Best Wishes! Another GSG Swap Peek!

This time of year has me thinking of accomplishments and the young folks moving on after graduations- whether it be from high school, college or even kindergarten. SO, for my Great Swaps Girls swap that is due Saturday I decided to use that theme as my focus. For this swap we had to do anything other than a standard card size which happens to be called an A2. So it's our "Non-A2" swap. This card is a 6x6 folded in half. It is very simple and straight forward and I'm really happy with it.

You may not be able to see it in the picture, but I have pierced holes as a border all the way around the black piece except under the ribbon. The Real Red side has 3 stars punched out with the small star punch and just glued onto the red background. I've always admired this almost embossed look and really wanted to use a star on here somehow so this is what I ended up with. I love all the striped grosgrains but hadn't used them as much as I'd like so I'm very glad that I was able to incorporate it this time!

I'm finally slowing down a bit. School is out for my kids (DH has another week) and they both had overnights last night so I enjoyed a luxurious sleep-in this morning (8:30 was the latest I could do but that will change as the summer goes on). Now I'm lapping up the peace and quiet while it lasts. Kiddos will be home soon since they have a ball game tonight. Yesterday I didn't get my touch up painting done on my new crown molding since I had to design and finish this swap card and I had some more flower pots to fill (I love doing that!) so I might be painting today but that's OK- I'm not in a RUSH anymore... although, my house is a complete wreck since all our furniture is pushed towards the center of the rooms! Also, for Mother's Day I got this wonderful lounge chair for my deck which has yet to be fully enjoyed so that is on my list for today!!

Thanks for stopping by!

SU! Supplies

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Kraft, Real Red, Basic Black

Ink: Silver

Accessories: Real Red Striped Grosgrain, Silver EP, Star Punch, Crafter's Tool Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals, Silver Brads (on the inside)

What day is it??

So sorry it's been so long since I've posted! I won't bore you with all the details of my hectic schedule this last week (again). Let's just say I'm ready for a LONG nap... BUT, I haven't started my swap that is due on Saturday (shhh, don't tell!) so I WILL be doing some stamping today= FINALLY!! Check back soon, I'll surely have something new to share. :)

PS- we DID get my crown molding done on Sunday and it looks fabulous- so much better than before! Don't worry, I won't bore you with those pictures either!

A Great Swaps Challenge... or two (and a tiny bit of "mom" boasting!)

So this week it was my turn to choose the Featured Swapper on Great Swaps and I was excited to choose Lisa Henke!! She and I have quickly become good pals via on-line chatting and encouragement. We will also be roommates for this year's Stampin' Up! Convention in Utah in July! For the weekly Featured Swapper post we ask that everyone checks out the awesome swapper's gallery and/or blog and choose a card to CASE. This card is what I came up with after seeing this card of Lisa's. Here is Lisa's gallery and here is her blog, My Little Creative Escape!

The colors I chose are also inspired by the Great Swaps Group- this week's color challenge was to use Kraft, Certainly Celery and Cameo Coral. I love all three of these colors (I know I am in the minority on Cameo Coral, but I've always like it.) and had no trouble finding a way to use them together.

Well, I'm crazy busy around here lately with ball games, field trips, school field day, big weekend plans with family, parades, more ball games, retirement party, and somehow squeezing my crown molding project in there... then Kindergarten Graduation on Tuesday and the last day of school Wednesday. Phew! I'm exhausted just thinking of it all. Thank goodness we finally got our yard into shape this week and last- all weeding and mulching are DONE! That's a big weight off our shoulders since we hadn't really done much yard work at all the last 2 years with my DH in the middle of his master's degree. Anyway, we can once again feel some pride over our hard work!

Thanks for stopping by! I'm so glad to have you and to see my "hits" increase so quickly every day- what a treat for me! If you haven't already noticed I posted a picture of my 2 little "angels" in the sidebar. They get to be on the same ball team this year so I had to get a picture with their matching uniforms. I'm biased but I think they're pretty cute. :) We're really enjoying watching their season progress this year- it doesn't hurt that they are doing well at 5-0 and they BOTH got homeruns in their last game! Thanks for patiently allowing me to boast a little. I'm done now.

Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: Stitched, Happy Heart Day, Polka Dot
Paper: Whisper White, Kraft, Certainly Celery prints, Cameo Coral
Ink: Cameo Coral, Basic Brown
Accessories: scallop punch, circle punch, 3/16" punch, brads, kraft taffeta ribbon, ticket corner punch

Take Care!

The color challenge on SCS this week was to use Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Certainly Celery... I'm not sure this color comb can be messed up- these colors are the bomb! I decided to do a window card for this challenge, so using 2 sizes of square punches I punched through the layers (outside layer with larger square, inside layer with smaller square).

On the inside I lightly traced the window squares to help guide me where to stamp (this worked, although I still had to stamp on 4 sides of white paper before I got it just right- I was stampin' challenged this morning!!)

I wanted the flowers to just peek through the window for a hint of what might be inside. Let me give you a hint if you plan to do something like this: respoitionable adhesive!

The sentiment on the front is stamped on a folded tab punch. On one of the flowers inside I used a tiny bit of glue with our Fine Cosmo glitter for a little added surprise! The watercoloring was all done with the aquapainter and ink in the lid of inkpads. Also did a little sponging inside. The oval sentiment inside is raised on a stampin' dimensional. Hope you like it as much as I do!

Everything used is SU except the decorative Fiskars Scissor to do the scallop

Stamps: Vases in Vogue, Polka Dot background
Paper: Soft Sky Textured, Blue Bayou, Celery prints
Ink: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Certainly, Basic Gray
Accessories: Blue Bayou double stitched ribbon, square punches, scallop scissor (oops, guess that isn't SU), small oval punch, Fine Cosmo Glitter, glue pen, aquapainter, sponge

Do you dream about your hobby??

I know my DH dreams about getting a trophy buck or a long-bearded turkey, so it's not so weird that I dream about cards! Right?! The other morning I woke up with a vivid image of a card in my mind. I was able to sketch it out so I could work on it later in the day. This is it- probably not exactly what I dreamt of, but it was really just the layout that came to me. This has happened to me before and I either can't remember my dream well enough, or it just doesn't come together as I had envisioned (sort of like being a fit hottie in our dreams right?!) Anyway, this color combo is not one I've used before: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou & Not Quite Navy. The Soft Sky piece is textured, which I love! If you notice the white accents, they were done with the white gel pen.

SU! Supplies

Stamps: Short & Sweet, Solitude wheel
Paper: Blue Bayou, Night Quite Navy, Soft Sky
Ink: Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Soft Sky
Accessories: Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, distressing tool, white gel pen, oval cuting system, sponge

Congratulations Dawn McVey!

Dawn McVey (AKA Dawnsing) was Sunday's Featured Stamper on Splitcoast- yeah Dawn! Her gallery is full of beautiful creations and she is very deserving! Here is Dawn's card that I was inspired by- this time I copied her general layout but I changed up the colors, stamps and even changed the card size to a 3x3. These tiny cards are fun and quick, help get creativity flowing and are perfect for a gift card on a package or gift bag. If you haven't tried one I highly recommend it!

In case you are interested, I used the Color Coach for this card. I knew I wanted to use the tiny felt flowers from SU's Flower Fusion collection and they come in Old Olive, Purely Pomegranate and Pumpkin Pie (such a scrumptious combo!). First I selected Kraft as the card base because... well, it was laying here handy, and it looks great with these colors.

Next I decided on the Old Olive Polytwill since it's still new to me and it matches. This led to using the Color Coach to find Old Olive's "Dyanamic Duo" which happens to be Certainly Celery. (The truth is I initially had a piece of mellow moss there and when it looked barfy with the twill I thought I'd better double check my memory and sure enough I had the wrong greens together!)

As a side note, if you have the Color Coach but get discouraged because it does not include the current In Colors, don't fear, SU puts a color guide together for them as well. I just print it out and keep it with my In Color scraps so it is always handy. If you would like a copy of this color guide just let me know (via comment, PM or email) and I will get it to you!

Well, thanks for stopping by, and be sure to play along with the Great Swaps Girls challenges. We generally post at least 2 a week- one being the Featured Swapper challenge.

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Vases in Vogue (retired)
Paper: Kraft, Certainly Celery, Rose Red Prints
Ink: Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Felt Fusion Flowers, Vintage Brads, Old Olive Polytwill

CASE-ing Great Swap Girls.

Not sure what a CASE is? Well, the definition can vary but to me it means Copy And Share Everything. This is why I often use the word "inspired" instead- because if I copy everything on a card I don't post it anywhere- no point taking credit for someone else's design! Although I do LOVE being inspired by someone else's color scheme, technique, layout or theme.

Anyway, the Featured Swapper on the Great Swaps Girls blog was Lori Tecler this week. I finally got around to browsing her gallery and choosing something of hers to inspire me yesterday. Here is her card and this is what I came up with.

Althought this was a bit time consuming, it was really fun. I think this faux tile technique could look good with so many different stamps- especially the detailed scenery and flower stamps. Lori used flowers and a butterfly as well, although her butterfly is right in the image. Mine is so large I would've had to do some masking and didn't feel like it so I embossed it on a separate piece of paper then watercolored and cut it out.

To get the shades closest to a real monarch I ended up layering lots of color from Real Rust, Summer Sun, More Mustard & Pumpkin Pie. It is popped up on dimensionals in the center so it looks like it just landed there. When I showed it to my DH he actually seemed amazed that I made that butterfly- he asked if it was a sticker or something.

In the end I added a stamped off layer of the Weathered background stamp in Creamy Caramel, but had to do it twice for full coverage. If you look close you can see where I overlapped- ugh! I guess that's a good thing to do first so if you don't like it you aren't ruining the entire card and all that hard work! If you aren't familiar with it this butterfly is from an old retired set called Wonderful Wings from 2001! One of my first sets that I will never get rid of! Stay tuned, next post will be featuring SCS's Featured Stamper from yesterday! Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Wonderful Wings, Blossoms Abound, Weathered
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Creamy Caramel, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Always Artichoke, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Basic Black craft
Accessories: black EP, Watercolor crayons, aqua painter, vintage brads, sponge

Lovely Lilac: Love it or leave it??

It has been debated recently the lovliness of Lovely Lilac. I've always liked this color and have often wished for more purples in the SU color palette. Due to lighting conditions this card appears to be more like Brilliant Blue, but it is actually Lovely Lilac and I like it even better in person.

The colors Lovely Lilac, Summer Sun and Going Gray are a suggested color challenge posted on SCS on Tuesday so I had to go back and try it to show my support. The only thing I wish I would've done differently is scalloped the edge instead of used the spiral punch. I think the softness of a scallop would've worked better with the lemon images...

I also used Beate's Weekend sketch challenge for this, which I never do because most of my stampin' is done through the week when my house is quiet!

Finally, a new challenge website called Stamp Something posted their second challenge yesterday which was to make any type of Thank You project and link to their blog for a chance to win Blog Candy... who can pass that up? Anyway, for such a simple card I sure accomplished a lot.

The only item used that is not a Stampin' Up! product are the yellow brads. I didn't have any SU brand that color. These are by Making Memories. TFL!

Stampin' Supplies

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Full of Life
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Whisper White, Basic Gray
Ink: Summer Sun
Accessories: Black and Lilac markers, corner rounder, spiral punch, brads

Wish Big Petals

Here's my story on this card... yesterday I had some time to stamp and had dozens of ideas in mind. In fact, there were so many challenges and inspiration from various blogs and websites that I honestly felt overwhelmed and couldn't decide what to do... So I finally shut off my computer and tried to clear my mind. I sat down and just got started.

This 6x6 piece of Kraft cardstock was already on my desk from a previous project so I started with that. Not sure how the rest evolved but I'm pretty sure I like it! I hadn't pulled out my set Pick a Petal in quite a while. I had just finished mounting my new set Short & Sweet so I had to use that too (for the sentiment & tiny flowers around the frame). The ink I used is Ballet Blue (my go-to blue!), Whisper White and for the tiny flowers around the sentiment I used Sahara Sand since we don't technically have a "Kraft" ink color (which I'd LOVE to have!). The white gel pen and silver Hodgepodge with ribbons just finish it off.

I'm not sure I'll send this anytime soon- I think I'll just leave it sit here so I can look at it for a while. I highly recommend if you ever feel overwhelmed to shut everything off, clear your mind and just let your own creativity inspire you! It just might work. Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget, the Styled Silver Hodgepodge is in the current Occasions Mini and will only be available until the end of June!

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Pick a Petal, Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White, Ballet Blue Craft, Sahara Sand

Accessories: Ribbon: Bashful Blue, Bluebird, Bashful gingham, Kraft Taffeta; Styled Silver Hodgepodge, White Gel Pen, Linen Thread

Another Color Challenge!

For this week's color challenge on Splitcoast, I made this card. The challenge was to use Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red and Soft Sky. Any neutrals are allowed (thank goodness!). The polka dot patterned paper is in the Summer Picnic pack and technically is Purely Pomegranate- but the dots are so small who could tell it's not ruby red?? (Put your hands down!) This stamp set, Wonderful You, is new to me which is why it's what I've used the last two days.

I embossed the leaf image in black and it turned out so sharp with the contrast- I really like it. The photo corners are popped up a bit for some dimension, as is the embossed sentiment which is on the Word Window punch trimmed to fit the small oval punch. I wanted to do something a tiny bit different with the Pumpkin mat so it is in three sections (you may not have noticed). A bit more work to do this, but not much. Mine is very subtle, but you can achieve a neat look doing this.

One more note, this card is a 6x6 folded in half. Anyway, thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Wonderful You
Paper: Summer Picnic, Kraft, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky, Ruby Red
Ink: Basic black craft
Accessories: Black EP; photo corner, small oval & Word Window punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wonderful Friend

It's rainy and overcast today so sorry for the overly adjusted picture. I'll try to get a better one if the sun shows up today! I don't know what posessed me, but I felt the urge to whip out an old and underused Spectrum Pad today (called Taffy as a matter of fact). These spectrum pads are neat because they include several different ink colors in one, which can be pushed together or separated depending on the look you want. They are mostly intended to be used with a brayer I think, to roll on color, and are fun to play with! This card was quite simple, brayer on some color, stamp on it, distress the edges and voila! Of course I added a Close to Cocoa mat and some touches of Chocolate Polytwill ribbon with a Hodgepodge piece (BTW: The current Hodgepodge Hardware in the regular catalog IS RETIRING and will no longer be available in the new catalog... just so you know!) The card base on this is 4x4 and is Almost Amethyst (I know that isn't very clear by looking).

Sorry for my absence since Friday. We were out of town for the weekend for Mother's day and I'm just getting a chance to upload today. Thanks for stopping by. I've got something else for tomorrow- promise!

Stampin' Up Supplies

Stamps: Wonderful You, All Holidays
Paper: Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Almost amethyst
Ink: Taffy Spectrum, Always Artichoke, basic black
Accessories: Chocolate polytwill, Antique Brass hodgepodge hardware, distressing tool, brayer

Featured Swapper: Denise Hinton!

Since I was sitting down to browse Denise's gallery yesterday to find something of hers to CASE due to her being the GSG Featured Swapper this week, I decided to combine a card of hers I LOVE with yesterday's Ways to Use it Challenge (WT165). The only stipulation of the challenge was to use chipboard somewhere- No Problem! My good friend Nicky gave me a big supply of chipboard that she had extras of a few months ago and I've been thinking about this bird ever since. The set also included lots of neat frame thingys too!

Here is Denise's (aka Geekgirl415) card I chose and I decided right away I wanted to use my chipboard bird with it to mimic hers. My layout ended up almost upside down from hers which I didn't plan, but it just worked better that way once I did the stamping. I used her colors, general theme and her layout to an extent! Thanks Denise for the excellent inspiration!

Also, be sure to check out Denise's Blog, Geekgirl's Random Ramblings, she is so fun and very talented! Thanks for stopping by!

ETA: Fixed the link to Denise's card (I hope!).

Stampin' Supplies (All SU unless otherwise indicated)
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Carte Postale
Paper: Soft Sky, Soft Sky textured, Always Artichoke, Wintergreen
Ink: Whisper White, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Non-SU: Dew drops, chipboard, white satin ribbon

Have you tried a Window Card??

Well, I can certainly think of all kinds of possibilities with window cards. I'm not saying this was easy, I measured and cut, measured and cut... probably using a few well-placed square punches would be easier! These are fun because it's like having an extra work surface to play with. Not only can you design the front of your card but you can add a hint of what's to come on the inside as well- FUN! Want to see other window cards?? Check out this link!

Now, I can't say this is my all time favorite card- I was initially pleased with it, but now it seems maybe too busy to me. I do love the window idea though! (Since I took this picture I've ripped off the small red center flower and it does look better.)

Here's a peek at the inside. I used a piece of the Ginger Blossoms collection of papers that I didn't think I'd end up using but something came over me and I thought it would look really pretty showing through a window!

Anyway, I am sending this to my friend Krystie Lee who's birthday is tomorrow! I hope she likes it.

SU Supplies

Stamps: Embrace Life, It's Your Birthday
Paper: Ginger Blossoms, River Rock
Ink: Basic Brown
Accessories: River Rock Double Stitched ribbon, copper brads, decorative scissors

Thank you Color Coach!

I needed a masculine card for a relative and a thank you card for my DH to give to someone so I first pulled out my Wildlife Reserve stamps that I always do for anything related to my DH (he's a nature guy to say the least!).

Next, I went straight to the Stampin' Up! Color Coach for Ballet Blue (my favorite!). I chose Creamy Caramel and Always Artichoke with Ballet Blue accents (not exactly how you're supposed to use the color wheel, but it worked). There is a layer of Mellow Moss in there as well- it is listed on the wheel as a Dynamic Duo and I must agree. I refer to the Dynamic Duo section of the Color Coach often when I need a subtle layer or am working on a monochromatic or tone on tone card. It provides excellent pairings of colors!

Then I decided to pair the bird up with Lovely As a Tree which I haven't used in a LONG time (could be a year or more!). This is a great set to have for masculine cards (and Christmas cards, and sympathy cards and thank you... the list goes on and on)- tough to do those with flowers and bows!

Anyway, the front of this card ended up being a bookmark (not what I originally planned) attached with an Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware clip. I hadn't watercolored these trees in a long time and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope you like it!

Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Wildlife Reserve, Sanded, Warmest Regards
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Basic Brown, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Watercolor Crayons, aquapainter, label punch, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware

I'm going to Convention I'm going to Convention!

Yes, you can picture me skipping and singing like a little kid! Today at 7am was the opening day for registration for SU's big annual convention and I get to go!! Thanks to my DH for supporting me, parents for babysitting, my cousin for giving me a FREE hotel room and my SU business (and customers) for paying my way!!! This will be SU's 20th anniversary so I'm excited to see what is in store for us. My cyber friend Lisa Henke and I will be rooming together and we'll be hanging out with all our Great Swaps and Splitcoast friends! Now I have to go buy some comfortable yet stylish walking shoes- I gotta look good for my fellow stampers!

Since I'm up early I just might go stamp something and post here in a bit... we'll see! Have a great day!

New Challenge on GSG!

Be sure to check out the GSG blog today for a fun Inspiration Challenge! The inspiration piece is from Pottery Barn Kids if that gets you curious... Anyway, here is the card I made for the challenge. I was inspired by the colors and patterns, as well as the fresh fun look and the designs on the walls.

This card also meets the requirements of SCS's Friday Limit Supplies Challenge LSC166: Spotlight on Circles in which the only tools that can be used are circle punches!

I'm not entirely pleased with my design- specifically the stamping on the background... but overall I like the idea. If I were to do it again (which I won't) I would probably stamp the bursts (from Snow Burst) in just one color. This card is 4" by 8.5"- not sure why I decided to do an odd shape, but it fits in a business sized envelope so is sendable. TFL- hope you like it!

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps: Snow Burst, It's Your Birthday
Paper: Ballet Blue, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Celery & Rose Red Prints
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Certainly celery, Ballet Blue, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Accessories: Circle punches in all sizes, striped Wasabi ribbon, White Gel Pen

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad's birthday is coming up this week so I put this card together for him. I first scoured challenge after challenge then decided, for once, I was going to "wing it" and make a card entirely on my own. Kind of scary- LOL! Just kidding, it was fun and stress free- no rules to follow. I wanted something fun and festive so here it is.

The patterned paper is all from SU's Jersey Shore collection. The bird from Pun Fun is watercolored with the Watercolor Crayons and an aqua painter, along with some markers for the hat. Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Up! Supplies
Stamps: Pun Fun

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Whisper White, Jersey Shore DP

Accessories: Watercolor crayons, aquapainter , 1/2" circle punch, bold bright brads, Striped Wild Wasabi ribbon, Word Window Punch, Sponge, distressing tool

Awesome May Specials from Stampin' Up!!

Wanted to take care of a few quick business items...

First, please notice the great new Special Offers from Stampin' Up! on the left hand sidebar. We're talking discounted chipboard (with a special perk for May Hostesses!), FREE Hodgepodge Hardware and in honor of National Scrapbooking Month, a FREE Hobby Blade with the purchase of a Cutting Mat! For more details on any of these specials feel free to click on one of the links, contact me or look for the link a little further down called "Stampin' Up! Specials"!

Also in celebration of National Scrapbooking Month, on Saturday May 17th I will be scrapbooking. Why do you care? Well, because I invite you to come over and scrap with me! (I live in Northwest Ohio- email me for more info). This is from 1-8pm, is FREE and I have room for 7-10 so RSVP to reserve your space. I will have my tools and all my stamps available for you to borrow if you'd like. All I ask is that you bring your drinks and a snack to share since I won't be providing a MEAL. I'll have paper plates and those types of things.

I will be working on my albums so will not have make-n-takes or any high-pressure sales tactics (or low-pressure for that matter) but I WILL be available for "consultation" which means I'm always willing to pipe in with my opinion. :-) For all my scrapbooking friends, whether you can stop over on May 17th or not, I am personally offering you the following special on some of my favorite scrapbook "must-haves".

A Simply Scrappin' Pack! for $37.25 which includes:
A Simply Scrappin' Kit (of your choice on p. 172-175)
An Assorted Pack of 12x12 cardstock (p. 163-165)
A package of SU's exclusive Rub-ons (p. 182)
Tombow Multi purpose Adhesive (p. 186)

This package deal is a $43.80 value (or 15% off) and even better, with it you are also eligible for the 25% off all Stampin' Up! Chipboard products I mentioned above (another scrapbooking must-have!). This offer is good for the entire month of May exclusively through me. If you order this package by May 5 it will be here in plenty of time for my FREE scrapbook day on May 17th. (tax and shipping do apply)

Finally, sending a shout out to my Private Stamp Camp hostess, Cara Miller!

Challenge Double Take, BRAKs and an award!

I've been busy this week, can you tell?? No stampin', no postin', very little bloggin'! Well, I'm trying to make up for it today. This card serves as 2 of the awesome challenges I've missed lately (I'll never catch up!). First is Splitcoast's weekly Color Challenge: Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate and Soft Sky. .. and yes, I know I technically used Rose Red, but I challenge you to hold this prints paper and/or the Stick flower up to Purely Pomegranate and see the difference... that's what I though, none! :)

I also wanted to combine these with Jessie's awesome sketch challenge over on GSG. I really like this sketch and would definitely use it again! This card went through many changes, but I like the final result I think. I have used the Eastern Elegance Rub-ons in 4 different spots, can you find them?? Also used on this card (since they've been laying around due to my recent SAS) are the cardstock stickers from the Build-a-Flower Accents & Elements tin. Thanks for looking! Up next are two more Birthday-RAKs!

Here is a close-up of the brad with the rub-on on it (yes, I told you where one of the rub-ons is)- it was very easy, and I love the subtle look! Go Try it!

Stampin' Supplies (All SU!)

Stamps: Seeing Spots

Cardstock: Basic Black, Textured Soft Sky, Whisper White, Rose Red prints, Fall Flowers DSP(for the little circle)

Ink: basic black

Accessories: Eastern Elegance Rub-ons, Soft Sky DS ribbon, circle punches, Build-a-Flower Accents & Elements Tin, Silver brad, black marker

These two BRAKs are from Vicki (Luvs2stamp2) and Jessie (Knightrone) respectively. Aren't they sweet? Vicki somehow knew my favorite flowers in my flower beds! And Jessie managed to send, quite possibly, the thickest heaviest card I've ever received... I mean, check out those layers. She might have used an entire pack of Stampin' Dimensionals just on me! Thanks ladies, you're so sweet for making my b-day awesome last week!

And I almost forgot... I've been nominated by Lisa Henke and Nicole for an award!! The Arte y Pico award. (Thanks Lisa and Nicole) This award was originally designed by Eseya at arte y pico . You pick five blogs that you think earned this award based on their creativity, design, interesting material, and contribution to the blogging community. List the names on your blog and link to their blogs. Leave a comment on one of their posts to let them know of the award! Each winner has to show the award and put the name of the person who gave them the award with a link to their blog. Also show the link to arte y pico. Here are the girls I'm passing on the award to:

Michelle

Jill

Wanda

Kim

Kendra