Best Birds Revisited for #simplestamping Saturday. With all the excitement around Sale-a-Bration, I sometimes think we forget that there is an Annual Catalogue. Today I have pulled an older stamp set which I think is useful for so many occasions and is great throughout the year. Best Birds is just so pretty with a great branch that you can add flowers to, or not. There are some really useful sentiments too, so it is a great all round set. The dies have additional birds, but also make cutting the stamped shapes really quick and easy. It is for all these reasons that I chose this set for today’s #simplestamping project.

The ‘simple’ version is wonderfully quick to make and uses just 3 ink colours and a Blender Pen. My tip for this card is to have the branch hanging off the side of the card. I think this makes the design much more ‘intentional’ than keeping the end on the card. Before you stamp the bird or sentiment, move the ink on the branch while it is still damp. If you need to, add some more ink with the Blender Pen. Stamp the Bird so it is sitting on the branch. As the Best Bird stamps are photopolymer, positioning is really easy. Again, move the ink around while it is still damp, adding some So Saffron on the breast. The leaves and the sentiment are both in Old Olive.

For the ‘casual’ version I added some patterned paper from the Share What You Love DSP pack. I love this paper, you get masses AND it is a heavier weight, so perfect for all kinds of crafting. And that is without mentioning that some of the designs have a pearl finish – lush! The stamping is the same, but I did it on a scrap of Whisper White and then hand cut the branch and bird before adding to the card with dimensionals. The sentiment was also stamped on a scrap strip of paper and then punched using the Tailored Tag punch.

The ‘avid’ version is basically the same, but with the addition of some gold thread, some So Saffron stamped flowers and some Artisan Pearls. The Birds & Blooms dies make cutting the images so easy and, as a result, this version is actually quicker to put together than the casual version. Don’t you love that patterned paper? The pearl flowers are just so pretty and I think they are the perfect addition to this card design.

Which is the card you want to make? I would love to hear from you, so please let me know by adding a comment below. Whichever you like best, I do hope you will take another look at the Annual Catalogue. If you need a copy, just hop over to the Catalogue page of this site and complete the request form. I would be happy to send you a free copy. you can sign up for my Newsletter at the same time!

I love that you choose me as your demonstrator. Remember, when you shop with me online, use the monthly Host Code to share the Host Rewards. And for every £30 you spend in one order AND use the Host Code, you will earn a Sunflower Reward. Spend £60 in one order and earn 2 Sunflower Rewards. Earn 10 Sunflower Rewards and you can choose £30 of product of your choice. Full details are on the Hostess Code Club Page. This month’s Host Code is:

9BJDBTUA

If your order is over £150 (plus P&P), please don’t use the Hostess Code as you will get to pick your own rewards, but don’t worry, you will still become a VIP Member.

Sale-a-Bration EXTRA FREE PRODUCTS

Remember that until 31st March you get EXTRA FREE PRODUCTS depending on whether you Shop, Host or Join my Team.

Shop – There are Level 1 and Level 2 Items. If you spend multiples you can choose additional items for every £45 or £90 you Spend.

Host – In ADDITION to getting FREE Sale-a-Bration Items, you may also be able to ‘earn’ additional Product FREE if you host a party, or place a larger order.

BUY THE STARTER KIT AND SAVE MORE FOR LONGER!!

During Sale-a-Bration, the Starter Kit is EVEN BETTER and this year you get 2 Options.

Sale-a-Bration Starter Kit Option 1

Instead of £130 (175€), until 31st March 2019 you will be able to include £170 (230€) of product of YOUR choice still for only £99 (129€)

Sale-a-Bration Starter Kit Option 2

To include the exclusive Craft & Carry Tote (valued at £47/61€) just pay and extra £26 (31€), making a total of £125 (160€) for an amazing £196 (261€) of Products. That is almost half price!!

As a Member of this great Family, you get a minimum of 20% net discount on your future purchases. You also get income from sales you make to other people if you want to use this as a business. Win,Win Right?

Whether you are in the UK, France, Germany, The Netherlands or Austria, just click on the picture to join the Team. If you decide that being part of the Stampin’ Up! Family is not for you, then just stop buying and you will revert to being a customer. Easy, simple, no quibbles!

Dimensions

Standard A6 Cardbase

First Mat – 5-5/8 x 3-7/8” (14.25 x 9.75cm)