good morning! it's my turn for simple to spectacular today, one of my favorite papertrey ink blog features! who doesn't love a simple, classic sugar cookie? but then you add icing and it's even sweeter and more decadent. and then you pop on some sprinkles and suddenly it's a party! today we're showcasing tea for two, a great stamp set for a variety of occasions - a reminder to "sip & relax" is often just what we need. i was particularly excited to take the polka dot teapot for this simple to spectacular spin, pairing it with something new - and plaid! as always, i stayed true to my typical clean and graphic style on all three takes, each one a little more involved than the last. from simple to stepped up to spectacular, i used the same stamps, colors, and basic layout...
for my simple version, i created an almost one layer card. i love the middle die from the shape shifter series to add the look of a layer without actually adding one. it's one of my favorite clean and simple tricks lately. i did decide to use a die cut teapot for added interest and just a little depth. it just seemed a little too simple stamped directly into the oval.
next, i stepped up the design a little bit by adding the middle die cut from shape shifters: oval 3 for an additional pattern. i love this plaid and lining it with weathervane cardstock really makes it pop! after adding this detail, i lost the area needed to add my sentiment. the double ended banner in cream was just the right size, also serving to ground the teapot. this is my next favorite thing to do with the shape shifters sets - the pattern surrounded by the frame adds such a cool detail!
and finally, for the spectacular version, i added the outer ribbon frame to my focal piece. it really adds a dainty touch, perfect for a teapot. and just as i had hoped, i love the contrast of golden yellow polka dots with the bold gray plaid. the result is so cozy and with the white on white, still a bit modern, too. it definitely makes me want to sip and relax!
and there you have it - three degrees of tea for two! just like other times, i love all three for different reasons. "simple" one layer cards are perfect and easy when i need something fast, and i really enjoy a good "spectacular" session when i have a lot of open-ended creative time. but the "stepped up" version is probably my most typical stamping zone. what do you think - do you have a favorite? let me know in the comments! and if you haven't already, be sure to check out the original post on the papertrey ink blog - dawn and heather have projects too! i always love seeing what my fellow stampers do with the same set.
take some time to sip & relax!
:) lexi
