Hearts of a Different Color Challenge Results + Giveaway

I love pink — in all hues and in any shape, but even I get burnt out on the sea of red, white, and pink that takes over stores first thing in January. As soon as the New Year arrives, chocolate hearts wrapped in pink-foil and silk roses all start to fill the aisles. And who doesn’t love Valentine’s Day? I have fond memories of trading valentines when I was in elementary school, and of sharing good meals with great friends now that I am adult. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers!

However, this special day does feel like one of the more repressive holidays. While pink and white are appropriate colors for sure, most stores seem unable or perhaps unwilling to step beyond that color palette. That’s probably why I enjoyed the results of our Hearts of a Different Color Challenge, which is currently being featured in the winter 2015 issue of The Stampers’ Sampler. Editor Devon Warren challenged readers to create Valentine’s Day cards that utilize unique and unexpected colors and elements. There was such a huge outpouring of creativity that we now have over 20 pages showcasing the stunning results.

I wish I could show you every single card that was included in the challenge, but we don’t have enough space. So instead, I flipped through the pages and built a mini rainbow collection of Valentine’s Day cards. Hopefully these images will inspire you to venture out of your comfort zone, but if you’re just a die-hard fan of pink, white, and red, then at the very least these creative cards will definitely help you bring some new elements into your own creations. Check out the newest issue in person to see all the challenge results and for details on how to replicate the looks.

Also, don’t forget to pin your favorite for a chance to win one of three free copies of The Stampers’ Sampler. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the post for details on how to participate in our giveaway!

 

Hearts of a Different Color

Grace by Marge McGuire

This red and purple card features corrugated cardstock, a stamp with the definition of the word heart, and the interesting use of beads and brass wire.

Be My Valentine by Kim Sears

The layered look of this card was achieved with cut out cardstock, stencils, stamps, and a tiny ribbon. The heart stamp itself almost resembles a Fabergé egg!

Love Garden by Shari Frost-Job

This garden of love was created with mulberry paper, heart stamps, and a cleverly attached green brad. The washi tape embellishment across the bottom is a nice touch, and the distressing on the mulberry paper adds depth to the background.

You Make Me Happy by Sharon Bruner

This card looks like a mini-collage! With multiple layers of paper and images, and even some sewing elements, there’s a lot to look at on this little card, but the message is delivered loud and clear.

Sincere Feelings by Marge McGuire

The peacock colors on this card make it truly stunning. Even with the use of four overlaying hearts, this still feels distinctly unique from the normal run-of-the-mill Valentine’s Day cards. For this card, Marge used some die-cut hearts, heat-embossing, and stamps.

Love Is by Kim Ross

Love is a great many things! This card encompasses so many positive messages in one tiny stamp that all the open, white space really works. The tiny embellishments on the corner are unique and manage to fit with the patterned papers used along the edges of the card.

Passport to Love by Shari Frost-Job

What better way to express your love and appreciation for someone than with music? This card features torn pieces of music sheets, a bit of ribbon, and a lovely heart stamp.

Hugs & Kisses by Bobbie Porter

This card is an embossers dream. It features dry-embossed cardstock and a beautiful silver and black heat-embossed heart. While this color palette strays pretty far from the normal pink, white, and read—it’s still a very elegant and romantic card.

 

Your Chance to Win

[This giveaway has ended.]

We’re giving away THREE free copies of The Stampers’ Sampler! For your chance to win simply follow the instructions:

1. From the images featured above “Pin” your favorite.
2. Share a link to your newly created pin on the comment section below (get your link by opening your pin and copying the URL).
3. Tell us why you selected that card.

*Contest is open to US residents only, and expires on January 31st.

 

See all the Results of our Hearts of a Different Color Challenge

If you want to see all of the beautiful cards that were featured in our Hearts of a Different Color Challenge then don’t forget to pick up a copy of The Stampers’ Sampler. Also, because you saw it here [On the Blog], you get a special $5 discount on this fabulous January issue.

Use coupon code BLOG0115 when prompted at checkout to get $5 off this magazine.