Year of Cards: April

Been working hard on my Year of Cards gifts I'm giving to family for Christmas. This time I've got April's edition to share. I used two stamp sets from Papertrey Ink: Birthday Classics: April and Monthly Moments: April.
I wanted to use some brighter colors this go around. And I wanted to try something other than just stamping the sentiment in black or even a color (or masking that sentiment - which wouldn't be easy given the design of this sentiment). I do love clear embossing and Versamark. They are probably what I use the most in my stamping. So I pulled out my Versamark pad, clear embossing powder as well as some cosmetic sponges. I stamped the sentiment on white cardstock with Versamark and clear embossed it. Then, using the cosmetic sponges, I colored the sentiment with the same inks I used on the background panel. (Yes, the emboss- resist technique.) I also forgot to mention- I used the Stitched Rectangles dies from Lil' Inker Designs on that background panel. I've admired cards using these dies for so long. And while I love to sew on cards, it's not always convenient. My sewing machine is not here in my little craft room. And sometimes the sewing machine is not cooperative :-). Using the dies here was quick and easy (well quick and easy x8). Thanks for the enabling Marybeth.
I will note again I am trying to make these cards simple. I'm making eight 12 month sets so I need to keep them simple or I'll never get them completed, right? Yet, I still find myself making backgrounds, using layers. We'll see what the next month's card brings - but I've completed 4 months so far so I'm happy! Thanks for coming by. Have a good one!

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