Cosmos Note Cards Set

I had stamped a bunch of backgrounds using the Simon Says Stamp Cosmos background stamp onto Bristol cardstock a while back.  Christmas crafting got in the way, so these went into the stash.

After Christmas, I wanted a laid-back crafty project and these seemed a great fit.  I used my Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers.  The shading is relatively easy to do and tge results are stunning.

I kept the cosmos as the star, finishing simply with some silver thread, vellum shape and a stacked die cut sentiment.  A note card set for the stash.  Yay!

Day 1- Stretch Your Dies Online Card Class - Heat Shrink Craft Foam

I've had a very busy week with a trip to California crammed in for work.  I signed up for the Stretch Your Dies Online Card Class and found it to be, once again, the busiest week to have homework.  I've tried to catch up this weekend, but find that I am woefully behind.  This card was created using a technique taught on Monday- die cutting with craft foam.  Each embellishment except the purple border was cut from craft foam.  The Hello die is a Paper Smooches die, the flowers are Heartfelt Creations Asters and the leaves come from a Spellbinders set.  I cut everything out of white foam and shrunk them with a heat tool.  I used my distress inks (Shaded Lilac, Shabby Shutters and Seedless Preserves) to color the images.  There is quite a bit of dimension on this card and I'll admit to being skeptical of the technique.  i thought it might look cheesy.

Well, it doesn't.  It is unique and different and though I might not use it on a lot of cards truly represents a reason to take an online card class.  I find plenty of technique videos for free online and I can follow those instructions.  However, I find myself watching the same kinds of videos over and over and using the same kinds of techniques.  This card is an example of how I can spice up my mojo by stretching a bit.

It's not too late to join the class, just click the link to sign up.  Maybe I'll see you over there as I catch up on my homework.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Challenge #175: Anything Goes

Simon Says Spring Pinterest Inspiration Challenge - I used the colors in one of the photos (purple and green) to inspire this card.

Inspiration Emporium's Spring Blooms challenge

Come join the fun or just look at all the inspiration.