Love Letters!

Project designed by Sharon M. Reinhart January 2019

Back with more Valentine inspiration! This valentine makes use of stamps, die templates and an embossing folder to create some wonderful layers. The embossing folder is a Recollections product, the swirl border is from Dee's Distinctively border #3 and the balance of the layers -- hearts, mini envelope and insert is from Stampin Up's Love Notes Framelits set #142752. The stamp unfortunately is an older stamp from My Sentiments Exactly, so it could be difficult to find, but there is always a way to recreate the effect, look for some tips below!       

Start with an 8-1/2 x 11 inch piece of white cardstock, score at 4-1/4 and fold in half creating a portrait style side fold card. Next emboss the card front using the embossing folder and a die-cutting/embossing system.

Now onto creating the layers, layer a 2 x 5-1/2 piece of red cardstock to card front at right side. I did add some black distressing or edging to the panel prior to adhering to the card front. Next stamp the image and die-cut each letter out using a circle template, (Spellbinder's circles small Nestabilities) edge each circle with black ink. Layer the letters onto the red panel overlapping slightly. On the left side I actually began this by creating the envelope with love letters embellishment, instead of layering the one little heart onto the red heart I wove it through the slats and secured at the back. The first piece adhered on this side of the card was the little envelope embellishment made up of various elements from the die set and layered together collage style. Again, add some distressing/edging to the mini envelope. This is a wonderful way to make your own embellishments for cards, tags, gift bags, favors, etc. Gather all of the elements you wish to use and start layering together, don't forget to vary the adhesive used. For this embellishment I used foam mounting tape to add dimension with the white heart on the envelope and to adhere the woven heart on top of the envelope flap. Next die-cut a swirl border, adhere to card front right next to the mini envelope embellishment, trim excess and repeat at opposite end. The final touch is to add a few little black rhinestones to the white heart on the mini envelope.

I know that we don't always have the same supplies and some unfortunately may not be available to you. So look at your supplies and see what you can use to replicate. For example the stamp, just stamp some script onto white cardstock followed by an alphabet letter or use book print paper and stamp letters onto that or for further dimension layer chipboard letters on top instead of stamped letters. For the swirl border, try some delicate leaves or branches at each end. This is just a start to what you could use to re-create this design. Make it your own with your own supplies and have fun doing it!

I hope you have been inspired to create! Until next time ...
Creatively Yours,
Sharon