Turtle Thank You

This is for a swap I joined where we all were to use the stamp-set Very Thankful - the sale of this set raises money for Ronald McDonald Houses.  I didn't use a single punch on this card (can you believe it?)  I did use a die and texture plates in my Big Shot but NO punches. 

I have read where some ladies are not happy that the texture plates leave a more subtle texture than an embossing folder.  I happen to LOVE the texture plates.  I have learned to add an extra layer (or two) to my "sandwich" before it rolls through the Big Shot if I am wanting the texture REALLY raised.  On this card, I took the thin white cardboard that comes with all SU's designer series paper and folded a piece in half and stuck it under my texture plate in the sandwich.  Got exactly the look I was going for.  You just have to play with it a bit - and get to know your own Big Shot.   With texture plates you have options- you can have subtle or intense texture on your project.  Just play and see what you can do!

I have mentioned my 'affection' for the mini library clips but I left them untouched this time and instead reached for Basic Jumbo Grommets to add a little somethin' to this card. - LOVE THEM.  You just lay your paper over your paper piercing pad (from the Mat Pack) - or use an old mouse pad if you still have one - and push the grommet down.  (In this case I was going through ribbon and paper so I had to flip mine over and push the paper down onto the grommet)   Once your grommet is through the paper just take a bone folder and push the little metal 'spikes' down.  Too easy!








You kept looking didn't you?  You KNEW I couldn't work with a cute little stamp like that turtle and not try to recreate him with punches.  And you were right - I just had to...

I used to doodle in the margins of my notes during high school and college and a little turtle with a flower in his hat was one of my regular characters.  I hadn't thought of him in so long - then BANG - he came right back when I was coloring the stamped image for my swap.  What a strange thing memory can be - I can see that turtle on notebook paper so clearly but dang if I can remember to stop by Home Depot for the part I need for a repair.