Valentine, where art thou?

It's that time of year again. Christmas and the New Year are long forgotten now the bins have been emptied and the last of the turkey finally eaten. Spring and Easter are on the horizon, but first we have Valentines Day. I feel obliged to make a card or two. not that I'll be sending any. My first one is very simple and I hope elegant. Mainly white, with just a touch of colour.

Whisper White

Real Red

Gold Foil

I used the Falling Petals TIEF on a piece of white card stock slightly smaller than my card front. The sentiment was stamped directly onto the embossed card in Real Red. A punched - you could use a die cut - heart was placed bottom right to create balance.

For added interest without making it too fussy, I punched a small heart out of the larger one and inserted a gold heart in the space. Gold metallic thread was looped and placed behind to finish it. Such a quick and easy card to make. I hope you like it.

Challenge Accepted ... using Beautiful You

At Coffee and Cards, I was given the opportunity to try out the new Stampin' Blends. I have to to admit to being sceptical but they are amazing!

The ink just glides so beautifully over the paper and as usual, the colours are designed to match the corresponding card stock.

Susan, who runs the Coffee and Card group gave all attendees a challenge to create a card with the image we had coloured in. The winner is to receive the 2 colours they used to colour in the image.

Pool Party

Calypso Coral

Smoky Slate

Whisper White

Not one to run away from a challenge I set about coming up with a design I was happy with. I also decided to challenge myself by using DSP. I've gradually built up a collection over the last few months but really don't use it as often as I could or should.

I chose to use Pool Party, one of my favourite colours. So next on the list I had to find coordinating DSP. Luckily Foxy Friends includes PooL Party, alongside Calypso Coral and Smoky Slate and the banner design was just perfect.

I double mounted the stitched shape with my image, adding a band of ribbon and stamped sentiment. Then I die cut You and added it at an angle

Three balloons completed the front. As usual, I stamped the inside of the card and the envelope for a more finished look. I think it really does make a difference. I know I always open card with decorated envelopes first.