create along with us

When Papertrey Ink announced its new Create Along With Us challenge, I thought the most difficult part would be choosing the one card to use as inspiration. Actually, that was easy because Melissa's “Hello Dearest Friend” card just spoke to my heart.

The most difficult part of the challenge was getting my card posted on my blog. For some reason, there seems to be a major disconnect for me between completing and entering a challenge. But, this is the inaugural Create Along With Us challenge, so I just had to take part.

This card is going to my father-in-law, who used to garden when he had a large yard. (And yes, the inspiration for the radish colors also came from Melissa.) I felt that I was already pushing feminine boundaries with the pink gingham, so I didn’t add the bow. My plan was to cover the tag hole with some other embellishment, but it looked off, which resulted in the one thing that I wish I could have changed – using a Half and Half die instead of Tag Sale #6. If I hadn’t already attached the card front, I would have made the switch.

Whenever I use one of Melissa’s creations as my inspiration, I never expect my card to look anywhere near the same as hers. She is an artist; I am a crafter. Nevertheless, there are certain cards that sometime capture the essence of the original design. This is one of those cards. Since I have no photography skills, you’ll just have to take my word that this card leaves me enveloped in the warmth, caring and happiness that Melissa’s card did. I hope those same feelings make it through the mail and reach my father-in-law.

Thank you for stopping by.

nancy

supplies:

stamps:  Vegetable Garden; Happy Hexagons; Polka Dot Basics; and Two Feet Deep (PTI)

ink:  pure poppy, sweet blush, aqua mist and simply chartreuse (PTI); angel pink (Memento); VersaMark

paper:  rustic white and simply chartreuse card stock (PTI); vellum (Paper Studio); Family Ties (Pebbles); Country Drive (Echo Park); Lost & Found Two (MME)

dies:  Tag Sale #6; Pinking Shears border; Cover Plate: Hexagons; and Vegetable Garden (PTI); summer (Studio Calico)

extras:  leaf, powder, blush and rouge Zing! embossing powder (American Crafts); Lost & Found Christmas enamel dots (MME); swimming pool enamel dots (doodlebug design)