There’s something about summer that feels both calm and full of life at the same time-and that’s the feeling I wanted to capture for the Poppystamps “Summer Daze” Challenge this August. I envisioned a soft, serene hillside where birds soar across the sky, a cozy little lamb grazes peacefully beneath the sunshine, and every detail is touched with warmth and whimsy. I turned to some of my favorite Nordic-style dies from Poppystamps to build this peaceful summer scene-and I’m so excited to share how it came together.
Ink-Blended Skies and Gentle Hills
To create the base of my card, I started with a white cardstock panel and ink blended the background using Distress Oxide inks in soft blue and green tones. I kept the blending light and airy to reflect the stillness of a summer day. For the hillside, I die-cut a curved piece of patterned paper from the Nutmeg Plaid 6×6 Paper Pack. The gentle green plaid instantly gave the card a homespun feel and served as a nice contrast to the smooth ink-blended sky. I also die-cut a stitched circle from yellow cardstock and lightly inked the edges in orange to create a glowing summer sun.
Nordic Elements for a Storybook Feel
The focal point of this card is the sweet little lamb from the Nordic Cheerful Lamb die set. I cut all the pieces from white and soft peach cardstock, then added subtle shading with Distress Oxide ink to give the wool and sweater some warmth. I assembled the Nordic Sweeping Branch using a brown trunk and green leaves inked in multiple shades for added texture and contrast. This branch acts like a whimsical little tree, arching up behind the lamb and connecting visually to the golden sun above.
Flying Friends from the Flock of Birds
To add movement and life to the scene, I used the Flock of Birds die to cut out several birds in various sizes. I colored them in warm neutrals—soft browns, creams, and muted oranges—to keep the palette cohesive while still drawing the eye. Some of the birds are flying across the sky, while one is perched mid-flight in front of the sun, creating a silhouette moment I really love. These small additions helped bring a quiet joy to the entire card and filled the space without overwhelming the focal point.
A Simple Sentiment to Tie It Together
To finish the card, I chose a sentiment from the Modest Banner Greetings PSF806 set: “Thinking of You Often.” I used the pre-foiled version on black with gold lettering and placed it just along the curved plaid hill, tucking it slightly underneath the lamb to ground the design. I popped up the lamb and sun with foam tape for extra dimension, and that was it! This card feels like a page out of a summer storybook, and I think it’s perfect for sending to someone who needs a gentle reminder that they’re being thought of.
This card was a joy to create, and I hope it brings a bit of calm sunshine to your day. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to join the Poppystamps “Summer Daze” Challenge this month! Whether you create a beachy scene, a garden moment, or a Nordic daydream like this one, we’d love to see your take on summer.
Hugs,
Jyoti
Nutmeg Forest 6×6 pack Shop at: SSS |
Nordic Sweeping Branch craft die Shop at: PS |
Nordic Cheerful Lamb craft die Shop at: PS |
