The Rain or Shine Release is Here!

Welcome class!

If you're looking for an elegant yet vibrant thank-you card design, this project is perfect! Using brand-new products from the Simon Says Stamp's NEW Rain or Shine Release, including the Pretty Poppies Dies, Pepita Background Stamp, and CZ Designs Thank You Basics Stamps, we’ll create a layered, dimensional card with soft ink blending and beautiful floral accents. This release is filled with fresh, spring-inspired designs, making it perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your handmade cards.

So here's the lesson plan:

Step 1: Prepare Your Card Base

Cut a piece of white cardstock to 4.25” x 5.5” to create your standard A2-sized card base. 

Step 2: Stamp the Pepita Background

Using the Pepita Background Stamp, lightly ink it with clear embossing ink and use clear embossing ink and stamp it onto your card base.  I didn't stamp it cleanly as I wanted a distressed look.  Once it's been embossed with clear embossing powder, blend lightly over it with a pastel ink.  I used Simon Says Stamp's Guava ink with a light hand. This adds a subtle texture to the background without overpowering the design.

Step 3: Die-Cut and Ink Blend the Pretty Poppies

1. Die-cut the Pretty Poppies flowers and stems from white cardstock.
2. Using your blending brushes, apply Butter Ink to the top of the petals. Then, blend Guava Ink towards the center, creating a beautiful gradient. Add a hint of Punch Ink for extra depth at the petal edges.
3. Ink the flower centers with light brown ink (Cappuccino and Mocha) for contrast.
4. Blend green ink (SSS Cabbage and Kale) onto the stems and leaves.

Step 4: Assemble the Floral Arrangement

• Arrange the poppies on the card in a natural bouquet layout.
• Secure them with liquid glue or foam tape for dimension.
• Add a die-cut bow, blending it with Butter and Guava Ink for a coordinated look.

Step 5: Create the Sentiment Panel

• Cut a strip of vellum to soften the background behind the sentiment.
• Stamp or die-cut the "thank you" from the CZ Designs Thank You Basics Stamp Set in black ink and heat emboss for a bolder look.
• Attach the sentiment onto the vellum strip and place it over the flowers using foam tape hidden behind the letters.

Step 6: Add Final Embellishments

• Scatter pink sequins from the Clematis Embellishment Mix around the design for extra sparkle.

This card combines soft ink blending, subtle textures, and dimension for a sophisticated and heartfelt thank-you design. You can easily customize the color palette to fit any occasion!

Would you try this technique? Let me know in the comments!

Products used:

• Simon Says Stamp Pretty Poppies dies
• Simon Says Stamp Pepita Background stamp
• Simon Says Stamp Clematis Embellishment Mix
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Designs Thank You Basics stamps
• Simon Says Stamp Pretty Bows dies

Class dismissed!