Sketch & Color Challenge Combo

Whew, I can't believe how long it's been since I've stamped... too much time spent on the job and the kids and not enough "me" time these days. But this morning, some nice quality stamping time for the SCS Sketch Challenge #215 and Color Challenge #205 (Pink Pirouette, Perfect Plum, and Kiwi Kiss).

DH has been amazing lately -- well, he's always been amazing but especially since I've gone back to work in a stressful job, he's been SUPER AMAZING. So this one's for him.

I flipped the sketch sideways for fun. My sentiment is a simple SU! Rub-On. I love the new multi-heart punch that SU! just came out with -- makes it super easy to add lots of fluttery hearts. Add a little Crystal Effects and wow! Thanks for looking and Happy Stamping.

Close As a Memory Sympathy Card

This card has no sketch, color challenge, or any other challenge attached to it, it was simply stamped from the heart for a friend of mine whose father passed away last week after a long battle. I know a card can't really bring much comfort but hopefully she'll know that I'm thinking of her. The Stampin' Up! set I used is called "Close As a Memory". The inside sentiment reads

"Your loved one will always be

as close as a memory,
and the God of all comfort
as close as a prayer."

I stamped the front sentiment in Always Artichoke, and hand colored the flowers with Bashful Blue and Always Artichoke SU! markers before stamping them. I went over the blue flowers with my opaque Sakura Glaze pen to add some subtle shimmer. The dark green designer paper is from last year's Wintergreen. A hatpin with pearls and a crystal from my Pretties Kit is run through a small bow of Sahara Sand ribbon (one of last year's In Colors that I wish would become permanent...)

Thanks for looking!!