Today's feature is called 'Step It Up' after a much admired article in my favorite Scapbooking Magazine Simple Scrapbooks which is sadly no longer in publication. The premise carries over very well from scrapbooking to card making. Just take a simple layout (which is beautiful in itself) to the next level. Here is the first card:

In this card I featured 5 of the beautiful patterns in the sneak peak of Summer Smooches paper, cut in simple 1" strips, graduated in length from 3" to 4". The DSP is adhered directly to the card base and the sentiment is kept simple with just two tulips as an accent, popped off the main image using a Dimensional and a bit of Dazzing Diamonds for a bit of sparkle. That's it. A super easy card, yet makes a great impact.

I used an embossing folder with the second card to give added texture. I sponged the edges of the DSP strips to add richness and adhered them to the card using Dimensionals for depth. I added a bit of baker's twine and the sponged the edges of the sentiment and the edges of the tulip accents before adhering them. Six additionals steps, all designed to give the card added interest.