Happy (Humorous) Birthday, Barb!

I think of myself as a rather entertaining person; I can usually get a good guffaw out of ya at least once in a conversation. But I will admit, coming up with an idea for a humorous birthday card stumped me. Over the course of a few days, whenever it would cross my mind, I put in varying search terms in Google Images to find something funny that I could replicate. Nothing too difficult, as I was going to need to make multiples. 

Finally, FINALLY, I hit pay dirt. A sentiment made one of my stamps jump to the forefront of my mind. It would be complicated, as it would involve much detailed cutting and numerous maskings, but I have plenty of time (cards are not due until October, after all); I decided to go for it. 

This time around, The Deconstructed Sketch (#111) provided inspiration for the layout. 

About five minutes in, it became very clear, that the idea was beyond my abilities to produce once, never mind eight times. A quick search through my birthday drawer and I found another image that would work just fine; and a card was born.

I alternated between punches for the border. At first I had the candles dripping red wax (different punch than shown here), but Princess A stated that it looked more like blood, which had also crossed my mind. Not exactly festive.

I punched icicles, turned them upside down and put them along the top, and she agreed it could pass for flame. All those candles would produce a mighty blaze. 





With the way Barb and Jeanette are always ragging each other, I think this card's message is perfect. 








Card Details:

Image: Hero Arts

Sentiment: American Art Stamps, computer generated

Cardstock: GP, SU

Ink: Memento
Coloring: Copic Markers

Tools: Martha Stewart punch, SU punch, Nestabilities, Embossing folder

Embellies: Unknown brad

Diaper Fold Pouch and Tag

I am Miss April. Well, for Paola's Calendar Girls Diaper Fold Pouch and Tags swap, anyway.

I never thought I would find another tool I would love as much as my Cuttlebug, but WOW, my new Crop-a-dile II has really blown me away. I found the designer paper quickly and easily. Immediately I knew what I wanted to do and how I wanted my pouches to look, but I never gave a thought to the fact that once these babies are folded there are many, many layers of paper to punch through in order to set an eyelet. Crop-a-dile II to the rescue! Thanks to my Main Squeeze I received one of these amazing tools for Christmas. Popped out those corners with great ease and set those eyelets with just a wee squeeze. Considering my hand strength is nowhere near what it used to be, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. And no pain to my joints.

Basket was now ready, but what to do about those tags? I waited while others posted their creations. Still stumped. Finally I decided to spand some time in the basement with my stamps and see if something jumped out at me.

Princess A was a little distressed when she first saw the tag. She could not believe I have had this little bunny and never shown it to her before. Reminded her of the Velveteen Rabbit.

Bunny is from TAC, sentiment is SU and the eggs I am pretty sure are Hero Arts. I stamped the eggs with SU classic ink pads. The bunny is colored with my brand new Prismacolor markers that I got for my birthday (Again, thanks to my Main Sqeeze!). Obviously I am still learning exactly how to get the best results, but I thought they came out pretty cute. And Princess A was appeased when she learned that I had made an extra for her.




Here they are together.