Back to Basics

I was really hoping to feel a little more creative tonight, but no such luck, so I did what makes the most sense when you're stuck creatively -- go back to basics. I decided to use the most classic stamp sets I own -- Lovely as a Tree and Sincere Salutations. These are two sets that really should be in every stamp room. They are both perfect for nearly every occasion and

are pretty much timeless.

I added the dotted circle from the Think Happy Thoughts set for some added interest on the stamped strip and also to tie in the chocolate chip color, because I really wanted to use the chocolate chip satin ribbon.

I used handsome Hunter for the base, creamy caramel for the mat. And here's a tip for scrap lovers -- I just took a 1/2x11" strip and cut it in half, then attached each half to the outside of the stamped strip. It looks like the mat is under the whole thing when in reality you're just using a piece that many people simply discard.

The branch and pine cone images are stamped on whisper white with the edges sponged in handsome hunter and the middle sponged with creamy caramel. The greeting is stamped with versamark and heat embossed with white embossing powder.