Better Together - A Mix and Match Challenge Week 6 by Andie

During this time of quarantine, Brandy and I miss crafting together.  It isn't that we did so often - we didn't see each other every week sometimes.  It's more that we can't see each other.  So I had an idea to create a challenge each week - one just for Brandy and she could create one just for me.  Brandy has to amp the idea up and came up with our official title.  This is our sixth week of challenges.  I present to you Week Six of the Better Together - A Mix and Match Challenge.

Brandy's Challenge for Andie:

Your challenge theme this week is Let's Be Clear.  That's right, using acetate and/or vellum for the focal point of your design is your challenge.

The images used and sentiment selection are up to you.  The use of either or both transparent substrates must be the focus or what makes the card special.

The color pallet and images are provided.  These particular items have also inspired me!  I can't wait to see what you do.

Let's be clear.... I thoroughly enjoyed the creative part of this challenge.  Let's be clear - I have not previously executed an acetate card front before, but the process was easier than I thought.  Let's be clear - I thought about the color palette early on and realize now that everything is done that the orange and yellow end of the spectrum was not fully realized (though I did use some very pale yellow Nuovo drops).  I am so pleased with how this first set of cards turned out - which are my official entry to the challenge.  The acetate was stamped with a Just Rite background stamp using ColorBox Silver and Pale Green pigment ink.  I had stamped one in white pigment ink and smeared the ink a few hours later when I picked up the card front.  That's when I had the hair-brained idea to set the ink with hairspray.  That worked perfectly and these two cards could be made.

I stamped the floral image using my Simon Says Stamp Look for the Rainbows stamp set onto some Memory Box patterned paper and fussy cut the images out for use on the front of the card.  It is easier to see the background script print on the pictures of the inside of the card as the patterned paper from the floral piece creates a bit more contrast.

On the inside of the card, a simple sentiment from a Sparkle and Sprinkle Iris Garden stamp set which I ink blended some coordinating Bundled Sage Distress Oxide ink over the top.

I was so please and had the acetate out so I made a few more cards.

The following cards don't exactly follow the color palette of the challenge, but were inspired by the color palette.  I stamped the tulips using Distress Oxide inks and The Greetery Budding Beauties stamp set.  After that is was as simple as die cutting the frames using my Waffle Flower A2 rectangle dies and some leftover white cardstock lacey bits from a previous project using my Heartfelt Creations Decorative Lace die.  A few well placed Nuovo drops and the cards were finished.

All in all, I loved my challenge again this week and can't wait until next week.  I'll be back shortly with a post from Brandy's challenge.

A Couple of Thank You Cards

Last month when my daughter went on her Girl Scout trip I thought a lovely thank you card was needed to let the two adult leaders know how much we appreciate their willingness to put up with six teenagers for 6 days.  Thus, two of this card were made.  Here's the details:

• The background die cut was made from patterned paper using my Heartfelt Creations Decorative Lace Border die.  I use wax paper between the die and the patterned paper to make this intricate die cut pop right out of the die.  It does create quite the confetti pile, but the result is well worth the effort!
• The flowers are made by stamping with my Heartfelt Creations Tattered Blossoms stamps in brown Archival ink and then die cutting using my matching dies.  Clicking the link and then the tab on the Heartfelt Creations page will take you to videos that show you how to do this stamping and cutting technique.
• The flower centers were made using my A Penny Saved prills and I just love how they blend to add to my somewhat monochromatic look on this card.
• The green floral pieces were cut out of cardstock scraps using my Our Daily Bread Designs Fancy Foliage die. 
• The sentiment was created using Word and then die cut with my Spellbinders Labels 18 die.  A little Worn Lipstick Distress Ink around the edge ties it into the rest of the pink colors.  A piece of vintage seam binding as a ribbon/bow accent was added to the card.  

I think these ladies felt special and I was really happy with how the card turned out.  I'm going to post this card over at Word Art Wednesday's Challenge # 140: Anything Goes.  Come on over to see the amazing art posted and join in on the fun.