The Less is More challenge this week is Red, White and Blue. As an Air Force wife, red, white and blue just screams the United States of America, our military, and patriotism to me!  I knew I had to make time to play along.

I also wanted to share a new challenge I found.  While commenting on a blog posts this morning, I discovered a new sketch challenge, retro sketches (where every sketch is a blast from our past...).  Many of the sketches have a clean and simple feel to them and their blog is adorable!  If you enjoy sketch challenges, you'll have to check them out (disclaimer - this is not a paid advertisement)!

And here's my card: red, white, and blue with lots of white space for the gals at Less is More.

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I just love to make those shabby chic ribbon flowers...

Supplies:
Stamps: Retired (Sorry, I really need to stop using this stamp ) A Muse
Ink: Memento Nautical Blue (New 2012 color)
Paper: Stampin' Up Whisper White (card base), Canvas Corp Designer Paper, Bazzill
Accessories: Handmade Ribbon Flower, Reflections Brad (Flower Center), Sizzlet Die (Leaf)

To Sponge or Not to Sponge...

To sponge or not to sponge, that's the question. My plan for this post was to make two identical cards. One sponged and one not. I wanted to evaluate them side by side (I work best with visual aid). I’ve always admired sponging on cards (other peoples cards). But when I've tried my hand at sponging, it always looks like I dropped my card in the middle of a big mud puddle! Now, I defiantly like the sponged look. I feel it has a prominent place in papercrafting. How else could you add age and a vintage feel to any project without it? However, for my taste, I think I need more practice. I'm a little heavy handed.

The sponged card:

The non-sponged card:

Somehow, during the creative process the non-sponged card seemed to grow, expand, get fat!  I don't make fat or lumpy cards!  Now, I do admire, sometimes even drool over cards with layers and layers of beauty, but then think...how would I possibly mail something like this? What a great idea for another post. 

To give you a visual point of reference, I love to peruse the My Favorite Things blog.  These cards are so adorable with all of their layers, die cuts, embellishments, ribbon, buttons, stitching, and bling.  Not to mention the beautiful Copic work.  Am I still trying to define my style?  No, I hope not!  I thought I had already traveled down that path.  Honostly, I've always thought of myself, and my style as Plain Jane.  You know, the vanilla ice cream type.  Is it possible to have more than one style?  Ok, I really should get back to the origional question.  Do you like the sponged or non-sponged look?  

Finally, I can't forget to credit the Ribbon Carousel Challenge blog for the sketch inspiration.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampendous Cling Rubber

Ink: Memento

Paper: My Mind's Eye (designer paper), Memory Box (card Base), Stampin' Up Very Vanilla (stamped image)

Accessories: Corner Rounder, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders, Ribbon, Lace, Buttons, Floss

It's all About the Sentiment!

Hi, Thanks for stopping by.  Today's card is for the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge (CFC43), for a clean and simple creation with a sentiment as the focal point.  The Stamps of Life (phrases2say) I used for this card, has become one of my favorites. These sentiments are big and bold.  Just perfect to use as a focal point!  You'll be seeing more of this fun set.

The sketch I used is from Freshly Made Sketches.  It's a relatively new sketch challenge blog, with new sketches posted every Wednesday. 

Supplies:
Stamps: The Stamps of Life
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Hawaiian Shores
Paper: Papertrey Ink - Hawaiian Shores & Vintage Cream, Designer Paper - Unknown
Accessories: Button, Ribbon, Handmade Flower

Believe in yourself...

A Small Gift Bag

Happy Valentine's Day!  I wanted to share a small gift bag I made for my daughter for Valentine's Day.  I can't tell you what's inside because sometimes she reads my blog.

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I found the small lunch style bags (pictured below) at Michaels.  They come in several different colors and are 6 3/4" tall by 3 1/2" wide and 2" deep.  I cute my bag down to 3 1/4" tall to fit the heart shaped die. 

These bags have so many possibilities.  I can't wait to show you other projects using these sweet little bags.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Papertrey Ink
Paper:  Bazzill
Ink:  Versa Magic-Pretty Petunia
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Embossing Folder, Sizzix Heart, Handmade flower, Button, Sponge, Diecut Glitter Leaves-Michales

My hope for you today, lots of chocolate and roses.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Superbowl Sunday!  Today I actually have a post that's not  apart of any challenge.  I have a few more Valentine's Day cards I thought I would show you.  Both cards are 4 1/4 square. 

Supplies for card #1:

Stamps: A Muse

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Memory Box Cotton Candy (card base), Bazzill Grey & Doddlebug Designer Paper

Accessories: Lace Handmade Flower (my own), Doodlebug Twine, Papertrey Button, Cuttlebug, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig & MFT Scallop Die

Supplies for card #2:

Stamps: Hero Arts

Ink: Memento London Fog

Paper: Memory Box Cotton Candy (card base), Bazzill Grey & Doddlebug Designer Paper

Accessories: Martha Stewart Doily,  Papertrey Heart Die, Cuttlebug, MFT Scallop Die & Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Make it a great week!

Last Minute Halloween

Hi!  Thanks for stopping by.  Today's card is for the Less is More Polka Dots Challenge. Last night I discovered I needed a few more Halloween cards so the Less is More challenge was the perfect inspiration.

I also wanted to show you my Halloween hair pin.

I've been playing with singed flowers for a few months.  They're all over Bloggland.  I just love them.  You can find several tutorials for these flowers, but this one at Restorative Living also shows you different ways to use these beautiful creations.  I hope you'll give them a try.

Supply List (card)
Stamps: CTMH
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Bella Blvd, A Unity Co-Company, Stampin' Up Whisper White
Accessories: Tulle, Button, Twine

For a supply list for Singed Flowers, please check out Restorative Living.  She has a complete list of supplies needed for the project.

Happy Halloween...