Merry Medley meets Pine Boughs

I must admit, this Background stamp was NOT on my wish list!!  I know, very few things do not make my list.  But of course I kept seeing cards made using this stamp and had to have it!! 

But then came the dilemma, do I buy Wood Mount for $20 or Clear mount for $15?  I usually choose Wood for Background stamps, but that is $5 more, Wood always seems to give the best image, especially if you ink the stamp and then press the card stock from the top.  This got me thinking......why not do the same with Clear mount.....but do not mount the stamp.  Keep the stamp in the case(it sticks to the case like a champ!!) ink the stamp and press the card stock from the top!  I used my Clear Block H to press and drag across the card stock.  Here is a visual....

The case gets a little inky, but I rinsed the entire thing in the sink and then blotted dry with a tea towel when I changed ink colors!  And the stamp did NOT MOVE!  Hope you can all use this idea to make background stamps $5 cheaper and just as effective!!

And here is my first card.......

 Cherry Cobbler card base and ink on Tip Top Taupe card stock.  Line up your cardstock along the edge to make sure your words are neat and even.  I like the look that the ink coverage is not totally perfect.  It is a Background, if you take more time and ink very carefully the coverage will be better.  This Cherry Cobbler ink pad has seen better days, but this is the look I was going for, so no problem!

Then I added the Presents and Pine cones Washi tape, then embossed with the Pine Bough embossing folder.  This is very subtle, not quite what I expected, but I'll take it!  I then used the Christmas Pines and Pretty Pines Bundle to stamp and cut Pine Cones, Boughs and a Bow.  The Pine cones were stamped in Early Expresso on Tip Top Taupe and cut, then sponged with Early Expresso.  Boughs are Emerald Envy.  Cherry Cobbler Bow and some Linen Thread.  Lots of Big Shot cutting, but I actually lined up all the paper and cut them all at the same time!! 

Love this Woodsy Winter card and all your Sentiments are in the Background!!   More versions coming.......

Ingredients:

Merry Medley 142148 Wood $20.00,  142152 Clear $15.00

Christmas Pines stamps and Pretty Pines Thinlits Bundle  143496  $54.75 

Presents and Pine Cones Washi Tape  141988  $8.00

Pine Bough Embossing folder  141831 $7.50

The NEW HOSTESS CODE  is 6CWTH3Q4 and will close on Oct 30th at 6 PM.
If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

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