Birds of a Feather

I was preparing some cards for a Take Ten Challege from Stampington when my new stamps arrived from Artistic Outpost! It was love at first sight. Of the six cards I submitted, by far this is my favorite. The card is made from azure blue cardstock and in an interesting color combination of pink, black and blue. I really think the card has a French Inspired Vintage feel to it. The stamp set is entitled "Birds of a Feather." It is destined to become one I use over and over again.

Lilac Birthday Greetings

My husband's oncologist's birthday is today. I really do not know what colors she prefers, but somehow felt safe in selecting various shades of lilac and purples. I love this sheet of paper that I found at Borders Book Store while in Washington, DC, last weekend. It has so many different colors in it. It was made in the UK from recycled paper. Again, I have used one of my favorite stamps, Woman in Repose by Rubber Stampede. I am hopeful that she likes it. Happy Birthday, Dr. Brose!

A Birthday Wish for a Dear Friend

I really like how this card came out. I love the leaf background paper and how I was able to trim it so that I could tuck the image of the young woman behind it. This stamp by Rubber Stampede is one of my favorites and I use it all the time. The sentiment by Penny Black is being used by me for the first time. I really like it though, so I plan to use it often. The icing on the cake: Fresh polka dot green/brown ribbon and several vintage buttons. I really love the feel of these shell buttons and often wonder where they were found.

Grunge Birthday Wishes

I really like this card! It is a departure for me. I am usually hesitant to grunge up a card with smeared ink, but I think it really adds dimension in this care. I really pushed myself when I smeared black ink on the paper flower and added a button to the center rather than my standard brad. Probaby my biggest surprise, though, was the butterfly sticker by Martha Stewart. They were on the clearance rack at Michaels. I never would have paid full price for the pack as I thought they were pretty "flat." Was I surprised when I opened the pack to find that the butterfly was dimensional. Maybe I will go bak for more of them. This card will go to one my husband's staff for their birthday. Hope they like it.

Happy Birthay, Son!

My son's birthday is just around the corner. Since he is a musician who loves the Lord, I thought he might enjoy a card with images of a singer playing an instrument and the quote by Hank Williams. Since he has a September birthday, I decided to pick warm earthy colors for the cardstock. I could have forgone the ribbon at the bottom, but decided to add it just to break things up a bit. Hope he likes it!

Horse Silhouette Birthday Greeting

My daughter-in-law celebrates her birthday, tomorrow, a day before my husband and sister-in-law. She is selflessly helping me prepare for a surprise party for my husband, rather than have us focus on her. I especially wanted to make her a card to wish her a very happy birthday. I chose a horse silhouette sticker and matted it numerous times with coordinating background papers. I added a lock and key for hardware, and softened it with an organza orange ribbon. I used more of the coordinating background papers and added a definition of a birthdday and a birthday sentiment. To add a bit more definition, I added two chocolate mini brads. Hope she likes it!

Frazzled Birthday Cat

My sister-in-law and my husband (fraternal twins) will celebrate a very special birthday this weekend. My sister-in-law loves cats, especially her own cat, Blackie. In honor of her birthday, I chose this frazzled cat for my stamped image. I left the cat uncolored except for big taupe colored eyes. To add a little glitter, I added shiny black photo corners and a glittered birthday present die cut along with a glittery cord tied in a bow. To finish off the card, I added three different colored jumbo brads that pick up the colors of the die cut to add a little warmth to the rather neutral card.