Creating a card that captures both the whimsical and heartfelt aspects of gratitude is always a joy. Today, I want to share a project that perfectly blends these two elements using the stunning July Larkspur Fairy and August Poppy Fairy Stamp Sets from Sweet November Stamps. If you're like me and adore adding a touch of magic to your cards, this project is sure to inspire your next creation.
Thank You Fairy Card:
The Inspiration Behind the Card
There's something so enchanting about fairies, isn’t there? They bring a certain whimsy and charm to any card design, making them ideal for thank you cards that need to feel a bit more special. When I first got my hands on the July Larkspur Fairy and August Poppy Fairy sets, I knew they would be perfect for a thank you card that’s both elegant and playful. Combining these fairies allowed me to create a scene that feels alive with gratitude, and I couldn’t wait to see how they would come together on paper
Watercoloring with Tombow Dual Brush Pens
I’ve always loved the look of watercolor, especially when it’s paired with detailed stamps like these fairies. For this card, I turned to my trusty Tombow Dual Brush Pens, which offer the perfect blend of control and fluidity. These pens are fantastic for adding vibrant colors that can be softened with just a touch of water.
When I first started using Tombows, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous about how the colors would blend on watercolor paper, but after a few practice runs, I quickly found my rhythm. One tip I’ve found helpful is to apply the color directly to the paper and then use a small, fine-tipped brush (like my go-to Size 2 Princeton Heritage Round Brush) to gently move the color around. This gives you the ability to create soft, dreamy blends without losing the vividness of the colors.
If you’re not into water blending, the Tombow Colorless Blender is another great tool that gives you smooth transitions without the mess of water. I’ve found it particularly handy when I’m working on smaller areas where I want to maintain control.
Die Cutting Butterflies for a Finishing Touch
To add an extra layer of whimsy and tie the entire card together, I decided to incorporate a few delicate butterflies. Using some scraps of Canson XL Watercolor Paper, I die-cut three butterflies with the Butterflies 2 Decorative Dies from Scrapbook.com. Once they were cut, I blended a bit of Spun Sugar Distress Ink onto each butterfly. This soft, pink hue perfectly matched the feel and color scheme of the card, adding a subtle, yet elegant, touch. These butterflies not only complement the fairies beautifully but also bring a sense of movement and lightness to the overall design.
Creating the Perfect Sentiment
Choosing the right sentiment for a thank you card is crucial, and for this design, I wanted something simple yet heartfelt. I found a "thank you" stamp in my stash that worked beautifully between the two fairies. To keep the look cohesive, I stamped the sentiment in the same Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink I used for the fairies. This ink is one of my favorites for stamping detailed images and sentiments because of its crisp, rich black that dries quickly and doesn’t smudge.
I’ve often been asked about the best way to position sentiments on a card. My advice? Don’t overthink it. Place your sentiment where it feels balanced with the rest of your design. In this case, centering the "thank you" between the fairies kept the focus on the message while allowing the fairies to frame it beautifully.
The Finishing Touches: Bringing It All Together
To bring the card together, I created a top-folding A2 card base using Neenah Solar White Ultra Thick Cardstock. This cardstock is a favorite of mine because of its weight and durability, which really elevates the feel of the card. I then added a piece of pink and vanilla striped pattern paper from the Botanical Garden 6 x 6 Pattern Paper Pad by Carta Bella. This pattern provided a soft, elegant backdrop that complemented the fairies without overpowering them.
Finally, I attached the watercolor piece to the card front and added some white gel pen highlights using my Number 10 Bold White Gelly Roll Gel Pen. These little touches of white help the fairies pop off the page, adding a bit of dimension and sparkle that brings the entire design to life.
Why This Card Works
What I love most about this card is its balance of whimsy and elegance. The fairies bring a playful, magical element, while the soft watercoloring and striped background add a touch of sophistication. This card is perfect for anyone looking to create a thank you card that’s not only beautiful but also memorable.
I hope this project inspires you to play around with different stamp combinations and watercolor techniques. Whether you’re new to card making or a seasoned pro, there’s always something magical about bringing a new design to life.
Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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