Today’s card was designed just for me.  I had no color challenges, themes or sketches in mind.  I just wanted to do the techniques that I love…distressing, water coloring with blender pens, and adding tons of pearls.  Although this card may look difficult to make, it is actually easy.  But in all honesty, it is time-consuming.  I hope you enjoy “Forever and Always”.

The finished card measures 5-1/4″ x 5-1/4″.

• Rough around the edges! The retiring Seven Sided Tool from the Cutter Kit makes distressing edges a breeze! A little Crumb Cake ink added with a Sponge Dauber adds contrast. 

• Snip and curl! The sentiment “Forever and Always”,  from Loving Thoughts, takes on a vintage twist when stamped with the Waterspot image from French Foliage. A “V” is snipped in one end with Paper Snips, while the opposite end is curled using the File from the Distressing Essentials Kit.

• A touch of lace! Crumb Cake Seam Binding and Victoria Crochet Trim add a vintage flair, especially when threaded onto a hatpin.

Plenty of pearls! The embossed background, created using the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, provides the perfect backdrop for Basic Pearls!  And who can resist adding pearl centers to the water colored flowers!  

 
This card is my birthday card.  I make my own for my husband to give to me.  I know that sounds a little strange, but I just can’t see having him spend money on a “store-bought” card.  I gave him a choice of sentiments, and he by-passed “Happy Birthday” for “Forever and Always”.  Awww! How sweet is that!  In a few days I will share cards that I received from many of my blogging friends.


Blog Candy

Don’t forget that I am offering “Birthday Blog Candy”…my birthday gift to you!  It includes:

• Basic Rhinestones…to represent April’s birthstone, the diamond
• Basic Pearls and Large Basic Pearls…symbols of happiness and triumph over adversity
• Filigree Brads…beautiful and intricate, like our relationships in life
• Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz...a traditional birthday kiss for good luck

I will randomly select one comment from those left on this and Thursday’s posts through 10:00 PM (CST).  The winner will be announced on Saturday.  I am sorry that I can only ship to addresses within the United States.  I know it is not much, but if my first random selection is from outside the USA, I will create a card especially for you and mail it out right away!

As always, your comments are important to me.  I do read each and every one.  And remember…if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

Yep…it happens to me every year.  My birthday.  At my age, I don’t really celebrate it in the traditional sense.  There is certainly nothing that I need, and after adding a few pounds this past winter, I can do without cake.  What would give me the most joy on my special day would be to offer blog candy to you.  I hope that you will enjoy some of my favorite sparkly products!

We have: 

• Basic Rhinestones…to represent April’s birthstone, the diamond
• Basic Pearls and Large Basic Pearls…symbols of happiness and triumph over adversity
• Filigree Brads…beautiful and intricate, like our relationships in life
• Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz...a traditional birthday kiss for good luck

I will randomly select one comment from those left on this and Friday’s posts through 10:00 PM (CST).  The winner will be announced on Saturday.  I am so sorry.  I can only ship to addresses within the United States.  I know it is not much, but if my first random selection is from outside the USA, I will create a card especially for you and mail it out right away!

Stampin’ Up! has announced that beginning May 1st, they will be offering a fully customizable Starter Kit for at the new lower price of $99!  When you join Stampin’ Up!, the choice is yours to put together a kit with up to $125 worth of any Stampin’ Up! products! You will also receive a business supplies pack, valued at $65.  The total value of your kit will be $190 and there is still FREE shipping!  If you wish to order the current kit option ($345 worth of items for $175),  you will need to sign up by April 30, 2012, 11:50 PM (MT). 


If you have any questions about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, and the benefits and perks that would be yours by joining my group, please Email Me.  I am always here to help!

 

The Stampin’ Up! Retiring Accessories List is now available…with HUGE discounts on some items! Can you believe the savings!  Don’t be disappointed! Order these items today, since they are only available while supplies last!  Just click this link to view the list:  Stampin’ Up! Retiring Accessories List.


The Retiring Stamps are available until May 31st. Just click this link to view the list of stamps which will be leaving us:  Stampin’ Up! Retiring Stamp List


And don’t miss out on the Definitely Decoratively items which are being discontinued.  Time is of the essence since they are only available while supplies last:  Retiring Definitely Decorative List

And for those of you who have emailed wondering if I will have retired stamps to sell again this year, the answer is “Yes”!  Unfortunately for me, if it retired, I probably have it.  My “Retired Sets For Sale” list will be available sometime in June.

Until next time…

 

The Stampin’ Up! Retiring Accessories List is now available…with HUGE discounts! Can you believe the savings!  Don’t be disappointed! Order these items today, since they are only available while supplies last!  Just click this link to view the list:  Stampin’ Up! Retiring Accessories List.


The Retiring Stamps are available until May 31st. Just click this link to view the list of stamps which will be leaving us:  Stampin’ Up! Retiring Stamp List


And don’t miss out on the Definitely Decoratively items which are being discontinued.  Time is of the essence since they are only available while supplies last:  Retiring Definitely Decorative List


Until next time…