Masculine card that's a breeze

One of my favourite sets from the Spring Mini is Uncharted Territory. It is a snap to make a card for men using it and I think it would be great for scrapbook pages featuring coastal destinations (especially those with lighthouses...was that a little obvious?).

Anyway, I love teaming it up with the gorgeous Parisian Breeze Specialty paper that is also only available until the end of November. The colour scheme is rugged and seaworthy and suits the images in the stamp set perfectly. The amazing thing about the Parisian Breeze paper is that every sheet has a side which is feminine with a masculine other side making it incredibly versatile.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Baja Breeze
Basic Gray
Chocolate Chip
Sahara Sand

Stamp sets:
Best Yet
Uncharted Territory

Paper:
Baja Breeze CS
Kraft CS
Parisian Breeze Specialty
Watercolour Paper
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Large Oval Punch
Small Oval Punch
Sponge Dauber

Really bright delights

I'm gettin' old! Oh boy! was it a shock to realise that today. I treated my aunt to a Donut King buy one get one free coffee - does that technically qualify as a treat I wonder? Probably only if I nominate hers as the one that's paid for...I digress. While waiting for the milk to get hot and frothy, I had a look at the garishly iced doughnuts on offer and was struck by the thought, "How can anyone eat fluorescent blue?" I imagine a munched up portion lighting my oesophagus on its trip down to my stomach, with all and sundry privy to its illuminated descent...I have to confess to shuddering a little bit at the thought. Nothing that incandescent could be harmless to the human body - no wonder little children become hyperactive after consuming this sort of food colouring: all that excess brightness has to be converted somehow (basic case of conservation of energy). Anyway, it didn't seem too long ago when such colourful doughnuts would have been a siren song to lure me into throwing myself at the unyielding rocks of my parents' legs begging for two or three or more (in all different colours because at that age, every colour is a different flavour ... which is why hundreds and thousands are the ultimate gourmet delight for kids). Now that I am getting old, I think you'd have to be nuts to want that kind of dough. *sigh*

On the subject of brightly coloured, please dust off your favourite eclipse viewing technique for the following card. I thought that it was time to be bold and use my stash of Only Orange...I have to say that I think "Only Orange" is a bit of a misnomer - as in whatdyamean it's ONLY orange? It's an in-your-face RETINA-MELTING orange. If you ask me, it'd be more appropriately descriptive as "Over-the-top Orange" or "Outrageously Orange". *folds arms stubbornly* Anyway, I matched it up with some Bravo Burgundy because I needed a bit of bravado to use Outrageously Orange for a Spring Mini swap. In the end, I think that I liked it.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Bravo Burgundy
Only Orange
Real Red
Tangerine Tango
VersaMark
Whisper White Craft

Stamp sets:
Oval All
Simply Said

Cardstock:
Bravo Burgundy Textured
Only Orange
Whisper White

Accessories:
Aqua Painter
Bravo Burgundy Grograin Ribbon
Heat Tool
Scallop Oval Punch
White Embossing Powder

A tip with stamping on Only Orange cardstock - test your dye ink on some scrap cardstock first as some colours can look surprisingly dark or dirty on it.

PS. I left the post date as the date I started this post since it does mention "today" BUT it has only just been published - two weeks later. Oh the shame!

Decompression chamber

The INKlings team weekend was tremendously enjoyable and really constructive! It started with a bit of a wobble since I only finished my Card-in-a-Box and swaps at 4:30am on the morning of the camp, began packing anything a couple of hours before I had to leave and the only navigational tools that Kylie and I had to get to Vision Valley was a powerless sat-nav and some printed directions local to a cafe 10 minutes away from our destination. The motorways got us through the first 75km and even though we contemplated exiting a couple of times, we were too giggly (read: slow) to do so and, thus, were saved from ourselves. Once we neared Galston, it seemed like all the roads intersected with each other several times over - which made missing a turn just a reminder of what to do at the next juncture. Now that I look back on it, I am so thoroughly impressed that those responsible for the roadworks had the foresight to invent the equivalent of a Möbius strip highway...you couldn't even choose to be on the wrong side (I'm sure we tested and affirmed that theory a couple of times).

We met up with Fiona at the Greenshades Cafe, amazingly at the designated time, for a hearty serving of lamb shanks on creamy mash and crispy toasted bread soaked in olive oil with basil and garlic. Great company, good food and a wonderful way to start off the team weekend. As for Cania, what's that again?

After finishing lots of everyone else's Card-in-a-Box, I had time to try one of the sketch challenges suggested by Carol. As I only packed a paltry amount of cardstock and ink, I imposed on Fiona, Ruth and Lis for Dimensionals, mat pack and piercer, white embossing powder and inspiration - the last one was completely gratuitous and attention seeking. Thank you for putting up with me, INKlings! Here's an arty shot of the completed card:

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Baja Breeze
Chocolate Chip
Sahara Sand

Stamp sets:
Always
Curvy Verses

Cardstock:
Baja Breeze
Chocolate Chip
Parisian Breeze Speciality
Whisper White

Accessories:
1/2″ Circle Punch
Heat Tool
Mat Pack
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Stampin’ Write Marker in Chocolate Chip
White Embossing Powder

The mug shot version is on the Elite Challenges blog ... my scanner has a penetrating brightness that seeps into all the indentations of the textured cardstock leaving it looking completely smooth - a bit like Hubby's head.

Many thanks to Jayne for a fabulous team weekend - I am very grateful to have her as my upline. Also, I'd really like to thank those of you who have been incredibly patient and dropped by even though my blog must have looked like time capsule - frozen in time with no hint of anything new, week after week!

Aft Fest

CraftFest 2009 was great manic fun! We met lots of enthusiastic papercrafters and a few quilters who had their interest piqued on their way to the next fat quarter. We even had a few bead artisans drop by. Our visitors completed around 250 make and takes as mementos of their visit to our stand. Six lucky door prizes were drawn and given away...I mention this because of two serendipitous draws (one involved a little girl drawing her own name out of the bowl *claps excitedly* and another saw a lady bemoaning the fact that she never wins anything witness her name being drawn two minutes later *claps even more excitedly*). I hope that everyone enjoyed our technique demonstrations featuring the beautiful and versatile Embrace Life stamp set which is available until the end of this month through the current Stampin' Up! Australia Summer Mini.

The following card was displayed during my Crayon Resist demonstration so I thought why not post it with its supply list?

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Bashful Blue
Certainly Celery
Chocolate Chip
Tempting Turquoise

Stamp sets:
Embrace Life
En Français background

Cardstock:
Certainly Celery Textured
Glossy White
Whisper White

Accessories:
Chunky Glitter
Paper Snips
Sponge Daubers
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Marker in Old Olive
Tombow Liquid Adhesive
Word Window Punch

I'm now busily adding e-mail addresses to my mailing list to send out my next newsletter by the end of the week. If you visited us and didn't get a chance to fill out a lucky door prize form (or forgot to tick that you are interested in a monthly e-mail), just click on the Sign Me Up! link on the left to be added to my list.

A big wave to my lovely friends and customers for visiting me at the stand *WAVE*

Embossing's a beach!

I've been doing a bucket load of embossing recently as I've been preparing for various embossing technique classes including Cracked Glass and Faux Metal. Until Stampin' Up! Australia introduces Glassy Glaze, I have to stick with its clear embossing powder (EP) for demonstrating the Cracked Glass technique - which means six to eight layers of embossing to achieve the same thickness as a couple of layers of UTEE.

This really isn't a problem - after all, it is kinda fun applying the powder and watching in wonder when it melts under the roar of my heat tool. After the novelty of the first four embosses though, one's mind starts to wander. *apply VersaMark* What should I have for lunch today? *pour EP over project* Had leftovers yesterday...got leftovers today... *tap tap off excess EP* *return excess to container* *fire up heat tool* When this is done, shall I play drums or guitar on Guitar Hero World Tour? This t-shirt I'm wearing REALLY needs washing! Hmmm...wonder what's on TV? Is this the fifth or the sixth layer? *apply heat to project* Oooooh! Shiny! Gah! Hot! Quick! *point heat tool away while simultaneously pouring EP on project* And so it goes...and goes. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz...

Until the moment that I get completely complacent (or comatose - not sure which comes first) and forget to point the heat tool away while attempting to cover the project with a new layer of EP. An instantaneous cloud of EP billows over my workspace, transforming it into a sandy paper beach - even my right arm is encrusted with EP like I had been spending the afternoon making EPcastles. *sigh*

So, the moral of the story is ... nope ... there's none to be had. Bring on Glassy Glaze, Stampin' Up! Australia!

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Brown
VersaMark

Stamp sets:
For Father

Cardstock:
Naturals Ivory
Not Quite Navy
Old Olive Textured

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Clear Embossing Powder
Gold Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
Hodgepodge Hardware in Antique Brass
Mat Pack
Theatre Ribbon Originals
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Earth Elements, Neutrals

Teres(a) charm

It's my wonderful friend Teresa's birthday today - she and I have been friends since fourth grade primary school. Even though we now live in different states in Australia, whenever we get together, it's like we haven't been apart. Many happy returns, Teresa!

Amazingly this year, Teresa's special day has coincided with both Chinese New Year [Gong Xi Fa Cai!] and Australia Day [Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oi Oi Oi! - please don't ask me where that originated from] which just confirms that everything comes in threes. That makes today a day of celebration for a multitude of reasons and for many people - so I hope you enjoy this grand day for whatever it means to you.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Purely Pomegranate
Ruby Red

Stamp sets:
Embrace Life

Paper:
Dashing DSP
Ginger Blossom DSP
Groovy Guava Textured CS
Very Vanilla CS

Accessories:
Earth Elements Brads
Paper Snips
Scallop Edge Punch
Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

First double layout ever

... but without a triple flip. Yes...I have to admit that I'm not much of an ice skater although this sultry heat in Sydney makes me imagine how great it would to be on ice...(with or without skates - I'm not fussy!).

I started this project as a single 6" X 6" page - being the page on the left. Even though the page looked complete to me, there was no space in which to write the few words that I had wanted to about Shi Wei and my sister. Also, I had more photos of little Shi Wei in the garden which were irresistible 'cos he is so darn cute! So I decided to add the page on the right - with the smaller photo, it was possible to add a strip of journalling and an extra word for a more expressive title. Who would have thought that it wasn't all planned from the beginning? *whistles nonchalantly while looking around* *wanders discreetly away*

Wei & Mei Tending

Stampin' Supplies

Ink: Ballet Blue VersaMark Stamp sets: Lovely Letters alphabet Short Order alphabet Cardstock: Ballet Blue Textured Wild Wasabi Textured

Accessories: Anchored Rub-Ons Bold Brights Buttons Clear Buttons Heat Tool Natural Twine Stampin' Write Journaller Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware White Embossing Powder White Gel Pen Wild Wasabi Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit

PS: No, my sister is NOT wearing her pyjamas - at least I think she's not...But I have to agree with you that those shorts look mightily like PJs.

Simply Sent three shorts

I promised to post my Simply Sent Three Thoughts projects today and I only have half an hour until the deadline! So, I'll keep the post short and talk about the shots. I know you are thinking "Thank Goodness! No banter!"

Cards on the right - you can make six of each with a Simply Sent Three Thoughts kit, ironically without much thought since these come with instructions!

The card to the left was made using the kit and a few extra supplies from my stash. I used Stampin' Write Markers in Mellow Moss and More Mustard to make my life easier but I could probably have just used the Stampin' Spots in the kit. If you got it, flaunt it. [Hey! What happened to no banter?!] But I have all this white space to fill...

Additional Stampin' Supplies
Accessories:
1 1/4" Square Punch
Mat Pack
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
Purely Pomegranate Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Stamp-A-Ma-Jig




Thirdly, I thought that I'd do something a little different so I used the kit to put together a scrap page. The photo was taken by Hubby when we were living in Melbourne last year. Whenever I look at it, it makes me nostalgic *sniffle*

Additional Stampin' Supplies
Cardstock:
More Mustard Textured

Stamps:
Carte Postale set
Defining Alphabet set
Totally Tabs set

Accessories:
Clear Buttons
Corner Rounder Punch
Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon
Round Tab Punch
Stampin' Write Journaller

Ooooh! Just made the deadline. Make sure you make the deadline to save 20% of Simply Sent kits as it ends tomorrow night.

Scraptember

I hadn't intended it but September has been the month of scrapbook pages of my nephew. On realising this, I decided to create a row of it by adding one more. I remember being told at school that two does not constitute a row - as in two in a row was just nonsensical. But two in a row does make sense, right? After all, it just means one following one other. Anyway, being a particularly pedantic student, I had gleefully stuffed that "rule" into multiple parts of my brain for future reference. I am sure that those brain cells are now a complete waste of space and mourn the fact that they could have been better put to use for remembering:
• Hubby's mobile phone number when asked by an interested employer,
• the names of people that I worked with 10 years ago and bump into at the beginning of a long train ride,
• whether we have to put out the recycled or the garden waste bin this week,
• to post that letter sitting in my OUT tray for the last four weeks! Gah!
• when swaps are due...

Speaking of which ... back to the scrapbook page. This was made for a 6X6 swap co-ordinated by the amazing Alana, who showed great patience as some of us were kinda all over the place (including me as I forgot when this swap was due until a week before closing date and had to beg for an extension). Thanks so much, Alana! Many thanks also to the lovely ladies who took part for the marvellous pages that I received.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Pumpkin Pie
Real Red
Tempting Turquoise
Wild Wasabi
VersaMark

Stamps:
Defining Alphabet
Frames with a Flourish
Seeing Spots
Sprinkles

Paper:
East Coast Prep DSP
Pumpkin Pie Prints DSP
Tempting Turquoise Textured CS

Accessories:
1/2", 1", 1 1/4" Circle Punches
Horizontal Slot Punch
Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Sponge Daubers

Out of order

Such strange serendipity! I was entering the title of this post with just the hint of a smirk, when Fate slapped me down for being out of order. The original meaning that I had intended for this title was that I would be showing one of the challenges for the cyberstamp out of sequence...but when Blogger's Autosave feature activated, I was greeted with "Autosaved failed" and prompted with the standard suggestion of please try again...which I did. Hmmmm...did I try that again or did I imagine myself pressing the Save button? So I pressed it again. "Autosaved failed". Oh no! Blogger is out of order!

So, I trawled through the Blogger Help Forums, found no help there but lots of panicky people rearranging chairs. I then tinkered around with my settings and if you are experiencing the same problems, try clearing your browser cache and refreshing on each form before you use it (such as the list of posts and when you open up the edit post form). It worked for me [ETA: just long enough to get this posted] !

The third challenge for this month's INKlings Cyberstamp was the option of either a scrapbook layout or making a card using a themed stamp set so that the theme was not featured (eg. a Christmas stamp set for a birthday card) or vice versa (eg. a Valentine's day card from a non-themed flower stamp set). The scrapbook page is to use [WARNING: sample scrap page features a SNAKE] the following sketch.

I've posted this out of order so that my mum can see another layout of my nephew, Shi Wei! I've kept her waiting long enough...

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Chocolate Chip
Really Rust
Wild Wasabi

Stamps:
Defining Alphabet
Priceless set

Paper:
Apple Cider DSP
Naturals Ivory CS
River Rock Textured CS
Vellum CS

Accessories:
1/16" Circle Punch
Anchored Rub-ons
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Black Hemp Twine
Corner Rounder Punch
Earth Elements Buttons

Auntie Lin Meanie falls from grace

When you see photos of my nephew, Shi Wei, you'll take his side, for sure! But I'm going to share this little story anyway.

My nephew is the cutest, cutest, cutest little prickly pear in the whole world. The first part is easily confirmed by checking out pictures of him. The second part relates to the fact that you really have to earn his affection. If you are not in his good books and you try to guide him with a gentle touch on his back, he will turn around, grab your offending hand and fling it away (did I capture enough of his disdain there? If not, just insert "disdainfully" before "fling"). But, if you have managed to ingratiate yourself with him by being at his beck and call and not squealing on him to his parents if he hits you, you've got it made! When it is time to put on his socks, he will come to you, sit in front of you and offer you the privilege of dressing his feet - I have to confirm that it completely sets the cockles of my heart ablaze.

By the last day of my stay in Perth, I had managed to inveigle my way to "Shi Wei's Best Friend"¹ status. This was no mean feat it had to be wrested from my mum who had earnt and held on to that title with tonnes of tolerance and lots of dark chocolate. I know you are wondering who feeds children dark chocolate? But it's my sister's rules! Anyway, so Shi Wei asked me to accompany him to my father's home gym, which to my nephew is the equivalent of the Forbidden Forest - scary and dangerous and, therefore, lots of fun! I was a nervous wreck when he clambered on to the equipment since there were countless protusions (OK...11 to be exact) which I kept imagining him hurting himself on. When I tried to hold him to make myself feel happier about his safety, he batted away my hands and told me to "Go away!" Yeah! So much for "Best Friend" status.

While on the gym, he patted this, twisted that and then slipped slightly on something round and gave us both a heart attack. No more Auntie Nice Gal! I lifted him off the gym and Boy! Did he protest! He wriggled, he squirmed, he shouted "No!" and, in the kerfuffle, my spectacles got knocked askew. He then proceeded to raspberry me which covered my face in a fine mist of spi... threw me back to the summer days in London when you'd get soaked by really light rain yet never felt a drop of water hitting you. I deposited him next to his mother (hoping that it was the equivalent of handing over the baton of responsibility) and proceeded to observe the following exchange.

"I don't like Auntie Lin Mei!" declared Shi Wei to my sister. [LM thinks: "Best Friend" status to Shi Wei Enemy Number One in eight seconds] "I hit her glasses off," he said while pumping his little fist into the air, "and then I pppphhhhhrrrrrrtttffff all over her!" he finished triumphantly. My sister then asked him, "Shi Wei, did you want a timeout²?" [LM: Sweet schadenfreude! I'm such a bad auntie...]

The photos in this page were taken by Shi Wei's great photographer father. The page includes a sneak peek of the stamp set that we received during the 2008 Stampin' Up! Sydney regional seminar.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Bashful Blue
Basic Black
VersaMark

Stamps:
Live Your Dream set
Sprinkles set

Paper:
Bashful Blue CS
East Coast Prep DSP
Pumpkin Pie CS
Whisper White CS
Wild Wasabi Textured CS

Accessories:
1 3/8" Circle Punch
Anchored Rub-Ons
Crop-A-Dile
Jumbo Eyelets in Antique Brass
Mat Pack
Round Tab Punch
Stampin' Write Marker in Basic Black
Stampin' Write Marker in Tempting Turquoise
Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Bashful Blue
Word Window Punch

---

1. Exclude his parents - they are way above "Best Friend" status.
2. Timeout - the only disciplinary action we subject Shi Wei to is being told to stay quiet for a minute.

I'll have seconds

Our recent trip to China was awesome. But, now that I think about it, I realise that it was very food-centric. Sure we did lots of sight-seeing but that was just to whet our appetites for the main events - lunch and dinner! I suppose it is an indication of where my family's priorities lie, in general.

If you could overhear our descriptions of our trip, it would probably sound like this...
Friend: So, how was your trip to China?
Family: It was great! It started off badly, though, since we got a little ripped off by the tourist guide who recommended a Peking Duck that cost 10 times more that what we could get in Wangfujing.
Friend: Uh huh. And what did you see there?
Family: We went on some private tours to see the Forbidden City ...
Another family member: Don't bore them with the details - who cares what we saw? Just talk about the most important bits! The food was awful on those tours ... touristy all-you-can-choke-on buffets ... Yeah! DON'T go on tours - do it yourself, you'll eat much better.
Friend: Ok... did you climb the Great Wall?
Family: Sure did! The best part was when we got to the bottom and relaxed with a cold bottle of Coca Cola and went back to the hutong for a great dinner...This place was fantastic. Authentic food, and did we say it was sooooo cheap?!

This scrapbook page, the second to be posted on this blog, has the first picture that we took in China ... which was of our first meal in Beijing. See? I wasn't joking about our priorities. I've used a few items from the, as yet, unlaunched Stampin' Up! Spring Mini. The little polka-dot ribbon is attached to some hidden journalling which details what we ate (rivetting and top-secret¹ stuff!). Quickutz Chopsticks font was used for the title.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Groovy Guava
Real Red
VersaMark

Stamps:
Canvas Background
One of a Kind set

Paper:
Groovy Guava CS
Only Orange Textured CS
Real Red CS
River Rock CS
Summer Picnic DSP
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
Basic Eyelets
Boho Blossoms Punch
Crop-A-Dile
Fire Circle Rhinestones
Glue Dots
Mat Pack
Pretties Kit
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Journaler

---

1. This is sooooo top-secret that only people with access to the internet can read it!

Memories, like the photo corners of my mind

It's about time that I posted a scrapbook page on this blog! Actually, it's about time I completed a scrapbook page full stop. It is kinda funny but I resumed papercrafting in the last few years because of scrapbooking. I accumulated lots and lots of scrapbooking stuff because the variety and loveliness of embellishments and pretty paper were mind boggling and the concept of journalling, meaningful. It also helped that this is one papercraft where you keep the results without any guilt!

Of course, there's always a catch. For me, it was the lack of photographs. I had many digital pictures of loved ones and special events but no printer. I could have gotten the pictures printed but I suppose inertia got the better of me and I used the stash to make cards instead.

Well, I don't have any excuses now (except, perhaps, the Stampertitis and a lack of talent). I recently purchased a colour printer and received some free photo paper just yesterday! It's a sign and it says "Make a heap of scrap!" So, here is the bottom of my pile:

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Chocolate Chip
Real Red
So Saffron
VersaMark

Stamps:
Artfully Asian set
Defining Alphabet set
In the Spotlight set
Symbols of Solicitude set
Totally Tabs set

Cardstock:
Close to Cocoa
Naturals Ivory
Old Olive Textured
River Rock
Whisper White

Accessories:
Corner Rounder Punch
Fire Circle Rhinestone
Five Petal Flower Punch
Glue Dots
Pretties Kit
Rounded Tab Punch
SNAIL
Sponge Daubers
Stampin' Write Journaler

The picture was taken by Hubby while we were in the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China. The town is a marvellous place to wander around in - so much colour and character in the people and the distinctive buildings. One of the highlights is to see the red lanterns lit up at night. Ah! Memories...

Kit one, pearl three

I can't believe that I haven't been parading my Pretties Kit around. If I could attach a leash to it and take it for a walk, I would! I suppose the fact that it doesn't have legs (or perhaps, more importantly, an animating force) could be a bit of a stumbling block. Then again, I would happily drag it around as long as its tin doesn't get damaged. Perhaps someone would offer to knit the kit a little outfit to protect it from severe gravel rash? Then I'd have a great excuse for some exercise. Walkies, Pretties! Here, Kit-ty!

I made the following card for the June Elite Challenge named "Perfect Rock", a colour challenge set by High Inkantationer Carol (another Carol-link!). The colours forming the challenge were Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum, Purely Pomegranate and River Rock. I'm dedicating the card to my Pretties Kit, from which I used three cream flat backed pearls. Being a hoarder, I'm sure that it hurt me more that my Pretties Kit!


Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Bashful Blue
Perfect Plum
Purely Pomegranate
VersaMark

Stamps:
Baroque Motifs set

Cardstock:
Perfect Plum Textured
Purely Pomegranate
River Rock
Whisper White

Accessories:
3/16″ Corner Rounder Punch
Clear Embossing Powder
Cutter Kit
Pretties Kit
River Rock Double-Stitched Grosgrain

I've included the close-up on the left for a better view of the embossing and one of the cream pearls. I reckon that the cream pearl tones in well with River Rock but I could be wrong!

Capture some texture

There's nothing quite like the touch of texture to add interest to life and, more importantly, cards. Ok...so I've exaggerated my priorities a little *grin* I love the feel of clean flannel sheets during winter - the softness of the brushed fibres accompanied by its warm embrace as soon as I slide into bed. Aaahh! Instant comfort! ZZzzzzzz... *hubby nudges me to stop snoring* Doh! I'm awake again - probably a good thing since I haven't finished this post.

I've made the following card for the June INKlings Cybercrop, this time hosted by the Queen of Purple, Carol Dunstan. She posted a colour challenge first and it comprised Basic Black, Brocade Blue, Perfect Plum, Tempting Turquoise and Very Vanilla. I used some Stampin' Up! textured cardstock for the very first time and wonder why I waited so long to do so. Then I remember my tendency to hoard and try to forgive and kick myself simultaneously. It is a rather tricky combination to execute successfully, to be honest.


Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black
Brocade Blue
Perfect Plum
Tempting Turquoise

Stamps:
Carte Postale set
Mostly Flowers set

Cardstock:
Basic Black
Brocade Blue
Perfect Plum Textured
Very Vanilla

Accessories:
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
Very Vanilla Grosgrain


Don't you think the textured cardstock just adds that something extra? *pssst* Say yes.

What are the textures that you love most? Please share with us in the comments, if you are willing of course!

PS: Many thanks to Marcia for reminding me to indicate that it was a colour challenge! I do hope you get much better soon, Marcia.