August Card Kit...

These are from the Simon Says Stamp monthly card kit for August. Yes, I know it's September but I am not the quickest draw in the west. I only made two types of cards from the kit of possibilities because I couldn't find the corresponding videos on the website. That's not because they aren't there. It's because I am the WORST navigator of the web!! BUT... I still loved making these cards!

What is really great about these kits (this was my first btw) is that it gives you an opportunity to use products you might normally walk on by. That would be the case with these flowers. They are velvet and are made by Maya Road. I wouldn't have given them a second look in the store but they really work on this layout. Also in the kit was some rick-rack. That was SO FUN to work with and I loved the effect. I've made a dozen cards and counting so far... woo hoo!! The kit also includes a set of acrylic stamps that I can continue to use on other projects. So, for the money, it is a great resource for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things...

Christmas card junkee...

These are all made from Scrappy Backgrounds... my absolute favorite way to use up scrap strips.  In the above cards, I only used Christmas patterned paper and reds, greens, golds and whites.  I am desperately trying to use up old Christmas supplies.  I am not allowing myslf to purchase another Christmas item until HALF, yes half, this current stash is gone!! 

 

 

 

But, THIS is the pièce de résistance!  I took a Scrappy Background and die-cut a label with a Spellbinders Nestabilities.  I ended up with two pieces, the label and the frame.  I took the frame and put a piece of light patterned Christmas paper behind it and heat embossed the sentiment in gold.  I did two others like this (seen in the above photo) but heat embossed with white.  I absolutely LOVE this!  In the lower right corner, I used an embellishment from Close to My Heart.  Now once I perfect what to do with the label piece, I will have a never-ending use for my Scrappy Backgrounds... :)  I also get to add 10 more Christmas cards to September for my personal monthly challenge seen on the side bar...

To Travis...

 

These five cards are being included in my friend Diane's first care package to her son who is being deployed to Oman next month.  Travis Dancewicz is currently stationed in Hawaii with the Air Force but will be serving a six month tour abroad.  Recently married, his new wife will return to New Hampshire to be close to family while he is away.  Diane, who has done my nails for almost twenty years, will be sending care packages which I hope to include a set of cards like these for each shipment...

 

Midweek Throwdown...

Here's my entry for the Midweek Throwdown Color Challenge over on the Stars and Stamps blog.  It's been a LONG time since I've done a challenge.  This challenge was to make a red and green card.  This also fullfills my personal challenge to make at least five Christmas cards a month (see side bar).  At least this month I have LOTS of days to spare... none of that last minute stuff!  ...lol 

 

Preliminary Card for Jessi...

 

A couple things you can't see in this pic Jessi...  1.  The ink of the feather is darker and 2.  There is a fine glitter on the feather itself.  I can send one to you today, in the mail, and you can see it up live and personal if you'd like... 

 

 

More from the same 6" x 6" pad...

 

Just so there is a visual log, these are the final scraps used from the 6" x 6" pad that inspired this post.  That makes a total of TWENTY cards that came from one pack.  I find that so motivating!  Whenever I'm stuck, I'll just pick up a new 6" x 6" pad and get ready to roll!

 

 

Just a note...

I'm CASEing this card from Sherry who made a few of these for her sister's birthday.  I thought it was so elegant looking that I needed to try it myself.  This is mounted on white which does not show up well in this picture.  Hummm, maybe it's time to start taking pictures instead of scanning?