Bright Birthday Fun

I decided that I need to be proactive about making Birthday cards. Usually, I like to make them with the recipient in mind, but I often wait until the last minute. Then it quickly becomes a "Belated birthday wishes" card.  It is time to change that behavior!

I began by posting upcoming birthdays on my whiteboard by my desk as a constant visual reminder.
It was a bright, sunny day today, so I decided to create a card that matched the day and my mood.

This one is for a very special person...who may or may not read my blog...so I'm not saying anything more.  ;)

The layout was inspired by this fun sketch from MOJO Monday Challenge blog (sketch #329).
I LOVE IT!!

When I saw this sketch, I knew it would fit perfectly with my Sassy Cheryl's "Pearls, Pearls, Pearls" challenge entry.
It takes a little imagination to see it...
I hope it does both challenges justice.

The Star of the show, of course, is Sassy Cheryl's adorable Maddie...seen here in the digistamp "Maddie's Birthday Surprise".  I can't tell if she's carefully bringing it to share...or patiently waiting to eat that yummy cupcake herself!



I often need help with color combos, so I went over to The Outlawz site...and Voila!
Their Color Challenge (CC0121) was just what I needed in color and "theme" (twist) inspiration.



Last, but not least, the clever WordArt is by Paulette at CreateWithTLC.  She's my "go to" site for card sentiments (from sweet to sassy...and everything in between).



Do you need to make any birthday cards this week??
Get going...There's an abundant amount of inspiration...if you look for it.

:)   Happy Creating!!



Challenge entries for:
Sassy Cheryl's Challenge #200- "Pearls, Pearls, Pearls"
http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/2014/01/challenge-200-pearls-pearls-pearlswa.html

MoJo Monday Sketch Challenge #329
http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2014/01/mojo-monday-329.html

The OutLawz Color Challenge (CC0121) "Jeweled January w/ twist: Make it a Birthday"
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/colorchallenge/forum/topics/color-challenge-january-21-2014

3 R's: Rest, Relax, Recover

Although, I'm excited to make my first card of 2014 before January ends, I sure wish it didn't need to be a "Get Well" card.  A dear friend is recovering from surgery and I hope this will cheer the recovery process along.

This week's challenge for the Sassy Cheryls' Challenge Blog is "Winter Blues".
So I've got the "winter blues" challenge covered in 2 ways: color blue and "needs cheering up".  :)

I knew right away that I wanted to use Cheryl's cute "Good Company" digi stamp featuring Max & Maddie.  They are perfect for our friend and his dear wife.

It also goes well with this great WordArt by Paulette at CreateWithTLC.  She's my "go to" site for card sentiments (from sweet to sassy...and everything in between).


I desperately needed additional inspiration on making the challenge's theme work for me.
 
Luckily, I found an awesome sketch at Cardabilities (#91).   I did replace the butterfly in the sketch with the buttons because this card is for a guy...and butterflies, while lovely, didn't fit the bill exactly.

Next I grabbed some more color inspiration at the ColourQ challenge (cQc # 224).
That added the little bit of "punch" that I wanted with a blue color scheme.  The ColourQ challenge scheme was Basic Grey, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Poppy Parade and white.  Using both my copics and pencils, I tried to get as close as possible.

*The card photo makes the base, etc look royal blue, but IRL it is pretty close to Island Indigo...Hmmm, maybe our foggy day threw off the lighting...

I'm so thankful for the talents of others (digistamp art, sketches, color challenges, wordart, etc) that give me a creative base to jump from and make something of my own.

I actually like the finished project, which always surprises me....Creating is sometimes a frustrating journey as I try to let go of perfectionism and wait to see the end product.  :)

I hope this is just the first of many things I create this year.

Challenges entered with this card:
Sassy Cheryl Challenge #199- Winter Blues 
Cardabililities Sketch Challenge #91
ColourQ Challenge #224

* The papers are new from a few "Paper Studio" packs that my wonderful DH threw in (literally tossed in the cart...LOL) on our most recent trip to HobbyLobby.  :)

Create

Welcome...2014

When one chapter ends, another is always waiting to begin.

I began making cards a few years ago when I discovered digital stamps and some lovely crafting forums.  I've met many wonderful people as we've shared our creative endeavors. Some of have become dear friends of mine.
Last week, the main forum (where I kept a gallery of my creations) shut down. So here I am-  starting a blog so I can continue enjoying "card challenges" and such.

As I am prone to a bit of "juggling projects", I decided that I would also use this space to post things that inspire me.

My "creative projects" are sure to be varied...as time permits. After all,  the biggest and most cherished project I am involved in "creating" is a happy family life.

Thanks for stopping by!