Step It Up

Today I have 2 cards for your viewing pleasure. A few weeks ago I participated in a swap over at Stampin Addicts. It was called a "Step It Up Swap". We had to make 2 cards with the same stamp set. The first card was a basic design and the second card was the same design but "stepped up".

This was my first card using the stamp set Easy Events.

It is pretty basic. The image is stamped on Whisper White cardstock and colored with Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen. Those Watercolor Pencils are what hooked me into stamping!

As you can see, the only thing I added to the card was a Basic Rhinestone on the cupcake. Everything else is pretty plain.

Now this is my Stepped Up version of the same card. The additions are subtle.

First I embossed the background with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. That, in of itself, adds alot to a card. But I wanted some sparkle on my cupcake so I added Dazzling Diamond Glitter. Grosgrain Ribbon is always a wonderful addition to any card! And finally I used the Scallop Border Punch and punched the bottom of the Baja Breeze layer. 

All of these little extras can really jazz up a card, especially birthday cards when you may want it to be a little extra special!

Stamps: Easy Events

Paper: Just Add Cake

Cardstock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Early Espresso

Ink: Black Stazon

Other: Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, Basic Rhinestone, 1/4" Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (RETIRING!), Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Basic Rhinestone, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

I have another Stepped Up Swap tomorrow.
And a reminder!

Stampin Addicts Retiring Stamp Set Blog Hop is this week!
Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29
16 Retiring Stamp Sets will be featured. Hope you can join us!