Have you ever had one of those weeks when nothing, absolutely nothing, inspires you to stamp?  Well, I’ve actually had two of those weeks, which is why I’ve been MIA this week.  There was no mojo, no motivation . . . nothing.  It seemed that when I had all my morning chores done there was no way I could bring myself to walk into the studio.  So, I didn’t!  What I did do however, was browse some online stores.  Quite a few stores actually.  I finally settled on two that I couldn’t resist so I placed some orders.  What else is a stamper to do when the mojo just isn’t flowing  . . .  well go shopping of course!

Today I received the first packet of stamps that I ordered.  I couldn’t wait to walk into the studio!  Before I allowed myself to start stamping though, I had to clean up my messes from a few weeks back and then cut all three sets and get them organized into my system.  Are you curious yet where I ordered?  ARTISTIC OUTPOST!  I’m not going to tell you the second company yet . . . still waiting on those to arrive.  It’s a surprise!

When I saw the Serenity set at Artistic Outpost, I knew I HAD to have it.  It reminds me so much of my great-grandparent’s farm.  The way the house sets back, the huge tree off to the side, and the fields all around the house.  Some of my fondest memories are when I used to spend weeks with my great-grandmother.  My uncles worked the farm, cousins ran in and out and there was always music.  My great-grandmother played the piano by ear and one of my cousins always brought along his guitar.  Oh my, good times!  Grandma always asked my cousin to play and sing one of her favorite songs that I can still hear today . . . The Long Black Veil.  Anyhoo, enough of my self-indulgent reminiscing.

I stamped the image on watercolor paper, applied a light wash of Broken China and Shabby Shutters Distress Reinkers, then die cut the image and bottom layers with Spellbinders Rectangle Nestabilities.  Using the Spellbinders Long Scalloped Rectangle, I cut the bottom of the card base and then the second panel.

• Stamps: Serenity from Artistic Outpost
• Paper: Canson Watercolor; SU White, Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze; 7 Gypsies Nottinghill
• Ink: Ranger Old Paper, Vintage Photo, Broken China and Shabby Shutters Distress, and Archival Coffee
• Accessories: Spellbinders S4-130 Small Classic Rectangles, S4-132 Large Classic Rectangles, and S4-143 Large Long Scalloped Rectangles Nestabilities; Ranger Inkssentials Matte Accents; Tsukineko Sponge Dauber; Tim Holtz idea-ology Ruler and Tonic Retractable Craft Pick and Scissors; SU Baja Breeze Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!