Don't faint!

Hi Guys,

I bet you can't believe your eyes, yes I am actually doing a post. I have been off work with a bad cold/cough so thought I might move from the lounge to my study and show some of my recent cards (or not so recent, as the case may be, LOL).

I made Mum two Mother's Day cards but did the unforgivable blogger sin, and gave them to her (one from me, one from Dad) before I took any pics. Mum (hi Mum!) very generously let me borrow them back so I could take a pic. Problem is, I can't remember where I saw the originals (just halted proceedings and was able to track down the originals, phew).

I have decided that I am a CASEr through and through. I was feeling really bad recently because I only copy cards rather than come up with my own ideas, feeling like a bit of a creative cheat, then I realised, I enjoy it. I like finding a really nice card & remaking it. It gives me pleasure because I know I will like the outcome. I tell my friends that I copied it, I don't claim the ideas. I like doing challenges, and am pleased if the final result turns out, but I have limited time to stamp, and would rather make a card I know I'll like rather than waste a few hours making something that lands in the bin. If I have time I'll muck around with some ideas, but my head is usually empty of ideas and inspiration, so I use up the ideas of the truly creative.   It is amazing how much pleasure I can get from looking at other people's lovely designs (thus why I can while away hours blog surfing and scrolling through pinterest.com) and I then enjoy remaking someone else's design. It is the simple pleasures...

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Here are the cards I've CASEd:

Firstly, my card from Dad. I saw the original here, on Lisa Young's blog, and thought it was pretty, and I loved the vase effect, made from a Window Sheet. Here's my version (please ignore my crooked vase LOL).

I used the Baby Blossoms stamp set (that I own thanks to the lovely Lavonne who is currently visiting here in Oz, yay!!!) and the now retiring 'Wonderful Favourites' set. I tried to use colours that I associate with Mum.

I initially came upon this card on Splitcoast and knew I had to make it for Mum. Both Mum & her sister like hydrangeas (in fact, I'd love to see some in Mum's front garden, hint) and I thought of them when I chose the 'Because I Care' stamp set as a 'hostess gift'. I went for more reds and blues as I like those colours more for Mum than browns and greens.

I stamped the hydrangea in black stazon & the coloured with sponge daubers using my inkpads. The background is 'French Script' which I inked using a sponge so that it gave a 'patchy' effect. I sponged and distressed the edges. I love the lace ribbon and antique brads. I really want to get some more Mother's & Father's day stamps as I don't have a great selection. Most refer to 'Mother' and I never call Mum 'Mother', it is always 'Mum' or 'Ma'.

I love that Mum appreciates my handmade cards, she expressed that she knew that no-one else would have the exact same cards as her. I am blessed having such a loving and encouraging Mum.

I hope you have a fab weekend and have some fun and relaxing times.

Cheers,
Fi x