Striped Borders Technique Blog Hop

It's a new year and time for the first installment of the technique blog hop!  This month, we are focusing on striped borders.  (If you're already hopping, then you've probably arrived from Michelle's blog.  From here, you'll click on her name to visit Melissa's blog next.)  I decided to use the Happiness Lives Here- Cardmaking stamp set and Thin Cuts for all three of my cards.

For my first card, I wanted the stamped striped borders to mimic (but not exactly match) the Happiness Lives Here Blue Belle patterned paper.  My first attempt did not match the diagonal very well, so I ended up putting the patterned paper under my all purpose map (which is somewhat see-through) and my White Daisy panel on top so that I could more easily line up the first stamp with the diagonal stripes.  Then, I just lined up the rest of my stamped border images with the first one.  I also cut a thin (less than 1/4") strip of Blue Belle glitter paper to adhere as one of the striped borders.  I stamped Hello and then added a Blue Belle glitter gem and several flower sequins.  (You may have to look closely to see them.  In my opinion, they're a lovely subtle addition.)

My second card is a copy of the card on p. 8 but with a color twist.  (The original card is featured in the blog badge, below.)  I knew I wanted to use Lagoon (just because I love it, it makes me happy, AND I have turquoise gloss spray), so I grabbed my For the Love of Color guide and used Lagoon, Raspberry, Sage, and Charcoal.  After stamping the borders on the left, I covered them with a post-it note then sprayed the gloss spray on the right side of my White Daisy panel.  I added a few Lagoon small stars to the background, then popped the Hello sentiment (stamped in Raspberry and cut with the coordinating Thin Cut) with 3D squares.  I stamped a Lagoon star on the Thin Cut then two small stars directly on the main panel.  I used Liquid Glass and a toothpick to adhere some silver star confetti to the front.

When I first saw this set, I definitely got a patriotic vibe, so I decided to give that idea a try.  My card was inspired by the second card on page 8, which is also featured in the blog badge, below.  I love how much our Idea Books inspire me!  Mine might not have turned out identical to the CTMH Corp "stamples," but they always give me great inspiration.  For my card, I used Candy Apple, Sapphire, and Blue Belle inks.  Everything is stamped directly on the White Daisy panel except for the Sapphire striped star, which I popped with a 3D foam square.  I had thought I would add some silver mini star sequins but decided to keep this one simple.  I did scissor distress both the Sapphire and Candy Apple panels to give the card a bit of a rustic feel.

Thank you for visiting!  I'd love to know which card you prefer in the comments before you hop on over to Melissa's blog to continue the Striped Borders technique hop!  I hope you're inspired to add some striped borders to your next project!