Life sometimes gets 'in the way' of crafting. Lately there really does seem to be too much to do, and too little time. *sigh* I think I need to set aside some time for another crafting session, but first I need to get my craft room re-cleaned up (and
really cleaned OUT). All the 'stuff' I've collected for this fabulous craft sometimes becomes a hindrance to creativity rather than a boost for it, KWIM? I think it's time for a clean sweep, and a bit of reorganization! *wink*
Alrighty, enough rambling...onto the card!
I absolutely love this set (
Beautiful You) from
Verve. It was a set for their 1-year anniversary, and each of the design team members picked a favorite quotation, so it is VERY versatile, and it has a beautiful floral image that is great as a focal or as a background image. Verve's stamps are clear polymer (aka 'acrylic'), and they are super high-quality...nice and thick, and give great detail and very clear stamping.
I stamped the 'Life' sentiment onto a scrap of Very Vanilla using Ruby Red ink, and mounted it to a scrap of Ruby Red CS, adding three self-adhesive rhinestones to accent the sentiment. Next, I stamped a panel of Kraft CS with the flower image using Ruby Red ink. The card base is a standard A2-sized card in Bashful Blue. I stamped a border along one edge using Versamark ink and Martha Stewart Crafts 'Clear Pattern Stamps' polka-dot border (it's actually stamped twice, and since the stamp is clear, aligning the pattern was EPLS). I tied a bit of satin vanilla ribbon around the base, then adhered the Kraft panel, and attached the matted sentiment to the top using foam tape.
This was a *very* quick card, and the layout is one that would be easily adapted for other cards (and it's a great way to use up scraps! *wink*)
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle
Supplies used:Paper: Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Kraft, Very Vanilla CS (SU!)Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko); Ruby Red (SU!)Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps); Clear Pattern Stamps (Martha Stewart Crafts)Other: foam mounting tape (3M); satin ribbon (Offray); rhinestones (Michael's)
I ordered my new espresso machine Sunday night, and it arrived Tuesday! Starbucks has some amazing customer service and SUPER FAST shipping...in my box was also a coupon for a free beverage, Starbucks chocolates, and a tin of after-coffee mints. *grins* 
Today's Unity challenge is to "Go ahead and get creative make something using something recycled or images that represent what Earth Day means to you". The boys play a game on Starfall that says 'Everyday is Earth Day', and I couldn't agree more...God gave us this earth, and we are called to be good stewards of what God has given to us. 
I interpreted the theme in several ways...everything on the card is from my scrap bin, and the photo turn and skeleton leaves are things I've had hidden away for YEARS. I also used this wonderful verse from Something Within, and the butterfly flowers silhouette image from April's KOTM "fresh beginnings". I stamped the silhouette onto the background using Stazon Cotton White ink, then stamped the verse onto a scrap of Bazzill (first in Cotton White, then in PTI's Dark Chocolate for a 'faux embossed' effect) . Then I simply layered everything on, trimming pieces as necessary. 
So, the boys have both been sick on/off this week...which means I haven't had many breaks, and *no* chances to go to the gym (which I only joined last week). In an attempt to keep up my new habit, I've been doing workouts at home. Which is challenging. (Just try doing a workout with a 2 1/2 year old 'helping' you by climbing on your back while you do pushups, or sitting on your tummy during crunches, or bouncing on your fitness ball as you attempt a pike, and you'll see what I mean! LOL) Today, I decided to try a new video, and Daniel (my 4 1/2 yo) was my cheerleader/coach, echoing the trainer on the video. Near the end of the video, the chipper little workout lady suggested a way to 'take it up a notch' and I said "What is she, kidding??". To which Daniel replied (in the perfect deadpan that only a 4 1/2 year old with no understanding of sarcasm can use) "No, Mommy, I don't think she was kidding. You should keep doing it". LOL!! That kid seriously cracks me up! *grins*
Poor kid. Must've been a hard workout *wink*
Happy Easter, everyone! Yesterday I finally had a chance to do a wee bit of crafting, and made my two boys' buckets for their egg hunt happening later today (I only bought the buckets about 3 weeks ago! LOL)
I hope you all have a blessed Easter! I'm off to work on scalloped potatoes and stuffed eggs before church! *wink*
I absolutely love this set (Beautiful You) from Verve. It was a set for their 1-year anniversary, and each of the design team members picked a favorite quotation, so it is VERY versatile, and it has a beautiful floral image that is great as a focal or as a background image. Verve's stamps are clear polymer (aka 'acrylic'), and they are super high-quality...nice and thick, and give great detail and very clear stamping. 
I stamped the 'Life' sentiment onto a scrap of Very Vanilla using Ruby Red ink, and mounted it to a scrap of Ruby Red CS, adding three self-adhesive rhinestones to accent the sentiment. Next, I stamped a panel of Kraft CS with the flower image using Ruby Red ink. The card base is a standard A2-sized card in Bashful Blue. I stamped a border along one edge using Versamark ink and Martha Stewart Crafts 'Clear Pattern Stamps' polka-dot border (it's actually stamped twice, and since the stamp is clear, aligning the pattern was EPLS). I tied a bit of satin vanilla ribbon around the base, then adhered the Kraft panel, and attached the matted sentiment to the top using foam tape.