combination of ideas adventure

I live in Michigan, where soda containers are returnable, but non-carbonated beverages like Tom's favorite half lemonade/half iced tea are not returnable.  After attempting unsuccessfully to return them at two different stores, I finally realized they were non-deposit, non-returnable and therefore - crafting material!  So when I read the Moxie Fab World challenge last week to use metal, wood, or cork, I had my first idea for this card.

The next idea came from Jingle Belles, who think we may want to "shape-up for the holidays", and from Mojo Monday where it's round or square week.  While trying to decide on a color combination, I browsed through a few more challenges.  At 365 Cards I read "Use a color scheme befitting one holiday to create a card for an entirely different holiday" which reminded me immediately of the colors at Dynamic Duos, which I think of as Valentine colors!  I had enough ideas to get started. 

When I laid out all the elements on the card base, it just needed a little "something" in the background.  I don't have any Primrose Petals card stock so a layer wasn't a possibility.  The 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown September technique challenge is emboss resist - a perfect solution:

stamp set - Delightful Dozen; Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder; ink - Primrose Petals, Versamark; Stampin' Emboss powder - Pewter; card stock - Blushing Bride; punch - Christmas Ornament; 1/4" stitched grosgrain ribbon - Whisper White; tools - Big Shot with Scallop Circle Bigz™ die and Delicate Designs embossing folder, brayer, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' sponge

After all of that, I feel I must also link up this card at Christmas Card Challenges, where "anything goes" this week!