Waltzingmouse & Colour Q ......

... You know, I keep forgetting is how long cards take to get to the UK from the US.  I realised last night that it's my nephew's 17th birthday on 29th May and I'm not sure whether this card will get to him on time, but I'm hoping!!  I've used two challenges to make Jacob's card:

• Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC98 - designed by Lynn Mercurio
• Colour Q - cQC138

In February, Lynn made a beautiful card using French Country and Chicken Wire (the new sets from Waltzingmouse); I really like Lynn's card, so I've CASEd it with a masculine feel for Jacob.

I used Crumb cake to add some subtle colour to the card base and then stamped the small chicken wire pattern all over.  I cut out various panels; shaded most of them with More Mustard and stamped different patterns.  I used the longer central panel to make a birthday greeting using Pool Party and Poppy Parade, the sentiments were clear embossed to keep the colours true and then I added some more shading with Crumb Cake.  I finished off by adding a couple of embellishments stamped onto white card - if you look carefully, there is a touch of white!!  I added some faux stitching to the panels to finish them off.  

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Free Spirit Boy, Back in the Saddle, Chicken Wire, Off Beat Backgrounds, Compact Family, Free Spirit Sentiments

Inks: Stampin' Up! - Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, More Mustard

Accessories:  SU - pens; Card from stash

I realise from the photo that the Pool Party is very subtle!!!  It looks better in real-life.  Here's a close up of the greeting sentiment.

Yesterday I told you that I was off to do my good deed for the day and give blood at the local blood drive.  Well I got there and found out that as I lived in Great Britian between 1980 and 1996 I'm not allowed to give blood.  They are concerned that people who lived in the UK during this period might be incubating CJD.  It felt very strange to be turned away, especially as I give regularly in the UK!!  Oh well, never mind, I'll simply have to given when we return to the UK.

Now, before I go I must welcome some new followers - Claire, Jackie and Ardyth - welcome!!  That's all for now.