Whew!  Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps introduced their May 2012 release products last Thursday and held challenges at Splitcoaststampers.com to celebrate the new items.  In between the housework and shopping and everything else that needed to be done this weekend, I managed to get cards made for all three of the challenges… although it really came down to the wire this evening!

The first challenge was to make a masculine card, and the second challenge was not to use markers, colored pencils, etc. to color the image on the card.  I combined those ideas for my first card.  I cut the ticket shapes from colored cardstock and stamped them.  I had to use the trial and error method for getting the tiny envelope sized correctly for the card; I think this was attempt number three.  But the envelope guide on my Martha Stewart scoring board helped make creating the envelope a fairly easy task.  I took the cues for the colors I used from the current Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge.  Even though the challenge was to make a masculine card, I think mine turned out gender neutral.  But it’s definitely not something frilly and feminine.

I made another card for the second challenge, this time using paper piecing to add color to the image I chose.  The layout for this card is OWH Stars and Stamps Blog Sketch #119.  Except for the card base, all the cardstock and designer paper used on this card were scraps!  The only “problem” with this card is that I can’t decide whether to categorize it as a love-themed card or an any occasion card for Operation Write Home.  What do you think?  Please leave a comment with your opinion!

The third challenge ended up being the most time consuming for me, and this was the card that had me scrambling to meet the deadline.  The challenge was to use punched or die-cut shapes to create a faux embossed look to the card.  I decided to use a flower punch to create the shapes for my faux embossing.  Although I had seen the technique before, this was the first time I ever tried it.  I learned that Mono Multi probably isn’t the best adhesive to use for adhering your punched shapes.  I feel a Xyron would have been better.  I tried a stippling technique with my Copics to create the background around Rhubarb the bear.  I love this sentiment; I think it is excellent for cards for OWH! The layout for this card is this week’s Sweet Stop Sketch stretched out into a rectangle.

So that’s what I’ve been up to this weekend.  I hope you had a good weekend, too!  Thanks for stopping by today.

Supplies for the birthday ticket card:
Stamps: Ticket Sentiments (Sweet ‘N Sassy Stamps)
Cardstock: Kraft, Basic Black, Naturals Ivory, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue (Stampin’ Up)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Other: Pennants and More dies (SNSS); 1/4″ circle hole punch

Supplies for the hot pepper card:
Stamps: Punny Fruits & Veggies (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps)
Cardstock: Luxury White (Gina K. Designs); Basic Black (SU); scraps from Phoebe and Blush collections (Basic Grey)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Other: small scallop die (Papertrey Ink); standard circle Nestabilities die (Spellbinders)

Supplies for the Rhubarb the bear card:
Stamps: Thoughtful Rhubarb (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps)
Cardstock: So Saffron, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette (Stampin’ Up); Luxury White (Gina K. Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Other: Spring Bouquet flower punch (SU); markers (Copic); mini brads (Making Memories); standard circle and petite scalloped circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders)