Have you noticed the This Little Piggy Stamp Set (item 143922) in the annual catalog (US/CA)? If you are anything like me, it did not take you long to add it to your wish list.

I happen to know lots of people who love pigs, including my brother, who inherited the “piggy” nickname when he was little. My husband also loves them with a passion.

Needless to say, I could not pass up on getting this stamp set. So without further ado, let me show you what I created!

I love the flying pig and the little kisses from this set, so I started by putting together a Cupid-themed card, with a pig in place of the cherub.

If you like background stamps but aren’t sure how to use them, here’s an idea: stamp the image on Vellum 8-1/2″ Cardstock using VersaMark ink (item 102283) and heat emboss with the powder of your choice. The patterns really stand out and the Vellum Cardstock adds a wonderful touch to your project. I used the Tree Rings Background Stamp with the wood rings. (I love the circles of various sizes!)

For the circle embellishment, die cut the biggest one from the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372) and use the new Pattern Party Decorative Masks (item 144103) and a Stamping Sponge (item 141337) or a Sponge Dauber (item 133773) to make the clouds. By moving the mask and sponging, you’ll get a sky full of clouds. (Try to make the clouds on top a little darker.)

I wanted a rounded shape for my gift tag, so I used only half of the Stitched Shapes Framelits large oval and ran my cardstock through the Big Shot (item 143263); in keeping with the theme, I added a hole using one of the cloud dies from the Up & Away Thinlits Dies (item 142748). For the background, I used the new Marbled Background Stamp (item 144772).

Do you like the 1/4″ Copper Trim (item 144179)? I don’t know if it’s possible to appreciate its true beauty by just looking at the catalog, but the mesh trim gives you all kinds of different options. Here I stretched the wiring to create a little copper net. Fast and easy!

I considered two different types of paper for stamping the pigs: Shimmery White Cardstock (item 101910) or Watercolor Paper (item 122959) (used on the project). In general, I prefer Watercolor Paper, but the shimmer of the cardstock can really add a nice touch to small surfaces like the pigs. It’s just a matter of personal preference.

Here’s another tip for background stamps, which are large and tricky to handle: ink the whole surface (or part of it) with the ink pad, then place the paper on the part of the image you’re interested in. Use your fingers to apply pressure on the whole surface without moving the paper. It’s that simple!

For the gift packaging, I created a Whisper White Cardstock (item 100730) pocket using the Gift Bag Punch Board (item 135862) (size M/ 6″ tall). To get more volume, I played with the 1/4″ Copper Trim bows to make them wider. I wanted to make the pig look as if he were leaping, so I cut out the grass and placed it all around him.

We should always keep embellishments in mind when finishing projects. I used the new Metallics Sequin Assortment (item 144214) to add shine. As for the small hearts, they come from the Everyday Jars Thinlits Dies (item 141490).

Those little piggies seem so blissful! I hope they will make you as happy as they make me!

Have a nice day!

Aurélie FABRE
2017 Artisan Design Team