adventures in forgetfulness

I haven't played along at Jingle Belles Rock in a month - and I was honored with a special mention that time - so I made an effort to finish a card for the Shape-Up for the Holidays prompt this week.  It took me a couple of days to decide on a shape other than the obvious (circle) - this is what I came up with:

I think I like it, maybe could use a little "more" something, but can't decide what.  So, I was browsing the other cards there - you should, too, there are some really great ones - and I couldn't find mine.  Well, that would be because I didn't remember to post it here and link it there.   <duuuh>

I also made a card for Less is More challenge this week to use the colors of our nation's flag.  Oh, with a request to include a picture of the flag.

I took this picture last year on Independence Day - I hardly ever have a use for it <grinning>

And here's the card it inspired:

I think I like this one, too, but again, not really sure.  Maybe some texture on the Whisper White layer?  I love this new stamp set Perfectly Penned!  You've probably seen the vase made from the Ornament Punch (here in Night of Navy) many other places, and the flowers (Real Red) are from the Bitty Shapes Punches.  I just couldn't bring myself to draw those flower stems in blue or red, hoping the tiny bit of Old Olive isn't too distracting.  Now, I just need to remember link this post at the Less is More blog!

While trying to get back into the challenges I've been enjoying, I decided to get the new Shopping Our Stash prompt - Dogs, Digis, Denim done early instead of at the last minute this week.  I got the D is for Dog stamp set FREE last year during Sale-A-Bration but I've only used it once, so it was the right choice.  I found inspiration for the colors at ColourQ and for the layout at Stamping 411 - it came together better than I expected (well, after three failed attempts, anyway):

Card stock is Pool Party, Basic Black, Whisper White, and Melon Mambo.  Classic ink is Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, and Melon Mambo.  I used the Pinking Hearts border punch on the mat under the paw print and bone random stamping and the ribbon is also (of course) Stampin' Up - Basic Black 1/8" taffeta.

Now if I could just remember to post links at all the other sites ;)