Two cards today, for two challenges ...

... we had a super day yesterday and I didn't spend too much.  Mum was very pleased with the trip out - she got a new handbag in the sales, it's not too big, but will hold all that she needs to carry around with her.  Kathryn and I were able to talk to Jonathan via Skype - I think Skype is a brilliant invention!  It makes the distance disappear!  And in the afternoon I got to play and made two cards for two challenges.

My first card is for Less is More - LIM49.  This week there is a colour theme - Chrissie and Mandi would like us to use the colour PURPLE!!! Oh joy!  Purple is my favourite colour.  I've made a birthday card and got to use the Ironworks Motif Spellbinders set that I got for Christmas.  The largest die is beautifully ornate and I used it to cut out a purple snowflake shape.  The sentiment is really simple, stamped in Grape Jelly, punched out and attached with sticky pads for some dimension.  So quick and simple, and both Mum and Kathryn adore it!  So do I :)  I'm so pleased with this photo - it really shows the shimmer on the card base and the lovely satin finish on the purple card!

Stamps: Personal Impressions - Wording Stamps (PICS066)
Inks: Memento - Grape Jelly
Spellbinders: Ironwork Motifs (S5-059)
Accessories:  Dimensional pads and card from stash

A challenge that I've been watching for quite some time, but never played (don't know why) is the CASE Study challenge.  Each month they have a new Muse; this month it's Jen Rzasa - CSC72 and her inspiration card is this:

I love this house and balloons - reminds me of Up!  A wonderful film.  Recently I got a free pack of papers from a craft magazine and one of the papers featured lots of clouds - and that's where I started.  I stamped a couple of hot air balloons directly on the backing paper in the centre of the card.  Then paper pieced the larger balloon with some coordinating paper.  The paper pack also had a sheet of paper with lots of balloons, so I carefully cut out a few more to attach to the card.  Finally, I stamped the sentiment.  I love to watch hot air balloons flying, but as I'm scared of heights, it's not something I'll be doing anytime soon!

Stamps:  Imagine That - Hot Air Balloon (FOC with Craft Stamper - May 2010); Waltzingmouse - Free Spirit Sentiments
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black; Versafine - Onyx Black
Paper:  Let's Fly Away - free with Quick Cards Made Easy
Accessories:  Card and embossing powder from stash

I noticed from my counter that I've a new follower - so I'd like to say hello and welcome to "Christmas Nerd" - love that name! 

Before I go I have to let you know that I've been picked as one of the Top 3 at The Ribbon Reel - RR18, for my sister-in-law's birthday card.  Thank you ladies - you've made my morning!!  Here's the card - full details here.

I've got a busy day lined up.  Craft class starts back after the holiday period - I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.  Mum will be coming with me - while she doesn't craft, she does enjoy the gossip!!  And this evening I'm off to Camera Club.  It's competition night where we find out what the judge thinks of our pictures; both Jonathan and I have submitted a couple of photos.  I'm in the beginners group and Jonathan is in the advanced group.  I have to take notes and let Jonathan know how he's done.  I'm not expecting anything special - but I do listen very carefully to what the judge has to say - still on a very steep learning curve!!  That's all for now - I'll be back tomorrow.