Calm and Tranquil

If you have followed my blog for a while you know I love all the nature related stamps, paper and framelits we have at Stampin' Up! I find nature to be very calming, especially when we take time to slow down in our hectic lives and really see and appreciate the beauty around us. When I look at the card I made for today, I feel a sense of calm and tranquility and it always makes me happy.

I sponged the sun circle, and the background in tone on tone to soften the look of everything, and I think this helps create the calm I feel with this card. Sponging is an easy technique that can easily add defininition to card stock borders, or soften the look overall. However you do it, it is easy and fun. 

I used the Rooted in Nature stamp set for this card, along with the Nature's Roots Framelits Dies. I love stamps that have coordinating Framlits. I'm not a huge fan of fussy-cutting, although I love the effect, so this is a fantastic lazy way to get images cut out to add extra dimension to my cards. I love my Big Shot and use it in one way or another on almost every project I make. If you don't have a Big Shot yet, you should seriously consider getting one now. . . there are great fall and Christmas projects on the way soon, so you will want to have your Big Shot ready to get rolling.