SATURDAY INSPIRATION ~ Less Is More Challenge Week 86

I'm starting a new theme for my postings on Saturdays called "Saturday Inspiration".  It's where I explain what or who inspired me on the project I'm sharing with you on that day.

My inspiration this week was the challenge over at "Less is More"
Their challenge is called "Take 3 Challenges"  whereby you choose 3 of their past challenges to make a card.

For my card I choose:
 ~ Week 12 - Off Centre
 ~ Week 16 - Butterflies
 ~ Week 22 - Shades of Blue

My card base is made from "Marina Mist" card stock and measures just under 5-1/2" .  My "Whisper White layer is 5-5/16th square.
I used 5 x 3/4" strips of DSP from ""Beau Chateau"; "Nursery Nest"; "Big Top Birthday" and from the "Tea Time" simply scrapin' kit, all of which are retiring at the end of the month.  I also used, (once again!), the "Butterfly Prints" stamp set and coordinating "Butterfly" punch, both of which are also retiring at the end of the month.  The edges of the butterflies are covered with glitter and the sparkly beautifully.

The sentiment, which is defiantly 'off centre'  is from the "Apothecary Art" stamp set, which will be in the new catalogue which launches on 1st October, there is also a new sentiment stamp set called "Loving Thoughts" which coordinates with it perfectly.

If you ever are in need of inspiration, I would heartily recommend visiting a challenge site such as Less Is More, you don't have to stick to that weeks challenge or even enter the challenge, just be inspired and enjoy.

Have a wonderful Saturday xx

Happy Birthday Sue

Yesterday was my cousin Sue's birthday, I don't know which one, (I never ask), but obviously I had to make a card.

I wanted to use the "Butterfly Prints" stamp set and coordinating punch as both are on the retirement list and I love this stamp set, it was one of the first I ever bought from Stampin' Up.

I chose "Wisteria Wonder" and "Perfect Plum" as my colour palette as her favourite colour is lilac.  I actually started by running the wheel from my stash across the card stock layer and embossed the unstamped corners using my "Simply Scored Scoring Tool"  and then left the piece on my craft desk for a couple of days whilst I worked out what I wanted to do before being inspired to use the gorgeous label stamp from the "Everything Eleanor" stamp set to act as a 'resting post' for the butterfly.

I also decorated the inside, but I "stamped off" the colour on the wheel before running it across the "Whisper White" card stock to give it a more subtle effect.

I used lots and lots of glitter around the edge of the butterfly and added basic rhinestones to make it all sparkly and girlie, after all, you've got to have a bit of sparkle on your birthday!

Now that should have been it but I enjoyed making it so much that I found myself making 5 more in different colours!  Do you never do that?

Oh well, at least I've got a small stash of pretty cards all good to go.

Until next time .... xx