CR84FN33 - gingham kisses ....

.... gosh, time is marching on so quickly - we're already into July and for some, it's summer holiday time too.  Kathryn and Ben don't finish school until the middle of this month - and then it gets very busy here.  But before then, it's time to bring you the latest CR84FN colour challenge - and the colours are just yummy!!!  That's a technical term you know! :)

Aren't these pictures wonderful?  They are courtesy of Martha Stewart - a great place to visit!  I love the stationery - all shades of red, pink and white - just fab!  When I first saw the colours I thought of strawberries and cream - but this idea just wouldn't come.  And before I knew it - I was working right up to deadline - sorry Mona - but I got there. 


I decided to try and make a card that's out of my comfort zone.  My cards tend towards clean and simple, and while I do have some layers, there are not usually many.  I love the shabby chic and vintage styles, but I'm not very successful with them.  Something that I've seen on lots of the cards entered for CR84FN challenges is stitching - I think it looks great and adds texture.  Be kind to me - it's the first time I've tried stitching on card!! 

Oh yes, I should mention that I've used the sketch layout from this week's Just Us Girls - JUGS91 challenge for this card.  I've been quite faithful to the sketch layout too.



I started off by cutting out two base cards in red and pink and rounding the corners.  I then cut some fabric (free from one of the craft magazines) to go on top.  Pink gingham for the red card and red hearts for the pink card.  I taped the fabric into place and then added some stitching - eek!  It's not perfect by any means, but I'm reasonably pleased how it turned out.  I have to get some better thread - a bit thicker and I have to play quite a bit more.  I also need to get a selection of different coloured threads.

I used the lovely Lotus Pendant to cut out the base layer on the main part of card (do love this shape) and a smaller pink mat using the heart circles.  I had planned to use those strawberries for my main image, but in the end I turned to my favourite rose.  Stamped it three times, coloured with Promarkers and then layered up.  The smaller accent circles were also made using nesties.  I added a simple sentiment directly onto the gingham fabric.  This card is for my Mum - just because I love her!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Roses in Bloom, Festive Foliage
Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black; Distress - Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint
Spellbinders:  Foliage (S4-328), Heart Circles (S4-316) #2, Lotus Pendant (S4-269), Classic Circles Sm (S4-116) #2
Promarkers:  Poppy, Lipstick Red, Salmon Pink
Accessories:  Card from stash; Fabric free with craft magazine

I took a close up photo of the rose and you can really see the depth.  More importantly, you can see that I really did stitch the card - zig-zag and running stitch!

The rest of our wonderful DT have been busy making some fabulous cards to share with you - do drop in and leave some love!!

Sue

Andrea

Stephanie

Suzanne

Heather

Mona
Lisa

Before I go - just a quick thank you to all you ladies who entered for CR84FN32 - we had over 100 fantastic entries.  Let's see if we can get even more for CR84FN33 :)  I look forward to seeing your cards.  That's all for now.  I'll be watching the Men's final today, and as Andy Murray isn't playing, I'll be shouting for Rafael Nadal!  See you soon.