With Kindness

 Good morning all!  I'm not sure what the weather is doing in the UK today, but chances are you might need a touch of spring to your day!  I have had this background paper in my stash for ages so I thought I would use it (can't for the life of me remember who makes it though, sorry).  I started with a piece about 5" x 7" for this card, rounded the corners and matted it on to a couple layers of white card, one which I pierced.  I used the two largest sizes of Labels 25 to create a frame.  I cut strips of white card to create a trellis look in the frame.  I did this by tuning the frame over to the back and taping the strips across in one direction.  The next step is to go the other direction with the remaining strips, but to weave them over and under the first set already in place.  This is very easy to do and especially because there aren't too many to begin with.  Trim off any bits that my show from the front of the frame.  I cut another piece for the bottom that included a faux nestie of the largest size that just peeks out from underneath and I used the same die size for the inner cut so that my background paper would show through.  I stamped my sentiment on the background paper and cut it out with one of the smaller sizes of the labels 25 die templates.  Mounting it on foam pieces, I set it in the centre of the trellis.

This was my first play with the clear micro beads.  I used the spiral flower one for my sample test and I loved the way they looked.  Pick the card you want to use, peel off a piece of the adhesive sheets and cover an area large enough for your die.  Cut your shape in your machine.  Peel the backing paper off and pour your micro beads over it.  Push them firmly into your card and tap off any excess.  For the spiral flowers, I recommend cutting off the base piece and using a piece of non beaded coated card.  This will allow the base of the flower to adhere better.  Use a glue dot to hold the cut end of the flower to the side.  I put a pearl in the centre of the flower because the flowers won't roll as tightly with the beads coating them.  The pearl fills the centre and adds a nice embellishment to the flower too.  I used our green suede leaves to accompany the flower.  These are really nice to use and you can pull them apart to make two leaves.  They aren't felt, they are a suede material and allow a very tactile feel to your cards.  I couldn't resist a few pearl swirls in the upper corner to complete the card.  I hope it brings a bit of spring to your day!  All for now, Sue x