A Kept Life

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Color Throwdown 286 Birthday Bouquet

I have two posts today so if you are looking for my Serendipity Stamps Challenge post please scroll down. I'm having another one of those "feelin' lucky" days. I was asked to be the guest designer this month at Color Throwdown. If you've been following me for any amount of time you will know that color challenges are always hard for me.

I'm the sort of person that tries to face my shortcomings head on so I usually don't let that get in my way. Did I ever tell you I'm afraid of needles? Every time I need blood drawn I wind up with bandages on both arms and sometimes my wrist too. Back in the old days when I got married you were required to have a blood test. They had such a hard time drawing blood from my arm that they suggested taking it from my neck. I just looked at my now husband and said "you know I love you, but I don't think this is going to work out!" They finally got their required sample with one of those special needles a tube attached. Maybe I'm a masochist because I still attend blood drives, and no they still never get me on the first try. Just sayin.. I'm no quitter.

The colors your asked to use this week are Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive. And here's what I came up with..

I stamped the flower bouquet in the three colors of the week and fussy cut the image. I layered that on a pretty doily and lots of different pattern papers. Something about striped twine that makes me happy so I thought it would make a cheery addition to my card.

Here's a list of all the design team members - just click on their names to hop to their blog.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you find some time to create today and play along with me!

Supplies Used: Finished Size 4.5 x 6.25

Stamps: Avery Elle Thanks A Bunch

Dies: Cheery Lynn Lilith Doily, Spellbinder Charmed I'm Sure, Poppy Ribbon Banners

Border Punch: EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace

Button, Pearls

Pattern Paper: October Afternoon Boarding Pass, Sidewalks

Twine: Twinery Caribbean, Natural Solid

Ribbon: 5/8" Olive Grosgrain, 1/8" Olive Stripe Grosgrain

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Memento Luxe Dandelion, Pistachio, Doodlebug Swimming Pool

Card Stock: PTI Vintage Cream, SU! Pool Party

SSCB#30 Shades Of Gray

Hi friends and thanks for stopping by! I hope you are having a great day and that the sun is shining wherever you are. I live just outside the Chicago area and it's finally looking like Spring. The sun is shining, and the wind is blowing. We get a little crazy this time of year - it will be in the low 50's and you'll see people with their car windows down, wearing shorts and barbecuing. You only have to spend about half an hour outdoors before you realize that wasn't such a good idea.

A new challenge begins today at the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. Our challenges run for four weeks and the design team posts on the first and third Wednesday. The challenge this time is "Shades of Gray". Your asked to use a monochromatic color scheme - black, white and every shade of gray in between. The DT was asked to pick an image that represents them or their personality in some way. I chose this type writer image. I loved playing with my moms manual Royal typewriter as a kid, and took typing classes in college. Something you didn't know about me? I have a certificate from college that qualifies me as an "Executive Secretary". It seems like everyone does their own correspondence for the most part today and most of us are more comfortable than writing.

Want to see more from the rest of the design team and maybe learn a few secrets along the way? Here's a list of the rest of the DT members with projects today.

And the sale this time at Serendipity? 40% off the highest priced item in your cart good through April 9. Use code "40fromhigh414”. It might be a good time to get that new teapot die if your smitten! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Used: Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps Typewriter, Hello Small
Dies: Spellbinder Petite Ovals
Card Stock: PTI White, True Black
Ribbon: Snug Hug Seam Binding Black
Licorice Twine Twinery
Black Button Twine May Arts

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Paper Sweeties April Inspiration Challenge #18 - Sweet Treats

Happy April and Welcome SPRING!! It's the beginning of a new month. That means a new challenge starts today at Paper Sweeties. Yep! You get a whole month to play! We love seeing the projects you create with your Paper Sweeties stamps, and who knows? You might just win a few more sets to play with! Just link up your projects here! There are always lots of projects to see for the challenges because the current design team as well as the alumni all make projects. For me it's a chance to reconnect with friends and see what they've been up to.

Look at this great inspiration photo this month! Did you know that Paper Sweeties has paper straws in their inventory? They're not just for drinking from! I added a few to my card below! To get them nice and flat I placed them between the plates for my die cut machine and ran them through. Success! Super flat and ready to glue in place. Paper Sweeties also recently added sequins to the store. They're not your usual sequins. These sequins are very shiny and flower shaped. They are a little thicker than regular sequins and stand up a little higher too. You can see them better in the close up at the top of the page.