For me, the start of a project is in the layout. That's not to say that what I start with is what I end up with, but I generally use this as my starting point. From there, I move on to which stamps I am going to use and then what paper(s) will best match those stamps. I like to mix and match stamp sets. Usually I stick with the same company's stamps, as these are most often the same style of stamps and will coordinate very easily. As for the papers, I like to mix and match all different brands and styles. Many times combos come from circumstance. I will pull out a few scraps and see what might work together. I know that a lot of people dislike 2-sided papers because they feel it is a waste of one side, but I love them. They are perfect for cardmakers that only uses small pieces at a time, and more often than not, they coordinate perfectly.
For this card, I flipped through my sketch book and combined a few elements from some of my favorite sketches. I try (emphasis on TRY) to switch up shapes, especially for main panels. I combined 2 of my favorite stamp sets from Verve, Up, Up & Away and Circular Sayings. Finally, my paper choices came from the colors that I wanted to use: Blue, Green and Kraft. The designer paper is from October Afternoon's Ducks in a Row collection, and is double sided.
Divine Details I used on this card:
-Paper piecing and popping up the balloon. I always think that dimension helps to make a "Wow" card. Detail pic of the dimension on this card...
-Using various shapes on my panels, and popping them up. I used Nestabilities on the main panels, as well as using the scalloped scallop punch on the thinner horizontal panel.
-Adding coordinating embellishments without overwhelming the rest of the card.
-Layering and matting panels. This is a very simple way to add interest to your card. Just think of how different this card would look if the main image panel was not matted with the white circle!
-Sponging and stitching. Neither of these is terribly obvious on this card, which also means that I did not overdo it. The stitching is done on the long vertical panel that the ribbon is attached to. I sponged the Kraft main image panel's edges, just to give it a little more definition.
We can't wait to see what you come up with for this month's Project Parade! To play along, just make a project or card that shows us your Divine Details. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form below before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, August 1. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post! Have fun and good luck!
I am always on the lookout for packaging for my sets and while blurfing last week, I came across 
