Yesterday I needed a fairly quick card, and I'd made two complicated ones in a row so it was time for a break. I let some of the challenge blogs I follow do the decision work for me - a sketch from Fab Friday and a color combo from Dynamic Duo. Well, I had to make one decision, since the duo is Perfect Plum and {your choice}. Having gotten that song stuck in my head once again from writing yesterday's blog post, I went with snowflakes and added Night of Navy:
stamp sets - Christmas Messages, Festive Flurry; ink - Perfect Plum, Versamark; card stock - Naturals White, Night of Navy, Perfect Plum; Big Shot with Chalk Talk framelits, Stampin' sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals
I wish I'd thought of stamping the background before I finished stamping and matting the Navy piece - wouldn't it look great if the stamped design lined up on the layers? I'll probably have to try that soon.
I kind of liked letting other people make the decisions for me, so today's card combines the sketch from Jingle Belles with the recipe from Merry Monday (red, green, kraft + twine) and the theme (peace) from Festive Friday:
stamp set - More Merry Messages; ink - Old Olive; card stock - Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Shimmer White, Whisper White; designer series paper - Season of Style; punch - Bird Builder; baker's twine - Cherry Cobbler; Stampin' dimensionals
There is nothing about this card that I would have done on my own, without trying to meet the challenges and having looked at other people's work for a few years now. It's not a layout I was comfortable with, I wouldn't normally combine those patterns (certainly not with a peace dove), and the twine tied around the sentiment strip is totally something I learned from others. Now that it's done, though, I really like it! The bird may need a teeny little rhinestone eye, though. And speaking of rhinestones, the sentiment shape on the Purple Snowflakes card needs some, too, don't you think?
Very nice Card. Great way to combine all the challenges. Love the cute little bird.
ReplyDeleteWonderful card, KatheD. Love the colours and of course all the pretty paper! So happy to see you at Merry Monday!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lesley
I love your peace dove and the snowflakes in plum and navy, Kathe! I don't think you can go wrong with a few rhinestones! Thanks for bringing this over to share with us at Merry Monday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty card and I love all the SU! design paper together with the kraft! And I think it would be a great idea to add a little rhinestone for the dove's eye! :0)
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are lovely, Kathe! I think I like the bird just as it is, and he's perfect for our 'PEACE' challenge!!! Thanks so much for joining us at Festive Friday!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Christmas card - love the classic colours and the die cut bird! Thanks for joining us at Festive Friday!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to use that punch. Love your card.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with the Season of Style DSP, and I really love how you used it. I also really like the simplicity of the bird, the branch, and the baker's twine. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCan you ever go wrong with a little bling ... love them both ... the little birdie is so pretty with those holiday patterns ... so very glad you joined us at jingle belles (and we won't tell anyone on your Christmas list that we did some of the work for you).
ReplyDeleteBoth are beautiful, love your backgrund on the first card. Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at Dynamic Duos!
ReplyDeleteLovely cards! You've done an excellent job with the challenge colours.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us this week at Dynamic Duos. :)
Oh, I love the dove - it's perfect for our challenge! I also find that if I am pushed by others, I am most happy with my work. Thank you so much for playing with Festive Friday!
ReplyDeleteWow so many challenges in one card. Thanks for joining us at Merry Monday this week and I like how you combined the DSP and the Peace Dove.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so pretty! While simple, it's very eye-catching!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are lovely, the papers are so pretty. Thank you for joining us for Merry Monday this week.
ReplyDeleteI really struggle with using that bird punch. I love the way you used it as a dove here! It looks great on the patterned paper too. Really pops off the card!
ReplyDeleteI love how you mixed the patterned papers on your dove card and how you have him carrying the twig in his beak. Lovely card.
ReplyDeleteCarol S
Great job on both cards. The DSP patterns look great together and love the branch in the bird's mouth!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty Christmas card!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the bird card. I have that punch and you've inspired me to use it as a peace dove!
ReplyDeleteLove the bird card. I have that punch but have never thought of using it as a peace dove. What a great idea to treat the branch as an olive branch in the dove's mouth!
ReplyDeleteVery cute cards!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice cards!! Thank you for joining us at Fab Friday!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty card, Kathe! Love the papers & your punched bird! Thanks for playing along with us this week over at Merry Mondays! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your card, Kathe! Wonderful mix of patterns and I love your little bird!
ReplyDeleteWho knew those colors made such a pretty Christmas card? Very nice! I love that sentiment as well! Thanks for playing at Fab Fri!
ReplyDeleteTwo gorgeous cards Kathe, especially the little bird one! And I agree...deffo need some rhinestones! ;)
ReplyDeleteLizy xx
I love, love, love your cards...esp. the Merry Monday one! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely take on the challenge.
ReplyDeletewell of course BOTH of these are fab, but you know i'm going to pick our JINGLE BELLES sketch one as my fave, right?! ;) and truly, it's a great take on the sketch AND the mm color combo! ♥
ReplyDelete