Life Begins ...

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone is well here in blogland. I have been AWOL for the past few months I'm afraid ... work has rather taken over my life sad to say, to the extent that I haven't really found time for any cardmaking or blogging, nor much even for baking or socialising ... but today I have my first card in over 5 months to show you!

During the past few months I have been raiding my card stash whenever a birthday etc. has come along ... but today one of my good friends is 40 so I thought I really ought to pull my finger out to make her a card - and here it is.

I was actually quite nervous making this, as it has been so long that I could scarcely remember what supplies I had available, and I sat gazing aimlessly at my stamps and papers for a while waiting for inspiration to come. in fact i resorted to flicking  back through my blog for past examples, and that was when I decide to go with this gorgeous vintage handbags stamp .. what could be more perfect for a girly 40th card?  

One of my main worries was colouring after so long ... I did find it to be a bit of a challenge as I am definitely well out of practice, but I wasn't too displeased with the results all things considered.

This is an 8" * 8" card which I always like for special occasions, and gives plenty of room to decorate!! :-)

Normally when I make a 6" * 6" card, if it is very dimensional (as most of them are) I just stick it in a square CD mailer padded envelope .... but this card was too big for that so I also ended up making a  co-ordinating box! The papers don't match exactly as i didn't have enough, but i think the general theme is there.

Stamps:  LotV "handbags" and "Everyday Grungy Sentiments"; Penny Black "To You" (2908F) (on box);

Media: Promarkers and Flexmarkers; Stampendous "frantage" embossing powder;

Papers: Maja Designs "Sofiera";

Supplies: Various flowers including most from Wild Orchid Crafts; pearls and pearl hearts from The Hobby House; lace from John Lewis; ribbon from my stash;

Tools: "Floral Ovals" nestabilities; Joycrafts butterfly die; numbers cut using Cuttlebug "Hippy Chick" die set.

Challenges:

MAWTT - Feeling A Little Vintage

Crafty Ribbons - Celebration With Ribbon

Creative Card Crew #68 - Embossing 

Southern Girls - It's All About The Texture

Papertake Weekly - To Die For

Penny Black & More - Anything Goes

Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes

Bearly Mine (August) - Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

Crafty Calendar - Anything Goes

Simon Says (Monday) - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting today .. I'll try hard not to leave it so long next time!

Hugs,