Paper Pumpkin gets Pierced

     At last, the very first Paper Pumpkin arrived at my door last week.  I've been excited about it ever since Stampin' Up made their first Paper Pumpkin announcement.  What could be better than new inspiration AND new product arriving at my door each month?

   This first round included EVERYTHING needed to make four cards.  They, of course, had an idea in mind (picture on the left) but I simply couldn't leave well enough alone (picture on the right).  I went a little crazy with my paper piercing mat packs.  All of the ready to go templates that match my punches were just too much to resist.  I stayed completely true to SU's layout for this first card, but think I'll see what all I can do with the elements they provided.  Stay tuned for a bunch (or at least 4) Paper Pumpkin renditions.

   Did you miss out on this month's Paper Pumpkin?  No worries.  You can sign up for April and still get this welcome kit.  It includes a "D" block plus everything you need to make the cards.  Then you'll sync up with everyone else in May.  Just visit the Paper Pumpkin today & sign up!!  

FTL 226/ Bloomin' Sketch

Today, I decided to try out a new sketch challenge.  I discovered the FTL sketches over on Clean &Simple Stamping yesterday and couldn't wait to try out this one.  So, I woke up early and got it mostly together before I left for work.  Sure haven't done that in a while!  Of course, I stamped the little flower about a dozen times with different color combos before I decided on this sort of batik look created with three different markers.  And, I'm still doing battle with my iphone to create super clear images...it looked great on the phone, but less so here. Bare with me while I figure out technology.  ;)

The set featured here is my very favorite from the Sale-a-bration offerings--- Bloomin' Marvelous.  Oh, and it's helped out a bit by the leaves from Very Vintage.   You'll forgive me for them being retired, right?  They are just such a perfect match!  I used some of my paper piercing mats (I now buy all that they put out) to add a little extra flare while keeping things simple.  I think the FTL sketches will be good for me.  They seem simple yet elegant.  It's good for me to remember that less really is more from time to time!