The Happy Room

Here is a little project I did with some new papers from The Paper Temptress. This is a wonderful new company with some drop dead gorgeous cardstocks!! I designed this project a few years ago and it's been one of those projects I seem to go back to time and time again because they so cute and so easy to make. This project is available in my published books along with 9 others and a companion book with 101 papercrafting tips. Go HERE to learn more about my books!

The Retro Black Glossy Lustre and Retro Silver Glossy Lustre cardstocks were the perfect inspiration for this Purse and Note Card Gift Set. The glossy, swirly stripes cried out “Zebras!” to me the moment I laid eyes on this incredible paper.

So let’s take a little safari with my zebra friends and get a closer look at each one of the components of this gift set. Got your safari hat on? Ready?? Let’s go on a journey with a few of my zebra friends!




This is the purse that holds four A-2 size note cards and four envelopes (envies not included in these photos). The Retro Black Lustre and Retro Silver Lustre paper was a dream to cut, score and even sew on my Janome Sew Mini sewing machine! Plus, look at all of those luscious swirl-y stripes. So zebra-y (is that a word?). You’ll notice the adorable clasp that I die cut from a Spellbinders die cut for the purse clasp. Again, this paper performed flawlessly!



Meet Zebra # 1. This cardstock base is the Black Felt Grandee. In person, it is easily recognized by papercrafters as a top-notch cardstock with its’ knobby felt-like look and feel. It’s just dreamy! It folds and scores so easily and provides the perfect base for your lovely artwork. It’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The stamped image adds the perfect touch to this card, again showcasing the Retro Silver Lustre stock. I stamped with black Marvy Matchable ink which took to the Lustre cardstock like a dream. Yummy! The corner shape is a punch. To “pop” the designs I added self adhesive pearls. (Stamp credits: PSX)




Say "Hello" to Zebra #2. The base cardstock is White Felt Grandee. It’s so lovely in person~just like your best linen jacket fresh and clean from the dry cleaners. This stock just screams “top notch”. Again, it’s easy to fold and score. The stock for the main image is the Heavenly White Premium Ultrasmooth~it’s so incredible and user friendly. As you can see, a plain black image stamped in dye based ink looks like a million on this sheet. This paper looks like a winner every time!! Lastly, I added oval shaped self adhesive pearls and some fuzzy funny fibers for a little extra dressiness! (Stamp credits: PSX)




Here is Zebra #3. This card uses the Black Felt Grandee as a base with the Heavenly White Premium Ultrasmooth for the center image. I can’t stress enough how wonderful the HWPU cardstock is!! In many years of stamping, I’ve not seen such luxurious smoothness and the stunning bright whiteness of this beauty. Did you know that paper is “graded” using these three criteria? (Stamp credits: Sugarloaf)

1. Basis weight

2. Finish

3. Brightness

Kathie’s Comments:

1. Basis weight: The HWPU has a basis weight that is PERFECT for cardmaking.

2. Finish: The finish is so creamy, dreamy smooth which is a papercrafter’s *dream* stock.

3. Brightness: This paper is strikingly white. White, white, white. Did I mention white?



Zebra #4. This last card was made with White Felt Grandee as a card base, Black Felt Grandee as the first layer, and Heavenly White Premium Ultrasmooth Cardstock for the main image. These cardstocks have made such a difference in the overall look and feel of my projects. Thank you, Paper Temptress for these wonderful additions to mypapercrafting world!!! (Stamp credits: Embossing Arts)


I hope you enjoyed our little safari. Thanks for stopping by!