Less is More & Ribbon Reel Challenges ....

.... I did manage to get an hour in my craft room - well strictly I was at my computer desk in the office.   I made a card for this week's Less is More - LIM57 challenge and The Ribbon Reel - RR23 challenge.  I think these challenges fit really well together, as Chrissie and Mandi would like us to make a card using neutrals, from black & white, through all shades of grey, brown and beige.  And in The Ribbon Reel challenge the ladies would like us to use newsprint!  A marriage made in heaven :)



I did consider using just black and white, but actually I just felt that shades of brown would work really well for this challenge.

I inked up the large flourish in a few shades of brown and stamped directly onto the card base.  Next I used my new Papermania Bookprint DP and stamped some flowers onto a couple of different sheets and cut them out.  I cut a border of newsprint paper, onto which I layered some lace and string.  I finished off with a simple sentiment - "thanks" in dark brown, which I cut out.

Stamps:  Waltzmingmouse - Flourishes; Dots & Scallops, Say It Loud; Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Accessories:  String, lace and card from stash

Here's a close up shot of the flowers - I like the effect of stamping on bookprint!

A few people have asked about our trip to America, so I'll expand a bit.  Jonathan is working for a client in Michigan and we are likely to be in the States for about 3 years.  It's a great opportunity for us all - and particularly for Kathryn.  I've been really lucky as my friend Cheryl, whom I met when we were 11 years old, is living less than 2 hours from our new house!  And I hope to be able to meet up with some of my US blog buddies too.  There are so many places that we want to visit too.

And that's all for now.  It's another beautiful sunny morning here and the removal team due here shortly.  They're going to be finishing off downstairs this morning - that the rest of the family room, utility and, sob, my craft room.   I think my craft room will end up in lots and lots of boxes :))))   See you soon.