Cards for a Cause - Ronald McDonald House Donation

I've been swamped at my new job but it's been darn impossible to ignore that plethora of packages of card donations from other monthly hostesses and participants from the SplitCoastStampers community that had been arriving at my apartment almost daily around Thanksgiving.

So I repurposed a medium sized USPS flat rate priority box this time that one of the donors had used to mail me her large number of handmade cards. Since I was wrapping Christmas presents at the time, I decided to use Christmas wrapping paper to decorate the box holding the handmade cards. I again printed out my label that I made previously to adhere to the front of the box that says "Free Handmade Greeting Cards Donated by Rubber Stampers from www.splitcoaststampers.com." I definitely wanted to make the box pretty and ready to go for the RMH admin team. They do so much as it is.

Because I was short on non work/sleep time, I was only able to use white printing paper as dividers this time for each of the themed cards to make it easier for the residents to rifle through when making a selection for cards they want to use.

Sorry these photos are blurry as I had to make do with just my iphone camera at the time.

I had a work training meeting in the afternoon in the Long Beach area so I knew I had to get a box ready for this RMH location to spread the donated cards to this area of Los Angeles I'm ever hardly in.

Thankfully, everything worked out like a charm and I was able to pop into the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House to drop off this boxed set of 160 donated handmade cards with matching envelopes individually wrapped in plastic sleevings.

These ladies were thrilled to receive the cards and mentioned that they don't usually receive in a decorated box, so that warmed my heart. Again, they do so much already for the residents so anything I can do to lighten their load is my pleasure.  They also mentioned that they had just received a box of handmade card donations from a local cancer society so it's awesome to be among the local community supporting the good work that's being done here at RMH Long Beach.

I apologize I didn't take the time to photograph individual groupings of the cards that were received this time from the following SCS donors that went into this box:

- Martha K (mowmaws29)
- Karly B (Karly1020) 
- Janelle (jmeyers) 
- Regina (traingina) 
- Gael (mamadwawa) 
- Pam (dsp245)  
- Angie (paperpaws) 

Thank you Ladies for your generosity that makes my job as Hostess so easy and enjoyable! 

******************************************************

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE MISSION: To provide a community where children and their families embrace life and healing (from cancer) with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy. 

Long Beach Ronald McDonald House 

500 East 27th Street

Long Beach, CA 90806

2015 Donations to Other National RMH Locations = 118 Cards
2015 Cards Collected for Donation to Pasadena RMH = 175

2015 Cards Collected for Donation to Long Beach RMH = 160

I have chosen to adopt the location in Pasadena, Long Beach and Hollywood to donate cards that I create and collect from friends through January 2016.  

SEEKING THESE CARD THEMES:  Anything other than religious, make them uplifting, thinking of you, children themes, etc.  Cards with no sentiments are perfectly acceptable too. Examples of themes: Welcome Baby Card / Wedding / Sympathy Card / Birthday / Thinking of You/ Thank you / Missing you. 

WANT TO DONATE:  Please leave a comment here with your email, and I'll reply to you with my home address.  

By forwarding to me or any of our other monthly hostesses throughout the US, you'll allow our group of ladies over at the SCS community to tally the number of cards donated and lives impacted.  Check out our Call for Cards here. 

 DETAILS:
1. Cards need to use good quality cardstock- HEAVY WEIGHT--- (so the card can stand alone) and include a minimum of two layers and one embellishment.  

2. IF you use colorful / dark cardstock—please line the inside of the card with either white or vanilla paper so the guests can write in them using black/blue pen.

3. If you place a sentiment inside—repeat the sentiment and place on copy paper so that it can be added inside the back of the sleeve-so the individual can see if there is a “saying” on the inside or it is “blank” 

4. If you would like to include envelopes and sleeves it would be greatly appreciated - sleeve IS NOT necessary.  What's a sleeve?  Click here for example. 

Nevertheless, I'll be preparing each card by inserting them and a matching envelopes inside individual clear A2 sized sealable envelopes in to keep the card clean and in pristine shape to allow the RMH recipients to handle and make their selection. 

                        ******************************************************
   

I'd love it if you'd like to donate some of your cards to this cause.   Please contact me for my mailing address! 

Thank you for visiting!! 

My Love Affair with SU Continues.....2015 SU Holiday Catalog Haul

Whoa!!!

I kinda didn't realize how much I ordered until my order just came in time for Halloween.  Although I didn't order any Halloween themed stamps this time as I have quite a bit already in my stash.  But a good amount were from the recent SU Holiday Catalog that I couldn't resist.

I tried to stay away from the traditional Christmas motifs that I already have so I'm most excited with the Dove of Peace, and LightHearted Leaves set which I thought were totally unique.

I also am very excited to get my hands on the Woodland (not pictured as it's on back order), Softly Falling and Boughs & Berries Embossing Folders.

And from the regular annual catalog, I finally bit the bullet and grabbed some of my wishlist items like the Hardwood Background Stamp, You've Got This and Gorgeous Grunge.

Now, to find some time to play with these!  Time to pop open that nice swag bottle of Pinot Grigio I scored at work too.

SCS Baker's Dozen Card Swap Comes to an End

I've been remiss in sharing the remainder of the cards I've been receiving from my swap partner Dawn Mercedes for the last of our Baker's Dozen Card Swap over at SCS.

Card #10 - Love how she uses washi tape!

Card #11 - Love the ombre card base and love the humor with the pair of shorts!

Card #12 - Loved this sentiment that she personalized and her handwritten note for me.  I definitely needed her cheery encouragement. 

Card #13 - Lastly this delightful little card arrived on my birthday yesterday.  Another personalized sentiment to encourage me on my present journey.

Thank you so much Dawn, for your friendship, for your lovely notes, for your inspiring card making style, and for your encouragement and support. I absolutely had a blast getting to know you this round.  It was SUPER fun! 

 

#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #StampinUp - Sharing my older SU Demo Cards - SU Lace Snowflakes & SU Love Always

Today is my birthday! And I'm still trying to find my mojo, so I'm throwing it back with a look through some older cards I made back in the day when I was a SU Demo.


1) This one was made by brayering the background with some snowflakes stamped in versamark for a resist, and then I added more snowflakes as I embossed each in different colors.

"Peace Joy Love Snowflakes" Card
Paper: SU Ballet Blue; SU Glossy Paper
Stamps: SU Lace Snowflakes; SU Peace Joy Love
Ink: SU Night of Navy; 
Embellishments: MM Metal Rimmed Tag; Fibres; SU White EP; SU Silver EP
Tools: Sizzix Tag Die
Size: 5.5" x 4.25" rectangular 

"Love, Be My Valentine" Card
Paper: SU Rose Red, SU Rose Romance; SU Pretty In Pink
Stamps: SU Love Always; SU Soft Swirl 
Ink: SU Rose Red; Versamark; SU Poppin' Pastels Chalk 
Embellishments: SU White EP; White Organza Ribbon 
Tools: Hole Punch; Decorative Edge Scissors 
Size: 4.25" x 5.25" rectangular 

#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #StampinUp - Sharing my older SU Demo Cards - SU Marvelous Morning Glory & SU DD Daisy

Back again trying to find my mojo thru my series of #tbt #throwbackthursday posts of newly found older SU Demo Cards I made back in the day.

1) I don't think I ever owned SU Definitely Decorative Morning Glory and borrowed this set from my friend Maylene at the time who is the one at fault for turning me onto SU in the first place.  

Here again, I had very few supplies so made do with what I had.  

I remember being so happy with myself because I successfully two stepped stamped using only Only Orange and pop dotted one of the flowers. I was on my way!  Even through in incorporating a wheel! In retrospect, I don't think I would have ever used or bought any of the wheels if one along with the handle wasn't already included in my Demo Start Up Kit.  

2) This next one I remembered just learning about the Shaving Cream method and I remember bringing an aluminum pan with me to hostess parties in people's homes to demo this technique.  This isn't the best looking card, but oh well. Sold a lot of bottles of reinkers at the time with this card and my previous Under the Water Sea Horse card. 

3) This next one was for a swap probably on 2 Peas in a Bucket. I loved these vintage papers (I cant' think of the manufacturer right now) and this first stamp from Anna Griffin that started appearing at Michaels.  What a hey day it was with using those coupons every week to amass my collection of Anna Griffin stamps.  The cards I sent out had a much lower scalloped edge border to show off more of the tulip flower.  This one I had held back because I had deemed it a reject for various reasons. Brings back good memories. 

Thanks for reminiscing with me!






"Marvelous Morning Glories Bouquet" Card
Paper: SU Mellow Moss; SU Only Orange; SU Craft CS 
Stamps: SU DD Morning Glory; SU Stampin' Around Checkered Wheel
Ink: SU Only Orange; SU Mellow Moss; SU Old Olive
Embellishments: Colored Raffia; 
Tools: Hold Punch; SU Stampin' Around Handle
Size: 5.5" x 4.25" rectangular 

"Hello, Hello, Hello" Card
Paper: SU Basic Black, SU Yo Yo Yellow; SU Smooth White CS
Stamps: SU DD Daisy; SU Vivid Greetings
Ink: SU Basic Black; SU Going Gray Reinker
Embellishments: SU Scalloped Corner Punch
Tools: Shaving Cream 
Size: 4.25" x 5.25" rectangular 

"Thank You ... with Gratitude" Card
Paper: Misc PP; Vellum
Stamps: Anna Griffin Tulip & Sentiment 
Ink: SU Basic Black; SU Poppin Pastels Chalk 
Embellishments: Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Decorative Scissor
Size: 4.25" x 5.25" rectangular 

#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #StampinUp - Sharing my older SU Demo Cards - SU Fantastic Foliage & SU Penguin Pals

I haven't been feeling crafty lately so therefore haven't been productive in creating anything new. But having just sorted through what I truly hope is the last bag of old SU Demo Only Swap card fronts recently, I did find a few of my older cards that I had made for either stamping hostess parties (gosh I remember doing 1-2 every weekend in my heyday) or swaps.

So that means I'm going to revisit my series of #tbt #throwbackthursday posts again to hopefully get myself into the mood again and find my mojo.

1) First up is a very early card I made for a swap using Fantastic Foliage.  Unbelievably, I still have this set.  

I had very little supplies at the time, so I brayered a piece of Ultra SmoothWhite Cardstock with my SU Really Rust ink pad to create something matching to mat this card with.  From looking at this card, I believe I did the same with More Mustard for the focal piece before I scatted my leaf stamps all over. 

I was hanging out with my friend Maylene who ran an informal monthly stamp club at the time with some heavyweights: Ming who at the time was a major instructor for Denami Designs and Alma who would later own The Cat's Pajamas.  The gold cording was probably an influence of whatever the group was doing at the time.  

Haha, here's a shot of the Card Recipe I had gotten used to adhering to the back of all my cards I sent for swaps.  Yes, I used Avery Mailing Address Labels.  Those were so easy to just print en masse and slap on. 

2)  These Penguin Pals...ah I miss this set.  I distinctly remember demoing this ALOT and everyone ohhed and ahhed over a) paper tearing for the snow banks and b) learning how to make their tummy's fuzzy with Flocking Powder.  I sold a lot of these Penguin Pals sets along with 2 Way Glue Pen and the flocking powder.   And sadly, I distinctly remember selling this set off because I was so sick of it at the time.  I remember hesitating on that sale because I really do love these guys.  I definitely regret selling this set. 

Here's a close up of their fuzzy bellies. 

Here's a shot of the card recipe from the back before I adhered to a full card base.

I had to cut down the Bliss Blue Card Stock around all the edges, else it was definitely MUCH MORE BLUE, in order to adhere the card front onto a fully folding card to include in my recent Ronald McDonald House donation drop off.  

I loved this set. Maybe I'll look for it on ebay to rebuy, lol. 

Thanks for reminiscing with me.






"Blank Fantastic Foliage" Card
Paper: SU Ultra White CS
Stamps: SU Fantastic Foliage
Ink: SU More Mustard, SU Chocolate Chip, SU Really Rust; Encore Gold; Kaleidacolor Cappuccino Delight
Embellishments: Metallic Gold Embroidery Thread
Tools: Rubber Brayer, Pop Dots; Family Treasures Leaf Punch 
Size: 5.5" x 4.25" rectangular 

"Happy Holidays" Card
Paper: SU Ultra White CS; SU Bliss Blue CS
Stamps: SU Penguin Pals
Ink: SU Bliss Blue, SU Brocade Blue; Versamark; SU Marvelous Markers: Real Red & Only Orange
Embellishments: SU Black EP; SU Stampin' Pastels; SU Whisper White Stampin' Flock Powder
Tools: Heat Gun, SU Blending Pens; 2 Way Glue Pen
Size: 4.25" x 5.5" rectangular 

Go Batty! with Blinged Out Bats - SCS Baker's Dozen Swap Week #9

I'm a wee bit behind here in sending out my cards for the SCS Baker's Dozen swap as my exchange partner Dawn has caught up.  We're now even with 9 cards exchanged each. We're currently in Week #11 and I gotta get my Card #10 and #11 out! eek!

Speaking of Eek....look what I got in the mail this past weekend? These blinged out bats are certainly the star of the show, but how can anyone miss those darling little Halloween themed shaped eyelets on the bottom border?  Dawn Mercedes is a DT member over at the Eyelet Outlet, so these must have come from there.

She's certainly ushering me into the Fall Season, but it's hard to get a sense of seasons changing when living in Southern California.  We're in a multi year serious drought and were thrilled to have gotten a very small and light shower yesterday morning.

I'm also getting the hang of using www.picmonkey.com to edit my pictures since I really have to retire my old Sony Vaio pink laptop and it has my old copy of Photoshop installed on it.  I did check out the new version of  Photoshop and am not keen on spending $9.99 a month for this cloud version. My old software isn't compatible with Windows 10 on my current laptop and PC.  Oh Boo!!

I'm all about FREE and definitely prefer PicMonkey to even the free online version of Photoshop Express.  But I'll keep tinkering with both eventually.

www.picmonkey.com

Just happy this pic I'm sharing of Dawn's super cute card does her justice.  The previous one I shared wasn't crisp enough and it was due to my amateur photography and photo editing skills. There's only room for improvement as with all things!

Thanks Dawn!! Love my Go Batty card!!



 

Cards for a Cause - Ronald McDonald House Donation

This past Labor Day holiday weekend, I was quite the busy bee!  

Additional packages containing card donations for my sponsored local Ronald McDonald House location in Pasadena are coming in from other monthly hostesses and participants from the SplitCoastStampers community, so it was high time I made a delivery.  

I repurposed a small brown box by decorating it with gift wrap paper I found in the check out aisles at Michaels and I printed out a quickie label to adhere to the front that says "Free Handmade Greeting Cards Donated by Rubber Stampers from www.splitcoaststampers.com."  I wanted to make the box pretty and ready to go for the admin team. 

I also cut up extra colored manilla file folders I had to make dividers for each of the themed cards to make it easier to rifle through.  I was short on time so made these super quick and without fuss, hence my handwriting on each of the tabs.  Ideally, I would have cut out each of the dividers using heavy weight patterned paper and found a way using punches and/or dies to hand notch each of the tabs, but those supplies are in storage, so I made do with what I had.  

I got to meet the Operations Director / House Manager of the Pasadena location, Vicky Garcia, yesterday early evening and got to hand off the box directly to her.  She was so nice to give me a facility tour and really educated me on RMH's mission, how they operate and all the good deeds they do for families in need.  

Vicky informed me that this Pasadena location caters to many international and out of state families who come to this area due to the many hospitals that Pasadena RMH partners with.  Therefore, Pasadena RMH will service needy families who suffer from other debilitating illnesses other than cancer.  Most of the families that stay here are of Hispanic origin and speak Spanish.  Vicky mentioned that many of them celebrate hispanic cultural holidays such as All Soul's Day and would appreciate those themed cards or any in Spanish language.  

While touring, I saw a few families in the downstairs common areas.  It was heart breaking to see a few small children in crutches and various bandages for what appeared to be severe limb amputations. 

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have met Vicky and for her time she gave me. I'm also very grateful to the SplitCoastStampers community for introducing and inspiring me to contribute to such a worthy cause.  

It was a bit deja vu-ish because this Pasadena facility is located literally right across the street from the Hospital by dad was in for his long term hospice care when he had suffered the first of his debilitating strokes that led to the revelation that he was suffering from Parkinson's Disease and colon cancer from which he would eventually succumb to.  I haven't been back or near this street where the hospital is located since that time.  I was definitely flood with a lot of emotions.  

On to less heavy topic of conversation........this box got really heavy and full I must say.  There are 175 cards total in here. 

I have to thank my friend Lynn M again for her contribution of 162 cards.  She sent me as much as she could inside a large flat rate priority box.  They already had a matching envelope and were encased in clear plastic sleeves. I merely added a slip in each one to acknowledge her as the generous and talented artist for the recipient.  Here's a sampling of her cards that I photographed. 

Here are cards donated to by a fellow monthly hostess Carol who collected a total of 536 during her designated month of May for her local Ronald McDonald House location in Minnesota!  Thank you Carol!





These next 20 cards were donated by Lee Mae of Washington state. Gosh her cards are super cute and perfect for kids!  Thank you Lee Mae!!

My favorite is the single layer card in the bottom left with the little hedgehogs!! Oh, and the little penguin with a party banner in his wings is super adorable too!! Her style is so bright, cheerful and whimsical which is so different than mine.

It's such a treat to open each parcel and marvel at each and every carefully handcrafted greeting card that's been donated.  Lynn's, Carol's and Lee Mae's styles are all so different from each other and from my own that it's such an eye opening experience, not to mention delight, in handling their cards in person.

And finally, because I have bags of SU Card Fronts from my previous Demo Only Swaps that I hosted coming out of my ears, I finally converted what I hope is the last remaining bag into full cards and prepared them to contribute to the other monthly hostesses located around the U.S.   Here's a pile of what I could fit into a picture.

So, with this pile, I've mailed off:

- 10 cards to August Hostess for the San Diego, CA RMH location. 

- 10 cards to the September Hostess for the Baltimore, MD RMH location. 

- 10 cards to the October Hostess for the Hershey, PA RMH location.

- 20 cards to the November and December Hostess for the Madison and Marshfield, WI RMH locations. 

- 10 cards to the February Hostess for the Minnesota RMH location.  

Whew! September 9th was a good productive day! I'm done with all of my contributions for the remainder of the year in this round to the other hostesses.  

                        ******************************************************

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE MISSION: To provide a community where children and their families embrace life and healing (from cancer) with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy. 

Pasadena Ronald McDonald House 

763 South Pasadena Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

2015 Donations = 118 Cards
2015 Cards Collected for Donation = 217
* 20 from Marina F. *
* 162 from Lynn M. *
* 15 from Carol *
* 20 from Lee Mae *

I have chosen to adopt the location in Pasadena to donate cards that I create and collect from friends throughout the rest of this 2015.  

SEEKING THESE CARD THEMES:  Anything other than religious, make them uplifting, thinking of you, children themes, etc.  Cards with no sentiments are perfectly acceptable too. Examples of themes: Welcome Baby Card / Wedding / Sympathy Card / Birthday / Thinking of You/ Thank you / Missing you. 

WANT TO DONATE:  Please leave a comment here with your email, and I'll reply to you with my home address.  

By forwarding to me or any of our other monthly hostesses throughout the US, you'll allow our group of ladies over at the SCS community to tally the number of cards donated and lives impacted.  Check out our Call for Cards here. 

 DETAILS:
1. Cards need to use good quality cardstock- HEAVY WEIGHT--- (so the card can stand alone) and include a minimum of two layers and one embellishment.  

2. IF you use colorful / dark cardstock—please line the inside of the card with either white or vanilla paper so the guests can write in them using black/blue pen.

3. If you place a sentiment inside—repeat the sentiment and place on copy paper so that it can be added inside the back of the sleeve-so the individual can see if there is a “saying” on the inside or it is “blank” 

4. If you would like to include envelopes and sleeves it would be greatly appreciated - sleeve IS NOT necessary.  What's a sleeve?  Click here for example. 

Nevertheless, I'll be preparing each card by inserting them and a matching envelopes inside individual clear A2 sized sealable envelopes in to keep the card clean and in pristine shape to allow the RMH recipients to handle and make their selection. 

                        ******************************************************

So far, I've contributed 118 cards personally to all the hostesses nationwide.

Everything I personally make going forward will be going in my collection box for my designated month of January 2016 to the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House location.     

I'd love it if you'd like to donate some of your cards to this cause.   Please contact me for my mailing address! 

Thank you for visiting!! 

And HUGE THANK YOU's to Lynn, Carol and Lee Mae again! 

 

You are Spooktacular! - SCS Baker's Dozen Swap Week #8

They're coming in one after the other over here!! This is the latest from my Baker's Dozen Swap partner Dawn.  I've been so busy with work that I really needed this in my face reminder that OMG Fall is here!  Holy, Halloween is right around the corner!

I'll have to go poke around my storage boxes to dig up my Halloween, Fall and Christmas themed stamps!!

I don't think any of these are washi tapes, and if they are, Dawn's definitely the undisputed Washi Tape queen! Love the way she created her ray of background patterns to show off her beautifully water colored set of spooky potion bottles.

Thanks Dawn!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day Weekend! Thanks for visiting!

You're Berry Sweet - SCS Baker's Dozen Swap Week #7

I just cleaned out the front porch and look what I found?  Eek! This envelope is an old one based on my partner Dawn's sweet note inside.

I truly love the way she uses washi tape.  She must love it the way I love patterned paper! It was so sweet of her to send me some washi tape! I have no idea where to buy this.  Everything I see at Michael's doesn't appeal to me as it's all Recollections stuff.

Here's the inside of the card that she decorated too! I really need to start doing the insides like her and another one of my blog mates, Kelly, does.

At this point, it's week 9 and we're heading into the last 1/3 of our swap.  I'm so not ready for this to be over because I'm having so much fun receiving fun mail every week!

Thanks Dawn! And thanks for visiting!



 

2015 Resolution (4th Quarter) Review

Happy September 1st everyone!

Today is the first day of the last quarter of the year, so I thought it was time for me to review the crafting resolutions I had set out for myself to complete at the beginning of the summer here in this June post.

I'm definitely blogging lots more, playing along with blog hops and blog card challenges for sure.

2015 Crafting Resolutions - I'm in catch up mode when it comes to learning the latest trends in techniques, product uses and layout stylistic designs. The following are trends that I'm dying to try!

1. No Line Stamping using watercolors. 
2. Bokeh Technique. 
3. Use Gelatos. (Need to purchase from Michael's with a coupon.)
4. String Circular accent. 
5. Ombre stamping. 
6. Paper Piece Stamping.
7. Slanted / Askew bottom / top border. Done, but would like to try different versions. 
8. Speech bubble top border. (Need to purchase speech border die from Cat's Pajamas.) 
9. Create 5 different cards from SU From the Herd. (1 out of 5 done.) 
10. Create 5 different cards from SU Fifth Avenue.  (1 out of 5 done.)
11. Stacked nesting dies. Done.
12. Watercolor background. Done, but still need to keep practicing. 
13. Use sequins. Done.
14. Use same stamp for focal point with color and in subtle background.
15. Use sweet animals, in addition to recreating Far Cry (video game) themed elephant!
16. Watercolor medium for coloring in flowers/roses. Done.
17. Continue using up Swap Returns. 
18. Continue using up cardstock/patterned paper scraps. 
19. Create home made project kits to use up pre-owned embellishments/papers/stamps. 
20. Participate in at least one virtual stamping event at SCS. Done.

Looks like I've got half of them done and have another 10 to go.

I need to add one more resolution though, since I bought a new stamp set and need to resolve to make at least 5 cards with that.

    21.  Create 5 different cards with Tim Holtz Bird Crazy stamps and dies. (2 out of 5 done)

Can't believe Fall is upon us already.

Amazing Grace Will Bring Us Through #StampinUp #TravelsAbroad #Verve #AmazingGrace #PlainJane

Had a bit of time to play this morning so whipped this one up using my long coveted SU set, Travels Abroad. Yes, it came out in 2003, and this is just the 2nd time I've used it.  The first time was on my Shenpa card made a month or two ago?  Lol, so yes, I'm still coveting this set since 2003!

I loved this alternating ink color in today's new Muse inspiration, so decided to replicate my repetitive stamped image design of the previous Shenpa card with the Venus de Milo image.

I decided to stay with just SU Real Red and Brilliant Blue to keep with the Viva La France theme of the Venus de Milo; My image only allowed a row of 3 images instead of the 5 in the original inspiration card.  I was playing around with my brand new bottle of Heidi Swapp Gold Color Shine spritzer and decided to use that piece of "scrap" to play as background to my trio of Venus de Milo's.

Here is today's Muse Challenge #131 Inspiration by Carol Mane:

I wish I had feather stamps; That's one trend I missed out on during my 4 year hiatus.  I loved the colors she used...it's very reminiscent of Basic Grey colors.

P.S. If my Baker's Dozen Partner is reading this: Dawn, I used Glossy Accents this time to secure the sequins.  Keeping my fingers crossed that the sequins are truly secure! 





"Amazing Grace" Card
Paper: Recollections CS; SU Brilliant Blue CS
Stamps: SU Travels Abroad; Verve Plain Jane "Amazing Grace" 
Ink: SU Brilliant Blue; SU Real Red
Embellishments: Heidi Swapp Gold Color Shine; Darice Sequins
Size: 4.25" x 5.5" rectangular