Autumn Leaves ....

.... are falling!  Well, not quite yet!!  Although it does feel distinctly autumnal here in Northville today. It's only 19°C (that's 66°F for my American friends) which is considered nice and warm in the UK, but not so much here.  So as it's getting towards that time of year, here's my first Thanksgiving/Autumn themed card of the year:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Gently Falling, Seasonally Scattered
Inks: SU - Marina Mist, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU DP - Marina Mist; SU Card - Marina Mist; Martha Stewart Border Punch - Leaves; String

 I've used three challenges making this card:

• CAS Colours & Sketches - CASC&S#138 - love these colours
• Retro Sketches - RS#178 - for the layout
• Just Us Girls - JUGS#307 - photo inspiration - autumnal leaves

I cut a panel of blue design paper and adhered it flat to the card.  I cut the white panel slightly smaller and punched the bottom edge with falling leaves.  I then stamped leaves randomly over the panel.  I used the rock and roll technique to add different colours to the edge of the leaves and also used the second and third impressions to give lighter leaves.  I wrapped some string around the panel and used dimensional tape to adhere it to the card.  On the inside I cut a mat layer of blue card and stamped a bold sentiment on the white panel.

My desk is right by the window, which is super on a bright sunny day, but I've just looked out to see that it's finally started raining.  It's not heavy but it is dull.  However, the plus side is that I don't feel like going out, so I might just head back into my craft room and play some more.  Of course, I could do the ironing - NO!!!  That way lies madness :)

TMR - Autumn/Fall ....

.... Hello everyone - I'm almost back into my usual routine!!  Especially now that Kathryn is back at school.  Can you believe it's September already?  I've noticed that some of the trees and bushes around my house are starting to change colour - it's almost autumn!!  And that brings me to our new challenge at The Male Room.  For the next couple of weeks we'd like you to make a masculine style card based on an Autumn/Fall theme.  Here's my card:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Gently Falling, And Many More
Inks: Distress - Chipped Sapphire, Stormy Sky, Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters, Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge
Accessories: White Lustre Card

I've made a clean, simple. one layer card.  One of my favourite things about autumn is the way the leaves change colour, fall from the trees and then blow around in the wind.  I tried to get that feeling in this card.  I used masking tape to cover most of the card and sponged several shades of ink on the strip.  Then I sprinkled some water on the distress ink allowed it to react with the ink and then lifted some off with a tissue - I like the spatter effect I got.  Next I stamped on a very simple birthday sentiment and some falling leaves, stamping the outline image in darker ink and the solid image in lighter ink.  On the inside I simply stamped some random leaves.  I used the colours from this month's House of Card challenge and the theme of lovely leaves from the current Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge.

For more Autumn/Fall masculine inspired cards check out our blog to see the cards from the rest of the Design Team. That's all for now - have fun!