
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.
— Georgia O’Keefe
I’m working backwards through my team swap photos because some of the stamp sets I’ve used are retiring on June 2, 2020, or are discontinued! This particular set – Timeless Tropical – will carry over to the new 2020 Annual Catalog. And although Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Papers (DSP) do not carry over from one catalog to the next, you have through June 2, 2020 to order DSP before they’re gone! I didn’t use DSP on these cards because I really enjoy stamping my own backgrounds, but at the end of this post, I’ll share a fast and easy Timeless Tropical card with coordinating DSP.

Mango Melody, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, and Shaded Spruce coordinating inks and cardstock
In the midst of making these cards, my son left for USAF Basic Military Training, and because it was very hectic getting things done before and after his departure, I missed the mailing deadline by a day, and ended up sending these to the swappers individually. These cards were so enjoyable to make! I stamped the large hibiscus image with Versamark and heat-embossed with white embossing powder on Shimmery White cardstock, then watercolored with Classic Stampin’ Pads and a water brush, then sponged on more ink after the flower was dry. I let the paper curl naturally as it dried, and then coaxed the petals a little more when I adhered them to the top layer of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
As promised, here’s a plain and simple card with Tropical Oasis Designer Series Paper as the first layer on a Shaded Spruce cardstock base.

and Timeless Tropical stamp set.
Colors are Petal Pink and Shaded Spruce