Cosmetic Surgery, Etc.

This is an improved version of last night's card. Remember I said I thought I'd like the white band if it were a quarter of an inch or so shorter? While I was still looking at it, it dawned on me to add another coordinating strip of paper, which is what I went off to do as soon as I finished my post.

It wasn't full-blown card surgery. I didn't have to pull anything apart. Rather it was a little cosmetic surgery that required nothing more than a little tuck. I'm thinking it was a big success, too. The green strip not only breaks up the white but makes the butterfly piece and green flower stand out better.

My second card involved playing with the direct-to-paper technique a little more. Usually, this technique involves rubbing one's ink pad across the paper. For this look I laid the ink pad down and used it like a stamp. The fabric of the pad give it texture, and the edges create lines. I just kept overlapping the edges until I achieved a look that I liked. Following me? I hope so.

As I wanted to see what it would look like on both white and solid same-color cardstock, I just worked with what I had to create the simple layout. The sentiment, which was cut out and embossed with Nestabilities Rectangles, was attached to the with foam mounting tape. Had I distressed the inked up paper, I think I would have had a "Basic Grey" look going. Next time!

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Sweet Leaf, and Black cardstock; Sweet Leaf and Black ink pads; Close To My Heart Butterfly Kiss and Verve Stamps Beautiful stamp sets; Ribbon from Wal-Mart; Acrylic disks from Michael's; Cuttlebug w/ Nestabilities Classic Rectangles set; 3M foam mounting tape.

The boys are with us tonight. After losing a game of Cootie and Memory to Mathias, I chased the boys and Grandpa downstairs to play George of the Jungle on the Wii. It's raining outside.. . hard. Better now than tomorrow evening. It won't be fun (or as much fun) if it rains on our parade.

As the thunder and lightning are getting close, I'd probably better get my butt off the computer and go "ground" myself with a little rubber. LOL. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the evening! Later ...