles in Flirty Flamingo and the grass in Garden Green. The summer leaves are stamped in Garden Green and I used Stampin’ Write Markers (Mango Melody and Pool Party) to color the bird house stamp before stamping the image. For fall I once again turned to Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry. I added some linen thread around both layers before attaching them to the card base. I punched labels from Night of Navy and Whisper White and stamped the sentiment in Seaside Spray. For a little more bling I added three Rhinestones. I was pretty happy with how it turned out.
I hope you’ll give iLfe is Beautiful a home in your craft room. I promise you won’t regret it. Happy Stampin!
