Happy Thursday! Have you ever had a stamp set that you just didn’t think you’d like and then when you use it you realise how amazing it is and how daft you’ve been? Well that happened to me with Touches of Texture. I totally bypassed it in the catalogue, too fussy, too many weird bits that I couldn’t see how to come up with a card idea. It did nothing for me – until we used it to make some cards when we were on the incentive trip (read more about that by clicking here).

Oh my word – why do I do that?

I judge things, that’s the problem – I see them and I can’t see how I would use them, and so I dismiss them. Have you done that? Did you think the same when you saw this set or did you fall in love? I know that people like different things, it would be boring if we were all the same, but I am constantly surprised by sets I use. The way this set builds up is beautiful. You just have to keep going, add layer on layer of stamping and watch the beauty appear. The card idea builds itself as you start to work.

Card Idea tip

I decided to use the new In Color’s Sweet Sugarplum and Dapper Denim for my main colours and worked out from there. I have recently had in my head the phrase “when you think it’s finished, add one more layer / touch” – that’s because my basic style is very clean and simple, and sometimes I underplay my designs and cards – so by keeping this phrase in my head, I help myself reach outside my comfort zone, and add just that extra something which I think has taken my card designs to the next level. I still love clean and simple and one or two layered cards – but I also think stretching yourself is good for the soul and the creativity. Plus it can be fun too! Sometimes you surprise yourself!

What do YOU do to take yourself to the next level? To push those boundaries and try something new? I’d love you to let me know – just pop a comment below. You could inspire me to take another leap!

If I’ve inspired you with my Touches of Texture card idea then buy your set now by clicking on the picture below.  Happy creative stretching, hugs, Pip x

Enter my Monthly Giveaway code at Checkout if your order is under £150 and receive a special thank you gift from me next month – this will be new product that I’ll order with the shared host spend and ship to you directly from me, it won’t come with your order but it will arrive early next month!