Two By Two Mosaics

One of my favorite stamp images from the last catalog was this adorable Two By Two stamp...I'm sad to see this one retiring so soon. Here it is paired up with some new stuff...Modern Mosaic stamp set along with the coordinating Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder and the new In Colors.

I like that the Modern Mosaic stamp set can create fun cards all on it's own, but also like the fact that it can be used to create fun backgrounds as well. The soft color pallet of the new In Colors is perfect for a baby card, don't you think? I used Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush, Crisp Cantaloupe & Coastal Cabana card stocks, and then all five colors, including Baked Brown Sugar to water color the image with my Aqua Painter. Here's a closer look at this darling image.

This stamp will only be available through June 3rd and after that will retire for good. So if you want to add it to your collection don't forget to add it to your next order. Here's the list of other retiring sets you won't want to miss out on. 

Two By Two For Wyatt

This past weekend my niece gave birth to her first child...a boy! He is healthy and just beautiful! Of course I had to make a card for the occasion, so it was the perfect excuse to play with some of my new goodies from the new catalog!

I think Two By Two is one of the cutest stamps in the new catalog, and since I knew my niece was due with a baby boy very soon, I had to get it, right!? I also used a couple other new favorites here...the Apothecary Accents Framelits, Chevron Embossing Folder and the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack. I love to add detail to my creations with paper piercing, so I was super excited to get my hands on these new templates...and the new larger Stampin' Pierce Mat as well. Check it out...

See how easy it is to add some piercing around the edge of the Apothecary Accent Label? This larger size also enables you to easily go across the card front without having to move the template as you go. This is my favorite new tool!

Stamps: Two By Two & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple & Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple & various other Classic Ink to watercolor
Accessories: Labels Collection Framelits, Apothecary Accent Framelits, Chevron Embossing Folder and the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Aqua Painter, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Punch & More Mustard Brads

What are your favorite new items from the new catalog?

Edited to add: I've had lots of questions regarding the narrow mat behind the stamped image on this card and others. Here is how I do it: Using the same framelit that I cut the white, stamped layer, I traced around the outside of it with a pencil onto Baja Breeze cardstock and then cut it out by hand. Since the framelits cut on the inside edge, tracing around the outside edge will give you a mat that is approx 1/4" all the way around. After cutting, if it's not perfect in some spots adding a little distressing helps. ;-)