Beachy Birthday

Happy Thursday!  So, as I am working to increase my stash of greeting cards at home, I figured it's summer, I need birthday cards, so let's make 'em!  I was inspired by challenges this week from both Die Cuttin' Divas & Creative Cutter Room to make a beach-themed card, so here's what I came up with:

The layout was inspired by a card I found on pinterest (who doesn't love pinterest?). It's simple, summery, and best of all - we have a ton of August birthdays in our family so this one will come in handy!  If you're feeling beachy this week, come play along at this week's challenges!


Entering this card in:
 Die Cuttin' Diva's Challenge #75 - Summer Fun
Creative Cutter Room - Summer Fun

About this card:
Kraft Cardstock - Papertrey Ink
Navy/White Mats - Stash
Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug)
Twine - Navy/white & Gold/White - Stash
Die Cut Starfish & Seashell - Cut from the Pack Your Bags Cricut cartridge using Bazzill Bling Cardstock
Sentiment - Pink by Design Summer Vacation

I Wood Like to Thank...

I know - My puns are the worst.  I get it honest... my family has 'pun-wars' over Thanksgiving dinner... Don't judge, please!  Today's pun was inspired by this card:

 

Here's the back story - About a month ago, a strong storm knocked over a rather large tree in our back yard.  Temperatures that week were averaging 90-100 degrees... it was HOT!  I posted pictures on Facebook of our fallen tree, and within an hour, a friend from church commented and offered to bring his chainsaw over and  help us remove it.  We were so grateful for him (and his son, who also came along to help in the incredible heat), so I want to send him a thank you card.  I absolutely COULD NOT pass up the opportunity to use my wood grain embossing folder (The Paper Studio).  I knew that bugger would come in handy some day :)  While I'll be sending him this card tomorrow, I hope I also have the opportunity to pay it forward.  Being on the receiving end of such a random act of kindness is a feeling like no other, and I hope to pass it along to someone soon!

Oh, and I just got the 'perfectly penned' sentiment stamp set from Stampin' Up, and I love it (Thank you, Kathy) in case you were wondering where the stamp came from.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

About this card:

Kraft/Brown Cardstock - Papertrey Ink/Stash

Hemp cord

Sentiment - Perfectly Penned - Stampin' Up (Stamped in Stazon Timber Brown)

Embossing Folder - Wood Grain - The Paper Studio

Distressing - Vintage Photo - Ranger

Metal Pearls - Making Memories Stash

Using Wild Card 2

I have to admit - the pictures on the Wild Card 2 Cricut Cartridge cover really don't do this cartridge justice.  The images look like a bunch of pictures from an 80's video game.  You have to look through the book to really be inspired.  This cartridge has TONS of potential!  I'm not a huge fan of the sentiments that they included with the cards, but I have tons of stamps that will make these cards perfect.  Here's my first crack at using Wild Card 2:

I love how the card base is in front of the clouds, giving this card lots of dimension.  I inked a few of the edges, added pearls, stickles and glossy accents.  The finished card is about 5" tall.  I can't wait to make more of these shaped cards - if you have this cartridge and haven't tried it yet, break it out and start playing with it - you won't regret it!

Altered Paint Can

I was in a swap where we had to decorate a mini paint can, and stuff it full of goodies and send it to a partner.  My partner gave me a few hints about her style and preferences, and the one thing she said that stood out to me was when she said she liked, "Black and white with a splash of color".  Here's what I made for her:

I used My Mind's Eye paper from their Lush line, and used adhesive pink pearls to accent the floral print.  The black ribbon is seam binding - I have really enjoyed using seam binding on projects - I'm glad someone introduced it to me  not too long ago.  Pretty simple and elegant - I hope she loves it!