One For the Challenge and One for the Team

I have 2 new cards to show you today.  

My first card for The Cutting Cafe design team.  The digi files are Keep Calm and Have a 

Great Birthday.  They also have some great cut files that go with same theme.  I really wanted to do a cut file card, but I found out that my new machine will not take the type of files that I need and I even tried to use my old Cricut that I have previously used with the Sure Cuts a Lot program, but apparently, the software is old and is no longer being supported.  Eventually, I will figure out a way to use one of my machines to cut the SVG files although it will cost me!!

I used the digi stamp and made it big so it would be the focal point.  I added a thin line of score tape on the edges of the main layer.  I added turquoise glitter to frame it.  I sponged the layer with purple and yellow ink.  The dragon flies were hand stamped and painted purple.  I added some Clear Star for a little sparkle and drew the little dots to make them look like they were flying.  Since the balloons were black, I added some Crystal Effects over them and sprinkled the turquoise and purple glitter on them while they were still wet.  Check out the closeup below to see the dimension.  Trust me, it looks better in person than it does in the picture!

I added layers of yellow and black and ribbon to the white card.  I think the color combination 

makes the whole thing pop.  I plan on giving this card to my daughter for her birthday.  She loves dragonflies and, well, she does like to party...luckily, she does not go on my blog, so she won't see 

this before she gets it.  Wink, wink...

This is the file that I used to make this card:

Keep Calm and Have a Happy Birthday Digital Set

The second card is for the
Imagine That Progressive Challenge

The stamp set is called Party Animals, my card is called the Turtle and the Frog.

At first, I didn't have any idea how I was going to do this card.  I decided to color the turtle with some interesting designs.  If you check out the above link, you will see what I have done differently from the actual digi stamp.  I colored everything with Copic markers.  I  used a Nestabilities die to cut the shape and while it was still in the die, I sponged the light blue and green for the sky and the grass.  I used a Sakura Clear Star pen to give a little sparkle around the balloon and hat.  The background was sponged with different colored inks.  The vine die is from My Favorite Things and was added to give more dimension and balance.

Just a side note:  I have noticed that a lot of people are looking at my blog, but are not leaving comments.  I would really appreciate it if you would click on comments at the end of each post and at least let me know you were here and let me know what you think!  Thanks.  

Until next time...