With Appreciation

So I've had the last Sketch Challenge at EBTKS sitting on my desk for the last couple of weeks.  I've had an idea forming in my head for ages but for whatever reason I didn't find the time to put it together in time.  Bummer because Kelly Marie was giving away a couple of her cute new stamp sets.  But I wanted to finish this idea and show Kelley Eubanks that she came up with an awesome sketch.  Not that she checks my blog but just in case LOL ;)

Since this is an appreciation card it also works for the new Sisterhood of Crafters latest challenge.  Looking back now I should have formed the hills on scrap paper and then trimmed to the height that I wanted.  They are a little too tall  but it was too late after they were taped to the card base  I really like the faux stitched border and the zen feeling of all that green.  The Mixed Messages (PTI) sentiment came in handy because it gives a greeting without taking away from the focal scene.

To go with this appreciation theme I want to thank all of my blog followers and friends.  You inspire and encourage me everyday and I am extremely thankful for that.  I do want to send a special thanks out to my most loyal blog friends who  always make sure to find time to check out my creations and I find it so amazing that they look at my rookie projects when they are so unbelievably talented.  I am going to list them in alphabetical order so that no measure of importance can be made because they are all equally special to me.

1) Courtney 

2) Jessica 

3) Karen 

4) Maureen 

5) Melisa Unfortunately she doesn't have a blog but you can find her wonderful creations on Splitcoast

6) Tanis  

If you find the time be sure to check out these ladies fabulous blogs.  They all have wonderful and different designs and writing styles.  Now thanks to all of you for stopping by and I hope you've been inspired to show your appreciation!

Sugar and Spice

Wow, I've managed to combine three challenges for this one and I managed to make a birthday card for my daughters friend.  It's going to be her first sleepover.  I'm okay with it and she's totally cool with it.  We're use to her spending the night at her grandparents and it's also nice knowing that her aunt lives just down the street just in case she doesn't want to sleep at her friends for the whole night.  You never know right?

Anyhow, I hope it doesn't bother you that I've smudged the photo of my daughter and her friend.  I know it's less esthetically pleasing to the eye but I'm not entirely comfy about posting pictures of my kids and I'm certainly not comfortable posting pictures of other peoples kids.  So I hope you can get past that element to enjoy all the others.  

Now down to business.  It all started with seeing the current challenge and sponsor over at Everything But The Kitchen Sink.  The challenge was to use string and the sponsor is The DigiChick.  I had just been talking (aka emailing) my new blog friend Karen B. about using digital.  She gave it a try and I hadn't so I thought what a perfect opportunity for me to try.  As I was browsing DigiChick's $2 tuesday specials I came across Sugar and Spice paper and elements packs.  Fabulous!!! Now I actually had something to work with the current Cinema Saturday presentation of Julie and Julia something to do with cooking.

I know you're probably thinking why a birthday card? But like Sugar and Spice my daughter and her friend are also a dynamic duo.  And like most little girls they both have lots of sugar and spice in their personalities.  One has more sugar and the other has even more spice.  

The last part of my challenge puzzle was to pick a sketch and what better sketch to use than Karen Sweet Sunday Sketch.  So everything is digital except for the linen thread, buttons and Sage Shadow cs in the background.  The focus panel was cut, distressed and inked with Soft Suede. I cut out the flower and did the same distressing and inking.  I can really see how handy these digital files can be when when working with photos or wanting to reuse the same embellishments.  Oh yeah and if you run out of your favourite dp....just print some more.  I know it will be a lot more handy when I can figure out how to layer on photoshop but for today's work I think it was all worth.  The only drawback is the learning curve and I'm not sure I have enough time to devote to it.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you've been inspired.  Have a fabulous week.

March Viva La Verve #5

This week we got to choose our own kitchen inspiration for the sketch challenge.  I chose this lovely blue, white, and brown number with lovely subtle yellow and orange accents.  This kitchen is very much my style.  Nice and classy clean lines without the urban feel.  I really like the brown tile work.

Once the kitchen was chosen I chose the purpose of the card.  I chose a nice encouraging card for my little sunshine girl and what better stamp set to use than "Feel the Sun". The sentiment reads "Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own SUNSHINE"  Isn't that the truth?  Smile and the world smiles back :)  Ribbon was used for the tab part of the sketch and I decided to use cotton floss for the vertical panel for a lighter feel.  This cotton floss matches the Summer Sunrise paper almost exactly.  The center flower and leaves are cut out from left over paper from the SU! Princess Part Kit.

Well there's the last of March Viva la Verve challenges.  I'll need to post 'em all on splitcoast now.  Hope you are all having a fabulous day.  I'm also posting a small picture of the new tote bag I came across at Winners today.  I was so excited to see the Raspberry Fizz Matt and Nat bag for such an awesome price!!!  It wasn't just calling my name it was screaming it!!!  I apologize for the poor picture quality but we've had a horrible foggy and rainy morning so far.

Paper:  White, Chocolate Chip, Scenic Route dp, SU! dp, Summer Sunrise (PTI)

Ink:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Bordering Blue

Accessories: MS border punch, orange cotton floss, Yellow ribbon

Stamps: Feel the Sun (Verve)