Combining Challenges with Dragonflies

One of the reasons I started up my blog again was because I really enjoy participating in various challenges. This card uses a hodgepodge of CTMH and Stampin' Up! products for the following challenges: Color My Heart, Freshly Made Sketches, and CAS on Friday

My colors are Sweet Leaf, Flamingo, and Lemonade (CTMH). I cut them into 1.25" x 4.25" strips, layered them onto a thin piece of cardstock (which is how I'm rescuing a bad purchase of cardstock that turned out to be waaaay too flimsy), then ran it through the Garden embossing folder from Stampin' Up! I then sanded it to expose the white core. I ended up trimming of about 1/8th of an inch from the top and bottom because I wanted it to be noticeably smaller than my center section. I adhered this layer directly to my card base. 

The lattice work die cut is called Linked Together and is also from Stampin' Up! I wanted a more substantial frame, so I cut a stitched rectangular frame from a CTMH die set and layered the two together. I added foam tape to the back, including super skinny lines in a few places in the center to keep it from sagging.

The dragonflies are from CTMH. Adhering them together and then to the Linked Together frame was a bit fiddly but worth it.

The final touch was some clear gems from Stampin' Up! Of all their products I used, this is the only one that's no longer available. 

I haven't added a sentiment because I'm restocking my card stash and blank ones are always good to have on hand.

Until next time,

Becca

Since joining Stampin' Up! after CTMH closed, I've been following the Artisan designers and have totally fallen in love with Maheswari Rajaguru. This is my first attempt at copying her unique, gorgeous style.

The stamped images come from a new set called Gallery Blooms. The frame is from Storybook Friends, and the lock and key are from Tags to Go. The background is the Distress Tile embossing folder. Colors are Petal Pink (Stampin' Up!) and Acorn (CTMH, but Pecan Pie from Stampin' Up! would work just as well). The frame, lock, and key were cut from gold metallic paper. I cut the frame piece three times, twice in plain white paper, and layered them together for added depth. Accents are the 25-27 In Color Flat Pearls.

I think I'm going to use this as an engagement/wedding card since I just found out the daughter of friends in New York is getting married. Or maybe I'll recreate it in her wedding colors just for the fun of doing this again!

Until next time,

Becca

I Appreciate You

 As soon as I saw the new May Online Exclusives release from Stampin' Up!, I knew I wanted to try combining it with my favorite die cuts released jointly between CTMH and Stampin' Up! last year, Secret Garden. I am thrilled with how they combined. 

Everything except the yellow buds on the edges of my floral cluster are Impressions Abloom. The embossing folder is also new. It's called Pressed Flowers. 

I predict that you'll be seeing more of this combination of products in the future because...it's so pretty!!

Until next time,

Becca