Come What May: The Impact of Sequins

A few days ago the latest challenge at Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge went live.  It's called Pretty & Pink and is being sponsored by Pretty Pink Posh.  (Notice the "pink" in the challenge title.)

Pretty Pink Posh sells lovely sequins, gorgeous ribbons and variety of other fun embellishments. I use sequins on virtually every card, but I struggled with this challenge.  I think it was because my sequin use is generally just a trio of sequins to highlight a sentiment or an image and to add a festive touch.  For the challenge, I wanted the focus to be on the sequins and I was thinking that it needed to be more than just a trio.  I wasted too many hours to admit trying to create that card.

At the end of those hours I had a light bulb moment - I was going to stick with my simple trio of sequins - but I was going to show you the card with and without the sequins. I wanted to demonstrate why I was happy with sequins.  Now that I was into my comfort zone, the card came together quickly. I got up the next morning to photograph the card and had a devastating realization - there wasn't even a hint of pink on my card.  Oops!  I got so carried away showing off the sponsor's products, I forgot about the challenge.

I did finally get two pink cards done for the challenge, and now I am going to show you  my "non-pink" demonstration of cards with and without sequins.

Before...


I like these charming little birds from Mama Elephant and I like the cloud speech bubble.  (The little clothespin is available at Pretty Pink Posh.)  But I like it better with a few sequins. After...

Such a simple touch, but I love the way it completes the card without changing the CAS look!  It kind of adds a "smile" and a happy look.  Of course, I do the same thing with serious cards to add an elegant look. Just a quick browse through my blog will show you 100+ cards with this same trio of sequins!
Using sequins in this way does require quite a collection - although you can often accomplish the same thing with some good clear sequins (check out this post for a variety of clear sequins).  I do use sequins from a variety of companies and I love them all.  
The sponsor for this challenge is Pretty Pink Posh and they have some really unique things that you might want to check out.  First, most of their sequins come in the traditional cupped look but a flat option is also available like the aquamarine and yellow sequins above. One of the fun things with the flat sequins is that they can layer with the cupped sequins (check out the second card in my actual Curtain Call card or this card).  I also like their 4mm sequins like the clear sequin above.  They came out with the 4mm sparkling clear sequins awhile ago, but they have just added them for their other colors!!  Can you imagine the cute little shakers you could make with these??!
I am going to add this card to the Anything Goes challenge at Simon Says Stamp
Believe it or not, I am in the middle of final projects for my classes again.  I swear that I just typed that - but it's been two months. (This program runs two classes every two months instead of a more traditional college schedule of four classes for four months.)  I am in much better shape this time than I was the last time when the very difficult classes almost made me leave the program.  I've actually already turned in one paper early and the other one is going to practically write itself today.  Two new classes start right away on Monday. Then one more class in the fall and I officially have a second degree!!!  I guess I need to start thinking about resumes and job interviews and the more current terminology like "networking" and "elevator speeches".  
I definitely love this hobby and I thank all of my friends in the blog world for keeping me sane!!

• Stamps: Mama Elephant Just Hatched, True Friend
• Paper: Simon Says Surf Blue and Green Apple (they are actually both a little lighter than in my photograph)
• Ink: Memento Black, Copics, Simon Says Green Apple
• Accessories: Pretty Pink Posh Flat Sequins in Lemon Meringue and Aquamarine, and 4mm cupped sparkling clear sequins, Pretty Pink Posh clothespin, Mama Elephant Speech Trio dies, Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder, Hemptique 10-lb white twine