Sometimes I like to challenge myself and just work with the basics, cardstock & ink. This is a 4 1/4 square ivory card. I created a mask with a circle punch and laid it at the edge of the card. I than stamped and sponged within the boundaries of the mask (I love masking!). I removed the mask and stamped the sentiment. It is heat embossed in gold. I lightly antiqued the outside edges of the card for a finishing touch. This photograph doesn’t do this card justice, I wish you could see it in person! Someone asked a few days ago how many images were included in this set. I am proud to say 36 images. And you won’t believe the price! I’ll just keep you guessing in that department!
Clear Stamps, Dies, Paper, Ink, Kits
Boy, with each and every new card, I am more anxious to see “the set”! I will have to have the set — to case all your projects! Thanks for sharing!
Another inspiring idea, love the back to basics challange, Im on it!
I was introduced to this site by Ellen Hutson and I can’t believe I’ve been missing it….now I will have to go through EVERYTHING! Your cards are classic and SO crisp…they almost snap.. *wink*..I’m sure this card of sympathy is more beautiful in person, but truly it looks beautiful here, also….I love masking, also…it’s a lovely card! Susan
I can’t wait to see all the images!
I am needing to make a sympathy card today and this is just the inspiration I needed.
Thanks!
Debbie
This is another beautiful card. Sadly, today I was planning on making a sympathy card for the family of a friend who recently passed away. Your card has inspired me. Thank you.
I have never tried masking. You sure make it look and sound easy. I’m inspired 🙂
What a beautiful card! I am definitely going to try this technique. AND…you are a tease!!! So, will this set be available for purchase on the 15th?!?
This is phenominal! It’s amazing what you can do with just the basics isn’t it? 36 images you say, oooh I can’t wait!!!!!
Ruth A.
You have another outstanding card this morning. Can’t wait to see your whole set.
Gail
Really beautiful! Perfect for a sympathy card. Love your designs!
Again.. beautiful!
Crystal
Hi Nichole;
Ellen sent me and I am sooooo happy that she did! Your work is beautiful. I love the simplistic yet complete look of it, I will be checking you out every day, TFS.
You really pulled off “fooling the eye” on this one! I thought you cut a circle out because the shading REALLY makes it look 3 dimensional! If there wasn’t and sentiment I could have lost a bet, yikes!
Juanita
This is BEAUTIFUL!!! The design packs quite a punch!
I love the simplicity of this design!
Another elegant creation! Totally the reverse of how I usually mask off images…thank you again for even more inspiration!!!
~Lana B.~
Ooooooh, this is absolutely gorgeous!
Can’t wait to see them all together! Like the antique feel to this card.
wow, Nichole! Love the simplicity of this card…I was beginning to wonder how many stamps were in the set – that’s AMAZING! I hope I win {Wink}
Just to let you know, I totally CASEd this layout today for little valentine thank you cards. What a cute and easy idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
So elegant and simple! I love this card. Can’t wait to see the entire set! 🙂
I love the whole idea of this design – so simple and I’ve never thought to do it that way! Oh, you’ve given me a lot of inspiration over the last few days, Nicole! This is great fun seeing all these ideas and these really cute stamps! Thanks! (I bet you’re going to sell out when you go live in a few days!).
Beautifully comforting! I cannot wait to see this new set!
I’m really enjoying the variety of textures on this card. Thanks.
So much depth! Although I wish I could see it in “real,” it is gorgeous in the picture. I can’t wait to see the set! How much longer? When will we be there?
I have only just discovered your site. I love it and just love all the projects you have shown us. I think this is a perfect example of simple, classic and stunning!!
Another lovely creation!
A truly beautiful in its simplicity card. I too like using masks and often create my own. Like the touch of the gold embossed sentiment too.
I am sooooooo inspired right now…I am going to go make some cards…
This is sooooo – WOW!!
Thanks for sharing your talent.
Wow, this is so lovely. Simple yet elegant!
i’m still in awe how u can create so many different, beautiful, creations with the same stamp set!
oh.. and of course, i love the card!
What a wonderful idea with the box, you are such an inspiration. Is the 15th here YET?
Pretty card. I love masking.
Alright already when can I order the set!
Stop teasing us Nicole!!!
Beautiful and I am intrigued by what looks like paper piercing on many of these projects the past week — if you see this note, can you comment on if it’s real or faux piercing — and either way, how you get the dots in such a perfectly spaced circle or shape??
This is so unique!
Simplicity in it’s finest form and of so beautiful. I love what you’ve done with this card. Will be saving for future reference. Ida
Again….simple AND elegant. Can’t wait to see the entire set.
Again….simple AND elegant. Can’t wait to see the entire set.
Very nice card! Can’t wait to see this set … can’t wait till the 15th!
What a beautiful card!
The circle is such a great focal point.
Lisa
I really love the elegance of this card.
Wow, I love this simple, but very unique design – can’t wait to try it!
Sandy Kay
Another great card. I haven’t tried masking yet, but I’m going to give it a try soon. Can’t wait to see the stamp set!
Lovin’ all these cards……simple and beautiful…….can’t wait to see the entire set!
I LOVE this card – I cannot wait to see the new stamp set.
I LOVE this card – I cannot wait to see the new stamp set.
Wow so simple but elegant. Just found your blog & added you to my favs.
Another wonderful creation. Thank you.
Another cute idea!
gorgeous card. its so simple yet elegant
What a great idea! I forget sometimes to go back to the basics, and this is a wonderful card to remind me. Thanks for the inspiration!
It’s so hard to come up with something for sympathy cards when most of the projects are happy cheery ones! Thanks for the idea.
YM
Amzing how very striking such a simple (and I say that knowing it only “Looks” simple) design can be
I love love love the simplicity of this card. When creating a sympathy card it is hard sometimes to show the right emotion in the card. We are often so caught up in adding more more more that when a time comes where the situation doesn’t call for that it can be hard to step back and create for the moment. Great card!
Beautiful card. Masking is a very awesome technique that allows such depth.
Love the simple elegance of this card. Just lovely!
Love the simple elegance of this card. Just lovely!
Awesome card! The technique is wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing.
This is stunning! I love how the “ball” has so moch dimension. It looks like it could just bounce right off the page!
Love the simplicity of the card. It’s perfect for the sentiment.
This card is awesome, as are all of your creations. Thanks for sharing.
beautiful and classy!
very nice card! love the web site too!
Am I ever glad that Thinkin Inkin directed me towards this blog! This site rocks and your cards are beautiful. I love the uniqueness of each and everyone of them.
Beautiful cards and wonderful ideas. I am anxious to see the new stamp set–your previews are very enticing!
Thinking Inking sent me and I did a little exploring and love your blog. Please enter me also!Kathy
This is a great idea. Just my style–simply elegant.
Love the stamps! I can’t wait to see the entire set. This card is very simple; yet sophisticated.
Hello Nichol, I was introduced to your blog site by Debbie Olsen. So glad I came in for a peek. I love all your designs. This card is simple but lovely. I will be subscribing to your blog for sure! Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
What a beautiful card, simple yet elegant. Will have to CASE this idea! Thanks
Wow, your cards are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your talents and looking forward to seeing your new stamp line.
That’s a great masking idea. I’ve got to remember to do masking more often. Thanks for the reminder!
barb
Wow your colors are so great it feels like spring, even though we are in the tough part of the winter here in Central NY! TFS
i am behind the time. catching up on blogs today. Linked from Ellen Hutson. This one too is wonderful.
Beautiful! Simplistic beauty!
I love simple, elegant cards. Yours definitely foots the bill. Thanks for posting it.
Janet
Thank you for sharing this simple but elegant card! can’t wait to see the entire set on the 15th!
Beautiful! Simple and elegant, perfect for a sympathy card.
~Jennifer Taylor
Very nice card. Simply elegant! Thanks for sharing it!!
Beautiful card…love the simplicity!!
I love the “simple-ness” of this card!!! Great way to use the mask–it really looks like the stamping is done on the inside of the card!!! KJ
Such a beautiful simple card, I love it and can’t wait to see the set!
I like the simplicity of the design, the subtle colors, and the uniqueness of the design, especially for a sympathy card. 36 images?!
Very nice card…..
Simplicity perfected!
Lois H
wow! 36 images… so many possibilities! thanks for sharing your beautiful creations.. so inspiring 🙂
What a lovely modern/classic look you have achieved with this card. Just found your blog and am looking forward to seeing more.
I love the simplicity of your card! Simple but very stylish! Can’t wait for the stamp release 🙂
Love the simplicity of this card…it’s beautiful!
Pat
So very pretty!
That is a very beautiful card. Thanks for sharing it.
Simply gorgeous card!
I just stumbled up upon this blog. I have been a fan of your work since I first saw it in Paper Crafts. I am anxiously awaiting the release!!
Barb
What a gorgeous card! Basic is a good thing sometimes! Wow!
I love the simplicity of this card! Thanks for sharing!
Ellen Hutson directed me to your blog and I must say…I am NOT disappointed! This is the most soothing sympathy card I have seen in a while. It just makes you feel comforted looking at it. I can’t wait to see this whole stamp set! It’s on my wish list and it isn’t even available yet!
So great! I’ve used this idea before too, but not on the edge with a sentiment. Love it.
I love the simplicity of it. very nice!
Beautiful card! Thanks for sharing your talents!
Beautiful card, do love the simplicity of it. Love your blog
Thoroughly enjoy reading your creative blog and appreciate so much your willingness to share your tips and techniques with us all. 🙂
I’m so glad I saw a link to your blog on Debbie Olson’s blog! I am loving these cards!
Simple, but beautiful. I just love this!
I LOVE single layer cards, and this one is stunning! TFS
This is amazing. I love the simplicity and elegance of it.
Britiney
I love the simplicity of this card.
It goes to show that a great design does not need to be a lot of work.
Lovely!
I love this card. Sometimes sympathy cards can be so overdone – this one is perfect in its simplicity.
thanks for the masking tips. 36 images?! can’t wait to see…
LOVE this card! So simple, but it really packs some punch!
What a wonderful idea! I always have trouble with sympathy cards because it’s tough to not get too syrupy. This is simple, classy, and makes a lovely statement.
Thanks for the idea! Sometimes we need to remember the simple things! Sue
To cool!!! I really must try the Masking tip.
beautiful. I love the simplicity!
How simple yet beautiful! Can hardly wait to see your stamps. TFS with all of us.
Barb
A great way to take a cheery flower and use it in a serious application – very elegant.
A great way to take a cheery flower and use it in a serious application – very elegant.
Another lovely card. I love the simplicity.
Love the uber simple layout and the color choices. Great use of masking. I’ll be casing this for sure.
I always forget how striking masking can be. Love it!
Beautiful, masculine card!
Beautiful, masculine card!
Sympathy cards are the hardest cards to make. Thanks for this great ‘simple’ card
idea….
Simplicity at it’s finest. Looks great!
WOWZERS!!!!! 36 images??!! I really can’t wait now!!! I love the simplicity of this card. Perfect for the sentiment it conveys!
What a cool way to mask!!!
I love the simplicity ~ what a great card!
Wow – 36 images? I can’t wait to see it!!
I just discovered your site today – wow – refreshing ideas. I like the clean simple look of this card, very nice.
I would love to see this card in person if the photograph doesn’t do it justice. It is beautiful.
Shelley
very subtle and elegant card. i really like the cardstock too! i will have to try this technique!
36 images?? CAn’t wait to see it!!
Susan
I really like how the circle goes off the page. And woo hoo for 36 images!!! So excited to see all 36 new images! Woo hoo!!!