Birthday wishes

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge 526 provided me with a good plan for making a birthday card to give our office manager, Laura. She loves watching hummingbirds from her porch swing on her back porch, overlooking the lake, so I used one as my focal point with a blended blue sky (or lake) behind it. I also used some MFT clear embellishments in addition to the flower accents. It could look a bit more festive, but on a gloomy and rainy day, my  mood was more one of restfulness and tranquility than celebration. She has such a pleasant, positive personality I hope she likes it and understands that the understated appearance still conveys heartfelt wishes.

 

Supplies: My Favorite Things Happy Hummingbirds stamps and dies, clear embellishments, yellow flock, Memento Tuxedo, Versafine Onyx ink, Tim Holtz distress inks and assorted Copics.

Panda Valentine

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge 525 gave me another opportunity to create a non-traditional Valentine and I've decided that all the cards I make for the holiday this year will be that way (except for the one I already completed on a previous challenge that I finished too late for in In Link party), but never mind. Let's just say I like the idea of non-conventional cards and as you can tell from previous posts, I really like the Happy Pandas for most all occasions!  This sketch allowed me to show them peeking out for a cute, playful look with what I hope will be received as a heart-warming message. Now, I'm not sure if this might be a perfect card for my Mom, but there are other people who deserve long distance hugs, too!

Supplies: My Favorite Things Happy Pandas, Versamark ink, Stampin' Up! Certainly Celery ink and card stock, scrap kraft card stock, Versafine Onyx ink, Fine detail embossing powder and dimensional adhesive.

A Blue Valentine

My Favorite Things Color Challenge #157  gave me an opportunity to create a unique Valentine's card for my Mom, who is the baker that inspired me to follow in her footsteps, making cookies and rolls from scratch for my family. I can't believe we haven't seen each other in person for over a year, but we talk on the phone, text and share photos, so thankfully, it doesn't feel like we're out of touch; I just I miss being with her and sharing the aroma of our home-made goodies. 

The last time I used this color challenge, it was perfect for a baby card, but I think it worked just as well for this cozy kitchen scene. 

Supplies: My Favorite Things Sweet Shop, Stitched dies, Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Taken with Teal, scrap blue and craft card stock, assorted Copic markers, random heart die, Versamark Onyx ink and Wink of Stella.

Two more happy hummingbirds

 This week's sketch challenge # 523 at My Favorite Things was a fun one to play with. There were some diverse examples for inspiration , so I felt free to make my own version of the sample design. 

My husband needed a sympathy card for a cousin who passed away recently and since he's a huge hummingbird fan, I thought this would be an appropriate card for him to send. As I was sampling colors, however, I started to worry that the teal background I liked best might be too cheerful for a sympathy card. But then I decided that the bird on the branch looked rather contemplative and besides, sympathy cards should try to cheer people up a bit, so why not use some bold, happy colors?

I added the contrast of the white embossed, non-filled images since the blockiness of the design didn't fit the vibe of condolences (although I think I'll definitely use it for some contemporary hello cards in the future).  

Supplies: MFT Happy Hummingbirds, Copic Markers, Wink of Stella, Neenah Solar white, Stampin' Up! Taken with Teal and Whisper White card stock, random arrow die (to create banner), Tim Holtz Distress inks blended on background pieces, Versamark, and fine white detail embossing powder.

Flurries of Love

 I used My Favorite Things' Color Challenge 156 for inspiration of this wintry card. I combined two new stamp sets to create the scene, and although I like the hillside lines, I felt they were a little too strong for the look I wanted (I should have stamped in gray, I guess), so I decided to add some white flock for some dimensional snow. I colored the polar bear with Copic E00 and N0 for a Grout Grayish look on the bear's fur and the penguin's nose and feet, then used a couple different blues for the Berrylicious and Blueberry scarves.

Supplies: My Favorite Things Polar Opposites, Sending a Flurry of Love, Copic markers,  Stampin' Up Whisper White flock, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Versamark, Fine detail white embossing powder, scraps of cardstock on a Neenah Solar white card base.

Happy (Hummingbirds) New Year

It's always fun to play with new toys after Christmas, no matter what age you are. My husband has been reading new books, my kids have been practicing calligraphy and Chinese calligraphy with their recent gifts, and I've been playing with my newest stamp sets and embellishments.

I created this card for the My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge 522. I used a few new markers along with a new favorite stamp set and clear round drops I've been eager to add to my stash to make this potential Valentine's Day card (although the message could be sent any time of year).

Supplies: My Favorite Things Happy Hummingbirds, Clear round drops (mix two), Stampin' Up! Simple Shapes, Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, Wink of Stella, clear embossing powder and assorted Copic markers.