Joy Express

I have finally got my brain around some more masculine themed cards … have a few definite thoughts in mind for the team swap cards I need to create next week, too.  I think this card was one of the easiest to make (unusual for me) because it seemed to take little time and came together really easily.  Of course, I still had to fuss over it – a LOT. 

My intention is to revisit little used tools, like punches I bought for just one project ~ because I am Very Indulgent and just have to have these things ~ and it’s fun to play with stars.  As I create one card, the next one is ‘brewing’ so my card making tends to follow themes.  Really there is nothing more to do in life than Create Cards!

Happy Stamping!

Continuing with my “Bali Breeze” theme, I created more of the fabulous note cards from Becky Roberts.  Once I get going on these cuties there seems to be no end of combinations.  And, they are just so handy!

I’ll be sending these to Mum with a box of goodies, next week, for her Gathering in support of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.  It’s quite exciting to know that lovely women supporting other women in need can indulge in something lovely for themselves, too.  Funds raised from the sale of my cards help mum & her team pay for postage of the rugs the ladies are knitting for ladies in the Clinic.

It’s about Sharing and Acknowledging other people’s stories …

I do love the Designer Series Paper Packs from Stampin’ Up!  Sometimes, though, I over-indulge ~ I know that surprises you (not!) ~ because I am so inspired by the fabulous colours and patterns.  My stash still has a great supply of ‘old’ packs and this card was an opportunity to use up some of that gorgeous Bali Breeze paper.  Ooh La La!

The card design is by Becky Roberts ~ Very Inspiring SU! Demonstrator!!  I’ve made this card before, in different papers, and it’s super easy and cute.  I wasn’t really happy with the Basic Gray “hello” but love the Turquoise and Pumpkin Pie Combo.  Thanks Becky!

One of the things I do find a challenge with the Designer Series Paper packs is using all the different designs.  There is always one design which I LOVE and a few which I enJOY but then there’s one or two which just don’t excite me at all.  But, I do like to try them out so they are good for extending those creative muscles and looking outside the box.

I do LOVE Bold Designs so this Real Red Spotty Paper from the Pink Flamingo pack should be an easy ‘go to’ paper.  It’s not.  But, I do like the party feeling that it brings to this card … and it’s in Real Red so it must be fabulous!

It’s lots of fun using stamp sets that I’ve ignored or neglected for a while.  When I get them out again I remember just how much fun we’ve had in the past!

I am a Really Big Fan of the ‘board shorts’ paper in the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper Pack and I think that Real Red may just be my all time favourite colour, given how much I use it!  So, I couldn’t go past this combo of image and design.  My favourite-est part?  The Dazzling Diamonds icing and Crystal Effects on the cherries.

[Have you checked out UStamp with Dawn & Friends: Early Fall Edition 2010 yet?  There are HEAPS of new card designs in absolutely fabulous colour combos!  Very, very inspiring!]