Inspired by Downton Abbey

I know. I know. This is a Stamping blog.  But I can't help mentioning that the third season of Downton Abbey began on PBS's Masterpiece Classics last night.  I don't like Zombies or Vampires, or a lot of the other shows that EVERYONE is watching.  But I just cannot get enough of Downton Abbey.  I like to think that I was one of the original fans of this show -- you know before all the hub-bub really got started.  But that probably isn't true.  I probably got on the bandwagon about the same time as everyone else. But I will keep right on trying to convert every non-DAer to the show.  You really, really should be watching it if you aren't already.

(And if you haven't watched last night's episode yet, you might want to skip to the card since the next couple of paragraphs include spoilers.)

It was with much anticipation that I put the kids to bed early and settled in for the season premier.  I was so relieved to see Lady Mary and Cousin Matthew finally make it down the aisle.  I will admit that I was afraid it would never happen and that the crafty Julian Fellowes would leave us dangling for the entire season wondering if they would or wouldn't make it to matrimonial bliss.  After all, we all know what Branson said to Matthew was absolutely true -- "You won’t be happy with anyone else while Lady Mary walks the earth."  So with that seemingly life-long dream checked off, instead we are left to wonder if the Crawleys will be forced to leave their beloved home. BLERG!  Can you even imagine?

Last night, we were treated to some wonderful moments with the Dowager Countess (flawlessly portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith), especially when she spars with Ouiser -- I mean Martha Levinson (Shirley MacClaine).  But I think my favorite Maggie Smith moment is when she convinces Former- Chauffeur-Turned-Grandson-In-Law Branson that he must wear a morning coat to the wedding with a simple, "Are you finished?  Take off your coat."

I digress.  I do have a card to share today.  And I like to think it is a bit Downton Abbey inspired.  At least I was going for that vintage look with it and that was easy to do with all the wonderful products in the Spring Catalog.

Colors: Crumb Cake,Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink.  Stamps: Amazing Family.  Accessories: Tea for Two Designer Series Paper, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, 5/8" Flower Trim, and Basic Jewel Pearls. 

See, the suite I used here is even called Tea for Two. Perfect for a Downton-inspired card. Although I should have changed the greeting to "You're such an amazing sister" so Sybil could have given it to Mary.  I made it for a swap and thought everyone has friends but some, like me, don't have a sister.

I talked about these fun Tea Lace Paper Doilies last week.  Here I took it and "aged" it by running it over a Crumb Cake stamp pad.  Then I took a sponge and rubbed it into the paper.  I also stamped an image on it from Amazing Family.

I have not talked about the Flower Trim that is in the Spring Catalog yet.  I simply adore it.  Here I just snipped off one to anchor the greeting.  In the package, they are strung together on tulle so you can use them individually or in a line.  They are Very Vanilla but I wanted it to stand out a little more so I pressed it into a Pretty in Pink stamp pad to make it look more like a tea rose.

So if you have been under a rock for the past couple of years, find the first two seasons on your favorite streaming service and then head on over to PBS.org to watch last night's season premier. Enjoy!