Monday, September 23, 2024

Paper Flowers and Challenges

Hello friends!  Remnants of summer today, playing with paper and die cuts.  There's a method to my madness in that I was trying to use the last scraps of a 6x6 paper pad, and with these cards the mission was accomplished.  For a designer paper hoarder like me that's a big deal!

I've used Memory Box Clara Blooms on the first card with some older dies, plus a Sue Wilson Stacked Thinking of You sentiment fresh from the NBUS basket.



Homemade resin dots float across each card.  All the colored cardstock is from my years old collection of CTMH.  I like the way it can be distressed by sanding to show the white core.  Pretty colors, too.  I haven't bought colored cardstock in years, but my collection from many sources is as vast as my designer paper hoard.

Same colors and papers in the next card, but different dies and design -- all from my old-timey stash, except the new-to-me Sue Wilson Happy Everything sentiment.

 


There are two rather new challenges I've been looking forward to playing in, and today is the day, though I'm bringing up the rear.  Only a few days left for each:

Love Those Pretty Papers --It's anything goes with the focus on designer papers.  The optional September theme is "Fall".  
A Cut Above -- The September challenge has an optional theme of "Monochromatic", but as you can see I didn't use it this time.
I'm also glad to be linking up to Darnell's NBUS Challenge #66 with my never-been-used Sue Wilson sentiment dies.


  



Thank you for visiting.  Take care!



19 comments:

Glenda said...

Both of your cards are lovely my friend! I love how you can take a design and just make it pop. I'm always so happy to visit and see what you have been into! I do love the distressing you did on the first card!

Darlene said...

OH WOW ... great job my friend! Awesome designs using up those last scraps from the paper pad. Thanks for beautiful inspiration and Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Love Those Pretty Papers challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
HUGS!
Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

Co-Owner … Can You Handle the Pressure, Double D, Four Seasons, Peace On Earth, Stencil Fun, Simply Clean & Simple, Two Old Bats, Triple B, Word Power, Love Those Pretty Papers

Vicki said...

Beautiful cards, Leslie! The colors are lovely and meld well together. I love the distressed edges on the banners and your self made resin dots. Your creations are always delightful to see. I'm happy to see you crafting again. Thanks so much for sharing with A Cut Above's September Anything Goes with optional Monochromatic Challenge.

Loll said...

Beautiful cards using your wonderful papers, Leslie. Love the distressed look and the colour combination you've used! xx

crafty-stamper said...

Both gorgeous cards, love the beautiful papers, dies and both designs. The rate I am crafting it will take me a couple of lifetimes to use my papers!!!
Carol x

Ida said...

A delightful group of cards. Love the distressing you did on the papers and what great layouts.

Lisa Elton said...

Good for you to use up some of those papers and the results are so cute, Leslie! The distressing adds so much interest. If they ever start a paper hoarders anonymous, I would be happy to attend with you!!

Christine Alexander said...

I always love how you add a little DP to your cards. I need to challenge myself to do that ♥

Diane said...

A beautiful way to use up those papers, and a pretty mix of the colors, gorgeous designs as always!! I have a stack of paper pads
on my work desk to try and use up though most are Christmas!!

Erikine spominčice said...

Very nice. <3

Marcia Hill said...

A duo of happiness with these colorful and beautiful Summer-y cards Leslie! Great use of your dsp too! My vast supply will last me till the end of time and I can already hear my girls saying "what was she thinking buying all this paper?!! Whatever will we do with it?!!" Haha! Maybe I should start being more like you and actually use it?? Anyway, lovely, lovely cards my friend!! Hugs. :0)

I Card Everyone said...

Leslie, bravo! I don't think I have EVER used up a full pad of DSP! That sanding to the core technique was before my time but sure looks great a like a fun thing to do!
Darling makes, my friend!
=]

HilaryJane said...

Congratulations on finishing that paper pad. I bet it feels good. I don't buy it anymore as I just don't use it. I also have loads of coloured card, which I am trying to use. The only coloured card I buy now is the card I use for bases. I often like a coloured card base. I love both your cards. You are a master at putting colours and elements together. So stylish. I am glad you are getting some time to craft now xx

Cindy Beach said...

I am loving these sweet cards, Leslie! The die cut sentiments make a pretty addition to the florals. I'm amazed that you've used the whole pack! Kudos to you!

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

Your DSP definitely helped with these cards. I like the colors you used on the flowers and love the dies. I remember sanding the paper to show the white core. Love that look! Take care!

Bonnie said...

Love these colors and the pretty flowers, Leslie! The pierced pennants and the double stitched squares are a great way to add dimension!

aussie aNNie said...

This is amazing design and stunning colours, very cleverly done x

Birgit said...

Kudos to you for finishing up a printed paper collection! From one paper hoarder to another, I completely understand the satisfaction gained from using up our stash. What a pretty color combination and gorgeous florals! Great designs on both of your cards Leslie!

Conniecrafter said...

They are both so pretty, great way to share your pretty papers on the cards, I like your llittle banners in the first and the neat design on your last card!