There were a few challenges on Splitcoaststampers this past week that I managed to participate in, and here's a card I made combining two of them. On Monday, the Try a New Technique challenge was faux dry embossing. I was intrigued, and after seeing some samples from those that participated I had to give it a try! Doesn't that look cool? Give it a try... you'll love it! You'll need a Stamp-a-ma-jig (or whatever stamp positioner you use) for this. On the challenge thread at SCS the instructions are included with photographs. Believe me the photographs make it super-easy to understand, so rather than babble my way through explaining how to do this, I highly recommend you just go check out the instructions here! Just click on the thumbnails in posts #1 and #2 and the instructions are there with the photos.
I also used Wednesday's Sketch challenge for this card!
I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! I for one am certainly looking forward to the day off on Monday! Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Nature Silhouettes (Kim Hughes collection for Cornish Heritage Farms)
Cardstock: Ruby Red, More Mustard (Stampin' Up!), Mocha Divine (Bazzill), designer paper (Basic Grey)
Inks: More Mustard (Stampin' Up!), Brilliance Moonlight white, Versamagic Jumbo Java (Tsukineko)
Accessories: round tab punch (Stampin' Up!), swirl punch (EK Success), flowers, mini rick-rack (Creative Impressions), brads (Gary Burlin), brown ribbon (craft supply).
**********************************
*Note to readers... what I'm writing below is a non-stamping related issue with my family. Just letting you know it's OK to stop reading if you're not interested.
I know there are all kinds of problems in the world that deserve our attention. People are dying from cancer and other diseases every day, people are starving, children are being abused. The residents of the Gulf Coast are preparing for another hurricane. The war in Iraq and many other issues. My aim here is not to diminish anything or anyone that needs a prayer or support. However, if you are so inclined... my daughter could use just a little bit of lifting up in prayer. So far, her high school volleyball career has sucked. Yes, I said sucked. I could use a stronger word (and I apologize to those of you that find the word I did use offensive.) I am talking about a talented, beautiful girl who made the Varsity team as a freshmen. Kaylie has played JO (Jr. Olympic) volleyball every year since she was in the 5th grade. You don't even make it on to teams like that if you're not good. I'm mentioning that because I believe every parent thinks their child is good at what they're doing and it's easy for me to sit here and say "My child is good!" but the facts show that she is. Now here she is, a sophomore back on the Varsity team... a returning letter-winner. And in the 2 games her team has played this week, Kaylie played a total of 2 minutes. I could go in to a LOT more details here but I won't go on a tirade. It's just highly, highly frustrating. My daughter should not be coming home from practices and bawling herself into a stupor. Her coach should not casually dismiss her when Kaylie asks for time to speak with her about her performance. Suffice it to say, my daughter feels completely defeated. If you have a moment and are willing, if you could say a little prayer it would be most appreciated. She needs to see the light at the end... she needs to know that she'll regret it if she quits.... she needs to feel some kind of spirit for the game... she needs to believe that if she works at it, it will get better even though it doesn't appear that way now. If you put a sample of my daughter's blood under a microscope, I'll bet the little white blood cells look like volleyballs... that's how much she loves this game. (In the spring though, they'd look like softballs!) Anyway... I'm sorry to go on. I just feel the need to unload this and ask for help. It'd be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Tammy