CAS(E) this Dazzle

Card #1 Gratitude

Don't you just love the week after Christmas?  We keep our tree and decorations up until after New Years.  I love enjoying the glow of Christmas without the rush and stress.  Everyone enjoys playing with their new toys, including me.  Over the past 4 days I've made a dozen cards and begun a new lap quilt.  When I'm not creating I'm on my new computer learning the ins and outs of Windows 8 and trying to find all my favorite sketch challenges.

My first card was a mixture of two challenges and 2 new (to me) products.   As soon as I saw the sketch challenge for CAS(E) this sketch I knew I what I wanted to do. All I needed was the time to do it!

CTS #58

My thought was to use a "thank you" sentiment, score lines under the sentiment.  Then I wanted to add some branches or leaves using my new metal sheets from Add A Little Dazzle.   I decided to check out the Dazzling Diva challenge and found it would fit perfectly with  the card I had in mind to create.

DDC#5

Isn't that photo lovely?   Monica and her Divas always have the prettiest photos to inspire us.  Monica has put out a call for a new design team member.  I've been thinking it over and decided I should use some of her products before deciding if I want to take the plunge and apply.  :)

My verdict?  I love these metal sheets.  They are thin and easy to punch.  They are shiny and catch the light.  I've made 2 more cards using her sheets and I love them!  (No, she isn't paying me to say that.  :)  To finish off the card I added some trendy sequins and my favorite silver ribbon.  It's hard to see in the picture, but the mat is a glittery gray and silver striped paper from DCWV.  Oooohhh, I had some fun playing with my new non-SU "toys".

Card Recipe: (Stampin' UP! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Big Day- Today (Waltzing Mouse Stamps)
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Twinkle Glints Stack (DCWV), Whisper White Card Stock

Misc: Add A Little Dazzle Metal Sheets, Bird Punch, Scoring Board, Sequins (non-SU), Silver Embossing Powder, Silver 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

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Card#2 Fabulous

The inspiration didn't stop there.  I had to make another card using all SU products.  See how versatile I am?  :)

This time I used the Million & One stamp set, punched 3 branches out of green cardstock and tied the sprigs with some linen thread.  Instead of a glittery mat I went with Crumb Cake cardstock.  It's still a very elegant look.  You can't tell in the picture, but the branches are also sponged to add a bit of "texture" that makes a big difference IRL.

Card Recipe
Stamps: Million and One

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark
Misc: Bird Punch, Linen Thread, Scoring Board, Silver Embossing Powder

Here are my questions to you:
What do you like to do the week after Christmas?
Which card do you like better?
Should I try to join the Dazzling Divas design team?

Creative Blessings,
Heather North