Banner with Roses

Today's card combines some banner die cuts made using Sizzix banner framelits dies (from Stampin' Up) and some roses stamped using their two-step stamp set called A Rose is a Rose - the flowers had to be cut out with scissors of course.  Colours used are Regal Rose and Rich Razzleberry with a couple of greens for the leaves (Certainly Celery and Wild Wasabi).  Backing paper is from my stash and the sentiment was a clear stamp of unknown origin but it fitted the little tag strip quite nicely.

Bird Amongst the Flowers

I challenged myself yesterday to use a 'chicken wire' die cut which my friend Anne kindly gave me a while ago and after some thought I came up with the idea of making it the backdrop for some flowers.  I started by cutting a frame using Stampin' Up die (Framelits Labels) which I then embossed using a folder from Couture Creations; another shape was cut and embossed for the backing before I sandwiched the 'chicken wire' between the two layers.  Backing paper was a leftover piece from a Prima pad and a border strip was punched (EK Success).  When I was at the Extravaganza Day we used the SU bird punch which made me realise I'd not used mine for such a long time, so inspired by that I've used a punched bird to sit in the flowers which were stamped with Petite Petals set which we also received on the day.  There is a punch to match these flower stamps but unfortunately I don't have it yet so they were cut out wish scissors - leaves were cut with a Tattered Lace Die.  This all took quite a time to assemble but I'm pleased to have made use of the gift die cut.  I'm wondering now if I should have used brown for the bird, but I didn't really want to introduce another colour but I think he might have shown up more if I had.

Thank You Card

I'm filling another gap in my box of cards today with this Thank You card made using the lovely Mexican Tile die from Cheery Lynne.  This die cuts well but I must say it seems to take forever to poke out all the little dots and shapes - well worth the effort though.  As this is quite an elaborate die I've simply combined it with some toning paper and card from Stampin' Up together with a stamp from their Faith in Nature set and a simple sentiment using SU punches.

I decided to use one of the Polkadoodle bird house images I printed recently to make a birthday card and just couldn't resist adding some die cut cats who look as if they might be thinking of taking up residence. I'm sure they are really friendly cats (like the one in the TV advertisement with the budgie - love that one!!) and that they won't harm the birds.  Background is a piece of kraft card embossed using a Creative Expressions folder and sponged with ink to show the texture.  Greeting from the computer.

Brown Bird

Yesterday I spent a lovely day at a Stampin' Up Extravaganza Day where we completed three brilliant projects which I was going to photograph but I see that Karen has been really quick off the mark with photos which you can see on her interesting blog if you follow the link.  The day was presented by Jenny of Stamping Moments and yet again she came up with new and attractive projects for us as well as bringing along lots of attractive samples of cards and other items made using SU products.  I do so enjoy these days as it is great getting together with like minded friends to make things and share ideas.

 I have a quick card to share with you today using a little bird stamp from Stampin' Up,  a doily die cut from an X-Cut die and an embossed panel using a Cuttlebug embossing folder which I've had for ages although it hasn't been used for a while.