Bright Owl ....

..... Hello!  This is going to be a quick post as it's almost time to start getting dinner ready.  This card was made with a couple of challenges in mind:

• Freshly Made Sketches - FMS#133
• Keep it Simple - KIS#38

Stamps: Dare 2B Artzy - Feather Friends - Miss You, Feather Friends - Groovy Owl
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black, Rich Cocoa
Dies: Dare 2B Artzy - Owl Dies; Spellbinders - Grand Stately Circles (LF-019) #1
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Copics; Stampin' Up! - Burlap Ribbon

At Keep it Simple the challenge is to use bright colours and/or lots of sparkle.  I think neon colours are certainly bright.  I've used an owl image to represent a "bright spark" - meaning someone with wisdom.  Owls are often thought to represent wisdom as they were the creature associated with Athena the Goddess of Wisdom.  And I just adore all things owl!!  I this one is just gorgeous and perfect to colour with Copics.  I made the background circle by cutting a circle of vellum and then colouring on the reverse with the neon Copics, running it through my Xyron and adhering it directly to the card.  I cut some burlap ribbon for added texture, then adhered the branch and owl.  I finished with a pun sentiment!  The inside has been left blank.

Yesterday I told you that it was our 13th Anniversary on Tuesday.  When we got home I found this wonderful card in the mail:

From Darnell

I think most of you know Darnell - she is one of the nicest, kindest people in blogland, and she made this card for Jonathan and me.  I absolutely love the grunge theme and the colours.  Thanks so much Darnell - this one is going in my box for keeps!!  I mentioned that we'd made a visit to Belle Isle on Tuesday and took lots of photos.  I took over 400 and haven't edited many yet - but I did do this one of the view towards Detroit City from the island.  It's a great view of the city with the GM building at the far left and the bridge to Belle Isle in the foreground.

We've got a very busy weekend lined up.  Tomorrow my Mum is flying over to the States; she's staying with us for a month and I'm so looking forward to seeing her.  But before we pick her up at the airport I'm off to another photo shoot.  I've got so many photos to edit and share with you all.  Bye for now - don't forget to come by tomorrow for our new 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown challenge.  See you soon.

Birthday card ....

... Hello!  I hope you're all enjoying your weekend!  I've been having a great time.  Kathryn has had her friend over for the weekend, which is lots of fun for her and me - I get to play in my craft room as they don't want me around!!  A win-win situation.  Sadly, Jonathan is full of cold and not feeling great.

I've been very busy working on various design team cards - you'll get to see them soon, but I did get chance to make a sweet birthday card.

Stamps: Dare 2B Artzy - Owl Miss You; Waltzingmouse - Half Pint Heroes, Crackle Background
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black, Rich Cocoa; Stampin' Up! - Sahara Sand
Dies: Dare 2B Artzy - Owl Die
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Copics; Stardust Pens

I think I've mentioned that I love owls!!  Recently I got some Dare 2B Artzy stamps from my local shop, and I found a few more on their website.  This sweet little lady was one of them!  I've used the colours from The Colour Throwdown - CTD#285 and the layout from Freshly Made Sketches - FMS#129.  I made the vertical panel by stamping the crackle pattern in sand and cutting to fit the card.  I stamped the branch across the horizontal piece of card, coloured the leaves with Copics and added a touch of sparkle from a Stardust pen.  I coloured the owl with Copics, adding a touch of sparkle to the centre of the flowers and to the edge of her eyes, she has been attached with dimensional tape.  I finished the front with a simple sentiment which I bent slightly to follow the line of the branch.  The inside has been left blank for my own message.  This one is going into my stash.

That's all for now!  See you soon.