Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Inspiration Hop, Day 1: "Holiday Basket" and "Under the Weather"

Welcome to day 1 of our Inspiration Hop with the new sets, I hope you had a GREAT time at the release party last night! I am so excited to tell you about my new "Holiday Basket" set! This Longaberger style basket, flower bunches and petite version of three of the flowers and leaf elements from the "A Year of Flowers" set coordinate with "Spring Basket", "Basket Buddies" and "Basket Blessings", you will love mixing all these images! Of course all these new images will fit in the other basket and vice versa. Additionally, these work beautifully with all my other hand drawn nature sets.
The first card I am sharing today uses the basket and bunch of roses. First I stamped the basket, covered it with a mask, and then stamped the roses in Memento Rich Cocoa. Remove the mask and color! three are SO many ways to color this basket, here I created a two tone look to emphasize the warp and weft of the weave (I will be back with step by step Copic photos of how I colored it after our hops, still need to upload the photos) My inspiration was this gorgeous DP from the Basic Grey Curio pack (I tore the edge to add some texture like the curling rose petals). Stamp the handle twice, cut out and attach with brads. Edges are sponged with Antique Linen, Tattered Rose and Vintage Photo Distressing Inks. Cardstock is Pure Luxury White, Ivory, and Black Onyx.
For my next card I wanted to do a quicker one with just two layers and no basket. The flower bunches alone look beautiful inside an embossed frame or die cut. When you stamp or emboss one of the long greetings included in the set underneath it fills up the whole space so elegantly! That's all you need! :)
I traced the embossed border with a Sakura Stardust pen as tracing a few parts of the image to the flowers and added a 3 mm pearl to the center of each.

Finally I have the card I shared yesterday, I realized I didn't give you details about how I made it! Originally I colored the basket and flowers, but then decided I really wanted that pumpkin cardstock I used on the die cut mat to "pop", so I paper pieced over it, stamping it in brown and no shading. I think it looks really rich without any coloring! Flowers and handles are popped up for dimension.
This is a straight greeting, but is long and narrow enough to curve it on the block, isn't that pretty going around the flowers? (When I was bending it, I was thinking I would use it to sort of "suggest" a curved handle, but then I really wanted to use the handles I drew so I added those anyway, hee hee! I'll do another card like that, okay?) Cardstock is Pure Luxury White, Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate Brown, Fresh Asparagus and Wild Dandelion. Come on fall colors, I am so ready for you!) I used my new Classic Petal Edgeabilities for the side which I thought went perfectly with the petals and leave in this image. Tip: Cut a skinny strip of the green cardstock to place behind the dots to add color to your die cut border. This card measures 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". The basket and whatever it's holding is a large image, it works well on A2 cards, but the scale is also lovely for bigger cards like these, I need to make them more often...


Next we have "Under the Weather" by Rupa Shevde, an adorable set of images and greetings perfect for sending get well wishes! I used this little teddy with his arm in a sling and paper pieced his bandages with Echo Park "Walk in the Park" DP.
I added just a touch of shading with Copics B00, B000 and R83 for the ears. I used some scraps of the polka dot paper to make my own "bandage" since I didn't have any coordinating ribbon, and free cut a little heart from Lipstick Red Pure Luxury CS to match the mat. I added a button and hemp (see it, XO?? get it?) and a little heart brad secures the sentiment pennant. Card base is Pure Luxury Bubblegum Pink.

Enjoy hopping with the rest of the team, and don't forget to leave comments all along the way for chances to win a free set of your choice from Gina K Designs, the more comments you leave the more chances you have to win!

117 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness I LOVE all the baskets and those pointsettias (?) are amazing!! (And yay I'm your 400th follower. Sorry it took so long :D)

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  2. Oh I love this new stamp ad what you have done with it

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  3. These are all so wonderful! Those poinsettias are colored beautifully and the tiny touch of sparkle in their centers is so festive!

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  4. All are so awesome Mel!! I really love that one with the poinsettias inside the frame...I've done one almost like it, lol! :D

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  5. Melanie- I am in awe! All three are wonderful!

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  6. These stamps are so great and sure don't need to stress that. Thanks much for sharing your gorgeous cards!!

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  7. So many possibilities from one set of stamps!

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  8. These illustrations are so beautiful and I love the basket cards. So lovely

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  9. Such a beautiful new set, and wow it coordinates with so many others. You have done it yet again Melanie, and thank you for your beautiful inspirational cards.

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  10. I just love these stamp sets.. You have always amazed me with your ideas.

    Thanks for sharing

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  11. LOVE LOVE how you framed the poinsettias!!! The small glitter amount is just perfect! Your roses are GORGEOUS in the colors you chose to match the DP!!!! This is a beautiful basket and one I think I actually didn't do to bad a job coloring. Hee Hee

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  12. All super gorgeous!! Love your work.

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  13. Outstanding coloring on your basket! Cute little bear with the spotted sling! :)

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  14. I love this basket set and that it coordinates with several other sets makes it even more appealing. I am drawn to sets that give you so many options, allowing your creativity to flow!!! Love your samples, the colors you've chosen are perfect.
    catherinesangels@yahoo.com

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  15. Beautiful work! Thisis going on the wish list1

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  16. Wowzers! You have done some amazing things with your new set. And... you are an amazing artist! Creativity is literally dripping from your fingers and inspiring all of us! Thanks for demonstrating both of the new sets! Woohoo!

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  17. Fabulous and thanks for all the tips.

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  18. I like how you have used each of these sets. Thank you for sharing your great ideas!

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  19. I LOVE the set and I thought that was enough. Saw the 1st card and it was stunning but then the rest also blew me out of the water. Can I come stay with you for a week and you can ??

    Vicki Thompson

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  20. Absolutely love these! Great set - great cards! Always love your work Mel.

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  21. That's some of my very favorite BG paper, too, Mel! It's wonderful with some of my favorite rose colors! Your poinsettia card is SO striking -- love the simple elegance! And your sweet bear card is just adorable!

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  22. Love, love, LOVE StampTV bloghops - this design crew is so talented - including you, Melanie - really like the basket! Adding it to my "wish list" - Thank you for sharing!

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  23. I can't tell you how much I love the basket and what you can do with it. The pointsettias are beautiful, I love that set.

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  24. Love your designs and creativity with the stamps. wonderful cards.

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  25. Melanie,
    Love your samples, they are just beautiful. Thanks for sharing, now I have to get that set.

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  26. Oh my, you've done it again! Holiday Basket is a great set.

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  27. Love this set! Soo many possibilities!

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  28. I had decided not to order this set until I saw the versatility in your cards. Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas.

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  29. What great cards - especially all the basket ones. Just beautiful!

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  30. Loved your Logenberger Basket design. Your flowers are very realistic!

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  31. I love, love, love your new stamp set!!! I ordered it right away. :) I can't wait to play with these stamps.

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  32. Oh do I love these!!!! http://visionsofpaper.blogspot.com/

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  33. Your cards are so sweet Mel! My favorite one is the card with your basket with the brads at the handles so they look like they are moving. Even though your baskets are gorgeous, their fillers look so terrific on their own too! Love what you did with Rupa's teddy bear too.

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  34. love, love, love this new basket! Can't wait for mine to arrive.

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  35. Melanie, your cards are so pretty! I LOVE your new set. I have several of your floral sets and LOVE THEM ALL! :)

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  36. Beautiful cards! I love the Fall colors!

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  37. All of those cards are just awesome!

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  38. Beautiful baskets, Melanie! I especially love your color combo on the last one. Makes my head wonder ahead to Thanksgiving! TFS

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  39. What an awesome stamp set...this is my first time here....you have a very nice blog page....My name is karen...

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  40. What a beautiful stamp set...I saw Gina create a card with the basket today...it was beautiful...

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  41. I love this dessin, especially the basket with the roses, lovely!

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  42. Your cards are very beautiful..thanks for sharing
    mema

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  43. Yowza! You've been busy! Love the basket card (well ALL of your cards) but the roses and the basket one is def my favorite! Gorgeous colors & coloring!

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  44. So sorry to have missed the party - I think it's the first one I missed. ;0( I love the new holiday basket set and Rupa's under the weather - I've got some GKD shopping to do.

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  45. Your newest designs are special since they coordinate with earlier sets you have made. Such a variety of ways to use them, too!

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  46. Oh, Melanie, your work is so beautiful. There aren't words to describe the gorgeous sets you've created!

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  47. absoutely beautiful as usual. You are so talented.

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  48. Love your beautiful cards. There are so many things you can do with this basket set. Love it!!!!

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  49. This is such a versitile stamp set, I can see it being used for almost any occassion. The coloring is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
    RuthAnn

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  50. Beautiful stamp set and so very versatile, too!

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  51. Great new set Melanie! Rupa set is cute too!

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  52. I can't believe all the varied uses you made with the basket set?! Awesome and so versatile! TFS!

    Kris in Alaska
    funamom at yahoo dot com

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  53. Oh, my! So many great ideas! Thanks! I love your new set more than my pocketbook, unfortunately. I'm supposed to be on a "Stamp set fast" but I have GOT to have this set ASAP.

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  54. you create truly beautiful and professional looking cards.

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  55. What great cards!!! Especially love the two tone basket and the poinsettia card.

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  56. I am very selective in the stamp set I purchase, but this set will be among them. The set and your sample cards are just beautiful.

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  57. Absolutely gorgeous cards, Melanie!!

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  58. Beautiful projects! These stamps look so versitle.

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  59. Oh my gosh, I like all of your cards, my favorite would be the poinsettas. So nice.

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  60. Love the basket!! Endless ideas using that wonderful stamp. What a talent you are!!

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  61. Oh My Holy Crafts!!!! You are amazing!!! All of your cards are stunning!!! I love them all!!!! So many wonderful ideas here! Thank you so much!

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  62. Your designs are gorgeous. The basket card is so detailed, love the colors. The flower card is beautiful i it's simplicity

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  63. Oh My! When your site popped onto my screen, I drew breath in.... simply gorgeous. Thank you for all your creativity and stamps.

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  64. I absolutely love the floweres (my favorite). The combination with the basket is beautiful

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  65. love the all...the little sad face on the bear just melts your heart.

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  66. my favourite is card # 2!!!! love it...

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  67. love the simplicity of the poinsettias! I think I need that embossing folder. Your sunflower basket is beautiful & so cute with the XO - would make a great kid's get well card

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  68. Very nice cards! Very Cute stamp sets! Way to inspire us! You have a done a wonderful job on them!
    Thank you,
    Kristy

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  69. Your baskets are great- lots of ideas!

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  70. OOOOOOOOOOOO allllllll of the possibilities with this set. Your cards are grrrreaaaaaaaat. Thanks for all the tips/ideas.
    Jean McGee

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  71. Very nice...love all the designs

    Nancy

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  72. Wonderful addition to your basket series. I love all your samples especially the embossed frame one with the pointsettias

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  73. Love this new stamp, a girl could never have enough flowers!

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  74. I love that new basket set. But then, I think I love all your sets.

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  75. What a beautiful set. The basket, the variety of flowers - Wow!

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  76. Your latest basket set is gorgeous. I love the way you've colored the basket with the roses. The poinsettia card is fabulous.

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  77. Beautiful cards ... loving that basket!

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  78. Great cards; love all the details. This is a fabulous stamp set. I hope I win! It's great that it coordinates with the other set too.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  79. Love your cards.

    craftymom205 at yahoo dot com

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  80. Beautiful projects, I love the colors and design.

    Carol B
    ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

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  81. Busy lady. Love all your cards. Love the embossed frame on your poinsettia card.

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  82. Gorgeous cards! Love the new basket and the poinsettias are beautiful. Love what you did with that adorable little bear, too!

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  83. I love all of your cards, they are wonderful, the baskets are cute.
    alisha.moorenielsen@gmail.com
    http://scrappin-happens.blogspot.com/

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  84. I love this new set and your card is beautiful. I am so sorry about the fires and will remember you all in my prayers. I guess 5

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  85. I love, love, LOVE your new basket stamp set. Hope I can get it soon or better yet win it! I love all the designs. Can't wait to see what the others have too.

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  86. Such a versatile set of stamps. You can do so much with that basket set. Amazing!

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  87. This is such a great set, Melanie!! You never fail to impress!!

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  88. fabulous cards as always. love your new basket. it does look great without and shading....cause it is an awesome drawing! Hugs!

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  89. Love both of these stamps. I always love your cards you do a great job.

    Elaine Wood

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  90. I just love the color combos you used for all of the cards!!! Beautiful!! You are so talented!!!

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  91. Gorgeous projects! Great set, Mel!

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  92. Fabulous cards!! Love your new set, Melanie! And the Under the Weather card is so cute.

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  93. Great job. All the cards are brilliant!

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  94. I love this set beyond words. So versatile and year long usable too.
    I love your poinsettia card. So very pretty with the embossing and pearls.

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  95. this basket is fabulous and I love the floral stamps to go with it. Fabulous cards

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  96. OMG OMG OMG!!!! I am so glad I saw these, espescially the flowery one....Thank u for sharing....u give me ideas to make creations I would have never thought of otherwise!!!!

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  97. Mel, your work is awesome, love them all, and thanks for all the little tips!! This is a must have set!!
    Already have your other two!!
    Thank for sharing
    Donna

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  98. Melanie,
    I loved your other sets, but this Holiday Baskets is gorgeous and the framed pointsettia card - Wow!!
    If I don't get any others, I definitely have to have this set. Super stamp set.
    Marcie

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  99. Always love looking at your creations. Your cards are so inspiring! Love them all!

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  100. I love the Curio paper with the roses & basket. Thanks! for the inspiration!

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  101. Love these Melanie! I think I'm going to "need" your new set!

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  102. Don't know how you managed to make a picnic basket look elegant, but you did! Love these card and your beautiful coloring.

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  103. STUNNING cards with your set - love how you were able to capture a different mood with the same sets.

    Your get well card is precious. That x is just the perfect touch!

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  104. Love the basket and all its possibilites. The get well set is cute. Thanks for all your inspiration

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  105. THUD.......and THUD again!!!!!!! Seriously your flower baskets are truly works of art!!! Stunning!!!

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  106. Your basket cards and poinsettia cards are Awesome!!!

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Your generous feedback helps make my work and this blog better! Thanks for inspiring and motivating me! :)