Wednesday, April 3, 2013

CSBG#135 - A Hug for a Friend

Ok I'm going to just cut to the chase here - so excited to share with you that none other than JJ Bolton AKA Ribbon Girls is the muse for April at CASE Study Blog Challenge.  First of all I am blessed to have JJ as one of my friends - she is the kindest person - and has been a wonderful source of encouragement for me since day one!   It's no secret that I am a big fan of hers and am ALWAYS in awe of her designs.  She comes up with the most innovative and creative cards I have ever seen.  She is pure C&S with a twist.  And finally, I'm  not sure how to put this but until today she's never intimidated me before.   But then I never even thought about CASING JJ before..... I mean........  I am not a mathematical or mechanical sort of thinker.  Heck I really don't even enjoy doing puzzles.  A Rubics Cube?  A paperweight for me.  I am not sure I can even cut a straight line all by myself.  Maybe that explains my fascination with JJ.  She is everything that I am not.  So when I found out she was our muse this month - my elation quickly turned to despair.  

Check out the inspiration this week - pure C&S right?  Well almost - check out the die cuts in there - that's what I'm talking about... just a little twist in there to make it a little more interesting.  I'm always up for a lesson so I figured I'd give it a go, but how to make it my own.... hmmmm...   Here's what I came up with - it has lots of similar elements that I case'd off JJ - the colored  stamping over a neutral color die, the ribbon corners, and the dark sentiment.   I switched it up a little by adding a neutral ledger paper background.  JJ used a flower stamp to tie in with her Mother's day theme, and I added a wood grain stamped heart to tie in with my tree die.   
 

Oh and it gets even better my friends - another one of my stamping heros - and good friend as well - Ms. Anya Schrier from Life is What You Make it Blog is our Guest Design Team Member this month!  A double whammy for me - I mean ....  How awesome is that????  Seriously... it's- so hard to live up to your heroes isn't it?  I'm just surrounded by rock stars this month - maybe that's a good thing - you'll all be staring at them instead of me!!!  OK ... I feel better now!

Need a little inspiration? Head on over to the rest of the DT and see what they came up with!  I hope you'll join us over at CASE - It's an exciting month my friends!!!

Big Hugs!
Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  5" x 7"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse My Heart, Compact Family
Die:  Memory Box Tree of Wonder
Pattern Paper:  Papertrey Ink Text Style Library Ledger
Card Stock:  Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, Stampin Up! Pink Pirouette
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Ribbon:  Offray 3/16 Pink Satin Loop 

16 comments:

Sabrina Scrapbook said...

The sweetest card on earth! :)

NanaConnie said...

Really beautiful, Jeanne! Loving both the die cut tree and the heart in the background. Marvelous!

Joyce said...

Jeanne--huge success. You were up to the challenge, and then some. This is just gorgeous, and now I am double intimidated.

Marybeth said...

Oh this is a pretty one. Love the stamping on the die cuts such a pretty affect! Of course you can do it!

Clare said...

This is SO pretty, love that tree die! Gorgeous!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Loved reading your post! I know what you mean and I don't even know JJ. I have had several unsuccessful tries so far. I don't have a word die or letters that I can line up, so I will need to think outside the square like you. Now, I just have to say Your card is spectacular - looking at it makes me want to touch it! The ledger paper background is inspired!

JJ Bolton said...

Oh Jeanne! Your card and your words just made me get all teary:) You are such a dear, dear friend and I am so glad to know you!

As far as not being up for the challenge, pshaw!!! If anyone is up to the challenge, it's you my uber creative friend!! BTW, I happen to enjoy and embrace our differences! There are many things that you do that I wouldn't dare even dream! I love that about our friendship:)

Thank you for such a beautiful and wonderful CASE! You're ARE the bestest:) XOXO

Sharron said...

Wow, that is an amazing tree die. Love how you used the heart in the background! Fabulous take on this week's challenge!

Kim Heggins said...

Jeanne, this is amazing! You are so clever and that heart works just perfect with that stunning tree. Your colors are so sweet and soft, just beautiful.

Cathy Weber said...

I could have sworn I commented on this card Jeanne, but guess not. I LOVE IT! The tree die cut and all the hearts along with that pretty color combo, so soft and pretty. That little bow was the perfect touch inside the tree. I wish I was brave enough to stamp on a die. I really need to try that!

Pauline said...

This is so pretty Jeanne, what a gorgeous tree die cut. Beautiful!

Deborah Frings said...

I really enjoyed reading this post - but you know, you're something of a rock star too!

Love this card - the stamping over the diecuts looks amazing!

Vickie Z said...

Gorgeous Jeanne!! Love the colors and use of JJs technique!! Agree with Deb... you're a rock star too!

Jen Carter said...

So cool how you stamped the heart on the tree! What a cool idea! Very pretty card!

Maria said...

Gorgeous card with heart and lovely tree die cut! Such a pretty card...love it!!!

Lisa Minckler said...

LOL...JJ sounds wonderful and she uses cool words like, "pshaw!"...that's awesome!! :D I'm gonna add another one, "Pffft....looking at their stuff instead of yours...whatever!!" Your stuff rocks girlfriend and WOW what a beautiful job casing. Love the tree grain that blends perfectly with the diecut and without a doubt, tons of incredible inspiration!!!!
hugs :)