My old saying is…

… "whenever you make a layout, go ahead and make a matching card."  I used to say this in classes all the time. And it really is true for me.  I always have so much stuff out, a few leftover ideas and lots of scraps.  So why not?  It is also a good chance to try out something.  And if it doesn't work, no harm done. 🙂

This is a card I made before cleaning up from the mess of yesterday's layout.  Just a card, no big thing.  I have a drawer next to me of little odds and ends that are left out for some reason – random stuff.  In there, I found the chipboard, flowers and buttons on this one.  :)  On the big flower, I stamped.  On the little ones, I used my ink applicator to rub on ink, as I did with the texture on the card.

Supplies:
Tim Holtz Grungeboard
Close To My Heart scallop chipboard (inked with chalk ink)
Hero Arts flowers and gems
Hero Arts script circle stamp (on cream flower)
Melissa Frances greeting stamp
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
Tim Holtz Distress Inks
Vintag textbook paper
Colorbox Chalk Ink Sand Dunes
Ink Blending Tool
Other: sewing machine

Someone asked in the last post about the inking tool I used.  This thing rocks.  HERE it is.  Be sure to get the additional pads for it so you can have one for every color.  I just ordered more on ebay. 🙂

As for Croatia, I had a few people email asking how we picked it. Ken and I were inspired to look into it after seeing it on the Amazing Race.  :)  After researching it, we were sold.  It combines the blue water we love so much with the European/Italian-like culture/look we adore.   We are big on Rick Steves' picks, and he loves Croatia, too. We are going in the early spring.  But, first, we have St. John coming up in a few weeks with the whole fam.  Can't wait.

Blabbing…

Ok, off to work on email.  Night!