THE METHOD TO THE MADNESS......

You know, you just can't beat a good card sketch. You can start with the basic sketch, but it can take you in so many directions. The card I have for you today started with a sketch found here at Clean & Simple Stamping. Their sketches are wonderful and I check them out (and use them) quite often. Whether you CASE (Copy And Share Everything) the sketch exactly as it is or just use it as a stepping stone to tweak to your own style, it is an invaluable tool.

Next (or vice versa, whichever works at the time), comes the picking of the colors. I am the first to admit, I am a bit color challenged. It is not from lack of trying, but cool color combos do not come easy for me. If it were just me coming up with them, there would only be around 5 combos to choose from. And not all of them may work so well together. Boring!!!! So, the new Color Coach that Stampin' Up came up with is just what I need. The old coach was okay, but this one is so much better. It is set up like a paint swatch collection --- you have each color in a 2-3/4" x 4-1/4" rectangle, not the little spot of color like on the old circular one. Then, on the back of each color card are two combo suggestions. Of course, if those don't suit you, you can twist the cards around and come up with your very own. You can also unfasten the screw that holds it all together and lay them out, if you choose. How stinkin' cool is that??? They also have cards with tips on color, ones showing the four color collections and blank ones for you to fill in your favorites. Even the new In-Colors have cards of their very own. Below is a picture of the one I used. I wanted to use Pacific Point, so I pulled up the card and after checking out both combos and my sketch, I decided the "sweet set" would work just fine --- Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight and Rich Razzleberry. And sweet it is.

Here is the card that all of that created. The base is the Daffodil Delight, then you have the Pacific Point and Rich Razzleberry (ran through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder) layered on top. I punched out the bird from the Two-Step Bird Punch in Daffodil and it's wing in Razzleberry (I stamped on the wing in VersaMark to put a little design on it). It is raised up on dimensionals. The limbs are from the same punch and done with Pear Pizzazz. The finishing touches are the Daffodil ribbon tied around the layers and the little pearl added for the birds eye. The sentiment is from the retired Well-Scripted set and is stamped in Pacific Point. This card is for one of my Little Debbie friend's birthday. I hope she likes it --- it can be a little intimidating making cards for people who make cards (and this is such a talented group, so that doesn't help). Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLENE!!!!!!

Sorry this is such a long post, hard to shut me up once I get started. But I'm done now so......

Except, I would like to remind everyone to never forget the losses and sacrifices of those involved in the 9/11 attacks 9 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family and friends left behind. I also pray that God continues to guide and protect our country.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!!!!!