Retiring Stamp Sets Blog Hop

This blog hop features stamp sets that are retiring as of July 31st from the Annual Inspirations Catalog. There may be some sets that you haven't even considered purchasing... until you see how they can be used in this blog hop. Sometimes when you see different ways that stamps (or any item for that matter) can be used, it can suddenly change your mind and make you say, "I NEED that!" I know that has certainly been the case for me - on many occasions! 
So, enjoy the tour and see how some of our retiring stamp sets can be used! 

You should have arrived here from Darlys Recker's blog.

If you get lost, a complete list of hoppers on this blog hop can be found on Melinda Everitt's blog. 

I saw this awesome card idea on Pinterest and I cannot take credit for the design. The original artist is Yvonne van Bruggen. I CASEd her card idea because it was such a fabulous way to showcase several of our retiring stamps on one project. 

I began by stamping the flowers and greenery that I wanted to use. I stamped far more than I ended up needing. They had to be cut out. 
The next step was to create the background using the Ink Blot stamp set. The sentiment was stamped first. Creating the background is harder than it looks - trying not to make the background overwhelming, yet having enough is a fine line...
When I had it looking the way I waned, I cut the piece on the diagonal and then adhered it to the base. I added the floral cluster and then coloured the gems and added them. 

I hope you enjoyed my project. 

The next blog on this hop is Sheila Bennett's blog.

I am sure she has a fabulous project to share with you. 

You can visit my Consultant website to shop here. 

Products used are Close To My Heart unless otherwise indicated:

Paper: White Daisy Cardstock
Stamps: Shower Flowers, Ink Blot, Lovely Leaves, Happy to be Friends

Inks: Black, Raspberry, Tangerine, Lemon, Emerald

Accessories: ShinHan Markers, Thin Foam Tape, Pink Enamel Gems, Magenta Sharpie Marker (not CTMH)

Enjoy,
Alyson