Okay friends....hold on to your hats! Today is a SUPER FUN day and a REALLY FABULOUS announcement. I'm very very very happy to be part of this, and to finally share with all of you! My friend and amazing artist Betsy Veldman is opening up her own stamp company! YES! It's called The Greetery. Isn't that a pretty name? Her tag line is "Where Making and Giving Meet." I have admired, loved, collected, and created with her beautiful designs for many years. Her art and her stamps/kits have been among my favorites forever. She is a wonderful, kind person, and so very talented.
Today, I am honored to be part of the kickoff countdown to The Greetery's product launch! Betsy's been doing sneak peeks on The Greetery Blog for the past couple of weeks. This week there will be guest artists sharing projects every day. Then, The Greetery storefront goes live on Friday April 26th at 10am ET. (I'm predicting a sell out!) Big, heartfelt congratulations to Betsy on her new creative business venture! WOOT!
I have three projects to share with you! Lots of pictures in this post, and I'll try to give you as many instructions and tips as possible as I go along. The stamps and dies are all made in the USA and they stamp and cut perfectly right out of the package. Excellent quality! It was a creative pleasure to work with the innovative new stamps. I'm featuring the "Hand in Hand" stamps and dies, the "Fir and Foliage No. 1" stamps and dies, and the Pathway Stencil.
First up is a card made with both of the stamp sets and also the Pathway Stencil. I used it all! Because I just had to! The finished card is A2 size for scale. Everything was inked and water colored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks and a small water brush. The images are so pretty. I am obsessed with the trees!
The next few images are some close ups, because I know you all are going to want to see everything! There are two different sized trees, and each tree is made up on one tree trunk stamp and three different foliage layering stamps. Genius! The lady and the dog are part of the Hand in Hand set. There is also a man and two children! I used the Pathway stencil to make the walkway they are on. It's a two step stencil.
The dies cut a clean, perfect edge. I stamped everything using Archival Black Ink on the lady and the dog. The rest is all Distress Inks.
I used a cloud stencil to make one row of blue clouds at the top. The sentiment was stamped onto a thin strip of vellum and layered around the card, and under the tree.
Here are some step out photos for you! I stamped the tree trunk in brown Distress Ink onto watercolor paper. (Everything is stamped onto watercolor paper for this card). After I stamped it I used a brush to gently move the ink around on the page. Tip - Stamp the tree trunk first, and then use the trunk to line up your die cut. Cut it out, and then use the outline to line up the foliage!
See the difference just a bit of water makes? It really looks water colored!!
I added the first layer of foliage in the lightest green and softened it with water...
Then I stamped the other two colors of green and softened those colors with water as well. Tip - let each color dry completely before doing the next color.
Here is the stenciled portion only. I inked it with a sponge dauber and Distress Inks. Then I splattered a bit of ink over it to look liked aged stones.
I added some bits of green to 'ground' the stone walkway...
Now, those of you that have followed my blog for a while know that I LOVE FALL!! So, of course, I had to make an Autumn tree!! I did the same technique as above, but in shades of yellow, orange and red Distress Inks! This card is also an A2 size. I die cut an oval and used an old text stamp to stamp words across the bottom of the oval. This would be a good sympathy card, or masculine card. I purposely left off a sentiment so I can use it for any occasion.
Just a small strip of pretty orange gingham paper makes this card complete. The edges of the oval were inked with brown Distress Inks for an antique feeling.
A very clean and simple card design - but that tree makes a huge impact!
My third card for today is a colorful umbrella card with lots of white space. I stamped the umbrellas onto watercolor paper and colored them with Distress Inks. This is an A2 card, and the base is made from Neenah Solar White cardstock. This umbrella image is part of the Hand in Hand stamp set.
Each umbrella is attached to the card (in rainbow order of course) with foam tape. I added a few raindrop gems to finish off the card. The sentiment was stamped onto a banner.
Lastly, here is a photo of the beautiful Greetery logo and packaging. Betsy has thought of everything - and it's all beautiful and fresh! I really can't wait for you to try out some of these stamps too! I know you will love them just as much as I do!
Thank you for stopping by to share in my excitement of the launch of The Greetery! I hope you have a wonderful week! XOXO
CLICK HERE to see Betsy's blog post for today! Please make sure to visit the blogs of my fellow artists and friends - who are also sharing The Greetery projects! What fun!
What beautiful cards! I love the CAS look on the umbrella card!
Posted by: Lauryne Cunningham | 04/25/2019 at 08:21 PM
I don't know which I like better the fabulous depth in the layers of the trees or the wonderful meandering stone pathway!! So serene!
Posted by: D.Ann C | 04/25/2019 at 06:07 PM
Beautiful cards Wanda! Love that you share the creative process too!
Posted by: Sheila W | 04/25/2019 at 05:38 PM
Lovely cards! So many ideas in one post. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lisa K | 04/25/2019 at 02:20 PM
there is so much depth to your
outdoor card. Love it.
The umbrellas make a fun
card. thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Posted by: Mary Holshouser | 04/25/2019 at 09:07 AM
Beautiful cards Wanda! I love the speckles on the stones of the walkway - so creative!
Posted by: Lizzie T | 04/25/2019 at 06:45 AM
How have I not seen your blog before? I can tell I will be stopping by often - what fantastic cards!!
Posted by: Bethany Hardy | 04/25/2019 at 03:42 AM
So great to see you showcase Betsy's new designs. The cards are all so pretty, but I love the umbrella one - it's so fresh and modern.
Posted by: Josiane | 04/24/2019 at 11:11 PM
Fabulous cards, Wanda! So nice to see you introducing Betsy's stamps.
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | 04/24/2019 at 10:06 PM
Lovely cards!
Posted by: Jerri Jones | 04/24/2019 at 09:21 PM
oh my. More beautiful cards. Thank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: Marla Harris | 04/24/2019 at 08:25 PM
I love all of your cards. They are beautiful.
Posted by: Kathleen Dippner | 04/24/2019 at 05:20 PM
Lovely cards. The scene you've created is awesome with such great depth and detail. But I also truly love your other two, simpler cards using these new sets. They are both striking in their color and design. TFS!!!
Posted by: Sue D. | 04/24/2019 at 02:05 PM
This is truly my favorite stamps and stencils I have ever seen! I love making scene cards and these products will definitely make things a little easier!
Posted by: Jennifer Rasnick | 04/24/2019 at 01:18 PM
Thank you for the step by step instructions and photos. I really appreciate those. Gorgeous cards with these beautiful new products! :)
Posted by: Jennifer Scull | 04/24/2019 at 12:21 PM
Amazing cards! Love the new stencils and the new Greetery company.
Posted by: Super Stick Chick | 04/24/2019 at 11:39 AM
I just love your "watercoloring" Wanda! Your projects always inspire me. So glad to see your talent at work for The Greetery!!!
Posted by: Suzanne Russell | 04/24/2019 at 10:50 AM
Simply wonderful! Loving this release!!
Posted by: Jean Marmo | 04/24/2019 at 05:44 AM
Oh my Wanda, your cards are all stunning! I love the way you've used each image individually as well as all together to create a beautiful scene. Your cards show how perfectly they can all be used for completely different looks. Beautiful work!!!
Posted by: Birgit A Norton | 04/24/2019 at 05:40 AM
This is an amazing announcement. I have appreciated Betsy's work for a while. Your cards are nicely done and a great example of the Greetery's offerings. Those trees, oh my. I hope you are a regular guest and look so forward to seeing what comes next. Hope you Easter was blessed...
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 04/23/2019 at 03:48 PM
Great new stamps. Will be able to get so many different looks from each set. Good way to stretch your stamp $$. Your showcase of the stamps is fabulous.
Posted by: Geneva | 04/23/2019 at 03:29 PM
Love all of your cards. Thanks for the series of pictures of how you colored the tree. I really like the umbrella card!
Posted by: Linda BL | 04/23/2019 at 02:56 PM
What beautiful projects and a very thorough post! Thank you for sharing all the details!
Posted by: Carrie Krakora | 04/23/2019 at 02:40 PM
Your orange tree is awesome -- really striking! Great card with the umbrellas too. It really extends the value of the set when the images can be used for such different purposes.
Posted by: Kerry | 04/23/2019 at 02:32 PM
Umbrellas are amazing! Amazing!
Posted by: Stampiljke Otroske | 04/23/2019 at 12:17 PM
Gorgeous scenes!
Love the colors
on both.
Carla from Utah
Posted by: Carla Hundley | 04/23/2019 at 11:33 AM
Such great inspiration! Love all your cards today. The umbrella card is so fun...just something about it!
Posted by: HeatherDG | 04/23/2019 at 10:35 AM
Your work is fantabulous, as always! I am loving everything I see in this release. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Posted by: Kristi H. | 04/23/2019 at 10:01 AM
All cards are simply gorgeous!
I love Autumn - it's my favorite time of the year.
Posted by: Martha H. | 04/23/2019 at 09:14 AM
So talented! Love your cards!
Posted by: Kay Tillman | 04/23/2019 at 09:11 AM
I really like how you splattered the stones. I have never thought to do that, but WOW, does it add a wonderful look.
Posted by: Sharon Gullikson | 04/23/2019 at 08:58 AM
Great showcase for this set, Wanda. I love that you can use the same stamp for all seasons! So fun!
Posted by: Debbie Rumpza | 04/23/2019 at 07:51 AM
Love how you showcased these new stamps. Can't wait to place an order.
Posted by: JOAN VANCOURT | 04/23/2019 at 07:21 AM
Beautiful, beautiful cards, Wanda! I love what you did with the trees and with the umbrellas!
Posted by: Sandy Dayhoff | 04/23/2019 at 07:18 AM
How exciting! Congrats to Betsy for taking the leap. I love your cards and can't wait to see more from this new company. :D
Posted by: janet sisk | 04/23/2019 at 07:05 AM
Fabulous cards Wanda!
Posted by: Melanie Ann MacKenzie | 04/23/2019 at 06:33 AM
So excited to see more.
Posted by: Ethan F | 04/23/2019 at 06:10 AM
Awesome job on all your cards they are adorable!
Posted by: Natalie Godfrey | 04/23/2019 at 06:08 AM
Wanda this was the announcement that was heard around the blogging World!! So glad you got your inky fingers on them first... good for you, great for Betsy! Beautiful cards!
BTW those umbrellas? Ahhhh Mazing!
=]
Posted by: Michele | 04/23/2019 at 06:02 AM
Oh these are so pretty! Especially love the layered tree and that whole scene! Lovely images and colors... cool umbrellas! :)
Posted by: Monika | 04/23/2019 at 05:58 AM
simply BEAUTIFUL - I cannot wait for this release! Your cards are amazing. I have followed you for a long time and enjoy your cards. I just told a friend "I need to watercolor more" after seeing this post. Thank you for your creativity!
Posted by: Niccole | 04/23/2019 at 05:51 AM
You've done an amazing job showing off these new stamps. I'm excited about this new line.
Posted by: Amy Cooley | 04/23/2019 at 05:46 AM
These are fantastic! I am especially loving the clean and simple perfection of that last card and those gorgeous fall colors on the second!
Posted by: Miriam Prantner | 04/23/2019 at 05:05 AM
These trees are fabulous. Love that you used it center stage with the orange!
Posted by: Amanda | 04/23/2019 at 04:54 AM
Wanda! These are lovely! I like every single element! Your use of color really makes everything pop! So happy for Betsy as I too have loved her designs for a long time!
Posted by: Julie L | 04/23/2019 at 04:21 AM
Love the first release set, love your three cards and of course I adore those red gumboots! Gorgeous. Thanks, Wanda!
Posted by: susan.w | 04/23/2019 at 03:59 AM
You've outdone yourself! Awe-inspiring cards! I love using distress ink to give my images that watercolored look; love your rainbow of umbrellas!
Posted by: Linda Edwards | 04/23/2019 at 03:15 AM
Your take on Betsy’s stamps is just beautiful! I really appreciate the tips you’ve given. It’s the small things that take a card to a polished little gift.
Posted by: Katherine | 04/23/2019 at 02:46 AM
I am so excited for this release! Your cards are amazing- thank you so much for all of the detailed information, you’re the best :)
Posted by: Rebekah | 04/22/2019 at 10:46 PM
Really beautiful projects, Wanda! Your fall tree is stunning. Thank you for the tips.
Posted by: Betty Neville | 04/22/2019 at 10:15 PM