January Celebrations...Just A Little Bit Late!

I missed a few birthdays in January and here I am playing catch-up!  I think that word, "catch-up" might be imprinted on my DNA!  I'm still finding myself in the mood to search out oldies to use from my stash.  I've decided if I don't think I'm ever going to reuse it (or even use it for the first time), it might be time to send it on to some other pasture, however that old saying goes!  I found an old 2008 wood stamp set a friend gave me.  Since I really don't like wood stamps, it was time to unmount it if I'm going to keep it and use it an even better idea!  I thought I'd give it a go and see how it might fit my card.  Then, I found the 2013 SAB Feeling Sentimental stamp set...I love the penny-farthing bicycle, I and have used it, but not the sentiment "Celebrate," which could be used for this birthday card.  Before letting my creative mojo get ramped up to far, I needed to take a look at my Splitcoaststampers Challenge List to add those guidelines into my thoughts.

With my two stamps in mind, I was able to find 11 SCS challenges that I could use if I designed my card just right!  Take a look at my finished card inside and out after letting all my notes percolate.  I'm hoping the recipient likes her card when it finally arrives!

Ingredients: SU Cardstock--Early Espresso, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla. Patterned DSP--stash scraps. SU Ink--Soft Suede. SU stamps--Eastern Blooms (2008 Fall-Winter), Feeling Sentiment (2013 SAB-sentiment). SU punch--3/4" circle. Lace--stash. Copic marker (pearl coloring). Colorbox Ink--Dark Brown (edge distressing). Chatterbox verse (computer). Size--4-3/4" x 6".

A Sister-in-Law Vintage Birthday in August!

I have sister-in-law number FIVE to prepare a birthday card for in the month of August.  I was in the mood for a vintage birthday card, and I was excited to begin.  It seems I take spells where I must do some vintagey stuff or bust!  I had to hurry, because my husband is making a trip south to a family get-together and this particular sister-in-law will be there all the way from Kansas.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to travel with him because of some previous commitments made before we knew this get-together was going to take place.  But, here was a chance to hand-deliver this birthday card. . .I would not have to worry about weight and bulkiness due to postal limitations!  I was stoked, and I got to work immediately!  Take a look at my finished vintage birthday card just for Joanie!

Ingredients:  Stampin Up cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink (retired).  BoBunny: Love & Lace (rose pattern).  Punches: Becky Corner Rounder, EK Scalloped Corners, WRMK Deco Corners.  Dies--Spellbinders Scallop Hearts.  SU: Metallic sequins, Gold Embossing powder. Stash: Crochet Flower, Black lace, Vellum.  Computer sentiment/ verse.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".  (Note: Flower center...black sequins tied into a sequin knot with needle/thread).

Anniversary Card for My Daughter's Good Friend

My daughter was checking out my "card's I like" file the other day when she realized her good friend's anniversary had come and gone.  She was very unhappy with herself!  She came across a card picture I had saved from my very first "favorite" scrapbook store, Paradise Scrapbook Boutique in Chico, CA.  She was oohing and aahing over this card, so I told her I would make one similar to it if she wanted to send it off to her friend in Colorado.  She was thrilled, and even offered to pay me for it, which of course, I said, "NO...it just gives me an excuse to make another card"!   I had also admired this very same card while visiting the store on one of my trips south where it was on display; therefore, during my shopping spree, I purchased many of the same embellishments for my own stash.

Here is my take on PSB's card, which is very similar to their original design, except I enlarged it from its original size and changed its shape to almost a square.  I also added a few more mat layers than the original.  My daughter was very happy with the results, plus the "Belated Anniversary Wishes" and embellishments on the inside.

Recipe: SU stamp (ret.). SU Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black. Pattern: Recollections Black & White Stack. Sizzix Sizzilit Label die. PSB Embellishments: Prima Flower, Black seam binding ribbon, Rhinestone flower trim.