Two Cards, Three Challenges

And the cards–as well as the two main challenges–couldn’t be more different. The first is the new Less is More Challenge: Summer Flowers.

Although I’ve been to the Gina K Designs retail store a few times when I’ve visited Sarah in Wisconsin, I didn’t really follow her until recently. When I saw her most recent kit offer, I was intrigued, but held off too long and ended up on a wait list. The kit finally came in and about a week ago, it arrived in the mail. I am so impressed not only with the quality but the quantity of product in the kit. This is my first card using one of three stamp sets and I already have plans for both of the other sets. Hopefully, they’ll see some love this weekend. 

This beautiful flower is from “Best Flowers,” which also include two larger blossoms and leaves which can be cut with the included dies. This is such an enjoyable flower to color, and you’ll probably see it in a variety of colors in the future. The sentiment is from a second stamp set included in the kit, “Hands of Love.” The font is different than any other I own, and one I know I’ll use frequently.

I also order the “Master Layout” dies, and have used them for the last several cards I’ve made (soon to come to the blog!) They die cut the focal image and then the 1/16″ mat perfectly. 

The second challenge is The Card Concept’s “Christmas in July.” I’m happy to be in the season of summer flowers, but I know Christmas will be here before you know it.

This one gave me an opportunity to use another new stamp set, appropriately named “Poinsettia.” This one is by Waffleflower, and it includes enough designs to make multiple holiday cards.

I also used some of the new cardstock from Concord & 9th–Cranberry and Honeysuckle, and the beautiful oval and frame die cut with Ellen Hutson’s “Essential Ovals.”

After embossing the design in gold, I carefully colored the floral with Copic markers. I’ve read that you must be very careful because embossing powder can ruin the tips of Copic markers. Luckily, I haven’t had an issue with it yet. The “Merry” sentiment  (I love the font) came from the “Poinsettia” set, and the “Christmas” from W+9’s “Hand Lettered Holiday” set. (Finding that required me to pull out all my Christmas stamps. I considered keeping them out, but although I hope to make a few more cards with this new set, I’m not ready to think about mass producing any cards quite yet.)

One of the requirements for The Card Concept Challenge is to identify your style. In thiscase, I’d call it “Clean and Layered.” 

And since both cards use Never Before Used Stuff, I’m entering one in the new challenge which starts today.

We’re off in a few minutes to go on a bike ride. Later tonight, rain is forecast and likely to extend into Monday. It’s hot and sunny now.