...Feb release, Day 1, second post

 Good morning all over again. You might want to scroll down to the previous post - we have all the DT links there for the gorgeous samples previewing by the ladies today. This is my second post today because the light here was not fabby and my first set of pics were awful! A very cold light here recently...roll on spring...

Today I'm showing French Country and Make your Mark - some of the ladies have also shown Chicken wire, a new background set.

On this card I used the large border from french Country. I could have used memento inks and just coloured it, BUT, I chose to do what I nearly always do - I used Tsukineko Versa Colour ink in o. 173 Neptune, followed immediately with clear embossing powder, heat set. I love how solid the Versa colour inks stamp. I get terrific results with these inks every time, they are my go-to ink. The addition of a clear embossing powder means that I can then go in with copics, water colours, whatever. This is my very fave combination of products to stamp with and you'll see it on over 70% of things I make.

I used a combination of copics and a water pen with Not quite Navy SU ink to colour the detail. The design is hand drawn, and I love the rustic feel that you get through that. I picked the yellow and blues that I particularly associate with french Provençal fabric for my pattern. I adore that combination. I love the sumptuous scrolling border and I like detail. I'm in heaven with this set!!

A simple little note shaped sentiment panel to finish it off, accented in red. The sentiment is Bonne Fête - a nice little sentiment which has a dual purpose. In France (according to my sources), it is what folks wish each other on the feast day of their Patron Saint, but it may also be used to say Happy birthday and I hear this is what is commonly said in Quebec. Just in case you are not sure, this set also has the more recognisable Bon Anniversaire.

The smaller second border is used to create the pattern at the top of the card, I liked how it made the panel look like a swatch of fabric.

Also today you will see a few folks using the Make your mark set. It is a signature set for the reverse of your cards and gifts etc and while I have shown a stamp here which proclaims WMS there are many stamps in the set that you can use on your non wms projects also. I didn't want to limit the set to wms exclusive images as I imagine that most folks make cards with product from more than just one company. The Make your mark set also features a handy little sentiment - we previewed it earlier in the week - encouraging folks to return their cards for recycling. More on that in another post, but that stamp alone is one I have wanted for a long time.

My second set of samples showcases how easy it is to prep a gift set with the French Country set with minimal stamping. The detail in that broad border means that simple one color stamping will achieve gorgeous results. I used SU inks for these 3 little soaps that I wrapped in plain card. I stamped the detailed fabric border, simply in a colour to match the card and wrapped it around the soap. Little piece of twine and a one inch circle label stamped with a co-ordinating flower bud image completed each soap. The card could not have been simpler but I loved it. Chic I  thought, even if I do say so myself!! lol.

The dainty little Sentiment here is 'Souhaits Sincères' which translates as 'Sincere Wishes' and is one of those eminently useful little phrases that is going to be good for everything from gift cards to sympathy cards.

 I'll be back tomorrow with more samples, hopefully - later tonight I will post details of the Biggie - the grand competition in which somebody will win it all, all 9 sets, plus....yep there are other things coming!!

In the meantime, hope it tickles, and don't forget to scroll down to the previous post for today's first project and the DT link list!!