Catch-Up Time

This month, Sarah has posted a couple of great challenges for January over on our group blog. After checking out Debbie's post today, I was inspired to finish the cards on my table and get them uploaded tonight in one photo laden post. 

Challenge #1 - The One Layer Card

Keeping it simple and one layer is a bit of a challenge for me.  I decided to layer some Lemon Tart with a pale green woodgrain print.  Then, I used Turning a New Leaf and some clear embossing powder to create my leaf pattern.  To bring it out, I used some green Memento inks and the Tea Dye duo inks and a sponge blender to add depth and definition.
 

Fillable Frames #10 provided the cutout and frame around one of my favorite sentiments from Signature Greetings.  Overall, I'm pretty happy with this.

Challenge #2 - The Black Base Card

Isn't this adorable.  It's amazing what you can do when you start with a funky piece of ribbon.  I combined the butterfly from Baby Button Bits, a sentiment from Spring Tags, and the Take Three die for this little gem.  I'm a little hooked on Crystal Effects and had to gloss up the wings just for fun. 

Hope you like it!

September Parade of Blogs

Our challenge was to ink up a never been used set or to dig out one that we've been neglecting. Admit it ladies, we've ALL got one or two of those in our craft rooms. This card uses a lot of fabulous products from the Papertrey Ink July release that I haven't been motivated to put to good use. So, I'm finally introducing the Just the Ticket set to ink.



Can I tell you that I am crazy about the emboss-resist technique? This time I paired it with one of my PTI favorites, Text Style II to create antique paper. The note paper was die cut & stamped with the lines from the It's Official set and inked to soften the edges. To give the focal image a little oomph, I folded one ticket underneath and pop-dotted it to the sentiment. This makes the Just a Note ticket stand out from the notepaper.

Thanks for stopping by. And if you're inspired to get something new all inky, be sure to visit the challenge page and Mr. Linky your own entry. I'd love to see your handiwork. Catch ya later!!

Details:
Stamps: Just the Ticket, Text Style II, It's Official (all PTI)
Ink: VersaMark, Desert Sand, Rich Cocoa, Rhubarb Stalk, Summer Sky, Potter's Clay (Memento)
Paper: kraft & light blue (SU), white (Neenah)
Other: clear embossing powder, sponge daubers, spiral notebook & ticket border dies (PTI), satin ribbon (from my stash)

Back to School

Do you ever make cards and have no clue what they're for or who to give them to? Well, this is one of those. After seeing Dawn McVey's July countdown creation here where she made a happy yellow measuring tape, I had to copy that element for myself. It's pretty clear that I had going back to school on the brain when I stamped this a few weeks ago.



I love the chalkboard look, but wanted a classier twist. Instead of using my go-to set of Text Style II, I chose a retired SU background that has the bold, old-world look. As a former French teacher, I thought it was very appropriate. I also love how the swirls mirror the damask peeking out from under the twill.



I intentionally left the license plate blank so I can pick an appropriate sentiment when I'm ready to send the card. Unless I forget. Which has about a 95% chance of happening. But if (when) I do, hopefully the recipient won't notice. And if they do? I hope I never find out! LOL

Have a great one, guys!!

Details:
Stamps: Enjoy the Ride, It's Official (PTI), French Script (SU)
Ink: Rich Cocoa, Bamboo Leaves, Cottage Ivy, and Pear Tart (Memento)
Paper: More Mustard (SU), Solar White (Neenah), damask print (MME), Harvest Gold (PTI)
Other: cream twill tape, clear embossing powder, car die (PTI)